MY STUDENT TRAINEESHIP IN RIJEKA: Jelisaveta Đokić

Jelisaveta Đokić
University of Arts in Belgrade, Faculty of App0lied Arts

Erasmus+ Mobility for Traineeship at:

Riso and Friends, Rijeka

Through the Erasmus+ programme, I had the opportunity to spend two months in Rijeka, Croatia. At first, Croatia was not my first choice, as it is a neighbouring country. However, I found an internship opportunity that offered exactly the experience and knowledge I was looking for.

Riso and Friends (Riso i prijateljice) is a small yet highly influential studio in Rijeka, best known for risography (Riso printing), as well as for its publications, graphic design projects, and workshops. The studio is located in the former Istravina factory, Ivex, built in the 1960s and now home to numerous artists, cultural organisations, researchers, students, and social initiatives. Although its future remains uncertain due to unresolved property issues between the Port Authority and the City of Rijeka, Ivex has become an important cultural space and, during my stay, a second home.

Working at Riso and Friends gave me valuable practical experience and exposed me to many different aspects of independent publishing. Every week brought new tasks. One week I would be folding pages by hand, binding publications, and trimming finished booklets and zines. Next week, I would be preparing files for print, learning new programs, and assisting with publication layouts. I especially appreciated the collaborative atmosphere of the studio, where artists, students, designers, and visitors from different countries regularly came together to create new work. One of the highlights of my internship was designing and printing my first fanzine using the Riso machine, which remains one of the projects I am most proud of.

Beyond the internship, everything seemed to fall into place. Rijeka quickly became a city where I felt comfortable and inspired. Although it is known for its steep streets, I enjoyed exploring it on foot, discovering new places, and learning about the city through everyday walks. These moments often led to unexpected conversations and new friendships.

The beaches became one of my favorite places to relax, swim, read, and clear my mind after a long day. I also developed a fascination with Rijeka’s cargo port. My apartment overlooked one of the docks, and I found myself watching cargo ships arrive and depart. There was something unexpectedly peaceful about the rhythm of the port, and over time it became one of the memories I associate most strongly with my stay.

During my time in Rijeka, I was able to experience the city beyond its tourist attractions by meeting local people, collaborating with artists, and becoming part of a welcoming creative community. The city taught me a great deal in a short period of time, both personally and professionally.

Looking back, I can confidently say that this traineeship was one of the most rewarding experiences of my studies. It challenged me, inspired me, and broadened my perspective on art, design, and creative collaboration. I would strongly encourage other students to take advantage of the opportunity to study or complete a traineeship abroad through the Erasmus+ programme.