Get to Know Us

Dobrodošli!Welcome!
My name is Sandra Forić, and I am passionate about teaching the Croatian language. With years of experience and a deep love for Croatian culture, I founded Croella to share my knowledge and enthusiasm with learners worldwide. I hold a PhD in Croatian language and literature from the University of Graz and have been teaching Croatian to students of all ages and levels, from beginners to advanced speakers.

Born in Bjelovar, Croatia, I began my academic journey at the Faculty of Philosophy in Zagreb, where I studied for two years. My passion for learning then led me to Graz, Austria, where I continued my education and broadened my horizons. As a native Croatian speaker, I bring not only language expertise but also cultural insights to my lessons. I believe that mastering a language is a gift because it unlocks an entire, previously unknown world to you. I strive to make my classes engaging, interactive, and fun.

I am a native Croatian speaker with strong proficiency in both English and German. I have an intermediate command of Slovenian and a basic understanding of Bulgarian and Spanish. This diverse language background enhances my ability to connect with students from various linguistic backgrounds and provide instruction tailored to their needs. My multilingual experience allows me to approach language teaching from different perspectives, making learning more accessible and relatable for students.

With a strong background in language education and linguistics, I have extensive experience as a language teacher and editor. At the University of Graz, I participated in the first and only international project on The Differences Between Bosnian,Croatian,and Serbian, where language experts from Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, and around the world actively collaborated. I also contributed to the Andrić Initiative: Ivo Andrić in the European Context, a project focused on the only Nobel Prize-winning author in literature from the former Yugoslavia, and worked on a project dedicated to Branko Ćopić. Additionally, I wrote articles and published translation related to these projects. I collaborated with language experts from the region, organized and participated in conferences, and authored a workbook focusing on phonetics and phonology.

Pronunciation is a key focus in my lessons. I understand that mastering the sounds of Croatian can be challenging, but with the right techniques and practice, anyone can achieve clear and confident speech. I use a variety of tools, such as phonetic exercises, audio recordings, and real-life conversation practice, to help you develop an authentic Croatian accent. I hold a Ph.D. in spoken Croatian language and have written a dissertation on this subject, along with a workbook on phonetics and phonology. My goal is to ensure you speak Croatian clearly and confidently. Whether you're aiming to improve your everyday conversations or perfect your formal communication, I provide personalized guidance to suit your needs. Together, we will work on fine-tuning your pronunciation until it feels natural and effortless.

Apart from my professional pursuits, I am a proud parent to two wonderful children (ages 3 and 5) who bring joy and inspiration to my life. I am passionate about attending programs, seminars, and workshops, especially those focused on neurophysiology and child development. I firmly believe that children deserve our utmost attention and support, as they can never receive enough from us as parents. For me, the essence of life lies in continuous growth and learning. I strive to apply these values not only in my personal life but also in my teaching, where I encourage students to embrace learning as a lifelong journey. Balancing my roles as a parent and educator has shaped my approach to nurturing growth in every aspect of life.

I look forward to embarking on this language learning journey with you. Vidimo se uskoro! (See you soon!)