Booklet
WELCOME NOTE Top
Dear trainee,
you’ve made one of the best decisions of your life by becoming an IAESTE trainee and choosing Slovenia as your destination is definitely something you’ll never regret.
This booklet will provide you with some practical information about your stay in Slovenia as well as some guidelines regarding your preparations for traineeship and arrival.
IAESTE Slovenia is run by students and it is our goal to give you a warm welcome and make your stay in Slovenia as comfortable and fun as possible.
Looking forward to meeting you in the most unforgettable summer of your life!
Your summer friends from IAESTE Slovenia
IMPORTANT ARRANGEMENTS Top
Before you leave Top
Citizens of EU or EEA: no visa is required for staying up to 3 months. For longer periods, a temporary residence permit can be arranged upon your arrival to Slovenia.
Not EU or EEA citizens: valid residence permit is required in order to do traineeship in Slovenia. You have received instructions about residence permit together with your O-form. Basically you need to apply at nearest consulate/embassy. As the procedure can take several months, we recommend you to start arranging your residence permit as soon as possible. For more information check the website of the Slovenian Ministry of the Interior.
Feel free to contact us if you’re having any problems.
Do not forget Top
- Valid passport (and visa if necessary)
- Insurance
- Acceptance note (N5b document)
- Sufficient money for the first month
- Certificate of enrolment to university
- Passport photos
- Special medicine if necessary
And most important: good mood, humour and party feeling!
Arrival Top
Slovenia is connected well to various cities in Europe by bus, train and airplane. However your travelling arrangement, please make sure to give your as detailed as possible arrival information to IAESTE Slovenia (N5b document).
By airplane
The main international airport in Slovenia is Jože Pučnik Airport, situated near Ljubljana. However, there are several other airports in neighbouring countries, which have fairly good connections to Maribor and Ljubljana. You might want to consider one of the following airports.
| Airport/ Country | Distance to Ljubljana (km) | Distance to Maribor (km) |
| Jožeta Pučnika Ljubljana/ Slovenia | 25 | 150 |
| Talerhof, Graz/Austria | 200 | 60 |
| Plešo, Zagreb/Croatia | 150 | 120 |
| Treviso, Venice/Italy | 230 | 360 |
| Marco Polo, Venice/ Italy | 240 | 370 |
| Ronchi dei Legionari, Trieste/ Italy | 120 | 250 |
| Kärnten Airport, Klagenfurt/ Austria | 95 | 150 |
By train
Most of international trains stop in Ljubljana and some of them in Maribor. In any case, the train connection between these two cities is very good as there is at least one train leaving every hour.
By bus
While Ljubljana is within easy reach by bus, you might have some problems coming to Maribor. However, you can always consider travelling to Ljubljana and continue with train later on.
By car
The Slovenian road code is in line with European standards. You have to purchase a vignette if you want to use Slovenian motorways. Depending on your travel plan you can buy one valid for a week, a month, half-year or one year. Selling points are at several gasoline stations, travel free shops at border crossings, toll stations, etc. For prices check DARS website.
Meeting points
In general, the meeting points in Maribor and Ljubljana are at the train stations.
Ljubljana: we usually wait for the trainees in front of the train station under the McDonald’s sign, which is also next to bus station. You should be in touch with the responsible person from the LC Ljubljana to arrange exact time of your pickup.
Maribor: the usual meeting point is outside of the train station at the Locomotive. If you plan to arrive by bus, contact the LC Maribor summer reception officer to get the details on the path from the bus station to the train station, which is about 500 meters away.
Accommodation Top
You will be placed either in the student dorm or in the private accommodation. The details will be provided to you shortly before arrival. Slovenian dorms don’t have private rooms, so you should be prepared to share your room with another trainee or Slovenian student.
SLOVENIA IN BRIEF Top
Basic information Top
Quick facts Top
| Official name | Republic of Slovenia |
| Capital | Ljubljana (261,700) |
| Population | 2,032,362 (31 December 2008) |
| Area | 20,273 km² |
| Ethnic origin of population | Slovene (83.06%), Italian (0.11%), Hungarian (0.32%), Other (16.51%) |
| Language | Slovene; also Hungarian and Italian in nationally mixed areas |
| Religion | Roman Catholic (60%) |
| Time zone | Central European Time GMT+1 |
| Climate | Alpine, Continental, Mediterranean |
| Average temperatures | July: 21 °C January: -2 °C |
| Currency | Euro (1 January 2007) |
| Country dialling code | +386 |
| System of measurement | metric |
| Slovenia is a member of the European Union. | |
Important telephone numbers Top
| Police: | 113 |
| Ambulance: | 112 |
| Fire service: | 112 |
| AMZS: | 1987 (Automobile Association of Slovenia) |
Stores Top
Stores are usually open non-stop without lunch breaks.
Most common opening hours:
- Weekdays: 8:00-19:00
- Saturdays: 9:00-19:00
- Sundays and holidays: 9:00-13:00
Some of the larger stores and shopping malls have longer opening hours. Pharmacies and banks are generally not open on the weekends.
The official currency of Slovenia is Euro. Credit cards can be used in most stores: AMERICAN EXPRESS, DINERS, MASTER CARD – EUROCARD and VISA, as well as MAESTRO debit cards.
Banks Top
Banks will exchange foreign currency and travellers checks for Euro and vice versa, without commission. Foreign residents can open an account, and it is possible to send money orders and transfer payments. Money exchange is also possible at some hotels, gasoline stations, tourist agencies, supermarkets and numerous small exchange offices.
Most common opening hours:
- Weekdays: 8:30-12:30 and 14:00-17:00
- Saturdays: 8:30-11:00/12:00
Water and electricity Top
The water is safe and potable throughout the country.
We use European standard plug (220 V/50 Hz).
Mobile phone usage Top
Mobile telephones in Slovenia operate in the frequency bands of 900 MHz and 1800 MHz. Roaming is available in the following mobile networks: Mobitel, Simobil, Debitel, Izimobil, Mmobil, and Tušmobil.
Most of the providers offer prepaid SIM cards with or without telephone that can be bought in almost any technical store. The most commonly used are Mobitel and Simobil.
Weather Top
Climate varies throughout the country: Mediterranean at the coast, Alpine in the Alps and Karavanke mountains, and Continental from central to the north-eastern Slovenia. Average temperatures in July are above 21°C and in January around 0°C. In the summer it can be very hot at the coast and quite cold in the mountains. We advise you to check the weather forecast before coming to Slovenia as there are significant seasonal differences in temperature, humidity etc.
Smoking and alcohol Top
Smoking is prohibited in all public places and places of employment, except for special areas intended for smokers. The age limit for access to tobacco products is 18.
Consumption and purchase of alcohol is allowed to the persons older than 18. Sales attendants can demand ID from the customer.
The law prohibits strong liquor being sold before 10am in cafes and bars and purchase of any alcohol is prohibited after 9pm in stores and gas stations, it can only be served in bars, clubs and cafes.
Living in Slovenia Top
Getting around in Ljubljana Top
By bus
Ljubljana is an area well covered by bus routes, with buses also being main public transport. An electronic card Urbana has to be bought and topped up before the fare (selling points on every large bus stop). It will cost you 2€ for the card and 0.80€ for each 1.5 hour lasting fare if you buy the transferable type of the card. The monthly ticket will cost you 17€ as you get student discount. Detailed information about bus schedules, routes, current prices and types of fares is available here.
By bicycle
Biking is a popular way of travelling in Ljubljana especially in summer as you can get everywhere fast and don’t have to bother with traffic jams. Bikes can be bought for a price as low as 20€ at special bike selling. We don’t recommend getting a fancy and expensive one, as it is very likely for it to get stolen.
By taxi
Using taxis will cost you a little bit more, but you might want to consider it if going to remote places or needing a ride in the night-time (most buses don’t operate from 24pm to 5am).
Eating Top
As an exchange student in Slovenia you are eligible to obtain Slovenian student card. It will allow you to have a full meal with discounted prices varying from 1.5 to 5€ depending on a restaurant. However, you have to get your Slovenian SIM card activated (free) or buy special electronic card (15€) at ŠOU office (student organization) beforehand. When eating out you should always have phone or card with you as well as your Slovenian student card as your identification will be required. Check list of restaurants and prices of coupons here.
Prices of food and beverages (no special discounts)
| Supermarket | Price (€) | Cafe, disco and restaurant | Price (€) | Fast food | Price (€) |
| Juice (1l) | 1–1.5 | Juice (1 dl) | 1–1.5 | Burger | 1.5–3 |
| Coke (1.5l) | 1.3 | Coke (2.5dl) | 2–3 | Pizza | 4–7 |
| Beer (0.5l can) | 0.9–1 | Beer (0,5l bottle) | 2–2.5 | Sandwich | 2–4 |
| Tequila, vodka (1l) | 5–12 | Tequila, vodka (0.3dl) | 2–4 | Kebab | 2.5–4 |
| Wine (1l) | 2–10 | Coffee | 0.9–2 | Burek | 2.0 |
| Milk (1l) | 0.8 | ||||
| Mineral water (1.5l) | 1.0 | ||||
| Bread (0.8 kg) | 1–2.5 | ||||
| Chocolate bars (100g) | 1–1.5 | ||||
| Cheese (1kg) | 6–9 | ||||
| Ham (1kg) | 6–12 | ||||
| Fruits and vegetables (1kg) | 1–3 | ||||
| Cigarettes (20) | 2.5–3 |
Green markets
In Ljubljana, there is fresh market in city centre, close to the Prešeren square open every day.
In Maribor, fresh market located close to the technical faculties is open on Wednesdays, Fridays and on the weekend.
Festivals in Ljubljana Top
Ljubljana summer festival
Vivid annual Ljubljana summer festival lasts the whole summer and includes different artistic and cultural events. It can be ranked among the European festivals with the longest tradition, having numerous stages in different locations revived with music, dancing, painted canvases, cheerful street theatres and much more.
Ana desetnica
The Ana desetnica International Street Theatre Festival has been organised every year at the beginning of summer (July) in Ljubljana and then in Maribor. The programme seeks to present various genres of street theatre art, and includes everything from small individual acts to large-scale performances, from programmes for children to provocative shows for adults, from pantomime to illusions, from street music to contemporary dance, from visual acts to narratives, from drama to humour and from circus skills to pyrotechnics.
Druga godba
The spring festival (middle of May) Druga godba was established as an alternative to other festivals of that time which did not present the more radical, ‘different’ music practices. When the Slovene concert and festival programmes began to open up to musical practices that previously had been neglected, in particular rock and jazz, the focus of the Druga Godba programme shifted to world in ethno music, but still kept presenting all other original musical genres, though in a smaller scope and frequency. In April 2010 it was featured in British music magazine Songlines in ‘25 of the Best International Festivals’.
Jazz festival Ljubljana
The Jazz festival is annually organized in the end of June/beginning of July presenting a perfect mixture of traditional and innovative jazz sounds by international stars as well as local experts. Many open air or interdisciplinary events accompany the festival, including music street performances, film, music events, exhibitions of film posters or jazz photography and open air concerts of the jazz ensemble of the Ljubljana Secondary Music and Ballet School.
Muzejska noč (Museum summer night)
Museum summer night, an annual summer (middle of June) event organised by Ljubljana’s museums and galleries, features a programme of workshops, demonstrations, film screenings, concerts, etc. concluding with a party held at the International Graphic Arts Centre, located in the Tivoli Mansion (Grad Tivoli). Admission to all museums and galleries is free.
Trnfest
Traditional international summer festival Trnfest takes place in August on an open-air stage. The programme is broad, combining theatrical and musical events, video projections and dance performances. With this variety of fresh directions in arts and culture, the main criteria are quality, originality, humorous content and summertime levity. Entrance is free for all events.
Nightlife Top
Nightlife is most lively during the academic year in both, Maribor and Ljubljana, but that doesn’t mean that there’s nothing to do during the summer. Here are listed some of the hot spots you’ll want to experience in evenings. We assure you that people interested in exploring them with you, will not be hard to find.
Nightlife in Ljubljana
| Clubbing | ||
| K4 | It is all about underground electronic music with performers ranging from established local DJs to top global artists. It is also the most popular place that hosts gay&lesbian night every Sunday, called »the pink night«. | Entrance fee: 3-10€, closed in July, August |
| http://www.klubk4.org/about.shtm | ||
| Ultra club | Their speciality is huge visualisation (LED) wall that gets you in a dancing mood. Never mind your music taste, you will definitely find something perfect for you. (Wednesday: hip-hop and r’n'b, Thursday: house, Friday: mainstream dance and electronic music, Saturday: best of pop) | Entrance fee: 3-5€ |
| http://www.ultra-club.si/ | ||
| Bacchus | A mainstream place for clubbing and dancing right in the city centre. | Entrance fee: 4 € |
| http://www.bachus-center.com/NOVA/english/home.asp | ||
| Top | Great place for a fancier crowd offers partying at the top of Ljubljana’s centre. But you should know that there is an age limit of 21. | Entrance fee: 6€ after 24pm |
| http://www.klubtop.si/ | ||
| Inbox | Good choice for anyone who wants to enjoy commercial electronic music in a spacious club. It might not be right in the city centre but it is easily accessible with buses no. 27 and 3. | Variable entrance fee (depending on the DJ) |
| http://www.inbox-club.si/koledar/ | ||
| Live music | ||
| Roxly | It generally offers live rock music, but you can also check out Saturdays in 70s and 80s style with authentic dresses and music from vinyl records. | Free entrance |
| http://www.roxly.si/ | ||
| Jazz club Gajo | Located near the park Tivoli with a garden open throughout the summer, it offers relaxing student jam sessions on Monday evenings. It also happens to be usual IAESTE trainee meeting place. | Free entrance |
| http://www.jazzclubgajo.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1 | ||
| Orto bar | While there’s a great place to have a drink and hang out downstairs, you can enjoy different concerts and DJs upstairs with music ranging from rock, punk and metal to reggae, funk and jazz. | Entrance fee only for concerts (depending on the artist) |
| http://www.orto-bar.com/ | ||
| Concert venues | ||
| Cvetličarna | Wide variety of concerts in a cool indoor place small enough to provide a more intimate atmosphere. | Entrance fee: 5 € after 24pm, variable prices for concerts |
| http://www.cvetlicarna.eu/ | ||
| Kino Šiška | An ex cinema that now offers everything from musical, cinematographic and theatrical performances to artistic exhibitions and projections. | Price varies depending on the event |
| http://www.kinosiska.si/en/ | ||
| Križanke | A place outdoors where high-profile concerts happen, so the entrance costs can get a bit expensive. But don’t worry there’s always an option of hanging out on the benches just outside the venue. Listenin’ to music, havin’ a Laško. | Price varies depending on the artist |
| Alternative scene | ||
| AKC Metelkova mesto | The infamous town of its own in the middle of Ljubljana regularly gathers alternative scene fans. If it doesn’t impress you with its graphical appearance, you’ll definitely fall in love with its subculture diversity. You can enjoy oriental music and cup of tea in Jalla Jalla, dance in Gromka club, attend a concert in Gala hala or Channel Zero, check out the galleries, hostel Celica (an ex prison) and much more. | Generally free, except for concerts (moderate fee) |
| http://www.metelkovamesto.org/?mode=program&clear=1 | ||
| Tovarna Rog | If Metelkova wasn’t alternative enough for you, even edgier Rog, an ex bike factory, won’t disappoint you. | Generally free |
| http://tovarna.org/node/106 | ||
| Pubs and bars | ||
| Bar pr Skelet | Are you ready for some tasty cocktails? You’ll get 2 for price of 1. Just don’t get scared if you see moving eyes on the skeletons, they are watching you…or maybe you have just been drinking too much! | |
| http://www.prskelet.com/main.php?lang=slo | ||
| Guinness bar and St Patrick’s bar | Popular with locals, expats and tourists, the bars stocks all your favourite Irish tipples, plus there’s the usual live sport on a big screen. In St Patrick’s bar you can also enjoy live Irish folk music every Thursday evening (from September to May). | |
| http://www.guinnesspub.net/, http://www.irishpub-ljubljana.si/ | ||
| Parlament pub | Reserved for Erasmus (international) students’ parties every Monday evening. | |
| Klub KMŠ | Student club with dance floor that is popular as a final party destination. | Entrance fee: 1 € |
| http://www.klubkms.si/napovednik | ||
| Compañeros caffe | Club that mainly offers student parties. | No entrance fee |
| http://barclubcompaneros.blogspot.com/ | ||
With so many cool spots, you will definitely find one that will suit you perfectly. However, you can always get more information about the nightlife here.
Nightlife in Maribor
If you are looking for nightlife you should visit Ribičija, Štuk, Tacos, KMŠ.
Speaking Slovenian Top
The official language is Slovene, but don’t worry, virtually everyone speaks at least one foreign language. Even though German or English are spoken by the majority of younger people, you can still learn few Slovenian words and phrases.
| English | Slovenian | Pronunciation |
| How are you? | Kako si? | (kah-KOH see?) |
| Fine, thank you. | Hvala, dobro. | (HVAH-lah, DOH-broh) |
| What is your name? | Kako ti je ime? (informal) | (kah-KOH tee yeh ee-MEH?) |
| Kako vam je ime? (polite) | (kah-KOH vahm yeh ee-MEH) | |
| My name is ______ . | Ime mi je ______ . | (ee-MEH mee yeh) |
| Nice to meet you. | Lepo, da sva se spoznala . | (leh-POH, dah svah seh spohz-NAH-lah) |
| Please. | Prosim. | (PROH-seem) |
| Thank you. | Hvala. | (HVAH-lah) |
| You’re welcome. | Dobrodošli. | (doh-broh-DOHSH-lee) |
| Yes. | Ja. | (yah) |
| No. | Ne. | (neh) |
| Excuse me. | Oprostite. | (oh-prohs-TEE-teh) |
| I’m sorry. | Oprostite. | (oh-prohs-TEE-teh) |
| Goodbye. | Nasvidenje. | (nahs-VEE-deh-nyeh) |
| I have trouble speaking Slovenian. | Slabo govorim slovensko. | (slah-BOH goh-voh-REEM sloh-VEHNS-koh) |
| Do you speak English? | Govorite angleško? | (goh-voh-REE-teh ahn-GLEHSH-koh?) |
| Is there someone here who speaks English? | Je tukaj kdo, ki govori angleško? | (yeh TOO-kay KUH-doh, kee goh-voh-REE ahn-GLEHSH-koh?) |
| Help! | Na pomoč! | (nah poh-MOHTCH) |
| Watch out! | Pazi! | (PAH-zee) |
| Good day. | Dober dan | (DOH-ber dahn) |
| Good morning. | Dobro jutro. | (DOH-broh YOO-troh) |
| Good evening. | Dober večer. | (DOH-behr veh-CHEHR) |
| Good night. | Lahko noč. | (LAH-koh nohtch) |
| I don’t understand. | Ne razumem. | (neh rah-ZOO-mehm) |
| Where is the toilet? | Kje je stranišče? | (kyeh yeh strah-NEESH-cheh) |
| bus station | avtobusna postaja | (AHF-toh-boos-nah POHS-tah-yah) |
| train station | železniška postaja | (ZHEH-lehz-neesh-kah POHS-tah-yah) |
| ticket | vozovnica | (VOH-zohv-nee-tsah) |
| seat | sedež | (SEH-dehzh) |
| street | cesta/ulica | (TSEHS-tah/ OO-lee-tsah) |
| left | levo | (LEH-voh) |
| right | desno | (DEHS-noh) |
| straight ahead | naravnost | (NAH-rahv-nohst) |
| breakfast | zajtrk | (ZAI-tork) |
| lunch | kosilo | (koh-SEE-loh) |
| supper | večerja | (veh-CHEHR-yah) |
| coffee | kava | (KAH-vah) |
| tea | čaj | (CHAY) |
| juice | sok | (SOHK) |
| water | voda | (VOH-dah) |
| beer | pivo | (PEE-voh) |
| wine | vino | (VEE-noh) |
