My Work in A Marine School in Pula, Croatia

This summer I made an internship in a marine school in Croatia. The marine school does project with students teaching them about marine life in the Adriazic Sea. Both theoretical and practical tasks. I wanted to learn about marine biology and take this opportunity to organise myself and my interests for my new university studies.

I had wanted to work in the marine school in Pula since visiting one of their courses during my high school year. After school I allowed myself a gap year of traveling and internships before beginning studying at the university. I hadn't had time for my wish to go to Croatia because I just came home from months of traveling and I needed to sort myself, not to mention I didn't have the financial needs to go to another country at that time.

So, the time went by and I started my oceanography studies in October 2018. I was kind of excited but also sceptical because I didn't yet know if it was the right decision. During my first semester I knew this subject is not the right one for me. Even though I have great interest in the study of the sea the study course was not suitable for me.

In the beginning of my 2^nd semester I decided to apply for the internship in Pula to use my time to see what interest me. Do I really like marine biology? Or was I just fantasizing about the perfect marine biologist dream in Australia?

Before my journey started, I was a little scared. Was it the right decision? Am I going to find friends? I was going to a different country for the first time all on my own, I didn’t know a single Croatian word and I didn’t even know where to go.

Those 5 weeks in Croatia have been some of the best this year, maybe even in my life! I learned so much about marine life, about people and about living life. Being with people with the same interests inspired me to learn more about the topic and increasing my knowledge. I saw the passion everyone had working with and teaching others about marine biology. One thing that made me especially happy was seeing joy in the student’s eyes after they had completed their course. And having young people being interested in environmental topics and getting excited about the little things you get exciting about is such a big motivation to continue and inspire people.

At the end of my time in Croatia I had a very different perspective on nature and life. I got super excited about seeing a tiny fish I had learned about or just sitting at the ocean enjoying the sunset with my new friends. I also learned much about myself and that its important to slow down every once in a while, and just let things happen. We are all so rushed all the time, going to work, coming back home, being annoyed of how many people are on the public transport etc. Take a moment and just calm down, look around you and think about what makes this world so fascinating and what makes your eyes spark from excitement and joy. For me it is definitely being at and in the ocean and inspiring others with what I do and what I am interested in.

Thank you for everyone who I met and learned from in my time in Morksa škola!

Morska škola in Pula is an Austrian Marine School doing projects with students. Also, English courses can be requested. If you are interested, go check out their website! I also recommend it for an internship if you are interested in marine life and science.

https://meeresschule-pula.com/