From USA to Croatia: RIT students Frank and Logan’s cultural journey 

RIT students Frank Cammarata and Logan Burns during a field trip (Photo: Private album)

Frank Cammarata and Logan Burns, students from the RIT’s Saunders College of Business in Rochester, NY, USA embarked on a transformative journey as part of the Global Scholar program during the fall semester of 2023. Their destination? RIT Croatia campus in Dubrovnik, where they experienced a blend of new academic experiences, cultural differences, and many opportunities for personal growth at the RIT Croatia campus. 

Upon their arrival, both Frank and Logan were captivated by the city’s breathtaking setting and diverse architectural styles. “When arriving in Dubrovnik, the first thing I noticed was the beautiful scenery and the difference in styles of homes, restaurants, and beaches,” Frank recalls. Logan adds, “The campus was incredibly small compared to the main campus back home, but the location just next to the Old Town, surroundings, and the building itself was beautiful.”

Steering through cultural differences

Their initial cultural observations highlighted the nuances of daily life in Croatia, from the practice of low-tipping to the seamless blend of locals and tourists. Despite these differences, both students embraced the opportunity to immerse themselves in a new culture.

Frank was drawn to Dubrovnik’s allure as a small city with plenty of opportunities for cultural immersion. “Coming from RIT in Rochester, I had the opportunity to study in many countries, but what made me choose Dubrovnik, Croatia was the small school in a small city, allowing me to immerse myself in the culture,” he shares. On the other hand, Logan’s decision was more spontaneous, driven by a curiosity to experience Balkan culture firsthand.

Frank Cammarata and Logan Burns with friends (Photo: Private album)

In navigating their daily routines, both students discovered the importance of embracing local customs and building genuine connections. “If you are looking to study in Croatia, it is important to get ahead on assignments for classes, so that you get to relax and get the full experience of living in Croatia,” advises Frank. Logan emphasizes authenticity: “The best advice I could give would be to genuinely be yourself and don’t try to create any facade.”

The balance between studying and having fun

Their time in Dubrovnik was marked by memorable experiences, from spontaneous barbecues to exploring hidden beaches and hiking trails. Despite initial challenges such as adjusting to time zones and organizing travel documents, both students found solace in the supportive community and the spirit of adventure.

Academically, the RIT Croatia experience offered a change from the structured environment of their home campus. “School is very different in Dubrovnik compared to the United States… Classes are normally informal, but personal, where some professors may take the entire class to grab a coffee and do the lecture outside the classroom if the weather allows,” Frank notes. Logan appreciates flexibility: “Each professor is very accepting of if you miss an extra day for travel, just keep in touch ahead of time, keep up with your work, and participate in class.

Frank and Logan at the RIT Croatia Fusion Fest (Photo: Private album)

Reflecting on their journey, both Frank and Logan gained valuable insights into global perspectives and personal growth. “This trip has given me a great global perspective on how business is done and how to connect with people you may not have a whole lot in common with,” reflects Frank. Logan finds personal growth: “It’s been great to just not take life so seriously and I hope to bring that energy back home.”

The Global Scholar experience at RIT Croatia’s Dubrovnik campus offered students like Frank and Logan a transformative journey of discovery, fostering academic growth, cultural immersion, and lifelong friendships. As they bid farewell to Dubrovnik in December 2023, their memories and lessons learned will continue to resonate, guiding them on their journey of personal and academic fulfillment.

ACAP scholarships to further empower Croatian-American connections

In parallel, RIT Croatia proudly announced the recipients of the prestigious scholarships awarded by the Association of Croatian-American Professionals (ACAP)  – Luka Lasić and Kristafer Yovich – further amplifying the synergy between academic excellence and community support. ACAP, an international network of over 2,000 professionals spanning various industries and academic communities, is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering knowledge-sharing, networking, and promoting Croatian and Croatian-American professionals.

Each student received a scholarship in the amount of $1500 to support their participation in the Global Scholars program at the main campus of the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in Rochester, NY.

RIT campus in Rochester, NY, USA

RIT Croatia highlights the importance of community partnerships in empowering students to pursue academic excellence and global citizenship. From immersive cultural experiences in Dubrovnik to the generous support of organizations like ACAP, these stories exemplify the transformative power of collaboration in shaping well-rounded individuals ready to navigate the complexities of our interconnected world.

About RIT Croatia

RIT Croatia has been delivering top American degree programs in Croatia since 1997. With its two campuses, in Dubrovnik and Zagreb, this is the only US College in the country and it is the only institution for higher education granting two diplomas to its students – an American diploma, awarded by RIT, and a Croatian diploma, awarded by RIT Croatia. RIT Croatia graduates work all over the world – from the EU countries to Australia and the US. International students come from all over the world but most of them come from the U.S. Some come from the main campus of Rochester, but a lot of Americans come from Croatian Diaspora communities in cities such as San Jose, San Pedro, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, New York, Toronto, Mississauga, Cleveland, and many more. 

For more information, contact: [email protected] 

*This article contains sponsored content