NEW Summer 2025!
Croatia Maymester
*Zagreb, Croatia: Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Croatia
Upcoming Information Sessions
Penn State Education Abroad Fair
Wednesday, October 30 | 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Alumni Hall, HUB-Robeson Center
Each year, Penn State hosts exhibitors from its education abroad partners, support offices, funding resources, and academic colleges to bring students the information they want about education abroad!
Croatia Maymester Info Sessions
Monday, November 4 | 5:30PM | 120 Business
Tuesday, December 3 | 5:30PM | 124 Business
Learn more about this customized Smeal experience! Talk with the faculty leading the course and get your questions answered.
Smeal Summer Study Abroad Fair
Tuesday, November 12 | 3:00 - 5:00 PM
Atrium, Business Building
Meet Smeal faculty leading courses around the world and get your questions about Faculty-Led Maymester & Summer programs answered. Also learn about other summer study abroad and internship opportunities!
Learn about Entrepreneurship where Central and Southeast Europe meet
This program explores innovation & entrepreneurship across three regions of Croatia from the capital city of Zagreb to Varaždin to the coastal city of Dubrovnik.
Known for its sparkling beaches, rich culture and history, and world renowned gastronomy, Croatia is a destination unlike anywhere else. Make it your home for three weeks this summer on this customized Maymester program offered through the Smeal College of Business.
Field trips and site visits:
Field trips and site visits have not been finalized for 2025, but possible opportunities may included:
- Zagreb and Dubrovnik city tours
- US Embassy visit
- Day trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Collaboration with students at University of Zagreb
- Day trip to the beautiful island of Korčula to meet local entrepreneurs
- and more!
Expectations:
Students should come prepared for an intense and enriching experience! This program offers the opportunity for students in business and related fields to learn about the business environment of Croatia.
Eligibility:
- 18 years of age or above
- Good academic and disciplinary standing at Penn State
- 3.0 cumulative GPA or better at the time of application
- Sophomore minimum semester standing or above at the start of the program
- Students from all colleges and campuses are welcome to apply; students should have a demonstrated interest in business
- Preference may be given to CIENT majors, ENTI minors, and IB minors
- If applications are high, admissions will be prioritized by the quality of application essays, and academic preparation
the study in study abroad
Program Overview & Academics
All students will be enrolled in the following course for a total of 3 credits:
MGMT 499: Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Croatia
| 3 credits | This course can satisfy IL; general elective credit for Smeal majors.
This undergraduate Maymester course will provide students with an understanding of the principles, practices, opportunities and challenges of innovation within the context of Croatia. The course will explore how innovation occurs in an international context and how entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of international markets, specifically within Croatia, and the European Union (EU). Major Croatian industries will be evaluated and assessed from an innovation perspective. Through visits to incubators, Croatian companies, discussions with entrepreneurs and interactive discussions in 3 different cities, students will develop the knowledge, skills, and mindset necessary to understand entrepreneurial opportunities in the global marketplace, with a specific emphasis on the Croatian business environment.
faculty
Meet Your Instructors
Dr. Jeanette Miller
Associate Clinical Professor of Entrepreneurship
Dr. Jeanette Miller is a global citizen, having worked in emerging markets (Central Europe, Southeast Europe and South Asia) for over a dozen years, specializing in economic development and business start-ups. During her career, she has held leadership positions with the U.S. Government, worked for multinational management consulting firms, and has been an entrepreneur. Dr. Miller is passionate about entrepreneurship, innovation and small business growth as she has seen first-hand how powerful they can be for economic development. Dr. Miller’s expertise includes strategic management, startup financial planning and implementation, and the impact of social enterprises.
Dr. Miller is a clinical associate professor of entrepreneurship at the Smeal College of Business at Penn State University and the Associate Director of the Farrell Center for Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship. She is also the faculty director of the Smeal Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) program for executives. She has a Doctorate of Business Administration from Georgia State University, a double master’s degree in International Business and International Relations from Webster University in Vienna, Austria, and a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Texas at Austin.
Travis Lesser
Instructor in the Department of Management and Organization
Travis is an Instructor in the Department of Management and Organization, teaching courses in entrepreneurship (MGMT 215: Entrepreneurial Mindset), social entrepreneurship (MGMT 365), and responsible business leadership (BA 342) and the Coordinator for the Corporate Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CIENT) Major.
In addition, his role as Program Coordinator with the Farrell Center for Corporate Innovation & Entrepreneurship, he administers such programming as the CIENT Student Experienceship Program, Propel Business – New Innovation & Entrepreneurship Program and is also working on projects focused on social entrepreneurship and impact. He is also the faculty advisor for Penn State Net Impact Undergraduate Chapter.
logistics
Housing, Travel & Meals
Where You’ll Stay
Independent housing is NOT permitted on this program.
Hotels & Student Dorms
- Included in the program fee, students will reside in a shared hotel room in Zagreb and Varazdin, and a student dorm with kitchen in Dubrovnik.
- Students will spend approximately 1-week in each location of the program.
- Single room occupancy available upon request for an additional fee.
Getting Around
Program Start Date (May 12, 2025) is the day of arrival in the host country (arrival to Zagreb Airport). Program End Date (May 31, 2025) is the required departure date from program housing (departure from Dubrovnik Airport). All local ground transportation is provided and included between program sites and cultural/business activities. Local flight between Zagreb and Dubrovnik also included in program fee. Metro passes provided in Zagreb.
Good Eats
Breakfast daily will be included while students are in hotels (Zagreb and Varazdin). Students are responsible for providing their own meals. A welcome dinner and farewell event will be organized by the program.
Croatian cuisine is diverse, regional, and deeply rooted in local ingredients and traditions as well as influences from the Mediterranean, Central European, and Balkan culinary scenes. The coastal regions are known for fresh seafood and local olive oil, and inland you can find traditional meats, stews, and other hearty dishes, like štrukli (cheese filled pastry). Bring your appetite, because it’s sure to be an unforgettable culinary experience.
GET TO KNOW YOUR countrY
Why Study in Croatia?
Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship in Croatia is steadily growing, driven by a young, innovative population and increasing government support for startups and small businesses. In recent years, cities like Zagreb, Split, and Rijeka have become hubs for tech startups and digital innovation, with sectors like software development, fintech, and tourism technology gaining traction. The country offers several business incubators, accelerators, and co-working spaces, fostering a collaborative environment for entrepreneurs. Croatia’s business environment is increasingly attractive for foreign direct investment, particularly due to its location, educated workforce, and improving infrastructure.
Tourism
Croatia is a popular destination for tourists, particularly known for its beautiful coastline, islands, and UNESCO World Heritage sites. The tourism sector is a significant driver of the country’s GDP, with cities like Dubrovnik, Split, and the Dalmatian coast attracting millions of visitors annually. Growth in tourism has also spurred developments in hospitality, resorts, and real estate investment.
Unique Beauty
Croatia boasts over 1,000 islands along the Adriatic Sea, with crystal-clear waters, secluded beaches, and picturesque coastal towns like Dubrovnik and Split, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Its landscapes range from the cascading waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park to the rugged mountains of the Dinaric Alps. Croatia’s history is a fusion of Roman, Venetian, Austro-Hungarian, and Ottoman influences, reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions. The country also maintains a vibrant blend of Mediterranean charm and Slavic warmth, making it a unique destination in Europe.
earn 3 credits towards the
International Business Minor
The International Business Minor is an academic credential for Smeal College of Business students to demonstrate their education in international business at Penn State and globally.
Budget
Cost & Scholarships
There are many ways to reduce the cost of study abroad. One key strategy is to plan ahead and select a program that makes the best use of credits towards graduation requirements. Smeal International Program Advisers are available to meet with students to help them select the best program to meet their academic goals.
Click here to view the PSU Global program website, click on the “Costs & Funding” tab for this particular program’s budget sheet:
Smeal Summer Study Abroad and International Internship Scholarship
Smeal students are encouraged to apply! One easy application to be considered for various financial awards.
***Scholarships are need-based and require that a FAFSA has been filed to be considered.***
Most PSU scholarship awards are made after the program application is due (January 23) but before the deadline to commit to the program (February 7).
Penn State Global Programs Scholarships
Student Engagement Network Study Abroad Grants
The Student Engagement Network offers this unique funding opportunity for students which supports the breadth of student engagement experiences in the spirit of both in-person and virtual/remote engagement experiences. Undergraduate students across the commonwealth are encouraged to apply for an SEN Grant that will support virtual, remote, and/or in-person engagement opportunities in the coming academic year.
Undergraduate students are eligible to receive one $2000 grant per student career/degree.
*Please note that SEN grant award decisions will not be made until after the commitment deadline for Summer Study Abroad*
More information is available on the Student Engagement Network’s website
Penn State Office of Student Aid
Have a Question?
Meet with an Adviser!
Make an appointment with a Smeal International Programs Adviser to learn more about study abroad programs, discuss academic fit, and how to apply! We offer in person advising in the Business Building (Suite 484) or virtual advising through Zoom.