STORIES

In my opinion, student exchange through the ERASMUS+ program should be an essential part of a student’s studies. I thought that the student exchange would allow me to expand my horizons and develop my personality, and with the participation itself, it was confirmed. This exchange of students was an opportunity for me to acquire new skills and expanded experiences, which will help me to enrich my career after completing my studies in terms of further employment. What is even more important for me is the opportunity to get to know a completely different educational system, the way in which Slovenian professors teach their knowledge to criminology students and the different way of learning the subject offered by the educational system of the Faculty of Criminology Justice and Security. I decided on this faculty because of the high level of education and the benefits of that education. I chose to visit Slovenia because it offers a great balance between quality education and beautiful nature. An additional factor that influenced my decision is the attractiveness of the Slovenian culture and dialect, as well as the geographical position and climate of Ljubljana, which make it attractive to many tourists from all over the world, as well as to me. It was a great pleasure and a challenge for me to have new experiences, new people and a new culture and different lifestyles, which will allow me to have a greater view and understanding of the world.

The first challenge I faced was the different climate. By the time I arrived in Ljubljana in the early hours of the morning, it was dark; gray clouds hung overhead, and it was raining—what a surprise for Ljubljana, right? 😀 During the first two weeks after my arrival, the temperatures were relatively low, much lower than those in Macedonia. In my head, I had only questions: Where had I come? How long would it be so cold? When would it stop raining? All of this caused a bad feeling in me and a sense of repulsion toward the whole atmosphere of the city. I longed to see the sun, even during the day, and to regain my positive energy. I felt pressure from being in an unknown city, surrounded by unfamiliar people sharing my living space, miles away from my family and friends.

Although this was not how I wanted my exchange to begin, the temperature shock was inevitable. The rain, whether I liked it or not, soon became a part of my daily routine, and the ‘problem’ I had in Macedonia—carrying an umbrella—was no longer an issue; it became something I didn’t leave home without. On the positive side, I took that habit with me from the rainy February in Ljubljana, which continued throughout my entire stay (but I’m not complaining!). Slovenia, and especially Ljubljana, became dear to my heart and is one of the places to which I feel attached for many reasons. Every experience I gained there is one I will remember for the rest of my life. If I hadn’t gone on an exchange, I would never have washed my clothes in city laundromats. I felt like I was living a scene from an American movie. It wasn’t a big deal, but it was interesting and, above all, new for me.

Another challenge I faced was adapting to the new education system. The Slovenian education system is different from what I was used to, but it was interesting to learn about new methods of teaching and learning. The teachers were professional and always willing to help, which greatly aided my adaptation process. I was particularly impressed by their availability for our questions and their quick responses to emails.

The next challenge was the language barrier. Although the Slovenian language is not very different from the Macedonian language, there were still moments when communication was difficult. However, this gave me the opportunity to improve my Slovenian and learn new expressions and phrases. Not a day went by without me using ‘Dober dan,’ ‘Hvala,’ ‘Lep dan,’ or ‘Adijo.’

One of the most beautiful experiences was getting to know the Slovenian culture. Slovenia is a country with a rich history and traditions, and I was honored to be a part of its cultural scene. I participated in several cultural events, where I learned a lot about Slovenian customs and traditions. During the spring, the weather improved day by day; the number of tourists grew, and the flowery Ljubljana became more beautiful. Tulips gradually became my favorite flowers. My friends began to call me whenever they saw a tulip, and it soon became “my flower”. Some portray Slovenians as cold people. I had believed this before I arrived, which was, of course, a prejudice. My opinion changed completely when I started living in their community.

Through the Erasmus program, I gained many new friendships. The people I met were friendly and open, which helped me feel welcome and accepted. These new connections not only made my stay more interesting but also opened up new opportunities for professional and personal development. In the future, I look forward to walking in destinations like Croatia, Spain, Turkey, Poland, the Czech Republic, Netherlands, and Finland…

During my time there, I met people who became like family to me. Despite the fact that keeping in contact with each of them after our separation is not very feasible, I still remember them fondly when I think back to that semester in Ljubljana. I am still in touch with some of them today, and we

are making plans for when we can meet again. Sometimes, when I look at pictures, tears come to my eyes because I know that time will not return. We will grow older, and each semester new students will arrive to share this experience in our place.

When I submitted the documents for Erasmus, I was not fully aware of what awaited me. I submitted them as a joke, yet I experienced something you cannot buy with money, nor will you have the chance to experience in future master’s or doctoral studies.

During the semester, I did not visit my family and friends in Macedonia. Instead, I used my money and time to explore new places in green Slovenia. Many of my not-so-close friends would say, “You can’t wait for the semester to end and come home.” I’d be lying if I said they were entirely right. Slovenia became a part of me, integrated into my daily life; with each passing day, I realized I had one less day to stay there. I didn’t want to leave that routine, that community of people who were there for me during my challenging days, the friends with whom I enjoyed coffee by the Ljubljanica River and shared meals using students boni.

In conclusion, my Erasmus experience in Ljubljana has been an enriching journey that I will cherish for a lifetime. The vibrant culture, enchanting landscapes, and welcoming atmosphere of the city have greatly contributed to my personal and academic growth. Engaging with fellow international students and locals allowed me to develop meaningful connections and broaden my perspectives. Beyond the classroom, the friendships I formed during my time in Ljubljana were among the highlights of my experience. Sharing experiences with fellow Erasmus students and locals—over coffee, cultural events, or hiking in the nearby mountains—created bonds that transcended borders. The challenges I faced, from navigating a new educational system to adapting to a different lifestyle, have equipped me with resilience. Overall, my time in Ljubljana has not only enhanced my academic knowledge but has also fostered a deep appreciation for diversity and intercultural dialogue.

Living in Ljubljana also taught me valuable life skills. Navigating daily life in a foreign city helped me enhance my independence and adaptability. From learning the basics of the Slovenian language to mastering public transportation, each new challenge fostered a sense of accomplishment. I also developed a newfound appreciation for traveling and exploring, as Slovenia’s central location allowed me to easily visit neighboring countries, each offering its own unique culture and experiences.

As I reflect on my time in Ljubljana, I realize that this experience has encouraged me to embrace change and uncertainty. It has inspired me to pursue future opportunities abroad, confident that I can navigate new environments and adapt to different cultures. The memories of evenings spent at the Ljubljanica River, weekend trips to the stunning Lake Bled, and spontaneous adventures in the city’s historic neighborhoods will remain with me forever.

“My last words would be: ‘A piece of my heart belongs to the spirit of Slovenia,’ because only Slovenia has the word ‘LOVE’ in its name.”

Martina Minova
Faculty of Criminal Justice and Security

Student from: Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia
Period of exchange: February 2024 – July 2024