Foreign students at the Faculty of Medicine in Zagreb

One of the ways out of life in an unstable socio-political environment was education and pursuing better-paying jobs. Some of those people came to Zagreb to study medicine at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Zagreb.

Many students came from predominantly underdeveloped or developing countries where they lacked the opportunity to receive education, so some of them pursued education abroad. However, poverty and living conditions were not always the sole motivators for leaving; sometimes, it was the desire for new experiences. To enroll in a medical study program, the key requirements included having successfully completed the relevant high school education, demonstrating proficiency in a foreign language (usually English) at the specified level, and providing all the necessary documentation. The enrolment procedure was carried out through the appropriate institutions in the student’'s home country or in the destination countries.

Considering that these are were primarily young people, before coming to study in Zagreb, most students had completed primary and secondary school. Some had even gained certain the experiences of studying in other European and global cities before embarking on their studies in Zagreb. Upon arriving, the students usually spent their entire study period in Zagreb. 

The arrival of foreign students at the University of Zagreb School of Medicine had several positive effects. They brought many benefits to the local community by introducing cultures that were not always familiar to the people of Zagreb, and many stayed in Croatia after graduation. Additionally, this resulted in the formation of friendships, acquaintances, and romantic relationships that have left a lasting impact on some individuals, even to this day. This cultural exchange offered an opportunity for the local population to learn about and appreciate different global traditions and practices, fostering a more open and interconnected society. On the other hand, it facilitated cross-cultural interactions, leading to the development of personal connections that transcended national borders. Students from different parts of the world met, studied together, and formed bonds that would last a lifetime. Some of these relationships even evolved into love stories, connecting people across continents.