Extracurricular Activities in Slovenia
October marks the beginning of a new academic semester in Slovenia, so first – welcome! In addition to its rich history, beautiful nature, and excellent universities, Slovenia also offers numerous opportunities for fun and educational extracurricular activities. While studying is important, it is equally crucial to take the time to explore your new environment, language, and culture. Here are some suggestions for what you can do in your free time while also learning about Slovenian culture, language, and literature in a fun way.
Activities related to practicing the Slovenian language
The first thing that will help you integrate into Slovenian society is learning the language. You can also practise Slovenian with local students in a relaxed environment. Language cafés, often organized by student groups at universities like the University of Nova Gorica, offer students the chance to practice Slovenian casually while meeting new friends. Organize with your classmates and friends as soon as possible and have fun! You can set up language exchanges with Slovenian students as well – you help them with your language, and they teach you more Slovenian. Learning the basics of the language will help you integrate into everyday life during your mobility program and make new friendships.
A great opportunity to listen to Slovenian is also by visiting the theater, which is quite common in Slovenia. Throughout history, the Slovenian language was mostly preserved orally, which is why Slovenians have a well-developed theater scene. Slovenian theaters offer a rich repertoire that includes both classical and contemporary performances. The Slovenian National Theater in Ljubljana and Maribor hosts numerous performances, providing an excellent opportunity to deepen your language skills, as you’ll hear Slovenian in a live context.
For a bit of fun, we also recommend visiting various workshops and fairs, where you can learn traditional Slovenian handicraft skills such as lace-making, pottery, and woodcrafting. This is a chance to get acquainted with traditional Slovenian crafts and participate in workshops where you can also practice the language with locals.
Discovering Slovenian literature and the importance of libraries, books, and reading in Slovenia
To explore Slovenian literature, visit libraries. Libraries in Slovenia are highly valued and are an excellent starting point for studying both academic literature and Slovenian poetry and prose. Additionally, many book fairs are held in Slovenia, such as the Slovenian Book Fair, which takes place annually in Ljubljana. At these events, you can discover works by Slovenian writers and poets and learn about the country’s rich literary tradition. Reading Slovenian books is a great way to improve your language skills while deepening your understanding of Slovenian culture.
Getting to know Slovenian culture
The University of Ljubljana organizes numerous cultural activities, such as art workshops, photography, and summer schools of cultural management. These workshops allow you to learn more about Slovenian culture and develop creative skills. Many universities collaborate with local museums, such as the National Museum of Slovenia, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Ljubljana City Museum, offering students discounts or guided tours where you can learn more about Slovenian history and art. Many museums also offer free admission for students on specific days of the month.
Autumn in Slovenia is rich with festivals celebrating various aspects of Slovenian culture. One of them is the Indigo Festival, where you can experience contemporary art, philosophy, and design firsthand. Another significant event is the Ljubljana International Film Festival (LIFFe), where you’ll have the chance to watch international and Slovenian films, often with subtitles, making it an excellent opportunity for language practice.
Attending events related to traditional Slovenian holidays is also a great natural laboratory of culture. Autumn is the time when Slovenians celebrate Martinovo. Attend traditional events where you can try local delicacies while learning about Slovenian customs and having a chat and a laugh with locals.
Sports, sports clubs, and outdoor activities
Slovenia is known for its sports and successful athletes – all cities and universities, such as the University of Primorska, have active sports clubs where you can participate in team sports like volleyball, basketball, football, water polo, sailing, or even hiking and skiing in Italy. Student organizations actively promote sports, so we recommend regularly checking their (online) bulletin boards.
Since the country offers diverse nature, you can also take advantage of hiking or cycling opportunities. Hiking in the Slovenian mountains will allow you to enjoy unforgettable trips and relax after a busy week of studying. Additionally, you’ll get to know the Slovenian landscape while practicing the language with your peers.
Join student associations
In Slovenia, there are numerous student associations where you can get involved in various activities, such as cultural events, international student clubs, or humanitarian work. This is an excellent way to make new friends, improve your Slovenian, and gain a deeper understanding of Slovenian society.
Many universities collaborate with local communities, offering students the chance to volunteer in social projects. Students who enjoy music can join the university choir or instrumental ensembles. The University of Ljubljana and the University of Maribor offer students opportunities to showcase their talents in numerous performances.
During the academic year, universities offer various public lectures, symposia, and conferences on different topics, providing excellent networking opportunities related to your interests. Both the University of Maribor and the University of Ljubljana offer chances to join debate clubs, which help improve public speaking skills and engage in intellectual discussions.
What are your favorite suggestions for extracurricular activities in Slovenia during your mobility program? #Share with us in the comments.
Alenka, Community Manager – Slovenian
October marks the beginning of a new academic semester in Slovenia, so first – welcome! In addition to its rich history, beautiful nature, and excellent universities, Slovenia also offers numerous opportunities for fun and educational extracurricular activities. While studying is important, it is equally crucial to take the time to explore your new environment, language, and culture. Here are some suggestions for what you can do in your free time while also learning about Slovenian culture, language, and literature in a fun way.
Activities related to practicing the Slovenian language
The first thing that will help you integrate into Slovenian society is learning the language. You can also practise Slovenian with local students in a relaxed environment. Language cafés, often organized by student groups at universities like the University of Nova Gorica, offer students the chance to practice Slovenian casually while meeting new friends. Organize with your classmates and friends as soon as possible and have fun! You can set up language exchanges with Slovenian students as well – you help them with your language, and they teach you more Slovenian. Learning the basics of the language will help you integrate into everyday life during your mobility program and make new friendships.
A great opportunity to listen to Slovenian is also by visiting the theater, which is quite common in Slovenia. Throughout history, the Slovenian language was mostly preserved orally, which is why Slovenians have a well-developed theater scene. Slovenian theaters offer a rich repertoire that includes both classical and contemporary performances. The Slovenian National Theater in Ljubljana and Maribor hosts numerous performances, providing an excellent opportunity to deepen your language skills, as you’ll hear Slovenian in a live context.
For a bit of fun, we also recommend visiting various workshops and fairs, where you can learn traditional Slovenian handicraft skills such as lace-making, pottery, and woodcrafting. This is a chance to get acquainted with traditional Slovenian crafts and participate in workshops where you can also practice the language with locals.
Discovering Slovenian literature and the importance of libraries, books, and reading in Slovenia
To explore Slovenian literature, visit libraries. Libraries in Slovenia are highly valued and are an excellent starting point for studying both academic literature and Slovenian poetry and prose. Additionally, many book fairs are held in Slovenia, such as the Slovenian Book Fair, which takes place annually in Ljubljana. At these events, you can discover works by Slovenian writers and poets and learn about the country’s rich literary tradition. Reading Slovenian books is a great way to improve your language skills while deepening your understanding of Slovenian culture.
Getting to know Slovenian culture
The University of Ljubljana organizes numerous cultural activities, such as art workshops, photography, and summer schools of cultural management. These workshops allow you to learn more about Slovenian culture and develop creative skills. Many universities collaborate with local museums, such as the National Museum of Slovenia, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Ljubljana City Museum, offering students discounts or guided tours where you can learn more about Slovenian history and art. Many museums also offer free admission for students on specific days of the month.
Autumn in Slovenia is rich with festivals celebrating various aspects of Slovenian culture. One of them is the Indigo Festival, where you can experience contemporary art, philosophy, and design firsthand. Another significant event is the Ljubljana International Film Festival (LIFFe), where you’ll have the chance to watch international and Slovenian films, often with subtitles, making it an excellent opportunity for language practice.
Attending events related to traditional Slovenian holidays is also a great natural laboratory of culture. Autumn is the time when Slovenians celebrate Martinovo. Attend traditional events where you can try local delicacies while learning about Slovenian customs and having a chat and a laugh with locals.
Sports, sports clubs, and outdoor activities
Slovenia is known for its sports and successful athletes – all cities and universities, such as the University of Primorska, have active sports clubs where you can participate in team sports like volleyball, basketball, football, water polo, sailing, or even hiking and skiing in Italy. Student organizations actively promote sports, so we recommend regularly checking their (online) bulletin boards.
Since the country offers diverse nature, you can also take advantage of hiking or cycling opportunities. Hiking in the Slovenian mountains will allow you to enjoy unforgettable trips and relax after a busy week of studying. Additionally, you’ll get to know the Slovenian landscape while practicing the language with your peers.
Join student associations
In Slovenia, there are numerous student associations where you can get involved in various activities, such as cultural events, international student clubs, or humanitarian work. This is an excellent way to make new friends, improve your Slovenian, and gain a deeper understanding of Slovenian society.
Many universities collaborate with local communities, offering students the chance to volunteer in social projects. Students who enjoy music can join the university choir or instrumental ensembles. The University of Ljubljana and the University of Maribor offer students opportunities to showcase their talents in numerous performances.
During the academic year, universities offer various public lectures, symposia, and conferences on different topics, providing excellent networking opportunities related to your interests. Both the University of Maribor and the University of Ljubljana offer chances to join debate clubs, which help improve public speaking skills and engage in intellectual discussions.
What are your favorite suggestions for extracurricular activities in Slovenia during your mobility program? #Share with us in the comments.
Alenka, Community Manager – Slovenian