Between 5 and 7 September the Faculty of Tourism held Welcome Days for its English-programme students in Ljubljana. The objective was to provide students with critical information for a smooth transition to academic life and an effective integration into the new environment.

It has been almost four years since the Faculty of Tourism of the University of Maribor has launched two Tourism programmes in the English language for part-time students. Our international students, who are currently predominantly Indian, are enrolled into Contemporary Tourism Practices and Tourism Destinations and Experiences, a Professional Bachelor and Masters programme, respectively. Both programmes are delivered in Ljubljana, at the Faculty’s dislocated unit, the Ljubljana student campus (ŠOU Kampus).

Experience has shown that these students, who come from a different cultural background, face certain challenges both on their academic path and in adjusting to life here. The three-day event was thus directed primarily to freshmen, to facilitate their smoother transition to studies in Slovenia.

On Day 1, students received core information about the study process at the University of Maribor and thus the Faculty of Tourism. We explained students’ rights and obligations, the ECTS system, student representation, extracurricular activities in Ljubljana, study and work exchanges, and much more. Day 2 was orientation. A team of the Faculty’s staff, together with the appointed Student Buddies, took students around Ljubljana, visiting among others the Central Economic Library to enrol and the Students Health Centre. Day 3 delivered workshops where freshmen tested their formal correspondence, academic writing and Moodle skills. Students were also given a broad introduction to IT services for students by the UM Computer Centre.

This newly obtained skills and information package will provide for a smoother transition of international students to academic life in Slovenia, paving the way for their academic success.