RIT Croatia hosts first Erasmus+ Staff Week
From April 13th to 17th, the historic city of Dubrovnik became a hub for international academic collaboration as RIT Croatia proudly hosted its first-ever Erasmus+ Staff Week at its Dubrovnik campus. The event brought together administrative and academic staff from across Europe to share expertise, tackle modern mobility challenges, and foster lasting institutional partnerships.
The week-long program, organized by Christina Pejić, the Erasmus Manager at RIT Croatia, welcomed a diverse group of participants from seven European nations, representing higher education institutions in France, Greece, Slovenia, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Latvia. Against the backdrop of the Adriatic Sea, the Dubrovnik campus served as the perfect setting for a "Blended Intensive Program" designed to blend academic rigor with cultural immersion.
A masterclass in academic management
The agenda was crafted to ensure a balance between professional development and cultural discovery. Activities began with networking sessions and an introductory Croatian language course—a favorite among the attendees—before diving into profound debates on the challenges of student and staff mobility.
Workshop sessions allowed participants to exchange "good practices," focusing on sustainable partnerships and the modern landscape of international education. The program also utilized the unique history of the region, integrating tours of Dubrovnik’s Old Town and the stunning landscapes of Konavle to provide a holistic experience of the Croatian spirit.
A Week of connection, learning, and shared vision
Beyond the scheduled sessions, the true impact of the week was reflected in the heartfelt feedback from our visiting participants. Assoc. Prof. Grzegorz Wilk-Jakubowski, PhD, DSc, Rector of the Old Polish University of Applied Sciences in Kielce, noted the high level of organization:
"It is rare to witness an event that so masterfully balances academic rigor with such authentic and warm hospitality. The structure of the agenda – seamlessly guiding us from joyful networking to profound debates – was a testament to top-tier academic management. The format of the workshops served as a source of fresh inspiration and significantly broadened our horizons regarding international cooperation."
Similarly, Mgr. Michaela Sepešiová, PhD., from the University of Presov in Slovakia, highlighted the collaborative spirit of the week:
"We truly appreciated the effort that was put into creating such a welcoming and engaging atmosphere. The sessions were not only well-structured, but also encouraged lively discussions and the sharing of valuable good practices. It was a pleasure to be part of such a dynamic and inspiring environment."
Looking forward
As the first Erasmus+ Staff Week concluded, the sentiment among the organizers and participants was one of renewed energy and connection. By opening its doors to colleagues from across the continent, RIT Croatia has solidified its role as a key player in the European Higher Education Area, proving that when diverse institutions share their passion for education, the potential for innovation is limitless.
