Students prefer studying in Slovenia for its connection with many European cities
“A life far from everything familiar can bring many challenges, departure tears, missing loved ones, but also can create a unique opportunity to learn one’s abilities and strengthen character and self-confidence,” these were the words of a third-year student of the UoM’s Faculty of Law, Andjela Micanovic, who is currently spending the semester at the University in Ljubljana.
“It is known that law students from Montenegro rarely decide for studying abroad, mostly because the study material is not universal, so, it is hard to find equivalent subjects,” Andrea says.
Nevertheless, despite difficulties in finding subject equivalents and overall opinion that exchange for law students is only a waste of time, Andrea got huge support from her older sister, who advised her to apply. She says that mobility programme and life in student campus Rozna Dolina in Ljubljana, in dormitory No. 4 is an experience she would not trade for any summer break.
Andrea says that upon her arrival she could not be placed the same day, therefore, the next day she learned that she would share kitchen and toilet with about 30 people and wait at the management office for a couple of hours. These were difficult circumstances for her.
“I quickly learned that it is all a part of a quick adaptation to new surroundings and different lifestyle until it turns into a habit and positive experience. Being a foreigner is not always easy, but Slovenians made me feel at home with their kindness. Also, they are always ready to communicate in our language, while Montenegro is only a 60 minutes flight away,” she says.
When it comes to cultural differences, that she would bring home, the student says that the sustainable environment culture is very developed in Slovenia, while epithet of the greenest country in Europe is well deserved. Besides that, there are numerous art events that give young people a chance for cultural development.
“Their attitude towards the environment is an example for all exchange students. It took us, students from ex-Yugoslavia, some time to get used to strict waste separation and I would love to bring this habit to Montenegro. On the other hand, art is very appreciated in Slovenia. A great number of museums, galleries, concerts, shows that are aimed at young people attract students. I think that this is exactly what Montenegro needs,” Micanovic said.
“As far as the study programmes are concerned, she says that Law Faculty of the University in Ljubljana puts strong efforts into practical learning and supports research work of students, while court cases are analyzed and discussed in all classes with comparative analysis of law systems in different countries,” she said.
“On the other hand, discussion about theoretical matters made me realize how grateful I am to home faculty for broad theoretical knowledge I gained there,” she concluded.
She says she had plenty of spare time, and she tries to spend her time making friends in different parts of the world and travelling. She emphasized that Ljubljana has an excellent connection with many European cities, which is the reason why students tend to study in Slovenia.
In the end, Andrea said that she is always ready to help students in solving issues and answering questions about studying abroad.
“While we are enjoying the comfort of our homes, we miss the meaningful experience that we can live through only if we step out from our comfort zone. It is not easy to pack your bags and leave for an unknown country, but the time there flies the same as in our homeland, with the only difference that after the exchange we come back with much more confidence and courage to overcome challenges ahead of us,” she concluded.