Korcula becoming a student town

Korcula is becoming an island student town! Although this news was published much earlier this year, the whole idea was postponed due to the corona crisis. The initial idea was to open new studies in Korcula town this fall already, but according to Korcula Mayor Andrija Fabris, it is most likely that enrollment will move for the next academic year.

Nevertheless, intensive work has been done on the preparation of a project according to which, for the first time in Croatian history, a city on one of the Croatian islands will become a university destination.

As Fabris said, this effort to make Korcula town able to give the opportunity to its children to study on the island was based on the fact that, as a result, young people would not leave the island in such large numbers.

Our high schools are so good that all young people from Korcula island can easily enroll in serious faculties. Unfortunately, many of them do not decide to return to Korcula island after finishing their studies. We are aware that out of thirty children who enroll in college outside the island per generation, only perhaps ten will return. That is inevitable. When you know such data, the idea of a higher education institution on the island has always been smoldering because that would create a basis for their return.

Fabris

Three new study programs

In cooperation with the University of Dubrovnik, Korcula town becomes a dislocated location for the undergraduate university study of Nautics, Naval Architecture and Business Economics, majoring in Tourism.

Our thoughts were directed towards one study program, for example Nautics or Shipbuilding, but they surprised me with the decision that the University would immediately start three programs. This is perfect, especially since all three study programs, two maritime and one tourist, are suitable for Korcula island. Nautics and shipbuilding are the hopes of today’s Korcula island, because in addition to Atlantic Shipping in Dubrovnik, there is also Korkyra shipping based in Korcula.

Fabris

Fabris also adds that The University of Korcula will attract not only children from the island but also those from most of the Peljesac peninsula. They will be able to find cheaper accommodation on Korcula island than in Dubrovnik, and thus their education will be cheaper.

Regarding the space where the study programs will be held, Fabris explains that a building permit for the adaptation of the old high school building, which is owned by the City of Korcula, is being obtained. The building has not been in use for many years, except for a small part used by a local company as a warehouse. Still, adaptations will last up to 2 years, and in the meantime, the City offered the University an alternative space at the city pool of Gojko Arneri.