Jovan Nashoku, bachelor’s student in Political Science at the at the University American College Skopje (visiting the University of Ljubljana in February 2025).
My participation in the CEEPUS Exchange Program was an incredibly fulfilling experience that broadened my horizons in multiple ways. I immersed myself not only in Slovenia’s breathtaking natural landscapes and vibrant nightlife but, most importantly, in its educational environment. Coming from Bitola and studying at UACS in Skopje, I immediately noticed the contrast in student life between my home and Ljubljana. Both have their unique strengths, but Ljubljana – and especially the prestigious Faculty of Public Administration, where I had the pleasure of studying – offered a refreshingly positive, visually distinct, and welcoming academic atmosphere. 
During my time in Ljubljana, I had the opportunity to attend classes such as “The Right to Health and Structural Aspects of Health,” “Canada-EU Relations,” “Information Technologies in the Public Sector,” and “EU Public Policies.” Each course provided a valuable insights and broadened my understanding of the public administration field. I now feel equipped with a solid foundation to actively engage in discussions related to these topics. The professors were undeniably professional and highly knowledgeable, and I would especially like to mention Prof. Mitja Durnik and Bruno Nikolic, both of whom left an unforgettable and positive impression on me. I am also deeply grateful to Rosvita Valant, the head of the International Office, whose dedication and support with accommodation and university matters greatly eased both my arrival and departure.
Outside the academic setting, I was deeply impressed by Slovenia’s natural beauty, which, while similar to Macedonia’s in some ways, offered its own unique charm. I had the chance to visit the picturesque Lake Bled, the sandy shores of Koper, and the sunny hills around Nova Gorica. I also had the pleasure of exploring Gorizia and Trieste across the border in Italy. And of course, Ljubljana itself deserves special mention. Though not a large city, it more than compensates with its historic old town, charming cobblestone streets, the iconic Ljubljana Castle, Dragon Bridge, Tivoli Park, and much more.
As for the colleagues, fellow exchange students, and friends I made along the way—it’s especially heartwarming to reflect on them now, and even more so to write about them, as I already miss them dearly. They were truly remarkable individuals, both intellectually and socially. We shared study sessions together, engaged in discussion together, and of course, went on unforgettable nights out together. I’m deeply grateful to have met them and to have shared this unique experience together.
To sum up this wonderful exchange experience, I can confidently say that it had a profound impact—not only on my academic understanding of public administration and my knowledge of Slovenia as a country, but also on me personally. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and into the unknown—alone, at least at first glance. I returned home and to my university with a broader global perspective and a renewed sense of energy and motivation.
I wholeheartedly recommend the CEEPUS exchange program to any student eager to expand their academic and personal horizons.
Berta Stojkovska, master’s student in International Relations and Diplomacy at the University American College Skopje (visiting the University of Pećs in March 2025).
In March 2025, I had the opportunity to spend one month as a visiting student at the University of Pécs in Hungary through the CEEPUS network. This academic exchange was a truly enriching experience that significantly contributed to the progress of my Master’s thesis in International Relations and Diplomacy.
What stood out most during my time in Pécs was the diverse and multicultural academic environment, which fostered open dialogue, new perspectives, and a strong sense of community. Being part of such an international setting allowed me to engage with peers and faculty from across the region, each bringing unique insights. In that sense, I particularly enjoyed attending lectures by Professor Andrea Schmidt on International Political Economy and Professor Zoltán Vörös on U.S. Foreign Policy and Security Studies. These sessions were intellectually stimulating and directly relevant to my research interests, offering theoretical depth and practical context.
Beyond the academic aspect, student life in Pécs was equally engaging and enjoyable. From exploring the charming city to connecting with fellow exchange students through cultural and social events, the experience offered a perfect balance of learning and fun.
Natalia Kowerek, first-year master’s student in Global Studies at the University of Opole (visiting the University of Pećs in March 2025)
The CEEPUS mobility in Pécs was an incredible experience that allowed me not only to expand my academic knowledge but also to be a part international environment in a colourful city like Pećs. Attending lectures gave me valuable insights that will be useful in my further studies and gave me the opportunity to immerse myself into student life in there. Additionally, working on my master’s thesis in such a stimulating setting helped me refine my research and develop a more structured approach. What made this experience truly special, however, was the opportunity to connect with people from different backgrounds, exchange ideas, and see new perspectives. Engaging in discussions with international colleagues was both inspiring and eye-opening. Beyond academia, I had the chance to explore the beautiful city of Pécs, experience Hungarian culture, and create unforgettable memories.
Marcel Ryszka, master student of International Relations at the University of Opole, Poland (visiting the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia)
Short term CEEPUS mobility was a great experience for me, thanks to which I had the opportunity to get to know the culture and environment of another European country. I managed to learn a lot about Slovenia thanks to visits to museums and other cultural centres. I visited very beautiful places all over the country, but most importantly I had the opportunity to talk to my peers and exchange world-views about the current situation in Europe. In the modern world dominated by perceiving events surrounding us through the prism of social media, trips such as this one provide an incomparable opportunity to open up to see the world from a slightly different perspective than the one we are used to.
Natalia Kowerek, a bachelor’s degree student in the Public Management at the University of Opole, Poland (visiting the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
The short-term mobility trip for a month under the CEEPUS program allowed me to focus more deeply and to develop my bachelor’s thesis to the best of my ability. The program enhanced my language skills and allowed me to understand the functioning of a university in another country. Additionally, access to the library and online catalogues expanded my ability to gather information and acquire knowledge necessary for writing my thesis. The experience made me fall in love with Slovenia and Ljubljana! I would gladly come back for a longer stay. I highly recommend such a trip to everyone!
Karolína Lančová, master student of Public Administration and Social Policy, Silesian University in Opava
The mobility within the CEEPUS program was a great opportunity for me to gain new knowledge, but also to meet new people from around the world. During my one-month stay at the University of Opole, I had the opportunity to see what this short studying abroad can look like. Furthermore, I had a chance to debate with international colleagues, which was an absolutely amazing experience and I believe I will gain from it for a long time. I definitely recommend this program to everyone, because you will have an unforgettable experience, meet people you probably won’t meet anywhere else and many memories for a lifetime.
Ondrej Elbel, PhD. Candidate, University of Ostrava
Short term CEEPUS mobility was for me a great opportunity to exchange the ideas with experts from my field and get valuable pieces of advice on how to structure the process of my research. During my stay, I had a possibility to present and discuss my projects with the border scholars and students which helped me to precise my research and goals. At the University of Opole I found an atmosphere of hospitality and openness. It was also very inspiring to get to know academics from another country which allowed me to dive into other sources, approaches, and geographical perspectives.
I really enjoyed the flexibility of the mobility as the administrative procedure was not time-consuming. Thanks to the availability of funding during that semester, I could carry out the mobility very soon after my application.
Proshe Mitovski, undergraduate student of International Relations and Diplomacy, University American College Skopje
The mobility within the CEEPUS program was a great opportunity for me to upgrade my knowledge, but also to gain new experience and many international friends. During my one-month stay at the University of Pécs, I had an opportunity to see what studying abroad looks like. Moreover, I had a chance to debate with my international colleagues, which was amazing because we all shared and discussed our personal understandings and views on international politics. I definitely recommend the program to everyone, because you will have an unforgettable experience and many memories for a lifetime.
Diana Drăguțan, undergraduate student of the International Relations, Free International University of Moldova
My experience of the 2022 summer school on Cross-border Co-operation in Central Europe held in Liberec, Czech Republic was made possible by applying for the CEEPUS mobility grant. Thanks to this mobility I was able to visit European countries and deepen my knowledge in the field of my specialization – International Relations. I have observed good practices of conducting classes by university lecturers and specialists from the Czech Republic, Poland and Denmark. It must be noted that it was easy to apply for the CEEPUS scholarship, with only minor formalities to be fulfilled.
My mobility experience has been excellent, thus I encourage all other students to apply for the CEEPUS grant as an advantageous alternative among existing exchange programs.
Filip Trajkovski, student of Political Science with the focus on International Relations and Diplomacy, University American College Skopje
The CEEPUS experience has been crucial in developing my understanding of fundamental values and principles of the European Union. In the two weeks of the summer school on Cross-border Co-operation in Central Europe organized in Liberec, Czech Republic, with visits to both Germany and Poland, I was able to further discover the interconnectedness between European states which I have always wanted to discover. The program offered a very structured and well-designed study plan, with the presence of professionals from different fields who were able to answer the many questions that arose during our lectures and debates. I believe that opportunities as such need to be further supported and expanded because they provide the youth, our future, a set of tools and experiences to compare their home and host states and take all the experience gained back home. Using this experience to grow as a person and to contribute to my community is and will always be a crucial part of my mission in this world. I am beyond grateful to the hospitality, professionalism, and support offered by CEEPUS, University of American College Skopje, and Technical University of Liberec.
Instytut Nauk o Polityce i Administracji
ul. Katowicka 89,
45-061 Opole
tel. +48 77 452 74 60,
e-mail: politologia@uni.opole.pl
Uniwersytet Opolski
plac Kopernika 11a
45-040 Opole
Rektorat
tel.: 77 541 59 03
Biuro Kanclerza
tel.: 77 541 60 70
NIP: 754-000-71-79
Regon: 000001382
