Sudbina! That’s Croatian for “destiny,” and surely what native Borna Nemet felt when he was assigned to pick up a visiting professor at the Zagreb airport.
Just a few months before, as he was working on his Ph.D., Nemet had read a paper by UNLV College of Education professor Kenny Varner. Now Varner, who had been collaborating with the University of Zagreb for several years, was visiting and Nemet was assigned to pick him up. It gave Nemet a chance to to talk to Varner about their shared interest researching lifelong learning and educational sciences.
During the drive, Nemet joked about studying in the U.S., saying “If you asked me, I’d come tomorrow!”
The next day, Varner sent him information on a grant so that he could apply as an international student at UNLV. Now, Nemet is earning two Ph.D.s at once: one in Las Vegas and one in Croatia.
It was sudbina for UNLV as well, Varner says: “The college had just secured about $9 million in grant funding and we wanted to support graduate assistants with broader experience and triangulated skill sets. [Nemet] has the educational background, and is also skillful at design and technology, so he was an ideal fit.”
Growing up, Nemet says he always had a sense of curiosity that made him interested in learning new things and taking the extra step to explore deeper. However, he struggled when it came to making a decision on what exactly to study.
“I didn't know what I wanted to do because I was interested in many different areas,” he says. His aunt — a teacher — inspired him to apply to the education program at the University of Zagreb.
Today, Nemet leads a busy life split between Las Vegas and Croatia. He spends his days researching educational leadership and effectiveness at UNLV and his nights teaching over 300 students at the University of Zagreb on Zoom.
Balancing Life as an International Graduate Student
The secret to his success navigating the complexities of being an international student? Finding support, both as a graduate student and as an international student.
“The unconditional support here is something that you cannot experience anywhere else,” he says. “As you go through different things, you meet different people, and the more people you meet, the more you realize that everybody is happy to help you.”
Varner continues to be the biggest supporter for Nemet’s research endeavors. “I would like to think I learn as much from him as he hopefully learns working with me,” the professor says.
The resources available on campus have also proven to be key in helping Nemet achieve academic success. The Graduate Student Commons in the Lied Library, an area designed specifically for UNLV’s graduate students, has everything he needs to study and work on his assignments. At the International Students and Scholars Center, he says he’s found help for everything from visas to taxes.
In his (limited) free time he uses the Student Wellness and Recreation Center to learn how to play volleyball and meet students from all over campus. And for lunches on campus. “I can’t resist Taco Bell at the Student Union,” he jokes.
Despite his packed schedule, he still manages to find time for fun.
“I remember watching movies about Las Vegas when I was younger with my parents," he says. "Now, I've been to the casinos in those movies. I’ve been to Fremont Street. I go to concerts — I've seen the Chainsmokers, Imagine Dragons, Bruno Mars, and Post Malone. I've been to a Raiders American football game even though I still don’t get the rules. I also go hiking with my friends in Red Rock Canyon and Death Valley. There's a lot of different things you can enjoy here."
Thanks to the flexibility of faculty in the College of Education, he is also able to periodically return to the University of Zagreb. He also spent his spring break presenting at the University of Oxford and has also traveled extensively around the U.S.
Looking toward his plans after graduation, Nemet says, “I'm interested in so many different things. I don't think I can do just one thing.”
It’s no surprise that his curiosity and love for adventure keeps his future open. One thing is for certain: his research continues to fuel his excitement to inspire future students and educators with a passion for learning.
Advice for International Students at UNLV
When asked to share advice for incoming international students, Nemet offered some helpful tips: “Going to a different country by yourself can be very stressful to go through. Be more open, explore the resources more, and ask for help. Try to connect with as many students and faculty members as you can.”
