STORIES

I have wanted to go on Erasmus siince I was in high school to meet people from other countries and see if I can take care of myself in a strange environment without my secure social net. I also decided to participate because I needed a change and it would be hard to make it without leaving my country and gaining a new perspective without any pressure on me. Why Slovenia? Because of the nature and well structured websites for Erasmus students.

My stay was a much needed refreshment for me compared to the hectic lifestyle I had back home. The city is truly peaceful even though there are events in the city center so if you wanted there were things to see. I loved the shared bikes! Never had to use buses inside Maribor and it felt great to get everywhere in 10-15 minutes. Exercising and not polluting the air. I had time for sports ( I started going to free volleyball sessions thanks to Zdrava zabava), I was hanging out with locals, other Erasmus students amd enjoying events made by the student organization ŠOUM or ESN. It was also easy to connect with erasmus people so we organized trips and events ourselves as well. The feeling of community, no pressure of expectations and open-mindness was truly liberating. Teacher were nice to us and provided opportunities to participate on international lectures if they had a guest in the class whenever the possibility has occurred. If you like hiking, there are mountains just outside Maribor, easily reacheble by foot.

Slovene people are very warm and welcoming. I made some friends among local students and adults (in volleyball trainings) and they were always helpful and kind, giving some tips. I had basically no cultural shock since I am also from a Slavic nation and we are not so different.

I cannot remember having any bigger challenges, the staff at the university was answering my e-mails and we received support and all necessary information during the first welcome week both from the university and then form my faculty. There was also no problems with the accommodation in Quadro dormitory. Sometimes someone did not speak English in the streets or shops, but since I took Slovene language course, mixed it a bit with Czech, we always managed.

Erasmus was a very refreshing experience which allowed me to get out of my daily routine, meet new people, be a bit carefree again, explore and adapt to living in a new country and in supportive dormitory community. Made me realize what I would like to do different in my life back home, what fits me well, what can be improved and what to let go of.

Aneta Pospíšilová
Faculty of Arts

Student from: Praha, Czech Republic
Period of exchange: february 2024 – july 2024