One of the earliest and most prominent projects, the Student Research Symposium on Intercultural Learning, led by Prof. Violeta Vidaček-Hainš, Ph.D., has been promoting academic mobility and knowledge exchange since 2010. The symposium has facilitated over 200 mobilities between SUZG FOI and American universities so far, inluding University of Central Florida, FL, De Daul University Chicago, IL, University of Illinois Chicago, IL, University of South Carolina, SC, Carlow University Pittsburg, PE, Penn State University PE, University of Cininnati, OH, Indiana State University, IN. The most recent edition of this Symposium (12th), was held in July 2024, during which four students, accompanied by Prof. Igor Balaban, Ph.D., visited the University of Cincinnati, Indiana State University Terre Haute and DePaul University in Chicago. In May 2025, SUZG FOI will host the 13th Student Research Symposium, further solidifying its role as a global academic host.
In addition to physical mobility, SUZG FOI actively engages in innovative collaboration models such as COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning). This form of virtual mobility enables SUZG FOI students and faculty, such as Prof. Vidaček-Hainš, Ph.D., to collaborate with partners from the University of Cincinnati on courses like Negotiating in an International Environment and Strategic Human Resource Management. Both courses are offered within the university's graduate program in Economics of Entrepreneurship.
SUZG FOI's international reputation is further highlighted through its partnership with Pennsylvania State University. For several years, Assoc. Prof. Mario Konecki, Ph.D., has been actively involved in both physical and virtual mobilities (COIL) and has participated as a guest lecturer. Similarly, Assoc. Prof. Kristina Detelj, Ph.D., has successfully collaborated with the Smeal College of Business, which she visited in 2024.
With Indiana State University, SUZG FOI maintains a strong partnership through a bilateral agreement, emphasizing knowledge exchange with the Scott College of Business. These exchanges have brought over 10 American professors to SUZG FOI, while Assoc. Prof. Ricky Fergurson, Ph.D., participated as a guest lecturer in Varaždin. At the same time, SUZG FOI professors, including Prof. Vidaček-Hainš, Ph.D., and Asst. Prof. Ivana Đunđek, Ph.D., engaged in teaching and research activities at the Scott College of Business.
As part of its long-standing collaboration with American universities, SUZG FOI has enabled several faculty members to participate in physical mobility programs, and this number continues to grow. Over the past year, American universities hosted Damir Vučić, Ph.D., Asst. Prof. Robert Kudelić, Ph.D., and Jerry John Antolos, M.Sc. Faculty from SUZG FOI participate in mobility programs at partner institutions such as Pennsylvania State University, Indiana State University and the University of Cincinnati. These opportunities allow Faculty members to exchange innovative teaching ideas and methods, further contributing to the internationalization process and enhancing SUZG FOI's global academic reputation.
The support provided by FOI International Office plays a crucial role in implementing these initiatives, which are not only opportunities for academic and professional development but also a significant contribution to fostering an international perspective. SUZG FOI plans to continue its existing programs and expand collaborations to new institutions and projects, further positioning its students and faculty at the forefront of global trends in education and research.
This collaboration with American universities is not only a testament to the quality of SUZG FOI but also a pathway to strengthening international ties and developing globally competent professionals, enabling SUZG FOI to successfully address the challenges of modern education.
