Nikolina: bringing the Croatian language to life

Teacher story

For Nikolina, teaching Croatian isn’t just about grammar – it’s an invitation to explore the country’s distinctive dialects, flavours, and traditions. With a friendly blend of humour and cultural insights, she shows that learning a language can be joyful and transformative.

Teacher Nikolina

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Growing up in Čičkovina

Nikolina grew up in the small village of Čičkovina, near the historical city of Varaždin in Croatia. From an early age, she noticed how her community’s unique dialect brought people together. The distinct intonation and wide range of vowels in her hometown’s speech fascinated her and ignited a keen interest in the ways language can shape a culture.

Teacher Nikolina

“Our dialect is very melodic – we speak as if we’re singing.”

Spending her childhood immersed in this vibrant linguistic environment, Nikolina developed not just an ear for Croatian, but a deep appreciation for the sound and structure of words. Over time, she came to see her local dialect as more than a means of communication – she saw it as a form of art, one that paved the way for her future as a language teacher.

Discovering a passion for teaching

As she pursued her studies in Germanistics and Croatistics at the University of Zagreb, Nikolina’s enthusiasm for language flourished. Realising that teaching Croatian offered a way to share her culture, she found a vocation that felt deeply personal. Passing on her mother tongue – and the traditions that shape it – became much more than a job.

She invests her energy into creating practical, student-focused lessons where learners can see real progress. By emphasising everyday scenarios and encouraging open conversation, Nikolina sets an environment in which her students feel at ease exploring a new language and culture.

Humour and creativity in the classroom

Maintaining a light-hearted, approachable atmosphere is key to Nikolina’s teaching style. She believes that when learners have fun, they’re less self-conscious about making mistakes – vital steps in mastering any new tongue. She peppers her lessons with jokes, cultural tidbits, and friendly banter that keeps the mood upbeat and interactive.

“I love blending humour with cultural insights so students feel confident using Croatian in everyday life. That’s my priority.”

Creativity is another cornerstone of her approach. Nikolina often incorporates idiomatic expressions or interesting new phrases she’s discovered in her own language studies. In doing so, she highlights the dynamic nature of Croatian, showing students that each lesson is a chance to unearth fresh perspectives and possibilities.

Nurturing progress and confidence

One of Nikolina’s favourite memories involves a shy beginner who hesitated to speak during their first lessons. Eventually, this student launched into a spontaneous conversation in Croatian without even realising it. Moments like these highlight how perseverance, support, and a welcoming classroom culture can lead to remarkable breakthroughs.

By tailoring her lessons to match individual goals – be it strengthening grammar skills or building conversational fluency – Nikolina ensures each learner progresses at a comfortable pace. Seeing her students transform from timid speakers into confident communicators is a reward she never takes for granted.

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Life beyond the classroom

Outside of teaching, Nikolina is an avid cook who loves experimenting with Italian and Croatian dishes. She unwinds by exploring new recipes, reading everything from classic literature to modern romances, and staying close to friends and family. Time spent chatting, laughing, and sharing home-cooked meals is a vital source of balance in her life.

“Family and friends are everything to me – I always make time for them.”
Teacher Nikolina

Nikolina’s story illustrates the power of language in bridging cultures and building confidence. By infusing each lesson with humour, creativity, and genuine care, she ensures that learning Croatian is an opportunity to explore new perspectives and discover a sense of community – both inside and outside the classroom.



More teacher and student stories

Discover more inspiring language journeys and see how others are learning and teaching Croatian:

  • Billie’s journey: from Wyoming mornings to Croatian connections

    Student story

    Learning Croatian is more than a hobby for Billie – it’s a way to connect with friends, explore culture, and feel at home in a new language.

  • How Maja blends drama and mindfulness in language learning

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    Blending drama, mindfulness, and personal growth, Maja helps students find confidence and deeper connections through the Croatian language.

  • Nadja and Ingo: embracing language and life on Brač

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    From global travels to island life on Brač, Nadja and Ingo embrace new challenges, adventures, and the Croatian language.

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