2013 was a very memorable year as a student at the University of Zagreb in Croatia. Having lived for 5 months in the capital of Croatia has inspired me greatly in many ways. The myriad of experiences gained, be it attending classes with Croats and other European students on the Erasmus Programme, or planning a short getaway over the weekend to some exotic part of Europe, to sharing stories with your roommate from a different country; all these opened up opportunities to meet new people, make new friends and eventually rooting those emotional strings of attachment where you call this place your second home and where you find your second family.

My academic experience has been inspiring. I was taught by knowledgeable professors from the Centre for Croatian Studies, who are passionate about their fields of expertise. In exchange, they gave me opportunities to share about my life in Singapore, as a student and as a citizen from Singapore. They were open to understanding new, exotic cultures that were less existent in their everyday lives. I admire how the examination system in Croatia, and Europe in general works; where students are able to sit for oral exams and even have the liberty to negotiate the timing of the exam with the professors. Back home, exams are conducted in massive halls. Such a personal touch to the way students are tested on their material is something to be lauded. In general, coordinating all administrative matters relating to academia was slightly troublesome initially, but towards the end it was facilitated smoothly.

To conclude, my experience in Europe was out of this world. I could not have asked for a better ‘family’ to pass my time with, a better environment to experience and better continent to begin my travel adventure. As a student of European Studies, I am even more convinced of the beauty that lies within Europe. Five months, to the ears, sound long. In reality, the brevity of it is just insufficient to truly enjoy what Europe and in particular, Croatia has to offer. I will be back for more.