Croatian Learning Community and Resources

This summer, Jakub Pawliński, a fourth-year medical student from Poland, embarked on an Erasmus+ traineeship that took him to a Children’s Hospital in Zagreb, Croatia. For a month, Jakub stepped into the role of a doctor, examining patients and conducting interviews, gaining invaluable hands-on experience. 

During his time in Zagreb, he explored the city, traveled to the stunning seaside town of Zadar, and adapted easily thanks to cultural and linguistic similarities. Fluent in English and German, Jakub even picked up some Croatian during his stay. 

Now, he shares how this “unreplaceable” experience shaped his skills and perspective, offering his insights into the value of Erasmus+ and why Croatia makes an ideal destination for such programs. Get to know this interesting young man in the following interview. 

Jakub, can you introduce yourself to the Croatian community on OLS? 

Hi, my name is Jakub, and I am a 4th year medical student. 

Where are you from? 

I come from Poland. 

Where did you do your mobility program, and how long were you there? 

I have spent a whole month in Zagreb, being in a Children’s Hospital in Zagreb, doing a pediatric traineeship. 

Where exactly did you do your internship, and what was your role? 

I was in a Children’s Hospital in Zagreb, doing a pediatric traineeship, my role was quite similar to a doctor’s one, doing all the medical stuff needed. 

Did you enjoy the professional experience? Did you learn something new? 

Definitely yes, I learnt lots of new things and managed to earn irreplaceable experience for life. It was a beautiful time. 

How did you find the internship? 

I was informed about qualifications at my university in Kielce. 

Would you recommend Croatia as an Erasmus destination? Why? 

I think Croatia is a great destination and I would definitely recommend it to everyone, for traineeship like mine it was great to be in a big city during a week but also having an opportunity to spend some time by the sea during the weekends. 

Did you have the opportunity to explore more the other parts of Croatia? 

Yes, I did. During the weekends I had some time for my own, I managed to visit Zadar three times, and it was absolutely amazing. I have already promised myself to go back there one day. 

Was it difficult to adapt to the culture or language? 

Personally speaking, it was not but I perceive myself as an open-minded person and I like trying new things, exploring new places and meeting people and facing some experiences and challenges so I really enjoyed it. Adapting in Croatia was not that hard to be honest, because I can find lots of similarities between Polish and Croatian people. If it comes to language Croatian is very similar to Polish, both languages are Slavic, so I did not have lots of problems with communication etc. 

Which language(s) did you use daily? 

Mostly I used English, I also had some opportunities to use my German skills because I met some German people in Croatia, and I also managed to learn some basics in Croatian so I could easily communicate in this language by some practical situations in town. 

Was it difficult to find accommodation? 

No, I had a flat just for me in the center of Zagreb, found on an online platform for temporary accommodation.

Did you learn any Croatian words or funny expresions? 

I learnt a lot but definitely my favourite ones are kikiriki and kiks (a word used in billiard). 

What do you think of the Erasmus+ program? 

In my opinion it is a great option for everyone who would like to try some new things in his/her life, and I would definitely recommend it. 

What do You think about an OLS platform? 

I think it is really helpful and very pleasant to use. 

What was the most valuable lesson you learned? 

This trip made me become much more open for every aspect of a life and that is my greatest achievement from time spent in Croatia. 

What are your future plans? 

If it will only be an opportunity, I am going to participate in Erasmus+ program again. 

Finally, how would you define your Erasmus+ experience in one word? 

Irreplaceable!!!