Student Profiles

Hrvoje Lusic

Hrvoje Lusic
Chemistry Major
Undergraduate: John Brown University, Arkansas
Master’s: Wright State University, Ohio
Ph.D.: North Carolina State University

Why did you choose to study in the United States?
I was interested in learning something new about a foreign land and culture. The U.S. also seemed like a great place to continue my education and pursue my swimming career. Last but not least, it was a sort of an adventure to try making it in a completely new environment.

What was different about studying in the U.S. versus studying in Slovenia?
I cannot truly compare the two, since I have never actually attended college in Slovenia. I have to say though that I was not disappointed with college life in the U.S. There was hardly ever a dull moment. Perhaps the biggest difference between college in Slovenia and the U.S. is the grading system. In the U.S. the grades are generally composed of a series of exams throughout the semester, and even homework and attendance can play a role, while in Slovenia the grades were generally based on the performance on the comprehensive final exam at the end of the course.

Was there anything you found surprising about the U.S. in your time there?
There are many things that are different between the U.S. and Slovenia. After a while you get used to them all. These are not major differences, but small ones. I would hesitate to use the word “surprising” to describe them. Living in America for a long time you learn not to be surprised at much anymore. Perhaps the ones that I still find weird are the ones that don't really make much sense to me, like for example the legal drinking age being 21.

What would you say to students who say “Why should I study in the U.S.?” when they can get a nearly free education in Slovenia?
If one would have trouble affording the university in the U.S., then there is probably not much sense in going to study there, and putting yourself deeply in debt. However, if you can get awarded a scholarship, it would definitely be foolish not to go. You cannot expect to learn about the world by staying in one place all the time. Even, if you end up not liking it, you may always come back and continue the education in Slovenia. In either case you will gain valuable experience and perhaps make lots of new friends in the process.

What was your most memorable experience, either socially or academically?
People always ask that question and I can never properly answer it. It is impossible to pick just one event and make it stand above all the others. I guess the whole journey is one long memorable experience in itself. There are many events I remember fondly: my first week in the States, going to Spring Break, winning the conference championship, taking road trips across the U.S., throwing a giant graduation party, etc. Any event singled out would not really be able to portray the actual experience - kind of like taking words out of context. 

What advice would you give students who are interested in pursuing some form of higher education in the U.S.?
Just go! Everything else will sort itself out. It is impossible to give generalized advice. America is huge and each place is different. In a sense there are as many “Americas” as there are people living in it. Perhaps the best advice is to be open and friendly and people will treat you right in return.

How did your experience studying in the U.S. contribute to your career path?
I guess I could say that my studies currently are my career path. Being a scientist it helps to have available resources in lab space, instrumentation, materials, projects and active faculty. Many of these things are not as readily available in Slovenia due to lack of funding.

Hrvoje can be reached at: hlusic@ncsu.edu