There is a growing demand for higher education institutions that offer dual education – combining academic learning with practical experience in a job the student has chosen in advance.
By Lida Hamar Paladin
A great example of this is Croatia’s PAR University College. In an interview with Media Marketing, its Dean, Assist. Prof. Dr. Gordana Nikolić, explains how dual education works and what advantages it offers.
MM: PAR University College is the only Croatian institution in the prestigious European alliance EU4Dual. What does this mean specifically for your students and academic community?
Dr. Gordana Nikolić: As part of the European Alliance for Dual Studies, PAR University College brings the best European practices to Croatia, laying the foundation for modern, applicable, and dual higher education.
Being part of the new European university for dual studies, EU4Dual, provides numerous tangible benefits for students and the academic community. As the only Croatian member of this alliance, PAR offers its students, staff, and lecturers the opportunity to be part of an international educational community with over 75,000 students, 40 campuses, and nearly 600 different study programs.
These programs integrate classes and internships in cooperation with companies, institutions, and organizations, enabling students to develop relevant skills and find employment more easily during their studies.
MM: What opportunities does EU4Dual membership open in terms of international cooperation and student exchanges?
Dr. Gordana Nikolić: Joint study programs allow students to enroll in double degree programs, work with European universities, and participate in international research and innovation projects.
MM: What are the advantages dual education brings to higher education in Croatia, and what can we learn from European examples?
Dr. Gordana Nikolić: From European examples – especially from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland – we can learn how systematic cooperation between educational institutions and employers strengthens a country’s economy. Dual programs are the foundation for strong collaboration between academia and the business sector.
Students work and study simultaneously, curricula are adapted to market needs, and every student has a mentor in the company helping them develop practical skills.
In France, for example, dual education is developed through strong partnerships between educational institutions and companies. Programs are often flexible and allow students to specialize in certain industries. There are also many scholarships and other incentives for students in dual programs, improving access to education.
Scandinavian countries like Sweden and Denmark integrate dual education into their higher education systems with a focus on innovation and sustainability. Programs often include projects with sustainable industries and the tech sector, so students not only gain professional skills but also learn about global challenges such as climate change and digitalization.
MM: Since 2008, PAR has allowed athletes to pursue education and professional development simultaneously. How did this model evolve?
Dr. Gordana Nikolić: Collaboration with sports federations, the Croatian Olympic Committee, and scholarship programs for athletes enables them to develop their sports careers while acquiring skills and knowledge necessary for managing organizations and athlete careers, and navigating the business world.
Balancing academic and athletic obligations helps athletes reduce obstacles and facilitates a smoother transition from sports to business careers.
MM: Can you share examples of successful athletes who graduated from PAR and how dual education helped their careers?
Dr. Gordana Nikolić: Ivan Krapić, captain of the Croatian national water polo team; Ana Jelušić, alpine skier who successfully balanced top-level sports and education and now works for the International Olympic Committee; Sara Kolak, Olympic gold medalist in javelin; Adrian Kiber, footballer; Ivana Miloš Prokopić, former volleyball player; Ivan Mance, footballer and sports director at HNK Rijeka; Samir Barać, water polo player and now entrepreneur and president of Water Polo Club Rijeka; and Oliver Lušić, a top athlete with a disability and president of the Croatian Sports Association for the Deaf.
Ph.D. Gordana Nikolić with Lida Hamar Paladin and Ivana Radovnikovic Marković (Hamar Media)
MM: How does PAR build partnerships with companies, and what has been the employer experience with PAR students?
Dr. Gordana Nikolić: Practical experience and mentorship give PAR students a direct link between education and professional development.
PAR also collaborates with companies on joint educational and research projects, giving students the chance to work on innovative projects with real-world applications. These projects help students understand industry challenges and develop solutions that can be used by businesses.
MM: It is crucial that students gain practical knowledge from day one. What are the biggest challenges in implementing dual education in Croatia?
Dr. Gordana Nikolić: In today’s dynamic business environment, gaining practical knowledge from the beginning is key to preparing students for the labor market.
PAR students are recognized for their ability to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world situations, which benefits employers seeking trained, work-ready staff.
Dual education, through industry collaboration, helps students develop skills that improve employability. However, the implementation of this model in Croatia faces several challenges.
Aligning educational programs with business needs remains an issue, as many companies are not yet fully integrated into the education process.
There is also low employer motivation due to short-term investments in students, and logistical challenges in balancing academic and workplace obligations.
Strengthening cooperation between education institutions and businesses is key to further developing dual education.
MM: Do you believe more institutions in Croatia will adopt this model in the future?
Dr. Gordana Nikolić: Yes – for several reasons. First, employers increasingly seek candidates with practical skills they can apply immediately. Dual education provides exactly that.
Second, it reflects a global trend, with many countries already implementing this model, and Croatia is following those international guidelines.
With growing collaboration between academia and industry, companies will be more willing to invest in internships and mentorships, encouraging the expansion of dual education.
Finally, educational institutions that don’t adapt their programs to labor market demands risk losing competitiveness. As perceptions shift toward valuing practical skills, I believe more institutions will adopt this model.
MM: The PAR International Leadership Conference (PILC) has become an important platform for sharing knowledge and experiences in leadership and education. PILC 2025 was just held – what are your impressions?
Dr. Gordana Nikolić: The PAR International Leadership Conference (PILC) is a well-known event in both academic and business circles. It brings together experts, leaders, academics, and students to share knowledge and experiences in leadership and education.
Each edition offers new ideas, innovations, and networking opportunities, contributing to shaping the future of education and leadership development.
The recently concluded PILC 2025 was a highly inspiring event. The conference’s rich and diverse program gave participants deep insight into current challenges and opportunities linked to leadership transformation in the digital age.
The theme “Transformational Leadership in the Digital Era” highlighted how technology is reshaping leadership paradigms and how leaders must adapt to new realities.
In today’s fast-paced digital world, leaders face new challenges that require innovative approaches and new skill sets.
