On 23 and 24 April, the University of Algarve (UAlg), through its Office for International Relations and Mobility (GRIM), welcomed Bartul Javorčić, a student representative from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Split, Croatia. The primary aim of the visit was to strengthen ties between students from both institutions and to promote academic and cultural cooperation and exchange.
During his stay, Bartul Javorčić sought to establish closer connections with the Academic Association of the University of Algarve (AAUAlg) and with other student representatives, in an initiative intended to encourage UAlg students to discover the academic and cultural life in Split.
Throughout the visit, Bartul collected insights and testimonials, which will later be compiled into a report to be presented to the Student Union of the University of Split, offering the perspective of a student engaged in mobility.
Currently in the fourth year of his Psychology degree, Bartul had the opportunity to take part in a welcome session led by Marleni Azevedo, coordinator of GRIM. During this session, he and a fellow Sociology student from the University of Split were introduced to the mobility programmes and other academic exchange opportunities offered by UAlg. The meeting also served to reinforce ties with the University of Split, a partner institution of the University of Algarve within the European University of the Seas.
The visit was further supported by David Costa, coordinator for Social Action at AAUAlg, who accompanied Bartul Javorčić on guided tours of both the Penha and Gambelas campus, introducing him to the university which proudly upholds the motto: “Study where life is good.”
As a gesture of gratitude, Bartul extended a heartfelt invitation to UAlg students to consider an academic exchange experience in Croatia: “Come to Croatia. Come to Split! Immerse yourselves in our culture, enjoy our amazing climate, explore our history and traditions, and absorb everything our city has to offer. Of course, the focus should be on your studies, but don’t forget to live in the moment and make the most of the experience. You’ll find a vibrant community, a beautiful environment, and a truly welcoming atmosphere.”
Bartul Javorčić’s journey through the Iberian Peninsula continued beyond the Algarve. On 27 and 28 April, the Croatian student visited the University of Cádiz, in Spain — another partner institution of both UAlg and the University of Split under the SEA-EU alliance — to further pursue his mission of building bridges between European academic communities.
