Andrija

University of Zagreb, Physics, Traineeship at FMF

My name is Andrija, and I am from Zagreb, Croatia. While working on my master's thesis in research physics, I decided to take the last opportunity available to me as a student and apply for an Erasmus+ traineeship in the status of a recent graduate. My initial intention was to expand my knowledge in the field, gain insight into what is it like to work in research professionally, and potentially open doors for future career opportunities.

I explored numerous European countries and cities before remembering how much I had loved Ljubljana on a previous visit. When I came across the profile of a potential mentor online, I sent him a motivational email, and the rest is history. After we agreed on the projects and arrangements, the next step was to find accommodation. I knew from experience how competitive housing in Europe can be, so I started searching early. Despite having an ideal setup in mind, I remained flexible due to limited time and capacity, as I was simultaneously working on my thesis. In the end, I found a private dormitory offering a single room.

Surprisingly, after all my years as a student, this would be my first time experiencing dormitory life. The first couple of months were overwhelming. Adjusting to independent life in another country, finding a rhythm in a new work environment, and integrating socially in a space shared with over forty people - all of it required time and patience. Early on, there is always a subtle pressure to find your people, especially as international friend groups form quickly. Thankfully, events and trips organized by the Erasmus Student Network played a big role in creating connections and community.

Aside from the social aspect, administrative tasks and general adaptation were part of the process. Despite the difficulties, everything settled into an equilibrium over time. I ended up gaining much more than what I originally came to Ljubljana for.

Over the seven months of my exchange, I visited Radovljica, Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj, Tripoint, Postojna Cave, Trieste, Rogla, the Soča River, Banja Luka, Sarajevo, Mostar, Salzburg, Graz, Kraków, Planica, and the Tamar Valley - often with new friends I met through the program. These adventures gave me a broader perspective not only of the region, but of myself.

Since returning home, I have realized how much I have grown. I have a better understanding of both my strengths and weaknesses. I have become more adaptable and resilient in unfamiliar situations. Living with such a large and diverse group of people has made me more open-minded, tolerant, and curious. I am far more at ease in intercultural settings and have a stronger sense of European identity and solidarity.

What began as a professional goal turned into a personal growth. I have started reconnecting with the values I had put aside during intense academic years - compassion, creativity, and community. The experience not only gave me skills for my future career but also a renewed sense of what kind of life I want to lead - one grounded in presence, purpose, and connection.

Sonja Marković

University of Trieste, Study exchange, Medical Physics, Second Cycle

I like and appreciate the experience that I had in Ljubljana in the last few months. I had the opportunity to meet many people from different parts of the world, and I don’t think that Epidemy affected my Erasmus experience in a significant way. It was difficult to find the apartment, but once was found I didn’t have any bad experiences with the landlord. I think that Slovenians are good at English and very open to speaking it, so I think that foreigners in Slovenia don’t have any particular difficulties. Everywhere in Slovenia people were more than kind to provide me with information about anything I needed. I had a flatmate from Slovenia, so I had the opportunity to learn some Slovene, and I noticed a big improvement in my comprehension since my arrival here.

I didn’t have any bad experiences with professors here. I did have some difficulties with studying since the lectures were in Slovenian and I wasn’t able to follow them, but the professors were available to help me to overcome them.

I had the opportunity to do my internship at Oncological Institute here in Ljubljana. Very nice experience, kind and welcome people.