By Marijeta Babik
Beginning of the summer semester at University of Split traditionally means one thing: faculties’ halls are once again full of different languages, new acquaintances, and excitement about life in a new city.
As Josipa Bartulović from Office for International Cooperation (IRO) emphasizes, interest remains strong this year as well.
- Among incoming students, most come from Spain, Poland, Portugal, and Germany. Every semester, largest number of students enrolls Faculty of Economics, followed by University Department for Professional Studies, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, and Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Naval Architecture. More than 70 students enrolled the entire academic year, which means we currently have over 230 students on Erasmus+ student mobility.
Although many associate the Erasmus+ program solely with the European Union, a number of students came to sunny Split from distant Africa and America.
- We also have students from Morocco, Chile, Argentina, Georgia, Jordan, and the Dominican Republic, on Erasmus+ mobility at University of Split this semester —Josipa Bartulović adds. The numbers confirm that Split remains an attractive destination for students from all over the world.
Accommodation problem during the season
Split is a city that lives a double rhythm: academic and tourist. While the winter semester goes on relatively stable, with the arrival of spring and approach of summer, priorities on the rental market often change. Apartments that were previously student accommodations turn into tourist rentals overnight.
Magdalena Kalinić, president of ESN Split, explains how this situation looks from the perspective of students and those helping them.
- Given that ESN Split operates as an organization supporting international students, a major emphasis is placed on assistance with accommodation, administration, and legal documents. Before arriving, students can contact Split ESN’s Support Team, responsible for helping with arrival and initial legal documents. Most work involves assistance with accommodation, as well as all related documents.
Long-term rentals and Erasmus students are a stable income for landlords in the winter, when Split is a ‘ghost city’. But summer tells a different story.
- In the winter semester, it is not so difficult to find accommodation for the entire stay, but in the summer semester, many students face problems due to the tourist season —Magdalena adds.
Despite challenges, more than 230 students are currently on Erasmus+ mobility in Split. This is a strong message about city’s and University’s international openness.
Photo: Ante Čizmić/Cropix; ESN
