RIT Croatia was established in 1997 and boasts campuses in the popular tourist destination of Dubrovnik (YES they filmed part of Game of Thrones here!) as well as the capital city of Zagreb. RIT Croatia enrolls about 600 students per semester, and courses tend to focus more on “critical thinking, decision making, and leadership.” International Business, Information Technology, and Hospitality are among the most popular majors, however courses are offered in almost every field. Student Spotlight: Nirav Amin - RIT Croatia 
Nirav is a fourth year Hospitality major from Alfred, NY, who studied abroad at RIT Croatia in Dubrovnik this past spring. He hopes to one day work in hotel management, and credits Dubrovnik as the perfect city to get to know the ins and outs of tourism, as well as how to run a hotel effectively. All of the following breathtaking photographs were taken by Nirav himself. 
Education Abroad: Nirav took four classes while abroad: Leadership and Success, Ecology, American Politics, and Oceanus. Every American student who studies at RIT Croatia is also required to take a course on Croatian history. Nirav credits this short course as one of the favorite parts of his educational experience abroad. Dubrovnik has a rich history and was deeply affected by the Croatian War for Independence, which took place from 1991 to 1995 between forces loyal to the government of Croatia and forces loyal to the Serb-controlled Yugoslav People's Army (JNA). Reminders of the war are still evident in and around the city. One of Nirav’s professors, born in Dubrovnik, was forced to leave once the war commenced. During one of Nirav’s classes, his professor recounted a story from when she was around five or six years old. It was a normal day, and she was going to get water from a nearby river. All of sudden, a sniper started shooting at her, and she froze. Thankfully, a member of her family risked his life and was able to pull her to safety. Years later, once the war ended and the area stabilized, she moved back to Dubrovnik and began teaching at RIT Croatia! Nirav also praises all of his professors abroad for being very kind, helpful, and sympathetic. When I asked him to describe the campus he said that for the most part, it is one building with four stories where all classes are taken. What a difference from RIT’s main 1,300 acre campus. 
Cultural Experience: There is never a shortage of things to do in Dubrovnik, and Croatia as a whole. Some of these include island hopping (you can visit three different islands in one day for less than $10!), cliff diving, kayaking, hiking, walking along the city walls (with spectacular views of the city), swimming, fishing, museum exploring, and many more. Dubrovnik also boasts a vibrant nightlife, and is home to numerous nightclubs, bars, and wine tastings. 
Even though Nirav took part in all of these wonderful activities, when asked what his favorite thing to do was, he simply said it was hanging out with the locals and grabbing coffee in one of the nearby coffee shops. He recounts this experience: “We would just hang out and talk for hours; it was so relaxed and laid back. And besides, the worst coffee in Dubrovnik is better than the best cup of American coffee.” 
I asked Nirav to share a cool story from his experience, and he recounted a night when he and his friend rented two kayaks and went beach hopping on Dubrovnik’s many neighboring islands. By the time they got back, it was almost sundown and they got to view a beautiful sunset from a kayak on the sea. How many people can say they have done that?
One of the islands was a filming location for Game of Thrones! Prince Oberyn vs. The Mountain anyone?
Nirav and his friend also made a stop at a neighboring island to explore this beautiful cave system!
Other Travel While Abroad: 
Venice, Italy
Prague, Czech Republic
Bosnia
Day and night comparison of St. Mark's Square in Venice, Italy.
Advice from Nirav:
- “Bring peanut butter and marshmallows. The peanut butter is awful here and marshmallows don’t exist!”
- “Plan travel ahead of time and make sure you have enough time and funds.”
- “Get out of your comfort zone, try something new and most of all…EXPLORE!”
I asked Nirav one final question: Me: “Did you miss the bricks?” Nirav: “I love RIT but…no way. Croatia was just extraordinary, and a once in a lifetime experience that everyone should have.” More of Nirav’s beautiful photos can be viewed here. If you are interested in studying abroad at RIT Croatia, please set up an appointment with a study abroad advisor by calling (585) 475-4466, emailing goabroad@rit.edu, or stopping by their office in Global Village. 
Written by: Frank McGinn, Social Media Manager
Tagged: #croatia, #global, #ritcroatia, #ritstudyabroad, #studyabroad, campus, dubrovnik, RIT, rit croatia, rit global, rit study abroad, travel, zagreb