On Thursday, the 28th of January, as part of their business studies course Savremena International School students visited the famous Doncafé – Strauss Adriatic coffee-producing company where they were able to learn about the business operations of their interesting host first hand who boasts one of the most famous coffee brands in the region.

This was yet another in a series of visits to famous companies, hotels, factories, banks and other businesses during which Savremena’s students are able to discover the tricks of the trade through practical work and conversations with employees.

Knowing how important and useful practical lesson can be for acquiring knowledge, business studies teacher Tatjana Vilček previously set up a visit to the the Constantine the Great Hotel. Encouraged by the interests of her students, she prepared yet another surprise for them by taking them to the Strauss Adriatic company and factory where they were able to see, among other things how Doncafé, one of the most famous coffee brands produces its coffee.

Students couldn’t hide their excitement and how much they enjoyed attending a lesson outside of the classroom and how much they appreciated the opportunity to learn, ask questions and find out first hand what the company’s business principles are.

Up close with the manager of Strauss Adriatic

Upon a warm welcome extended by Zorica Đorđević, the company development manager, students sat down in the seminar room where they listened to the finance supervisor and the procurement manager talk about their roles and responsibilities in the company.

Together, they held an interesting presentation which provided students with insight into the basic facts about Strauss Adriatic, as well as its subsidiaries and its market share in Serbia and abroad.

Students also learned many useful things about the organisational structure of the company and the role management plays in it.

Detailed insight into the production process

After familiarising themselves with everything included in the operations of the company which has 200 employees, as well as its marketing and advertising activities and finance management, students found out what it means to produce 2.125.000 cups of this magical brew.

By also visiting the exhibition area, students were able to explore an old mill and listen to some interesting facts about the history of coffee making, which they enjoyed very much. After that, they went through the production area, segment by segment, from the point where the coffee is roasted to the point where it is packed and tried out. Student also found out the different kinds of aromas coffee can have and the importance of selecting the one that is just right.

Inquisitive and fascinated students

This visit enabled students to complement their theoretical knowledge with practical insight. They asked many questions and resolved everything the weren’t sure about in terms of business operations and other challenges the exciting world of business brings with itself. The visit was a complete success and students left the company full of great impressions and happy that their theoretical knowledge assumed a practical form.

In the end, they all received a mug and a coffee package but what excited them the most was the invitation to stop by again and try their hand at every segment of the production process. We would like to thank the Strauss Adriatic company for the warm welcome and their readiness to share their knowledge and experience with young students.