Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.59549/n.166.3-4.3
Teacher in Croatian Education Abroad: Between Community and Classroom – A Case Study
Petra Bajčić
orcid.org/0009-0007-5313-9304
; Ivan Zajc Elementary School Rijeka, Croatia
*
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
The Republic of Croatia is recognized as a country with a long-standing trend
of emigration, which led to the organization of Croatian language education
abroad as a key means of preserving Croatian identity and cultural heritage
among Croats outside Croatia. This case study reconstructs the experiences
of two teachers in Croatian language classes in Switzerland and Montenegro.
Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and thematic analysis
was applied within a social constructivist framework. Motivation, pedagogical
approaches, and teacher interactions with students, parents, and colleagues
were analyzed. Findings highlight the multifaceted role of teachers shaped
by the unique challenges of teaching Croatian abroad, involving engagement
both in the classroom and the community. The study contributes to understanding
the transnational educational context and informing policies supporting
Croatian language education abroad.
Keywords
diaspora; education of Croats in other countries; educational work; intercultural environment; professional identity
Hrčak ID:
340787
URI
Publication date:
10.12.2025.
Visits: 447 *