Breaking stereotypes: I broke my stereotypes of studying and living in a small town of Dubrovnik, so you can too

By Ana Vujović, 3^rd year student at the HTM program

Since the day I enrolled at RIT Croatia’s Dubrovnik campus until today, I've constantly been asked the question: „Why Dubrovnik? Out of all the bigger and closer options to Rijeka, your home, why did you choose Dubrovnik? “At first, I struggled to find the right answer to this question because I myself couldn’t help but understand their confusion. I mean, why would I move 6 hours from my home to a small town often described as having „nothing to do“  and labeled as expensive? Was RIT Croatia really worth it when there was a university with the same degree just 20 minutes away from my area of comfort?

This inability to answer was present all until I came to Dubrovnik, settled down, and gave it a chance. The first days I spent getting used to this city as my new home. Yet, soon enough, I convinced myself that there was actually a lot to do, as long as you have the desire. From walks in Lapad area, to drinks in the old town, and nights on Vojnović street. Eventually, you will find your favorite hidden sunset spot. Dubrovnik isn't devoid of activities; it has plenty to offer. However, it also provides the option to choose tranquility and simply do nothing (except for university assignments) when desired.

Too expensive? It is also a matter of personal choice. I tried both versions of student life in Dubrovnik; for a while I lived in a private apartment, but I also lived in a newly constructed student dorm where you have all the commodity you need, from a private bathroom to a gym, and enjoy affordable meals at student restaurant, which, like any other student restaurant, has its ups and downs J.

As for the educational aspect, I discovered that majority of young people at first have a stereotype about private institutions of higher education, but RIT Croatia offers much more than just professional knowledge; it fosters personal growth. Surprisingly, by attending the classes, I found myself interested in way more than I expected. I was never an enthusiast about learning solely from textbooks, and neither is RIT Croatia. From going on field trips in the best resorts to having my nose deep down in finance exercises, we here have been through a lot of the real deal stuff.

Dubrovnik might not be the obvious choice among most student oriented cities in Croatia and the region, but it certainly holds a unique beauty and presents opportunities for personal and professional growth. This city, combined with studying at RIT Croatia, opens doors to a world of possibilities; one simply needs to spot them and own them. Here I am, a 22-year-old student, with 100 business ideas, with some projects on paper, with an experience of living in Madrid through Erasmus+ study exchange, with a stamp of USA in her passport from visiting RIT campus in Rochester, NY, and with a discovered hidden gem, Dubrovnik, my home away from home. And I still have two more years to fill out with exciting experiences until I graduate.

So, when I reflect on that echoing question, "Why Dubrovnik?" I can't help but smile, because I now know the answer from my own discovery, unburdened by anyone’s prejudice. Dubrovnik may not have initially seemed like the obvious choice and it felt distant, but I gave it a chance, so you can too…