Meet Marija Tošić, a talented young artist and a CEEPUS scholarship holder from Serbia, who embarked on an exciting three-month study exchange at the Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava (AFAD). Passionate about ceramics, Marija took this opportunity to expand her artistic skills, explore new techniques, and immerse herself in a different academic and cultural environment.

Could you describe your study experience in Slovakia? What are the main differences between studying here and in your home country?

My study experience in Bratislava was remarkable. At AFAD I had an opportunity to learn more about things I had never tried before, such as working with different materials and experimenting with glass and jewelry. I liked the communication between professors and students, as well as the friendliness of Slovak colleagues. I was amazed by the Academy and the very friendly Slovak people that I met. I loved Bratislava as a city. I enjoyed exploring Bratislava after classes with my friends. The academy I studied in Bratislava even organized a field trip to Devín Castle and Devínska Kobyla Observation Tower, for international students, from where we had an amazing view.

I think that one of the biggest differences between studying here and in my home country was the grading system. In Serbia, we have grades from 6 to 10 (6 is the lowest and 10 is the highest), but in Slovakia, grades are measured on a scale from Fx to A (Fx means that you didn't pass and A is the highest).

How would you evaluate your hosting university in Slovakia?
I was more than satisfied to choose the Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava for my exchange period. Everyone, from the office for international students to professors and colleagues, was extremely helpful, friendly, and open-minded. I met a lot of Slovak students from different departments in my Academy, and we all exchanged a lot of good vibes and stories about our differences in culture and languages. I have also learned a lot of new approaches in the field of art from my Slovak colleagues, as well as other international students on exchange. If I had to go back in time and choose again, I wouldn't even think twice. AFAD would be my first option again!

Have you had the chance to network with other international students in Slovakia or Central Europe?
Not only did I get the chance to meet other international students in Slovakia, but I made strong ties and friendships for life. We clicked immediately. We, all together, had an amazing time studying in Slovakia, exploring the city, going on field trips, having fun on the Academy, visiting exhibitions and theaters, going for walks, chatting, and enjoying each other's company. We are still in contact and planning to visit each other's countries in the future.

What have been the biggest challenges you faced while studying in Slovakia?
The biggest challenge that I faced while studying in Slovakia was finding accommodation. I started searching for a room while I was still in my home country, and there were a lot of scammers on Facebook renting pages in Bratislava. Besides that, a lot of people didn't want to rent a place for a three-month stay because it was a very short term, and they were searching for a minimum of a one-year rental. On top of that, the three biggest dorms in Bratislava were in the middle of renovation in the period when I had my exchange. I had a lot of difficulties finding a place to stay, so I had to stay in a hostel for my period of exchange. But, besides accommodation, I didn't have any other problems and I don't mind difficulties because they are inevitable but worth it.

How did you find out about CEEPUS?
I found out about CEEPUS from my colleague from my home university. She went on a student exchange to Poland through the CEEPUS program and recommended me to try it out. I explored the CEEPUS program and I found it very convenient for me and my goals of studying in Bratislava (that was my first wish when I was exploring facilities abroad).

How do you evaluate the financial support provided by the scholarship? Does it cover your monthly expenses?
The CEEPUS scholarship for studying in Slovakia, from my point of view, is one of the highest scholarships for studying abroad.  For me, it didn't cover my expenses, only my rent in a hostel. But I talked with my international friends, who found rooms in shared apartments that were three times cheaper than my rent, and if that was the case for me, the scholarship would cover most of my expenses.

What motivated you to choose Slovakia for your study stay? Please share at least three reasons.
I chose Slovakia for my exchange because I already wanted to study at AFAD and learn different approaches to the art world. Also, I have had very good recommendations from my professors and colleagues from Serbia, who have had experience of doing internships in Slovakia. Besides that, I liked Slovakia when I researched it before my arrival. I liked it because it seemed very similar to my home country and I had a feeling it would feel like a 'second home'.

What has this scholarship experience given you, both professionally and personally?
This scholarship allowed me to learn more about the field that I study, to see different approaches, to see different ways of thinking, and generally, to exchange thoughts and ideas with people from all around Europe. I made a lot of friends that inspired me and gave me a lot of ideas and different perspectives for my future art projects. The CEEPUS scholarship also gave me the confidence and motivation to pursue my dreams, even if I was scared of how it would turn out. I was completely independent for the first time in my life and in a different country. It was a big challenge, but it taught me a lot of useful things. It assured me that I could do anything that I set my mind to. 

Also, I wanted to mention that employees in the CEEPUS office were always very helpful for anything that I needed.

Would you recommend CEEPUS (or other similar programs) to other researchers?
I'm already advocating for CEEPUS exchange programs in my home country. I would advise everyone interested in studying abroad to search for their preferred universities and go on a student exchange. It's such an important experience, in the matter of life, not just a career. Also, I would like to state that, for me, Slovakia was the perfect choice for studying abroad because of the diversity of study programs and hospitality of kind-hearted Slovakian people.

Do you have any advice for future international students considering a study stay in Slovakia?
My advice for upcoming students is to explore Slovakia more. I didn't have enough time to explore other cities in Slovakia, but some of my friends went to other cities and they were really delighted. I would advise you to visit some of these places in Slovakia - Tatra mountains, Kremnica, Kosice and Banská Bystrica. With a Slovakian ISIC card, all train rides for students are free.

What helped you adapt to life in Slovakia? Do you know people from your country here? If so, do you meet regularly?
Slovak people, as well as my international friends, helped me to adapt to life in Slovakia. One of the first people who welcomed me was a lady from the office of international relations at my host Academy. She was very helpful and patient with all international students. Also, my Slovak colleagues helped me to feel comfortable and accepted me as a part of the group. I didn't know anyone who was from my home country and lived/studied in Slovakia when I came, but I met a girl from my country, at my Academy in Bratislava, totally unexpected. It was one of those moments that felt unreal, and it was so confronting knowing someone who you can talk to in your native tongue. We became friends very quickly, and she even came to visit me in my home city, Belgrade.

Are there any activities or places in Slovakia that you would recommend to other students?
I would gladly recommend visiting some of my favorite parts of Bratislava - The Old Town, Bratislava Castle, The Blue Church - Church of St. Elizabeth, Danube River, Bratislava Zoo, Eurovea shopping center, Kalné lake, Devín Castle and Devínska Kobyla Observation Tower. Also, if you want to grab a beer with your friends in your free time, these are some alternative places that I would recommend – A4, Kollarko, The Peach, and Studňa. 'A4' is also a cultural place, and sometimes they organize theater shows with English titles, so I would recommend looking it up. There is also a Pink Whale - a unique "floating" space for the arts, located on the banks of the Danube River right below the castle, that organizes concerts.

Do you think you'll return to Slovakia in the future? Why or why not?
I'm sure that I will return to Slovakia in the future. Personally, I made a lot of great friendships that I want to cherish. Also, I would gladly come to visit other cities in Slovakia that I didn't have time to see when I was on my exchange. Bratislava left a strong mark on my heart, and I'm excited about my next adventure there.

What has surprised you the most about Slovakia? Have you experienced any culture shock?
The most surprising thing about Slovakia is how much discount you can get as a student with an ISIC card. There are a lot of advantages for students in a lot of places in Slovakia, especially the free train rides that I mentioned earlier. I think that the biggest culture shock that I experienced was that there was no smoking in cafes, or anywhere inside. Also, you have to press the button on public transport when you want doors to open.

What advice would you give to other international students about adapting to life in Slovakia?
I would recommend being open-minded. Don't let fear stop you from approaching new people, because, in most cases, it will be even better than you thought. Slovak people are very friendly and accepting, so you have nothing to worry about.