The 7th International Staff Week at the University of Zadar took place from 5 to 9 May 2025. Organised by the Department for International Relations (DIR), this event successfully brought together academic and administrative staff from across European Union and beyond (16 countires) to engage in discussions on mental health, workplace stress, and student mobility. The week combined academic exchange, practical workshops, cultural immersion, and networking activities, fostering new partnerships and mutual understanding.
Monday, 5 May 2025
The event commenced in the Grand Hall of the University of Zadar with registration at 11:00, followed by a warm welcome speech and university presentation delivered by Ms Maja Kolega, Head of the Department for International Relations. Ms Kolega’s opening remarks set an encouraging and collaborative tone for the week. An icebreaking session followed, during which participants introduced their home institutions through brief presentations, complemented by the social game “Ball Toss,” facilitating early rapport-building among attendees.
The midday was reserved for a buffet lunch at Restaurant Barbakan, allowing informal social interaction. The afternoon featured a group photograph in front of the University’s main building, followed by a guided tour of the historical town of Zadar.
Tuesday, 6 May 2025
The day began with an icebreaker quiz on basic Croatian language skills led by Professor Vice Šunjić from the Department of Croatian Studies, offering a lively and interactive cultural introduction.
Subsequently, focused workshops and discussions addressed the theme of Encouraging Student Mobility and Dismantling Fears of Going Abroad. Participants shared best practices and explored innovative strategies to promote international mobility programmes effectively. Later, attendees toured the newly established Students’ Dormitory and enjoyed lunch at the student restaurant Diadora, immersing themselves in the campus environment.
Wednesday, 7 May 2025
The day’s activities commenced with a visit to the naval simulator at the Maritime Department, introduced by Mr Vinko Pavić, providing a hands-on experience linked to a maritime navigation.
The key highlight was a lecture by Professor Jelena Kupsjak from the Department of Ethnology and Anthropology on Mental Health and Workplace Stress. This keynote addressed critical challenges facing academic and administrative staff and set the stage for a subsequent workshop led by psychologist Severina Mamić from the Student Counselling Centre. The workshop Recharging Your Work Life: Tackling Stress and Burnout was focused on practical strategies for recharging work life, tackling stress, and preventing burnout. Participants engaged in discussions and shared experiences, enriching the session’s applicability.
Thursday, 8 May 2025
An optional full-day excursion to the Kornati Islands was offered, providing a scenic boat tour and opportunity for participants to relax and bond in a natural setting. This excursion underlined the event’s commitment to cultural exchange and well-being, complementing the week’s intensive academic programme.
Friday, 9 May 2025
The week concluded with a closing ceremony featuring certificate distribution and a participant satisfaction survey. Reflections on the week highlighted the successful exchange of ideas, formation of new partnerships, and the enriching experiences shared throughout the event.
The University of Zadar expresses its sincere gratitude to all speakers, contributors, and participants who made this event a memorable success. Special thanks to:
- Ms Maja Kolega for the inspiring welcome speech
- Ms Leonarda Lovrović and Ms Isabela Ledina for their insightful panel contributions
- Professor Vice Šunjić for the engaging Croatian language session
- Mr Vinko Pavić for the introduction to the maritime simulator
- Professor Jelena Kupsjak for her thoughtful keynote on mental health
- Psychologist Severina Mamić for providing practical strategies to manage stress and burnout
The collaborative spirit and enthusiasm demonstrated throughout the week have greatly contributed to the University of Zadar’s mission of fostering international cooperation and well-being in academia.