Shota, a student with Japanese-Taiwanese roots, has always had the opportunity to travel between his two homelands, which sparked his interest in other cultures. However, his desire to explore Europe took him much further—to Croatia, specifically to the Algebra Bernays University campus, where he is studying Applied Computing.
From Asia to Europe
– When I was finishing high school, my mother suggested that I consider studying in Croatia. I agreed without much thought because I had long wanted to go to a European country. It was only later that I realized her love for Croatian wine was one of the main reasons she encouraged me to come – Shota recalls with a laugh, although life in Croatia brought new challenges.
– The teaching method in Croatia is significantly different from that in Japan. There, we choose our own courses and must ensure we earn enough credits to graduate. Here, I like the fact that there is a predefined schedule that makes it easier for students to organize their studies – he explained.
Speaking about his education in Croatia, he highlighted the course Fundamentals of Business Economics as the one that interested him the most because, as he puts it, “it helps him better understand the world we live in.”
A Message to Future Students
The most valuable thing he gained at Algebra Bernays University, he emphasizes, is not just academic knowledge but friendships.
– Everyone I have met here has clear goals and works hard to achieve them. Before coming, I thought that simply being in a new environment would change me and make me a better person, but that didn’t happen automatically. At first, I enjoyed solitude, but soon I felt lonely and homesick. Now, a year and a half later, I realize how much my friends have helped me through the adaptation process – Shota shared.
He added that studying in a foreign country is an opportunity for personal growth but also a challenge that requires adaptation and openness to new cultures.
For future students considering coming to Croatia, Shota has a simple but important piece of advice:
“If you want to broaden your horizons and truly feel how big the world is, Algebra Bernays is a great choice. Here, you can gain not only valuable experience but also friends who will enrich your life.”
