More Than a CV: A Conversation with Visiting Professor Tihana Koprivnjak Popović

What you won’t find there? Her love for baking.

“One thing my students would probably never guess is how much I enjoy cooking and experimenting in the kitchen—especially with desserts,” she shares. That passion for careful planning and creativity extends to another unexpected hobby: travel. Whether organizing itineraries or immersing herself in new places, Professor Tihana approaches both the kitchen and the road with the same curiosity and precision she brings to the classroom.

A Familiar Home in Pécs

Though she is a visiting professor from Croatia, Tihana is no stranger to Hungary. “I visit two to three times a year,” she says, and Pécs has become a city she genuinely looks forward to returning to. She describes it as having “a unique charm,” where historical richness meets a relaxed yet vibrant lifestyle. Beyond Pécs, she enjoys exploring Budapest and Lake Balaton, but there is something special about the academic and cultural atmosphere of this southern Hungarian gem that keeps her coming back.

Dynamic Classrooms and Global Perspectives

Teaching at the Faculty of Business and Economics (UP FBE) has been a particularly rewarding experience. Professor Tihana has worked with both undergraduate and graduate students, mentored teams, and even participated in a hackathon. What stands out most? The internationalization.

“There is a diverse mix of cultures, perspectives, ambitions, and competencies,” she explains. “It creates a very dynamic and stimulating learning environment.” She describes her students as motivated, open to communication, and willing to engage and provide feedback—qualities that make every session feel like a genuine exchange of ideas rather than a one-way lecture.

Highlights of International Teaching Week

When asked about the key moments of her International Teaching Week experience, Professor Tihana points to connection. “Meeting new colleagues from Pécs and from various other countries, exchanging teaching experiences, and discussing potential future collaborations”—these were the highlights that made the week both professionally enriching and personally enjoyable. Sharing different perspectives on education, she notes, reminded her of why cross-border academic work is so vital.

Hands-On Learning Across Disciplines

During the week, Professor Tihana taught two courses: International Career Management and Knowledge and Talent Management. But her contribution didn’t stop there. She also took part in an experiential learning workshop, mentored students in the Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice course, and served as a mentor at the International Hackathon.

“Combining teaching, collaboration, and interactive activities like the hackathon created a meaningful and engaging environment,” she reflects. For her, the real magic happened at the intersection of theory and practice—where students didn’t just learn about entrepreneurship but actually got to do it.

Professor Tihana Koprivnjak Popović left Pécs with new colleagues, fresh ideas, and a reinforced belief in the power of international academic exchange. And somewhere between the classroom and the hackathon, she probably found time to plan her next trip—and maybe even bake something to celebrate the journey.

Abigael Simiyu