Meet Datkaiym, a student who has been studying in Slovakia through National Scholarship Programme for 5 months at the Alexander Dubček University in Trenčín, Department of Politology. In the interview, she shares her insights from her study stay in Slovakia.

certificate awarding ceremonyCould you tell us where you are from, what your field of research is, and how long you have been (or were) in Slovakia?
My name is Datkaiym Abdimitalipova, and I come from the breathtaking mountainous landscapes of Kyrgyzstan. At present, I am pursuing my studies in Political Science and Public Administration at Sakarya University in Turkey. I had the incredible opportunity to spend five months in the charming city of Trenčín, Slovakia, as part of the National Scholarship Programme (NSP), which was truly an enriching experience.

What do you think about the teaching process and lecturers in Slovakia? Do you have a favorite subject?
I really enjoyed the education system at universities in Slovakia. Here, students aren’t constrained by rigid structures or strict frameworks—they have the freedom to explore and learn in a way that suits them best. There’s plenty of time for independent study and deep engagement with subjects. The relationship between students and professors is exceptionally warm and open, which I found particularly inspiring. At Alexander Dubček University of Trenčín, I had the pleasure of attending "The Political System of the European Union" course taught by Professor Ľudmila Lipková. Spending a semester in Europe and studying its political system from within was an eye-opening experience. One fascinating thing I learned in this course is how the Schengen Area got its name—it comes from the small Luxembourgish town of Schengen, where the first agreements were signed. Similarly, cognac is named after the French town of Cognac, and champagne owes its name to the Champagne region, where the drink was first produced. Thanks to this scholarship program, I had the incredible opportunity to explore Europe through Slovakia, gaining knowledge and experiences that will stay with me forever.

certificate and my universityDo you have any advice for future international students considering a study stay in Slovakia?
To all future scholarship recipients: make the most of this opportunity! Embrace every moment, push yourself to explore new experiences, and give it your all. Stay open, be curious, and don’t be afraid to connect with new people—some of the most valuable lessons come from the people you meet along the way.

I absolutely fell in love with Slovak culture. The people here are incredibly warm and welcoming, always ready to help, which makes you feel at home even in a foreign country. What truly stood out to me is how much Slovaks value a healthy lifestyle. On weekends, they go hiking in the mountains, and in the evenings, you’ll often see families jogging or cycling together.

Take in all the beauty, the lessons, and the experiences. This journey is what you make of it, so make it unforgettable!

the downtown of TrenčínHow did you find accommodation in Slovakia? Do you live in a dormitory or a rented  flat? Can you share your experience with the accommodation process?
Before arriving in Slovakia, the Erasmus Centre at Alexander Dubček University of Trenčín took care of all my accommodation arrangements. I stayed in the Študentský domov Záblatie dormitory throughout the program. The dorm was brand new and had all the amenities students could need. I shared a room with a student from France, and most of the residents in our dorm were international students from countries such as India, Iran, Ukraine, France, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia, and, of course, Slovakia.
In our free time, we would cook traditional dishes from our countries, celebrate holidays together, and exchange academic experiences. These vibrant moments made my student life even richer and more unforgettable.

at the top of Trenčín Castle in TrenčínHas the scholarship helped you connect with local students and academic institutions?
Thanks to this scholarship, I made many friends from different countries around the world and had the opportunity to attend lectures by professional professors in my field. In this regard, I would especially like to thank Prof. Ing. Ľudmila Lipková, CSc., who, at the time of my application, promptly wrote me a recommendation letter. During the application process, I reached out to 78 professors across universities in Slovakia, and with little time left, she responded and offered me tremendous support. She is not only an outstanding professional but also an incredibly kind person. She provided me with guidance not only on my career but also on my personal growth. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude for the academic support from Mgr. Pavol Struhár, PhD. and PhDr. Katarína Hrnčárová, as well as to the organizers of this scholarship program. Thanks to their continuous support, I was able to make the most of this experience.