Lilian Milanes
Lilian Milanes | What are your impressions about Croatia and Faculty of Organization and Informatics life? My impression of Croatia is that it is a beautiful, rich country full of amazing culture and people. The Faculty of Organization and Informatics is an awesome university with dedicated faculty as well as graduate (teaching ) assistants and administration. Croatia in general is an amazing place and I am constantly learning from being here in Croatia ways to better my life in the United States. |
What were your expectations, did you have any before arriving in Croatia?
My expectations about the trip to Croatia were to immerse myself within the culture and o in with an open mind ready to learn. Before coming to Varaždin, I thought it would be a small town with closed-minded people that would not accept us for being tourists in their town. My experience has been the complete opposite. Everyone here has welcomed us with open arms and are all so caring and genuine. It has truly been refreshing.
How did you find and how would you describe FOI students, how did the host you?
FOI students are the true role model of how students should host other students. As soon we met them they were quick to offer a helping hand and were so eager to get to know us and our culture (as we were excited and eager to learn from them). I can truly say that I will never forget the FOI students we met and we will be friends for life.
What did you learn about educational system in Croatia and are their similarities in the USA educational system or differences that you would like to highlight?
I learned that the educational system in Croatia is formatted and structured similar is very similar to the United States. However, one of the main differences is that students here in Croatia chose their specific field of interests beginning in high school instead of in college. Also, the students in Croatia learn more languages and are required to be multi-lingual. I think the educational system in Croatia is more prestigious than in the U.S. and that the students as a result are better prepared for university.
Would you like this exchange program between the UCF McNair Scholars Program to become a tradition and would you recommend it to your colleagues?
I would love for this exchange program to continue for future McNair scholars. It is a true learning experience, not only to learn about yourself but also about your fellow cohort of scholars. It is an experience of a life time to be able to have this first-hand experience and know that you can adapt to other environments, traditions and cultures.
What is the McNair program and how does it help you as a student?
The McNair program is my ticket to success. It truly is the best thing that has happened to me and my family. Just being around other McNair scholars while not yet being accepted into the program inspired me to find a passion and a field of research interests in order to then give back to the community. It has allowed me an opportunity to travel abroad (something that I probably would never have been able to afford), to prepare and pass the entrance exams needed for graduate school, develop mentorship relationships with faculty at UCF, as well as provide a support network throughout.