INTERVET Serbia 2023, student's experience in Maribor

"On the way to Maribor, like everyone else, we were all quiet and withdrawn. As soon as we arrived to Maribor, we left our things and went for a walk together, it was a little awkward at first, but slowly the stories started. A walk along the Drava River is the most beautiful thing.
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The Hoffer store was like a second home to us. We developed a remarkable bond during the course of our mobility program in Maribor, going from being just acquaintances to becoming lifetime friends. Together, we went on innumerable excursions to discover the city's hidden beauties and fully experience its vivacious culture. Every moment pulled us closer, generating a strong sense of friendship, whether we were wandering the Old Town's picturesque streets or delighting in regional specialties at crowded markets. Our mutual experiences from participating in cultural activities to overcoming outdoor obstacles created priceless memories that forged our friendship. We learned the genuine meaning of friendship and the strength of cross-cultural bonds via laughing, late-night conversations, and mutual support. Maribor served us as a backdrop for our personal development as we developed new relationships and broadened our perspectives. Every week we traveled somewhere, on the 8th of August we took the train to Koper because we expressed our desire to swim in the sea and that will remain an unforgettable memory. A week before that, we were at Pohorje, church of St. Barbara, the terrarium and at the pool on an island called "Mariborski otok".

During my work experience in Slovenia, I embarked on a daily journey of 25 kilometers, which took me through picturesque landscapes, providing a serene start to my day. Arriving at the accounting office, I was warmly greeted by my colleagues, who embraced me as part of their close-knit team. One of the highlights of my time there was our shared lunch breaks, where we gathered around a table, enjoying delicious meals while engaging in heartfelt conversations. It was during these moments that I witnessed the beautiful bond between my colleagues, as they openly shared stories about their families and personal lives. This sense of camaraderie not only made the lunch breaks enjoyable but also created a supportive and inclusive work environment. My colleagues were incredibly kind, helpful, and nice. They warmly embraced me, offered guidance and support, and genuinely cared about my well-being. Working with them was a joy, as their positive nature and collaborative spirit created a harmonious environment. I am grateful for their presence in making my experience memorable. While working there I handled a range of administrative tasks, including organizing documents, processing invoices, scheduling meetings, managing communication, and providing general office support. The daily routine of traveling, combined with the warm interactions and shared meals, made my work experience in Slovenia truly memorable and enriched by the genuine connections I formed with my colleagues".

Andela Mijailovic