The article was published in Academia Magazine in September 2017
Academia Institute of Technology enabled enrolment for international students for the first time in the academic year 2016/2017. Two students shared their experience with us: Surabhi Adhikari and Santosh Rupakheti, students of the Economist (Tourism) and Mechanical Engineering programmes from Nepal. Has moving to a completely new environment and studying at Academia Institute of Technology changed you in any way? What kind of person were you before you came to Slovenia and what kind of person have you become since living here? Santosh and Surabhi: We think that the experience of living abroad has changed us in a positive sense.
Santosh: Most importantly, I have become very independent.
Surabhi: Yes, it is different here than at home, because we are forced to take care of ourselves. Besides becoming independent, I have also gained confidence, as I was quite negative about myself at home. Here I have to do many things on my own. In fact, I have thus realised that I can actually do everything. I have developed a 'thick skin', I have become stronger. Santosh has become stronger in a physical sense, due to his student work. (Laughter)
What do you think of Maribor as a city? Surabhi and Santosh: We absolutely adore Maribor, because it is small, peaceful and clean. We like that it is not crowded with people. Our favourite is the River Drava, it is wonderful. By the way, did you know that the name 'Drava' originates from a Sanskrit word?
Surabhi: When Santosh was thinking about studying abroad, I did not even think of going with him at first. But when he told me he was going to Slovenia and I checked the country on Google, I myself got the desire to go. I like the safety, the smallness and the cleanliness of the city, and I really appreciate the peace here.
What was the main motive for deciding to study at Academia Institute of Technology? Santosh: I wanted a change, so I decided to try my luck abroad. The USA did not seem like a good option to me, as I find it too artificial. However, I wanted to study mechanical engineering. Thus Academia seemed like the best option: it offers good studies and at the same time the lifestyle I wanted.
Surabhi: As I said, after Santosh mentioned that he wanted to study in Slovenia, I wanted to go with him. My parents would never have allowed me to study abroad alone, but the idea of going to Slovenia with a family member (cousin) seemed acceptable to them. When I showed the programme and the description of Slovenia to my father, he immediately agreed. I decided on a different field of study than Santosh, as I am interested in economics and tourism.
What are the positive aspects of studying at Academia Institute of Technology and what would you identify as negative? Santosh and Surabhi: Regarding our studies, we did not have any particular expectations. Yet we were positively surprised upon arrival. We like the lectures most. In Nepal, students have to 'cram' for exams, professors just read from them during lectures. Nobody explained the material to us properly. At Academia Institute of Technology, lecturers speak freely and give practical advice from their own experience. Because of this, we enjoy attending lectures. Likewise, everyone speaks English very well. We are here with the intention of being successful in our studies, so good grades are very important.
Do you have any hobbies? How do you spend your free time? Surabhi: I usually stay at home and cook Nepalese food, watch various films and study. We both like to walk around the city, especially near the River Drava. Generally, I do not go around without Santosh.
Santosh: I also like watching films, but even more so football matches, which I usually watch on television with my flatmates. Since we came to Slovenia, Surabhi has also started following football. (laughter) My friend and I recently bought a bicycle and started exploring Maribor. In addition, I have also found student work.
What advice would you give to future students of Academia Institute of Technology? What should they expect? Surabhi: If possible, learn at least a few words of the Slovenian language before coming to Slovenia.
Santosh and Surabhi: We think that Slovenia is a good choice for studying. If you want to study seriously, then enrol at Academia Institute of Technology.
Studies are delivered in Slovenian – ask us how to apply.
B1 Slovenian is required; we offer a free preparatory course. The admissions team replies within one working day.
Source: Academia (12. 10. 2017).
This English summary was produced automatically from the Slovenian article and is pending editorial review. Slovenska različica
