Language/Croatian/Culture/Education-and-Intellectual-Life

Croatian → Culture → Education and Intellectual Life

As a Croatian language teacher for over 20 years, I always encourage my students to dive deeper into the country's culture and intellectual life. In this lesson, we will explore the education system in Croatia, including universities, research institutions, and important thinkers.

Once you've mastered this lesson, take a look at these related pages: Arts and Entertainment & Travel and Tourism.

Education in Croatia

Croatia has a well-established education system that is operated by the Ministry of Science and Education. Education is compulsory for children ages 6-15, and students can choose between public or private schools. The academic year runs from October to June, with a summer break from June to September.

Universities in Croatia

Croatia has several universities that offer undergraduate and graduate programs. The oldest and most prestigious university in the country is the University of Zagreb, founded in 1669. Other major universities include the University of Split, University of Rijeka, and the University of Osijek. Most universities in Croatia offer courses in Croatian, but some programs may be available in English or other languages.

Research Institutions

Croatia has several research institutions, including the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts, founded in 1866. The Academy is dedicated to the promotion of Croatian culture and scientific research. Other research institutions in Croatia include the Institute for the History of Croatian Literature, Theater and Music, the Institute of Social Sciences Ivo Pilar, and the Ruđer Bošković Institute.

Important Thinkers

Croatia has a long tradition of intellectualism and has produced many important thinkers throughout its history. Some of the most notable Croatian thinkers include:

• Franjo Tuđman: A historian, politician, and the first President of Croatia after its independence. Tuđman was an important figure in the Croatian War of Independence.

• August Šenoa: A novelist and playwright, Šenoa is considered one of the founders of Croatian literature.

• Nikola Tesla: Though he was born in modern-day Croatia, Tesla spent most of his life in the United States. He was a Serbian-American inventor, electrical engineer, mechanical engineer, and futurist known for his contributions to the design of the modern alternating current (AC) electricity supply system.

• Andrija Mohorovičić: A meteorologist and seismologist, Mohorovičić is best known for discovering the Moho discontinuity or the boundary between the earth's crust and mantle.

• Ivo Andrić: A writer and diplomat, Andrić won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1961 for his novel "The Bridge on the Drina."

• Ivana Trump: Though better known for her connection to the Trump family in the U.S., Ivana Trump was born Ivana Zelníčková in Czechoslovakia (modern-day Czech Republic). She was raised in Croatia, where she studied fashion design and later worked as a model.

Conclusion

Learning about Croatian education and intellectual life can be an excellent way to deepen your understanding of the country's culture and history. By exploring universities, research institutions, and important thinkers, we can gain a better appreciation for the achievements and contributions of the Croatians throughout the centuries.

Sources

• Education in Croatia
• List of Croatian Scientists

Finished this lesson? Check out these related lessons: Traditions and Festivals & Society and Lifestyle in Modern Croatia.

Other Lessons

• Traditions and Festivals
• Travel and Tourism
• Sports and Recreation in Croatia
• Croatia Timeline
• Croatian Folklore and Mythology
• Croatian Society and Politics
• Arts and Entertainment
• History and Geography
• Contemporary Croatian Culture Scene