The FOI students presented research findings on the relationship between mental health and physical activity in national and international contexts, as well as the role of social media in young people’s communication. The faculty members shared their experiences of virtual collaboration incorporating elements of COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) with student teams from the USA, India, the Netherlands, Greece and South Africa. Particular emphasis was placed on connecting students and mentors through the CECIIS Conference Student Section and student Symposia.
Alongside research activities, the programme included the promotion of sports activities at FOI and Croatian cultural heritage. American students took part in Croatian folk dance workshops, discovering aspects of Croatian tradition through shared learning and social interaction.
In Chicago, the participants met with students from the University of Central Florida who had taken part in previous symposia. This reunion highlighted the value of longstanding cooperation that connects generations of Croatian and American students, creating opportunities for new friendships and joint projects.
The cultural and social programme offered participants opportunities to explore the landmarks, history and everyday life of the host cities. In Cincinnati, they visited the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden and attended a Cincinnati Reds baseball game. In Chicago, they explored the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Willis Tower, the 360 CHICAGO observation deck, Chinatown, the Chicago White Sox stadium, Millennium Park and Navy Pier. They also visited the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis.
Their stay in Terre Haute provided an opportunity to learn about the city’s history, its connections to writer Theodore Dreiser and the origins of the iconic Coca-Cola bottle design. Participants also joined a charitable initiative marking US Labor Day as part of the activities of the Eugene V. Debs Foundation.
This cooperation has continued to grow since 2010, with meetings held alternately in Croatia and the USA. Its aim is to bring students and mentors together in international research teams, promote Croatian and American cultures, and encourage participation in sports and volunteering.
The event also received media coverage, including from Radio New York – Croatian Online, a media platform dedicated to connecting Croatians around the world.
We thank all participants and everyone who contributed to making this project possible!
The next, 15th Student Research Symposium on Intercultural Learning will take place in Croatia in 2027.
