"Kdor bo zamudil, si je sam kriv" or Once upon a time in Slovenia…

Student life in Slovenia has been nothing less than amazing in my exceptional experience!

Portorož, a wonderful seaside resort located in Mediterranean is a great place to study. Not only because I fall in love with this tiny country in general, but also because I really do believe the education system is good and found that there is much for local and international students to do here outside of class hours to be socially engaged in a funny way.

Out of all that is worth mentioning event „Turizmijada“ – gathering of students from colleges of hospitality and tourism from the countries of former Yugoslavia for the purpose of sharing experience, participation in variety of sports competitions, lectures, trips around the coast and obviously having a lot of fun. This year was held in Makarska riviera, Croatia. I have also visited the biggest international tourism fair in Belgrade, Serbia (organized by the faculty as well).

Very important point for our friendship was integration and „mingling“ together with local students and their attendance at many other events, such as regular intercultural evenings, opening beaches for summer season in Izola and Portorož, participation in voluntary animation programmes and so on.

A wide range of events were offered and also organized by Student Organization of the University of Primorska (ŠOUP). We have been concerned in two adventurous trips to ski jumping championship in Planica and rafting on Soča river!

I haven’t been the best student in grades at all, but I really look back at my experience in general including many interesting guest lectures, and I am very thankful for that.

The point of an Erasmus is apparently emotional exchange with your colleagues in another country. Furthermore is a great opportunity to discover a new culture, meet incredible friends, improve or learn a language, open your mind. It never gets boring!

Don’t keep dreaming…

A few years ago, I wish I could be able to work for world-renowned hotel chain, that Kempinski really is. And on the top of it in one of these luxury properties, which are part of Kempinski’s portfolio. Dreams came true in the beginning of May, when i was lucky and got a wonderful opportunity to work there as a waiter.

Kempinski Palace Portorož it is called jewel on the Mediterranean and it is one of Slovenia’s most luxurious hotels, actually is the only one 5 star superior hotel in the country.
Slovenia as a country and background of the hotel were chosen for destination of the worlds’ promotion of a new generation of Mercedes-Benz Class A. During one month over 1200 world´s journalists visited Slovenia, so I can say that it was the biggest and prestigious automobile event in the country ever, elaborated to the every single detail together with German perfectionism. I am really proud of that I could have been a part of the crew throughout this spectacular occasion.

Besides this „highlight of the summer“ I was working normally in F&B department: from the early morning hours at the elegant and rich breakfast which took place mostly on the attractive terrace. I was very often ready and used to work for preparing and service in Banquet Department, which included conference venue, opulent gala dinner or fabulous wedding parties and reception. My previous working effort was in a few last week rewarded by chance to provide a service in fine dining outlet Sophia, by far the best restaurant in the whole region, which is famous mainly because of fresh sea bass – having origin in local fish farm Fonda.

To my satisfaction, I received very positive feedback both from all managers of F&B department and human resource manager. Unfortunately I had to leave Portorož in the end of August because of my other school duties at my home university in the Czech Republic, thus I couldn’t stay any longer. But I definitely will never regret it at all.

If you have noticed this news, Kempinski Palace Portorož was awarded with two significant prizes by the World Travel Awards 2012 for Slovenia’s Leading hotel and Slovenia’s Leading Spa Resort.

I can truly recommend to all of you, who want to work in hospitality into the future, take a chance as soon as you can and go straight your way!

As I said so far many times, one big thanks go to all my Erasmus and Slovene friends and colleagues for all you have done for having a great time there. 

I couldn’t have made a better choice with this Erasmus exchange as the final step of my academic journey for a master´s degree programme.


Václav Slabý, Češka
slaby.vena@gmail.com