Over the course of three days, FOI hosted a dynamic and diverse program featuring guest lectures, a panel discussion, professional workshops, cultural activities, and study visits. This year, the Faculty welcomed more than 40 international students, around 20 faculty members and staff from international offices, and another 20 guests from various University of Zagreb constituents, the Rector’s Office, and other Croatian universities. Participants came from over ten countries, including the USA, Austria, Slovenia, Hungary, the Netherlands, Serbia, and Luxembourg. Notably, representatives from Pennsylvania State University (USA) and CAMPUS 02 from Graz (Austria) were featured guests.
The event was organized by the FOI International Relations Office in collaboration with the Vice Dean for Science, Projects, and International Cooperation, Assoc. Prof. Martina Tomičić Furjan, Ph.D.
The program kicked off on May 21 with a welcome for international guests, a presentation of the Faculty, and a guided tour of the city of Varaždin. As part of the Social Entrepreneurship course, guest lectures were delivered by Travis Lesser (Pennsylvania State University) and Margit Varga (Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences), encouraging students to reflect on social impact and the role of global engagement. The day ended with informal networking and an international student pub quiz hosted by Karlo Nadoveza, mag. oec.
The second day was marked by two distinguished keynote lectures:
Assoc. Prof. Krisztián Szűcs, Ph.D. (University of Pécs): “Turning Challenges into Opportunities: The Future of Internationalisation”
Prof. Jernej Belak, Ph.D. (University of Maribor): “Building Bridges, Shaping Futures: The Strategic Role of Internationalisation in Higher Education”
This was followed by a presentation of the Erasmus+ project SuMoS – Strengthening the Ecosystem for Sustainable Student Mobility by the project lead, Assoc. Prof. Katarina Pažur Aničić, Ph.D., and a thematic workshop aimed at vice deans, Erasmus and ECTS coordinators, and international office staff. About 20 participants from across Croatia discussed sustainable student mobility, challenges, barriers, and motivators from both student and institutional perspectives, and shared their experiences. Preliminary results of a recent FOI student mobility survey, conducted as part of the SuMoS project, were also briefly presented.
One of the key events was the panel discussion “Transformative Impact of Studying Abroad”, moderated by Assoc. Prof. Martina Tomičić Furjan, Ph.D. and panelists included:
Dr. Dino Dogan (Luxembourg School of Business, ZŠEM)
Izabela Oletić Tušek (Head of FOI International Relations Office)
Dr. Berndt Jesenko (CAMPUS 02, University of Applied Sciences, Austria)
Matea Pilat (FOI student)
The discussion emphasized the benefits of international mobility for personal growth, intercultural competence, and students’ professional development.
In the afternoon, participants visited the Varaždin Technology Park, where Vedran Bubalo (Head) presented the Park’s activities, and the Makerspace team conducted a workshop for students. The day concluded with a visit to Trakošćan Castle, including a guided tour through the history and cultural heritage of the Varaždin region.
The third day focused on scientific and cultural programming. Organized by FOI’s Center for International Projects, the day included presentations of FOI’s research centers and laboratories, giving participants insight into ongoing projects and the Faculty’s research capacities. The closing activity was a workshop on Croatian culture and heritage, led by Assoc. Prof. Kristina Detelj, Ph.D., and Damir Vučić, Ph.D., held at the Student Club of the Varaždin Student Centre.
FOI International Days 2025 once again affirmed their role as a platform for the exchange of knowledge, ideas, and experiences, while also serving as a catalyst for new international partnerships, projects, and friendships. The event left a strong impression on all participants and further strengthened FOI’s position as a globally oriented, open, and connected academic institution.
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