Overview
While the early history of the region is uncertain, it is known that the settlement of Zagreb was officially underway by the end of the 11th century. In the twentieth century, Croatia had its share of foreign conflict, but it finally emerged as a sovereign country with its War of Independence in the 1990s. Today, Zagreb is a thriving capital city and an important hub for international commerce.
Wandering the city is visually rewarding – you’ll see everything from red roofs and cobblestones, to art deco buildings, to mural created by talented street artists. Be sure not to miss the cathedrals, palaces, world-class museums and open air markets.
Destination Information
Local Time Now:
5:27pm
Official Languages:
Croatian
Almost all alumni have not spoken the local language.The City
The downtown area of Zagreb is compact and very walkable. Check out the Archeological Museum, Dolac Market, the observation deck, the recently restored Zagreb Cathedral, and Ban Jelačić Square! Should you desire to venture further, the bus and tram systems are excellent.
Dates & Availability
- Summer Break 2025
Dates
Price
Availability
May 10, 2025 - May 30, 2025 3 weeks
$4,999
Full
May 31, 2025 - June 20, 2025 3 weeks
$4,999
Full
June 7, 2025 - June 27, 2025 3 weeks
$4,999
Open
June 21, 2025 - July 11, 2025 3 weeks
$4,999
Close to Full
June 28, 2025 - July 11, 2025 2 weeks
$3,999
Open
July 12, 2025 - August 1, 2025 3 weeks
$4,999
Open
You may pay over time, fundraise, consider scholarships, and more. Learn about our significant partial need-based scholarships here.
Participants may transfer to another program or receive a refund up until a predefined amount of time before the start date.
What’s Included
Atlantis programs include ~20h/week of shadowing, housing, some meals, transportation, travel health insurance, and more. Airfare is not included but can be very affordable.
What’s Included
On Program Components
Pre/Post Program Components
Hospital Overview
Klinička Bolnica Sveti Duh
Klinička Bolnica Sveti Duh, in English, “Holy Spirit Clinical Hospital,” is a mid-sized urban hospital (500 adult beds and 70 newborn beds) with a variety of departments and clinics. Founded in 1804, it is the oldest currently operating hospital in all of Croatia and has undergone multiple renovations over the course of its history. Sveti Duh Hospital operates in 3 different locations in the city. It is also a teaching site for the Medical Faculty of the University of Zagreb, and is involved in teaching and research.
The Sisters of Mercy Hospital
The Sisters of Mercy Hospital began in 1846, although it was not until 1894 that the establishment came to rest in its current buildings. At that point, it was managed by the Sisters of Mercy (hence the name) who ran it until it was taken over by the government in 1948. Today, it is a publicly run 863-bed institution and is involved in teaching and research through the Institute for Clinical Medical Research. Conveniently close to the city center, it is accessible via public transportation. Unlike hospitals in the United States (in which you enter one building and access all departments internally), in Zagreb the departments are often in different buildings. You’ll also be sure to make note of the hospital’s older system of record keeping.
Stunning Waterfalls
Zagreb might be a landlocked city unlike its more well-known counterparts on the Mediterranean, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have its own jaw-dropping water features and natural parks for you to explore. The lakes and waterfalls in Plitvice Lakes National Park are the backdrops to many students’ photos, and maybe even the highlight of their trip. Be sure to bring a waterproof jacket to protect yourself from the spray of the waterfall… and don’t say we didn’t warn you!
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Excursions
Our excursions are designed to offer a deeper look into your host culture, for both the educational benefit and the enjoyment of exploring a new place with others who share your interests in travel and medicine. Excursions range from historical tours to culinary and cultural explorations.
Your Site Manager will inform you of the excursions they have planned during your program orientation. If you make travel plans outside of your city for a weekend and it conflicts with the events your Site Manager has planned, notify your Site Manager several days in advance so that they can plan accordingly.
Clinical Experience that Stands Out to Schools
Medical schools want 3 things: healthcare exposure, GPA/MCAT, and certain competencies. Uniquely, “360 Shadowing” gives you the best version of the 1st, frees you to focus on the 2nd, and cultivates/shows the 3rd to medical school admissions.
Funding Your Future
The cost of Atlantis isn’t too dissimilar from the cost of many study abroad programs that you may find. And we’re here to help: from our extensive fundraising guide to flexible payment plans and financing options, we make the process simple and easy, allowing you to focus on what really matters.
Bring a Friend
Consider bringing a friend to the same program you’re applying to. Although the vast majority of Atlantis alumni have gone on programs without knowing someone in their cohort, bringing a friend allows your experience to be shared in a unique way, while still allowing you one of the benefits of Atlantis: meeting new pre-health friends from across the country. Consider sharing this idea with your friends.
