Sveučilište u Splitu - Fakultet građevinarstva, arhitekture i geodezije University of Split - Faculty of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Geodesy

"I found out about the ERASMUS+ program when I was still a high school senior, and that’s when the idea of participating started to form but when I consulted with older colleagues and friends who had already been on the program or were about to go, the only option for me was to wait for the second year of my graduate study and the summer semester, with the purpose of going abroad to write my thesis. The application process is very simple, and the decision to choose a university was easily made to be Portugal and one of the oldest universities on the continent – Coimbra. I chose my mentor, Professor Mirela Galić, at the beginning of the academic year, and depending on the topic of my thesis, I was also assigned a second mentor, Professor Sandra Jordao, when I arrived in Coimbra. I was the only student from FGAG, but there were about 15 Croats in the city, mostly from the University of Split. It took me a few days to adjust to the completely new environment and life with a roommate, and even during the first week of rainy days, I was wondering if I had made the right decision to come or if I should have stayed home. Three months later, I said goodbye to friends I made for life from all over Europe, and I thought about whether I should have stayed at least a few more days, weeks, or even a month longer. I improved my English in communication, learned a bit of Portuguese, visited all the cities in the country, and even spent unforgettable days in Morocco. Of course, amidst all the fun, socializing, going out, and sports, my mornings were spent at the university office with a colleague from Bolivia and a colleague from Iran, both of whom were preparing to become PhDs, from whom I learned a lot about the profession and other things. I wrote my thesis and defended it online from the USA. My advice to all of you, colleagues, is to decide and apply for the program, and spend an unforgettable semester abroad where you will make friends for life and become better and more eloquent academic citizens."

Karlo Ivanušić, graduate student of Civil Engineering

"As part of the Erasmus short-term mobility program, I participated in an architectural workshop in Portugal alongside Spanish and Portuguese students and professors. I traveled to Portugal to gain new experiences, but I returned with new friendships and contacts. Through numerous excursions, discussions, and working with students and professors, I acquired valuable knowledge and skills. I was positively surprised by the hospitality of the Portuguese, who made sure we felt comfortable at all times. Architecture and cuisine are two reasons I will return to Portugal at the first opportunity. I would advise students to take the chance and participate in this unique experience during their studies."

Mia Mihovilović, graduate student of Architecture and Urbanism