From Beginners to Experts: Croatian for Everyone

Dobrodošli! Welcome! I’m Sandra Forić, the founder of Croella, where I combine passion and expertise in teaching Croatian. With a PhD in Croatian language and literature from the University of Graz, I’ve taught students of all levels.

Born in Bjelovar, Croatia, I blend language and culture to make learning both engaging and meaningful. As a native Croatian speaker, I also speak English and German, and have a working knowledge of Slovenian, Bulgarian, and Spanish. I enjoy connecting with students from diverse backgrounds and tailoring lessons to their needs.

My teaching focuses on practical communication, grammar, and pronunciation, which I believe are key to mastering any language. I simplify Croatian's complexities to help students feel confident and comfortable in real-life conversations. Beyond the classroom, I’m a proud parent, always excited to grow and learn alongside my students.

At Croella, we believe learning Croatian should be an enjoyable and fulfilling experience for everyone. Whether you're exploring the language for travel, expanding your business opportunities, helping your kids connect with their heritage, or simply pursuing personal growth, we’re here to make it easy, accessible, and tailored just for you.

Croella was founded to develop a new structure of learning, offering a unique order in which things are taught in Croatian. A strong focus is placed on pronunciation, providing tools for self-correction, so you can fine-tune your speech independently. Complex grammar is simplified, and the pace of learning is adaptable, combining guided lessons with self-study at home to ensure a balanced and personalized experience.

Our lessons are designed to simplify even the most intricate aspects of Croatian grammar, offering a flexible and engaging approach that fits your schedule—whether you prefer online or offline learning. From day one, we focus on real-world communication and clear pronunciation, helping you gain the confidence to use Croatian in everyday situations.

We provide an immersive experience that connects you to Croatian culture, traditions, and history, enriching your understanding of the language on a deeper level.

Everyone is welcome, and we look forward to guiding you on your Croatian language journey!

We help you master Croatian with personalized, interactive lessons via Zoom and Microsoft Teams, guided by the CEFR. Our tailored plans focus on your goals, using immersive multimedia, real-life conversations, and practical exercises.

I create my own learning materials, including comprehensive vocabulary lists on specific topics, and incorporate many visual aids to enhance your learning experience. I simplify complex grammar rules to make them easier to understand and apply in everyday situations. Our listening exercises and spoken language activities are carefully prepared by experts to ensure you're exposed to authentic Croatian speech patterns. Having noticed that much of today’s Croatian literature focuses on outdated or less relevant figures, I prioritize practical and modern content to help you engage with contemporary Croatian culture.

We emphasize practical communication, teaching grammar and vocabulary in context while refining pronunciation. Cultural immersion connects you with Croatian traditions and customs.

With regular feedback and progress tracking, we ensure your learning journey is motivating, enjoyable, and effective.

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), established by the Council of Europe in 2001, is a global standard for language proficiency. It defines six levels:

• A1 and A2 (Basic User): Simple expressions and routine communication.
• B1 and B2 (Independent User): Clear speech, travel situations, and fluent communication on complex topics.
• C1 and C2 (Proficient User): Fluent expression, implicit meanings, and effortless communication.

The CEFR standardizes assessments, supports curriculum design, and enhances global mobility for learners.