U okviru programa Fullbright U.S Scholar, od veljače do srpnja 2025. godine na Odsjeku za kriminologiju Edukacijsko-rehabilitacijskog fakulteta boravio je profesor Arif Akgul s Indiana State University, Terre Haute, SAD.
Od 2005. godine Edukacijsko-rehabilitacijski fakultet i Indiana State University uspješno surađuju na provođenju nastave i istraživanja, što je potvrđeno i potpisivanjem bilateralnog sveučilišnog sporazuma koji je, bez prekida, aktivan već 20 godina.
U nastavku prenosimo tekst dostavljen izravno od autora, profesora Arifa Akgula, te se isti objavljuje uz njegovu suglasnost:
When Research Becomes Relationship: Building Bridges Between America and Croatia through Fulbright
When Dr. Arif Akgul stepped off the plane in Zagreb, he carried more than just research papers and academic credentials. He brought curiosity, a willingness to learn, and—unexpectedly—a passion for sports and music that would soon connect him with locals in ways no formal program could have planned.
More Than Just Academic Exchange
What started as a traditional Fulbright Scholar placement at the University of Zagreb has evolved into something much richer: a genuine cultural bridge built through shared meals, heated discussions about criminology, and yes, games on the pickleball court and actively joining the arts and music festivals.
Easter with a Croatian Family
One of Dr. Akgul's most treasured memories happened when Dr. Blazenka Brozovic and her family invited him to celebrate Easter with them. "The traditional Croatian hospitality and meals were amazing - something I will never forget," he says. This invitation to share such an important holiday gave him a window into the heart of Croatian culture and family traditions that no textbook could provide.
The Research That Matters
Working alongside Dr. Dalibor Dolezal and Dr. Dijana Jerkovic at the Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation Sciences, Dr. Akgul isn't just studying drug policy from an office. "We're not just studying policy, we're contributing to evidence-based discussions that will influence both Croatian and American approaches to drug policy," explains Dr. Dolezal, his enthusiasm evident as he describes their late-night brainstorming sessions and breakthrough moments during the research interviews.
The collaboration is already bearing fruit, with research findings that promise to inform policy discussions on both sides. But perhaps more importantly, it's creating lasting relationships that will outlive any single research project.
Finding Community in Unexpected Places
Ask Dr. Akgul about his most memorable moments in Zagreb, and he might surprise you. Sure, there are the academic conferences in Zagreb, Dubrovnik and Varaždin, the formal presentations, and the curriculum development. But what lights up his face are the stories from the pickleball court.
"What started as introducing a uniquely American game became something much more meaningful," he reflects. "Croatians were teaching me techniques I had never seen before. It became this beautiful space of mutual learning—exactly what the best international collaborations should be."
Whether he's cheering alongside locals at Cibona Zagreb basketball games in the legendary Drazen Petrovic sport complex or discovering new perspectives at Zagreb's vibrant cinema and music festivals, these moments of cultural exchange happen organically, person to person.
The Ripple Effect
Dr. Ana Katusic, Vice Dean at the Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation Sciences, has watched this partnership unfold with growing excitement. "This collaboration demonstrates how international partnerships create lasting change—not just through formal diplomatic channels, but through daily interactions between people committed to understanding each other," she notes.
The impact is already spreading. Croatian students are preparing for their own journey to the USA this fall, carrying with them not just academic knowledge but stories, friendships, and a broader perspective on the world. Meanwhile, other Croatian institutions—from Varaždin to Osijek to Zadar—are taking notice, eager to create similar partnerships.
Beyond the Headlines
Behind every successful international collaboration are countless small moments: the colleague who stays late to help translate a complex Croatian legal term, the student who asks a question that sparks an entirely new research direction, the neighbor who invites you to their family dinner and suddenly you're discussing American foreign policy over homemade ćevapi.
These are the moments that transform academic exchange from a line on a CV into something that genuinely changes perspectives—on both sides.
Looking Ahead
"The relationships built this year—at ERF, community gatherings, and even government meetings—will continue to grow long after I return to the US," Dr. Akgul explains. "That's the real power of programs like Fulbright. They don't just exchange knowledge; they create lasting human connections."