STORIES

A second life would define this experience. A completely different world from the one where I grew up. My start in the Erasmus Program was a bit difficult. It started from the selection of the place where I would go. A country as quiet as Slovenia, would it suit me? The first questions were whether I would win the interview that was held at my University in my country. Very quickly I received a positive response. With more help from society, family and teaching staff, I was able to leave my fears to challenge myself. The challenge of finding the courage to move to another city.

It was February 24 at 12 midnight. The day I took my compatriot, the friend I was going to share the room with, and left with our suitcases, on the way to Tirana airport. I barely knew the friend I was going to share the room with, but that didn’t stop me from holding her hand when the plane had turbulence. We landed in Ljubljana. The first thought was: ‘How much greenery! How many forests!’. The journey seemed endless, but we finally arrived in Maribor. We were overloaded with suitcases and tired from the long road. We found the dormitory, got the keys and without relaxing at all, our experience began. Slovenia, such a neat country confused us at first. Starting from the traffic lights that lasted only ten seconds for pedestrians and up to the strict opening hours of markets and supermarkets. Thoughts with the chaplain and adaptation seemed impossible. I cried, the first days because I missed my family. It was the first time I ran away from them for such a long time. The days were getting busier. I got to know the faculty and teachers, with whom I would follow the educational programs. No day was the same. I was happy that I shared my difficulties with my roommate. Little by little I started to learn how to ride a bicycle to go to faculty, despite the fact that I fell and often tripped over my feet, and my roommate laughed at me. The courses I chose were held in English for Erasmus students. The teaching staff was very helpful and communicative. I also met some Slovenian students, who were all hospitable and kind. After class, we would sit in the cafe to develop our teaching ideas and learn as much as possible about student life. We began to participate in the activities developed by the University of Maribor and the Erasmus Program. I remember the first activity was the International Dinner. I took part in the games that were held there and met many students who came from different countries. As a little introverted girl, I had to get used to more friends. They were all different, but with a wonderful outlook on life. We shared our special stories, our knowledge, food, clothes, language. The exits in Maribor were full of life. By the river we used to gather and have fun. We made plans to escape through the beautiful places of Slovenia and beyond. My first trip was to Graz, Austria. We left with a rental car without knowing the way. When we arrive, we decide to visit many museums. After the beautiful trip to Graz, followed the trip to Ljubljana, where I visited the castle with a magnificent view, the river Ljubljanica and then Lake Bled. Our travels were not over. Day after day I make plans with different companies. We visited the beautiful city of Celje, the coastal city of Piran and of course other countries such as France, Croatia and Italy. Many beautiful experiences, but there were also awkward and comical ones. For example, in Graz we received a fine for wrong parking. In Italy we also received another fine. And last but not least.. I wore sandals to go hiking and fell, and stayed in bed for several days with a broken leg. But as we say from my country: ‘People learn by making mistakes!’

Days passed and the escape from the city of Maribor was becoming real. The walks along the Drava River were increasing and as if the feeling of longing took hold of the soul. The last hugs with our friends were killing our thoughts. My roommate and I were until the last day of the season. We wanted to shed tears, because our soul could not leave that place. The dormitory was being emptied day by day and the wheels of suitcases could be heard in the corridor. Our last day, July 12. It is very difficult to say goodbye to the place where you lived the most beautiful days of your life. There was nothing left for us but to greet the Slovenian land with our hands for the last time, seeing it from the height of the plane. The dream came true and I found myself!

Joana Dosti
Faculty of Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering and Architecture

Student from: Tirana, Albania
Period of exchange: February 2024 – July 2024