SFA students explore businesses, historical sites in Croatia

Nearly 20 Stephen F. Austin State University students kicked off this fall's "Discovering Business" course in the Rusche College of Business with a late-July trip to Croatia, including a visit to St. Mark's Church in Zagreb.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas -- Nearly 20 Stephen F. Austin State University students kicked off this fall's "Discovering Business" course in the Rusche College of Business with a trip to Croatia at the end of July.

The course, now in its second year and focusing on its second country, is designed to introduce incoming first-year students and nonbusiness majors to business concepts and principles while helping them meet fellow Lumberjacks and faculty members before the fall semester starts.

"Up until going on this trip, I wasn't 100% sure how college would be," said Ryan Bledsoe, first-year student from Lumberton. "I was worried about making friends and moving to a completely new place. Now that I have been on this trip and met so many amazing people, I feel much more prepared for the social aspect of college."

Drew Thornley, SFA associate professor of legal studies, a co-instructor for the course and faculty leader for the trip to Croatia, said he is pleased with the growth of the "Discovering Business" course.

"Last year, we took nine students on our trip to Costa Rica," Thornley said. "This year, we took 17 students to Croatia. Last year, four first-year students participated. This year, that number was 11. We aim to grow even more next year."

During their eight-day trip, students visited historical sites like Ban Jelačić Square, Lotrščak Tower and St. Mark's Church in Zagreb; Diocletian's Palace, the statue of Gregory of Nin and the Golden Gate in Split; and Sponza Palace, the Onofrio Fountain and the Minčeta Tower in Dubrovnik.

Students also got down to business with visits to the Museum of Illusions in Zagreb; Stella Croatica, a sweets producer in Split; Hotel Kompas Dubrovnik, a beach resort run by Adriatic Luxury Hotels; and Etnoland Dalmati, a family-run historical and cultural site 10 miles from Krka National Park. The area is considered the origin point of the Dalmatian dog breed.

"From the owner of Etnoland creating his business out of personal experiences to the Hotel Kompas employee having the best hospitality, this trip helped open my eyes to not only the business world but also to creating relationships with my peers," said Rian Bartley, first-year student from Lake Dallas. "I always wanted to study abroad, and I'm so glad it was with SFA. Not many people have the opportunity to do what we got to do, but I am very grateful I had the chance and I'm thankful to the college for doing something like this, especially for incoming freshmen."

Thornley believes the connections students made during the trip will contribute to their success at SFA.

"I hope these friendships continue to grow throughout their respective tenures as SFA students," he said. "I believe the trip helped students become more culturally aware and sensitive and that the trip opened students' eyes to the myriad possibilities travel and business can afford them."

Next year's "Discovering Business" cohort will explore businesses in Estonia and Finland from July 23 to Aug. 3. For more information on this study abroad opportunity, email Thornley at [email protected].