I decided to pay a two-day visit to the Faculty of Agronomy at the University of Zagreb (26 and 27 April 2018) to exchange experiences between schools. I was also interested in finding the ways to participate in the study programme, as well as exploring other possibilities for making connections. And I didn’t regret it…

They warmly welcomed me – the staff kindly explained to me how work is organised. They made a computer and an office available for me. I was introduced to the development of the faculty, changes over time and the present organisation in the form of institutions. The visit took place at the institute, which provides Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Impact Assessment in its regular study programme. They also introduced me to the employees at the department and their qualifications. Special thanks for that to Vesnica Koščak Miočić Stošić, MSc, Assist. Prof. Dr. Sonja Butula, Prof. Dr. Ines Han Dovedan and Assoc. Prof. Stanko Stergaršek, Eng. in Arch. 

We took a closer look at the latest research projects of the institute with an emphasis on the theoretical aspects of methodology for the landscape, as well as professional bases for landscape assessment (Valorisation of the island of Korčula), study assignments (seminar papers) and organisation of work in groups. These represent many challenges and pedagogical efforts for our neighbours, too.

We exchanged experience in implementing the course of the Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Impact Assessment and compared the programme. I found that the Faculty of Zagreb teaches more theory and less practical work. They have fewer practical examples to teach or present as an example. However, it is true that they are developing methodologies for landscape integration into estimations, plans and programmes. This is the reason they are interested in case studies and teaching methods.

I joined the work of the Faculty on 26 and 27 April 2018 and the course which was held at that time. Other professors also attended the lecture. We together motivated the students in the classroom. We have used the discussion method and cooperation was a real success. For this purpose, we brought together the students of two classes (first day 25 and second day 20) and presented them with examples of various types of estimations and they showed great interest. The students were also interested in the options of studying in Slovenia and the exchange possibilities.

The Faculty of Agronomy has shown interest in participating in the implementation of the study programme for the course of Strategic and Project Assessment of Environmental Impact. The reasons are the issue being so topical and the other is horizontal implementation – the course is attended by the students from various faculties. On the basis of our otherwise very short cooperation, we have established that there is a mutual willingness to cooperate. We agreed to proceed with practical steps: to carry out an exchange of one lecturer and one student in 2019.

Erasmus is an experience that really should not be missed.