From Dubrovnik to Valencia: Lukrecija’s Erasmus Adventure
For Lukrecija Novaković, a Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) student at RIT Croatia’s Dubrovnik campus, this fall semester has meant trading the Adriatic for the Mediterranean—and stepping into an experience that is reshaping her view of the world. Lukrecija is spending her Erasmus+ exchange at the Universidad Europea de Valencia in Spain, driven by a long-held passion for the Spanish language and culture.
The Charm of Valencia
Choosing Valencia was a deliberate decision. Lukrecija, who has been studying Spanish since high school, knew Spain was the perfect place to immerse herself. "I chose Valencia because it’s both big and welcoming at the same time. It also felt very safe, full of greenery, and close to the sea—all things that were important to me," she explains.
Her studies align seamlessly with her degree at RIT Croatia, where she is taking courses like Quality Management, Human Resources, and Technology and Innovation in Tourism. But life in Valencia extends far beyond the lecture halls.
A Day in the Life: Classes, Culture, and Rugby
Lukrecija’s daily routine is a vibrant mix of academics, city exploration, and extracurricular activities. After morning coffee and often brunch with friends, she attends classes, followed by walks or bike rides through the city. Even while abroad, she continues to serve as the Head of Marketing and Clubs for RIT Croatia's Student Government.
Evenings offer a unique cultural immersion. "I either go to rugby training—I continue playing here in Valencia—or I go out with friends for drinks," she shares. Her social circle is a true melting pot, including friends from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, the Netherlands, the UK, Italy, and Morocco.
Lukrecija notes that RIT Croatia’s focus on professionalism and communication prepared her well, especially for group assignments. She recalls moments in group presentations where she realized, "I know this thanks to RIT," demonstrating the value of her home institution's career-oriented approach.
Cultural Discoveries and Personal Growth
The biggest cultural adjustment? The famous Spanish siesta. "I knew siesta existed, but I didn’t realize that every place follows its own schedule," she laughs. Shops often open later than in Croatia, which required some getting used to.
While she misses the active student life and clubs at RIT Croatia, she finds the opportunities in Valencia more than compensate. The exchange has been a profound journey of self-discovery. "I’ve learned that I’m more capable and independent than I thought," Lukrecija reflects, highlighting how quickly she adapted to a new environment, even organizing a road trip to Andalusia for her friends.
For students considering Valencia, Lukrecija highly recommends it. "It’s a beautiful city with lots of greenery, events, and a great lifestyle," she advises, citing the accessible Turia Park and the beach as major draws.
Lukrecija sees the semester abroad as a crucial balance of academics and personal growth, offering more freedom and opportunity to explore new interests. She hopes to return home with a "more open mindset and a lot more confidence in navigating new environments."
"Overall, València has become my second home, and I feel confident I will return in the near future," she concludes, perfectly encapsulating the transformative power of the Erasmus experience.
