13th Student's Symposium on Research and Intercultural learning was held from May 25th to June 2nd 2025. at the Faculty of Organization and Informatics Varaždin University of Zagreb.
This year's Simyposiums project partners are Univeristy of Cincinnati, OH, USA, Univeristy of Central Florida, Orlando, USA and Iniana State University, Terre Haute, USA.
The project started 2010 at the Faculty of Organization and Informatics University of Zagreb and University of Central Florida, FL, USA. Through this project approximately 250 mobilities of students, faculty and staff were realized from Croatia to the United States, and vice versa. More than 1000 people were included in the project at the different level of collaboration.
Project leader is Full Prof. Violeta Vidaček Hainš, Ph.D. since 2010. Co-leader for 2025 is Ivan Lalić, president of the Student Union FOI.
Program is here.
TV Interview at the VTV Varazdinska televizija is awailable here.
Acknowledgments:
University of Cincinnati (McNair TRIO program) - Director McNair Program Dr. Cheri Westmorelamd, EdD., Cherity Winburn, assistant director
Univeristy of Cincinanti, Professor Emeritus Sergeyy Grinshpun
Clermont College University of Cincinnati - Clermont College UC - Prof. dr. sc. Victoria S. Appatova, PhD;
Indiana State University – prof.dr. Chad Witkemper, izv,prof.dr. Craig Morehead and assoc.prof. Heather Abbot
University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL – Michael Aldarondo Jeffries , Director AAP
Faculty of Organization and Informatics management board
Student Union of the Faculty of Organization and Informatics and Student Union of the University of Zagreb
Student Centre Varaždin
International Relations Office of FOI and International Relations Office University of Zagreb
Varaždin county
City of Varaždin
FOI management bord
Students volonteers Dino Plodinec, Lorna Zbodulja, Petra Knežević, Ivančica Suhić and Ana Novak
FOI Alumnai - Alen Delić, Martina Vanjek and Nikolina Bajkovec
A Visit to Trakošćan and Lepoglava as Part of the 13th Symposium with American Students - Day 2
Date: 26 May 2025
As part of the 13th International Symposium that brings together American and local students, we visited Trakošćan Castle and the town of Lepoglava – true gems of northern Croatia. In addition to natural beauty and cultural heritage, this day was a perfect opportunity for socializing, exchanging experiences, and cultural connection.
The day began with sunny weather and a positive atmosphere. A group of students and professors headed to one of the most beautiful Croatian castles – Trakošćan. Surrounded by lush greenery and a peaceful lake, the castle left a strong impression on all visitors, especially those coming from the USA for the first time.We toured the richly decorated rooms of the castle, admiring collections of paintings, furniture, and weapons that tell the stories of noble families. After exploring the castle, we enjoyed a walk around the lake that surrounds it.
One of the highlights of the day was meeting a former FOI student who now works at Trakošćan. We were all happy to hear her impressions of working and living in this beautiful area.
After this dose of culture, we headed to Lepoglava for a well-deserved lunch. At the restaurant, we were welcomed by a homely atmosphere and a table full of traditional dishes from the Zagorje region – from soups and homemade štrukli to main courses. The conversation continued over coffee and dessert, and students took the opportunity to get to know each other better, exchange contacts, and share their impressions of everything they had experienced.
Conclusion: This day trip was much more than just sightseeing – it was a meeting of two cultures through history, nature, and gastronomy. Everyone agreed that this was an unforgettable experience that we will certainly remember and that enriched this symposium.
Created by: Dino Plodinec
Special thanks to Professor Violeta Vidaček-Hainš for giving me the opportunity to participate in this Symposium.
13th International Student Research Symposium on Intercultural Learning
DAY 3 (Tuesday, 27 May 2025)
The second day of the 13th International Student Symposium at the Faculty of Organization and Informatics (FOI) in Varaždin was marked by a series of inspiring research presentations, academic discussions, and cultural experiences. On Tuesday, May 27, 2025, FOI welcomed around fifteen students and professors from renowned American universities – the University of Cincinnati and the University of Central Florida– who shared their research, insights, and expertise with their Croatian hosts.
The day’s program began at 9:30 a.m. in lecture room FOI 1, chaired by Antonela Devčić. During the morning session, the audience had the opportunity to hear a variety of presentations, covering topics from social sciences to biomedical engineering and dynamic systems. Among the notable speakers was doctoral candidate Charity Winburn, who presented her mixed methods research on autonomy in undergraduate research teams, followed by Sarah Velez-Orosio’s exploration of adapting psychotherapy for couples affected by intimate partner violence in Mozambique.
A short break at 10:00 included a segment filmed for local television station VTV “Vekerica,” after which additional student presentations continued. London Watkins spoke about race-based traumatic stress, Taylor Brown discussed cerebral visual impairment screening tools, and Briana James presented a powerful conversation on counter spaces for Black women in biomedical engineering. The inspiring morning concluded with presentations by Becca Rose, Conner Gray, and FOI's own Ana Novak, who introduced the virtual mobility initiative through COIL.
After lunch, the afternoon session was chaired by Karolina Kokot. Students Tori Walker-Gulley, Priscilla Caballero, and Ireti Lademo addressed topics in urban development, mobile crisis response, and grief support for children. President and the vice president of SZ FOI , Ivan Lalić and Ivančica Suhić presented the activities of the FOI Student Union, emphasizing the importance of student engagement and proactive involvement in academic life. The day concluded with a visit to the Varaždin City Museum, enriching the cultural component of the symposium and offering participants a deeper understanding of the host city's history and heritage.
This dynamic and enriching day demonstrated how academic cooperation and cultural exchange are key to fostering intercultural understanding and international scholarly collaboration. The students and professors from both sides of the Atlantic displayed curiosity, openness, and enthusiasm – values that this symposium proudly upholds.
Ivančica Suhić
13th International Student Research Symposium on Intercultural Learning
DAY 4 (Wednesday, 28 May 2025)
Today is a particularly important day for the overall agenda of the 13th Student Symposium, as it marks the official opening of this long-standing project on the Faculty of Organization and Informatics in Varaždin. The event was also covered by the media during a press conference, further highlighting its importance and significance. Guests included professors and students from the following partner universities in the United States: University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio; University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida; and Indiana State University, Terre Haute, Indiana.
The opening ceremony of the Student Symposium was inaugurated by the project leader, Prof. Violeta Vidaček-Hainš, PhD. Welcome speeches were delivered by the Dean of the Faculty of Organization and Informatics in Varaždin, Prof. Marina Klačmer Čalopa, PhD; the Vice Dean for Science, Projects, and International Cooperation, Assoc. Prof. Martina Tomičić Furjan, PhD; and the Head of the Office for International Cooperation, Izabela Oletić Tušek, Univ. Spec. Pol. The event was further enriched by a performance from students of the Varaždin Music School, accompanied by their mentor Petra Horvat, MA in Arts. They performed the Croatian traditional song 'Ja sem Varaždinec' and 'My Funny Valentine' by R. Rodgers & L. Hart (arr. Keith Young) on wind instruments. Following the musical performances, guest lecturers presented selected parts of the study programs from their respective universities to the faculty members, professional staff and students. Additionally, a series of highly engaging lectures were held.
The first lecture was delivered by Prof. Violeta Vidaček-Hainš, PhD, on the topic: “Program Overview: 13th International Student Research Symposium on Intercultural Learning – History and Future Planning”. She was followed by invited speaker Sergey A. Grinshpun, PhD, Professor Emeritus from the University of Cincinnati, who gave a lecture on “Opportunities for International Students and Visiting Scholars”. Cheri Westmoreland, Ed.D., also from the University of Cincinnati, presented international collaborations within the “McNair Scholars Program International Collaborations”. Michael Aldaronfo Jeffries, Director of the Academic Advancement Programs, delivered an informative lecture titled “AAP Program – University of Central Florida”. Assoc. Prof. Craig Morehead, Prof. Chad Witkemper and Assoc. Prof. Heather Abbott from Indiana State University presented their international program under the title “International Programming at Indiana State University and Future Aspirations”. In addition, Assoc. Prof. Arif Akgul, PhD, also from Indiana State University, gave a lecture on “International Educational Exchanges: The Fulbright Program”. To conclude the first part of the Symposium’s opening, students Meg de Buhr, Micah Hubley and Allison Reynolds from Indiana State University shared their student experiences with the audience. At the very end of the formal part of the opening ceremony, an invited lecture by the FOI Committee for Gender Equality was held. The lecture was delivered by Prof. Victoria Appatova, PhD, from the University of Cincinnati on the topic “College Success Initiatives at the University of Cincinnati Clermont College / Women Leadership and Mentoring Program.”
After receiving a wealth of useful information, the gathering continued over lunch at the Verglec restaurant in Varaždin. Guests from the United States had the opportunity to taste traditional dishes typical of northern Croatia. Following the formal part of the day, professors and students enjoyed traditional Croatian dances during a workshop led by Prof. Damir Vučić, PhD, titled 'Croatian Traditional Folklore Heritage Workshop.' The day concluded with informal socializing over dinner at the iconic Varaždin restaurant, The Family.
Ana Novak
13th International Student Research Symposium on Intercultural Learning
DAY 5 (Thursday, 29 May 2025)
The fifth day of the 13th Student Symposium was marked by a trip to the capital of the Republic of Croatia, Zagreb. Faculty and students from the University of Cincinnati and the University of Central Florida were very excited to visit and get to know the capital city better. The entire group was led by Prof. Violeta Vidaček-Hainš, PhD.
Professors and students had the opportunity to take part in cultural events and a meeting with FOI alumni. In Zagreb, they were welcomed and greeted by FOI graduates Alen Delić and Martina Vanjek.
The mentioned FOI alumni had themselves participated in previous Student Symposium held in the United States. They guided the faculty and students through Zagreb’s Upper Town and took them on a tour of the city’s many landmarks. What particularly enchanted the American professors and students were the chocolate treats with the message 'Welcome Home,' specially prepared for them by Martina Vanjek. Our dear guests returned to the baroque city of Varaždin with wonderful memories from the capital and are now ready for the new adventures awaiting them during the upcoming field research at Plitvice Lakes and in Zadar. The day was rounded off with a social gathering at the Student Dormitory in Varaždin.
Ana Novak
13th International Student Research Symposium on Intercultural Learning
DAY 6 (Friday, May 30, 2025)
The sixth day of the 13th Student Symposium was based on a field research project called “ICT Integration within UNESCO” conducted by teachers and students from the University of Cincinnati and the University of Central Florida, as well as their hosts, students from the Faculty of Organization and Informatics in Varaždin, led by the head of the overall project, Prof. Dr. Sc. Violeta Vidaček-Hainš. There was no end to the excitement, given that this type of research was planned to visit two locations - the Plitvice Lakes National Park and the city of Zadar. Departure from Varaždin to the desired destinations was at 7:30 am in front of the Student Dormitory in Varaždin, and everyone was wished a safe journey by Nikolina Bajkovec, a former student of the Faculty of Organization and Informatics in Varaždin. Nikolina also participated in the 11th Student Symposium 2022 in the United States of America and the 12th Student Symposium 2023 in Varaždin. In addition to her kind wishes, she surprised the entire group with homemade products and cakes.
Although the students' faces were very tired, this did not prevent them from having a good time during the ride. They shared their experiences so far with others as well as the impressions they would take home to the United States of America. At the first stop, prepared breakfast and lunch packages were distributed, which particularly surprised and delighted the guests. Upon arrival at the Plitvice Lakes National Park, teachers and students had the opportunity to experience the charms of nature and the beauty of Plitvice in its role as the largest and oldest Croatian national park, which UNESCO has declared a world natural heritage site. The guests enjoyed the fresh air and got to know the numerous waterfalls and lakes. The specific number of lakes is difficult to determine, but the exact information is that there are 16 named lakes, while there are certainly more in the national park itself. We arrived in Zadar in the evening exhausted and hungry, but full of positive energy. We ended the day with dinner at the Riva restaurant in Zadar, tasting their grilled specialties.
Ana Novak
13th International Student Research Symposium on Intercultural Learning
DAY 7 (Saturday, May 31, 2025)
The penultimate day of the 13th Student Symposium was marked by a tour of the city of Zadar. The day began with a breakfast organized at the hotel where the guests were staying. After breakfast, the entire group headed to the city center of Zadar and they were best able to get to know the rhythm of the city on foot. The first stop was the city walls, which impressed teachers and students. After the walls, it was the turn of the Five Wells Square, where numerous activities were held that intrigued the guests, and after that, a tour of the extension of the city walls, which offers a beautiful view of the coast.
The next stop was the Sanctuary of St. Simeon and after that the Church of St. Donatus as one of the most famous buildings in Zadar. The last stop was the Sea Organ, which was the most interesting to the guests precisely because of the sound it produces. There, the whole group stayed for a while and enjoyed the charms of Zadar and the songs composed by the sea, along with homemade cakes prepared by a former student of the Faculty of Organization and Informatics in Varaždin, Nikolina Bajkovec. The day ended with a dinner based on traditional food and enjoying the sunset.
Ana Novak
13th International Student Research Symposium on Intercultural Learning
DAY 8 (Sunday, June 1, 2025)
The last day of the 13th Student Symposium began with breakfast and swimming in the pool within the hotel complex. There were no special activities today, but the entire organization of the day was based on detailed arrangements related to a safe return home. We set off towards Zagreb at around 11:00 a.m. to avoid the traffic jam on the highway, which was ultimately achieved. The American colleagues remained in Zagreb and are currently waiting for a flight to return to their homeland. The group from the Faculty of Organization and Informatics headed towards Varaždin for a well-deserved rest and arrived home safely at around 7:00 p.m. This was a week filled with socializing, learning, gaining experience and making new friends. An experience that all participants will remember for a lifetime.
A big thank you to the Faculty of Organization and Informatics in Varaždin and to the Student Symposium Chair, Prof. Dr. Sc. Violeta Vidaček-Hainš, for this exceptional opportunity and for her continuous guidance throughout the Symposium. I would also like to thank all the other participants in this project who contributed to the organization in their own special way. Finally, it was an honor for me to present part of my virtual mobility, so I thank the organizers for the invitation. I am delighted to have had the opportunity to participate in this event again and to renew the friendships I have made at the 12th Student Symposium held in the United States of America in 2024.
Ana Novak
Acknowledgements
Special thanks for this year's collaboration, effort and invaluable support go to the following:
University of Cincinnati, Ohio – McNair and Clermont College
University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida – AAP and McNair Program
Indiana State University, Terre Haute, Indiana
University of Zagreb
University of Zagreb – International Relations Office
FOI Student Union
University of Zagreb – Student Centre Varaždin
Varaždin County
City of Varaždin
Student Union of the University of Zagreb
Faculty of Organization and Informatics Varaždin – Management Board
FOI International Relations Office
FOI Alumni: Alen Delić, Martina Vanjek and Nikolina Bajkovec
Volunteers from the FOI Center for Volunteering and Humanitarian Work – Dino Plodinec, Lorna Zbodulja, Petra Knežević, Ivančica Suhić and Ana Novak
