Hello! My name is Kristina Rajakovich and I am a third year student majoring in Political Science and International and Area Studies. I am from Pittsburgh and I grew up about 10 minutes from Pitt’s campus. Along with studying international affairs, I am also pursuing a minor in Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian language. Growing up in Pittsburgh, I was very connected to the history and heritage of Eastern European immigration. My great grandparents immigrated to Pittsburgh from Croatia in the early 1900s and stayed connected to their Eastern European heritage while in Pittsburgh through  social clubs and various family traditions. This connection was one of the reasons I became interested in Eastern Europe as a region to study historically and in current affairs and why I began studying the language. 

This semester I am studying international affairs and diplomacy at Libertas University in Dubrovnik, Croatia. I believe this program will allow me to grow both academically and personally. This program will allow me to delve deeper into the study of the region and its role in the international community. I will be able to learn from professors who have a background and unique insight into the region and learn how the history of the region impacts the problems that the region is facing today. I also chose this program so to enhance my language skills. By living in Croatia for four months, I hope to become immersed in the culture and the language to advance both my language skills and my knowledge of the country as a whole. I am very exciting to continue sharing my experiences with you throughout the semester!