Croatian Learning Community and Resources

Today, we’re thrilled to introduce Cristina Fernández Prieto, a 29-year-old Spanish professional who’s currently based in Zagreb, Croatia. Cristina has a strong background in communication and video editing, with over five years of work experience in the field.
She’s embraced the challenge of living and working abroad, blending her curiosity for learning with her passion for art and creativity.

Cristina’s journey to Croatia as part of an Erasmus traineeship showcases her adventurous spirit and eagerness to immerse herself in new cultures. In this interview, we’ll dive into her experiences adapting to life in Croatia, her thoughts on learning Croatian, and her insights as a Spanish expat discovering the beautiful country.


Cris, can you tell us a little about yourself for the OLS platform?

Hi there! I’m a Spanish 29-year-old professional in the field of communication, with around five years of work experience. Now I am in Zagreb working as a video editor in a film production company. I love reading, drawing, and I have a passion about art. I am also a very curious person who loves learning about different topics. I suppose this is one of the reasons for being in Zagreb: having the opportunity to discover new places and people with a different culture of what I am used to.


What inspired you to settle in Croatia, and how has the adjustment been for you coming form a similar, but a little bit different Mediterranean country, Spain?

I’m the kind of person who is always in constant training. For that reason, I did a three-months-long course about Video Editing and Audiovisual Post-Production. They offered us to make an Erasmus Trainee by seven months when we finished it. So, I went for it! I’m a little older than the average age for Erasmus, but I think that’s not a problem. I chose Croatia for many reasons: the cost of life, the location, same currency and no so extreme climatic conditions as in other European countries. But the first reason it’s that I believe that Croatia is a hidden gem which is still not well-known in the rest of Europe.


Speaking about my adjustment: fun fact! I got my luggage lost in the flight, so I arrived in Zagreb without most of my things. But fortunately, I could recover them after three days. After this first inconvenience, my adjustment was good. As you have told, we are from Mediterranean countries, so we have a similar way to understand life and people here is warm with the newcomers.


You are learning to speak Croatian, so tell us, how has your journey been with learning Croatian? What tips would you share with others tackling the language?

Well, I’m trying to learn Croatian, but I find it such a difficult language. So far, I only managed to learn some words and typical expressions. Also, in my job I’m constantly hearing Croatian because all my colleagues are from here. And sometimes I can even understand the topic of their conversation! So, my main advice if you are trying to learn Croatian is to be patient.


On the other hand, people from Croatia are so grateful if they know you are trying to learn their language. Take this as an advantage!


Are there any Croatian phrases or proverbs that have stuck with you or made you laugh?

I don’t know many phrases or proverbs yet, but for me it’s funny that Croatian people don’t stop saying always the same word: dobro.


Has your knowledge of Spanish helped you understand any aspects of Croatian language (maybe Dalmatian) or culture?

My mother languages are Spanish and Galician. The last one is the official language of my region in Spain (Galicia), settled in the northwest of Spain. I also have an advanced English level. So now currently I have four languages daily in my mind (Spanish, Galician, English and a little bit of Croatian). That’s crazy if you think about it!

In the past I gave a chance to French, German and Italian but I can only understand them barely (except for Italian, because is very similar to Spanish). However, I have noticed that everything helps. In fact, having a little knowledge of these languages have helped me with some words in Croatian that share similar roots (but is not the usual).


How do you think tools like the OLS platform can support language learners, particularly those new to Croatian?

In my opinion, online tools like the OLS are very useful. I think the advantage is that you can learn the language that you want at the rhythm that you prefer. And it’s also available 24/7 so you don’t depend on schedules. You can learn whenever you want and the time that you want. That’s cool!


What cultural differences between Spain and Croatia have stood out the most to you?

The main cultural difference I find shocking is the eating schedules. In my country they are very different, but I know the Croatian ones are like those in the rest of Europe. I know we Spanish people are the weirds in this case.

Besides, I find shocking people smoking in closed public spaces. In Spain we have a law forbidding it since 2006. So, you can’t see people smoking inside bar or coffees as in Croatia. I think that’s better for our health so: point for Spain now!


Are there any shared traditions or attitudes between the Spanish and Croatian cultures that surprise you?

I think Spanish and Croatian people are more similar than people might think. I like seeing people in the streets having some coffees or beverages. I’m happy to see people gathering in the streets as in Spain. Many other European countries don’t have this lifestyle, and they only spend their free time on their homes or closed spaces.


What do you miss most about Spain, and how do you bring a bit of home to your life in Croatia?

The thing about I feel homesick the most is the sunlight. Yeah, it sounds strange. But I come from a city with a lot of sunlight hours (in summer, the sunset is not until 22.30 pm). So, it’s hard to me being in a country in which the sunset is at 16.30 pm.

And a classic one: I also miss Spanish food. I’m trying to cook some Spanish dishes when I am in my flat, but it’s still not the same. I suppose we have secret ingredients not available outside of Spain.


What is your go-to places in Zagreb, whether for relaxation, work, or inspiration?

I love the city downtown. It’s not so big and you can find the most visited places in Zagreb, the cathedral, the main square, the theatre, the botanical garden…
I recommend also the City of Zagreb Museum, which tells you about all the history of the city since prehistoric settlements to the war in the late 90s. I found it inspirational.


Have you uncovered any hidden spots in Croatia that you love introducing visitors to?

It’s not so hidden but I strongly recommend going to Maksimir Park. It’s a nature oasis inside the city that gives you a necessary sensation of peace and it allows you to disconnect. I would show it to every friend who is coming to visit me.


Which places in Croatia are still on your travel wish list, and why?

I have been only living in Zagreb for almost two months. I spent this time visiting different spots all around the city. For that reason, there are lots of place in Croatia still in my travel wish list: Plitvice lakes, Pula, Samobor, Istria, Split, Rijeka, Dubrovnik… I would also like to visit cities in other countries such as Ljubljana (Slovenia) and Budapest (Hungary). I think there are very beautiful and historical places to visit with good transport connections with Zagreb, so I must travel there while I’m here.


Have you had any unexpected or amusing moments in your work as a guide or in daily life here?

Well, a few weeks ago I had a silly tumble in the stairs so now I have a sprain in my ankle. I wasn’t expecting that when I moved here! But fortunately, people have helped me a lot and now I’m almost recovered. So, I hope I can travel again soon!


What has living in Croatia taught you about yourself or the way you approach new experiences?

Living in Croatia has put me out of my comfort zone. I realized that I could do more than I expected at first and that I am able to work in an environment and language completely different from mines. Most people in Zagreb speak English, so I don’t have problems to communicate with them, and they are usually so kind.


What advice would you give to someone planning to move to Croatia or start a life here?

Try to find accommodation early! Rents are so difficult in Zagreb nowadays (we have the same problem in Spain) and probably you could find something better if you search for it with time.

And don’t be afraid in your step of moving to Zagreb. People are usually very gentle, and you will be well-received. Specially if you let them know that you are trying to learn their language!


Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience as a Spanish expat in Croatia?

I would like to say that it’s being an amazing experience. So far, I have met very interesting people not only from Croatia but also from other countries such as China, Gambia or Mexico. I hope I can make all the travels that I have planned, and I’m sure that I will miss being here when I come back to Spain.


Thank you for joining us on Cristina’s journey! We’d love to hear your thoughts or anything you’d like to share—please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below.