How one Summer in Dubrovnik changed Milana Schwartz’s perspective

The best journeys don't just take you somewhere new, they leave you with a different perspective. For Milana Schwartz, an Electrical Engineering student from Rochester Institute of Technology, studying abroad at RIT Croatia was more than an academic opportunity. It was a chance to immerse herself in a different culture, explore Croatia beyond the tourist trail, and discover that sometimes the most valuable lesson isn't found in a classroom. "I was inspired to study abroad because I love to travel and have never been to that part of Europe," Milana says. "This program presented a fantastic opportunity for me to learn about the culture and environment of Dubrovnik and the surrounding areas."

At the Dubrovnik campus, she enrolled in Wines of the World I and Ecology of the Dalmatian Coast, two courses that quickly proved to be unlike anything she had experienced before.

A classroom with breathtaking views

Dubrovnik made an unforgettable first impression.

“When I first arrived in Dubrovnik, I couldn't stop thinking about how beautiful it was," Milana recalls. "It looked like the landscape of a movie, with water so perfectly blue, giant cliffs, and buildings from the 13th century. It didn't feel real." She was equally surprised by the campus location, stating she was “amazed by how insanely close it was to the Dubrovnik Old Town, an extremely beautiful historic city filled with incredible architecture, local cuisine, and unique insights into the everyday lives of locals."

What made the experience even more memorable was the way classes were taught. Instead of spending every day in a lecture hall, learning often happened in the places being studied. "This made it easier to fully understand the context of these lessons," she explains. Field trips included visits to local wineries, exploring different ecosystems, and even spending the final week sailing between three Croatian islands while learning about the Adriatic Sea and the environmental challenges facing the Dalmatian Coast.

Finding fjaka

While Milana returned home with new academic knowledge, one of the biggest takeaways was something entirely unexpected: fjaka. "Living and studying in Croatia taught me the Croatian concept called fjaka," she says. "It's the concept of doing nothing, a state of complete relaxation."

For someone used to the fast-paced rhythm of college life in Rochester, embracing a slower lifestyle became one of the most valuable lessons of the summer. "I was surprised by how slowly Croatians take things on a daily basis. In Rochester, I am in a quick-paced environment. Therefore, the slow-paced culture in Croatia was a welcome surprise."

With only eight students and two professors, the close-knit group quickly became a community. "In this small group environment, where we went to class, lived together, ate together, I learned how to adapt to different environments and people," Milana says. "I also learned how to make time for myself."

Memories that will last a lifetime

A weekend trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park left a lasting impression, with its towering waterfalls and wooden bridges that made her feel "like you're walking on water." She also fondly remembers hiking to a small winery overlooking the Dalmatian Coast, where every wine was paired with local food.

Studying abroad also pushed Milana outside her comfort zone. Planning a trip with a classmate meant navigating unexpected challenges and a language barrier, helping her become more adaptable and confident.

Her advice for future Rochester students considering RIT Croatia is to "do it! Studying abroad was such a fun experience. I enjoyed it. You get to meet people you normally wouldn't and experience a new culture in a way you normally wouldn't."

And what will she miss the most?

Without hesitation, Milana has the answer:

"Fjaka. Taking life at a much slower pace and enjoying every moment, being able to appreciate everything you have and that surrounds you."