A Journey to Remember – Zayna’s Last Week in Maribor

Zayna is a student of Visual Communication and Design at Jordan University of Science and Technology. Since April 2025, she has been attending VSŠ Academia as an exchange student.

»As I wrap up my Erasmus+ exchange journey at VSŠ Academia, I find it hard to believe that three whole months have passed. My time in Maribor—and Europe overall—has been among the richest and most beautiful chapters of my life.«

Over the past three months, Zayna gained valuable practical experience in the field of design and communication. She improved her skills and learned how to work effectively within a team. What stood out the most for her was the warm, family-like atmosphere at Academia. It made her feel comfortable, supported, and inspired to do her best every day.

Outside of work, she took every opportunity to explore Slovenia. She visited many beautiful places like Koper and Bled, and went on unforgettable hiking trips through the breathtaking nature.

One of the things she loved most about Maribor was the peaceful environment. She especially enjoyed sitting by the Drava River during sunsets. The Slovenian people, according to Zayna, are incredibly kind, welcoming, and always ready to help. Their warmth made her feel at home.

One of the best parts of this experience was getting to meet people from all over the world. She established many wonderful friendships and became more open and connected to different cultures.

Zayna wraps up: “As I prepare to leave, I can’t help but feel like I’m leaving a second home. Maribor has given me so much—not just professionally, but personally. And I believe this is not the end of my story with this beautiful city. Thank you Academia, thank you Maribor, thank you Slovenia. I’ll carry these memories with me always.”