“It inspired me to live every precious day to the fullest” Eve’s Erasmus+ Experience in Slovenia

Horse riding at Lake Bohinj

Eve Meehan undertook an Erasmus+ study abroad in Slovenia as part of her undergraduate degree at the University of Galway. 

During my third year of Commerce (Global Experience) at the University of Galway, I was extremely fortunate to spend one semester living abroad in Ljubljana, Slovenia, through the Erasmus+ programme. My mobility at the University of Ljubljana, School of Economics and Business spanned from February to June 2025.  

What motivated you to do it?
From an academic and career perspective, I saw Erasmus+ as an opportunity to strengthen my transferable skills and enhance my employability. I hoped to broaden my intercultural awareness, gain insights into different academic approaches, and develop communication and language skills that would benefit both my final year of study and my long-term career. 

On a personal level, I wanted to challenge myself to grow in confidence, independence, and resilience by adapting to life in an unfamiliar city, meeting new people, and travelling around central Europe safely and efficiently. I was also motivated by the chance to step outside my comfort zone and build an international network. I believed that these experiences would not only enrich my personal development but also shape the way I approach future opportunities, whether in postgraduate study or an international career. 

What did you study and why did you choose it?
I was drawn to the excellent academic offerings at the University of Ljubljana and I had the privilege of learning from professors such as Mojmir Mrak, whose 25 years of experience in shaping Slovenia’s EU accession and financial policies greatly enriched my studies. Alongside this, my interest in history made the opportunity to explore Slovenia’s past and its contemporary development especially appealing.  

During my Erasmus+ mobility, I undertook 20 ECTS across four business modules, and completed an in-depth reflection for the University of Galway to earn an additional 10 ECTS. While abroad, I studied Electronic Business, Global Finance, International Business and Management, and Socio-Economic Development and Contemporary Slovenia, which were all delivered through English. I selected these modules to complement my curriculum at home and to broaden my global perspective, with a particular focus on the intersection of international business practices, socio-economic development, and cross-cultural management. 

The University of Ljubljana also promised the wonderful opportunity to meet students from all continents. In 2024, Ljubljana welcomed 2,297 Erasmus+ students, and the prospect of building such a wide network of colleagues and friends was deeply appealing.  

Beyond academics, Ljubljana is overwhelmingly picturesque, with colourful buildings and the Ljubljanica river flowing gently through the city centre. Living in such a gorgeous European capital, getting to know its people, and experiencing its rich culture was a significant draw. Its central European location, bordering Italy, Croatia, Hungary, and Austria, also offered the opportunity to explore new places and perspectives.  

The famous Franciscan church in Ljubljana

Describe a typical day on your Erasmus+.
A typical day always involved a few hours sitting outdoors at a coffee shop – catching up with friends, studying, and completing assignments. There were so many beautiful coffee shops and restaurants, including VRT, Center Rog, and Špica. This café culture was one of my favourite things about Ljubljana; even in winter locals sit along the river sipping coffee, equipped with heaters and blankets. I felt inspired to bring these habits back with me to Ireland and to persevere through bad weather to spend quality time with friends. 

Ljubljana has so many beautiful landmarks and activities to offer. We regularly visited the castle for a sunset drink, took boat tours around the city, and on the first Sunday of each month we visited museums and galleries for free. Walks along the river were a daily occurrence – I loved observing friends having catch-ups by the water and wandering underneath weeping willow trees. 

Ljubljana castle in the evening

The nightlife was hugely enjoyable for Erasmus+ students. Every Wednesday we went to Holiday’s Pub for Erasmus Karaoke. It became a true ritual – we gathered to sing, dance, and make the most of our precious time together.  

How did you make friends and network?
Before my Erasmus+ mobility, I had hoped to take advantage of every opportunity and say yes to everything – this motto manifested throughout my experience.

I attended as many events as possible that were organised by the Erasmus Student Network (ESN). These included an ice hockey game, wine tasting, speed-friending, and basketball. ESN also organised trips throughout Slovenia and surrounding countries, including the Slovenian Coast, Triglav National Park, Venice, Belgrade, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Their organisation, personalised recommendations for activities and restaurants, and priority for safety made the trips a true highlight and an amazing opportunity to network.  

As time went on, and thanks to the ESN springboard, we could arrange trips and social events with our own new personal network of friends. I made a huge effort to organise coffee dates, walks and dinners to get to know new friends, as well as including them in my travel plans, which really broke the ice and forged connections to last a lifetime. 

The Old Bridge in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

How did you manage your money and your search for accommodation?
When registering with the University of Ljubljana, there is an option in the application to apply for student dorms – however, rooms are very limited. The university is very helpful and can provide listings and links to available housing. My fellow students and I from the University of Galway opted to use HousingAnywhere to find accommodation, which is affiliated with the University of Ljubljana. If you create an account through the university, you can receive a discount on your booking fee. We organised our accommodation three months in advance and lived in an Erasmus+ house with 24 students from all over Europe. 

As a city, Ljubljana makes it very easy to maintain a budget. The cost of living is lower than in Ireland, in terms of groceries, coffee, socialising, and campus accommodation. Slovenia also offers a scheme known as ‘BONI’. This is a system for all registered students in Slovenia whereby meals are subsidised at restaurants that have signed up to the initiative. For each working day of the month, you receive a subsidy, and they can be used up to twice per day, four hours apart. Many great restaurants in the city provide BONI and your meal there will cost no more than €5. You can also receive soup, fruit, and salad for free at many places.  

What did you enjoy doing in your host country?
I loved exploring Slovenia’s natural beauty. Hiking in Triglav National Park, swimming in Lake Bohinj, and discovering the caves at Postojna and Škocjan were unforgettable experiences. One of the most exhilarating moments was ziplining over stunning scenery in Bled. 

My sister and I at Zipline Dolinka, Bled

I also made the most of Slovenia’s coastline by spending time in Piran and Izola. Enjoying fresh seafood and swimming in the Adriatic were some of my happiest summer memories. Although Slovenia’s coast is small, it’s incredibly charming. 

In Ljubljana, sharing BONI meals with friends quickly became a social ritual, whether we were eating traditional Slovenian dishes or international favourites. These simple everyday experiences were just as meaningful as the life-changing trips and events. I also loved immersing myself in local traditions, from tasting potica (a traditional Slovenian cake), to celebrating cultural events like Kurentovanje. 

What were the highlights of your Erasmus+ adventure?
It’s extremely difficult to choose the highlights from a perfect few months. One stand-out moment was travelling to Budapest in March to celebrate my 21st birthday. Spending such a milestone in a city I had always dreamed of visiting, surrounded by loved ones, was incredibly special. Exploring Budapest by day and celebrating together by night made it a birthday I’ll never forget. 

Another unforgettable memory was a sunny June day at Lake Bled. A huge group of us travelled together to swim in the lake, race down the toboggan run, paddle board to the island, and soak in the atmosphere of one of the most beautiful places in Slovenia. That day felt like the essence of Erasmus+: friendship, laughter, and making the most of every moment. 

A third highlight is my trip to Prague. Walking through the Old Town Square, watching the Astronomical Clock, crossing Charles Bridge, and touring Prague Castle were incredible experiences. The trip was topped off by a show-stopping Tate McRae concert, which turned a city break into a truly once-in-a-lifetime memory. 

How would you sum up your Erasmus+ in a few words?
Having such a short time in such a perfect city inspired me to live every precious day to the fullest. 

Tell us what you’re doing now since undertaking your Erasmus+.
I’m currently completing my final year at the University of Galway, with a specialisation in Digital Business and Analytics. Due to the benefits I gained from Erasmus+, I have taken several opportunities to share my experience with prospective Erasmus+ students. For example, I have become a Study Abroad Ambassador, spoken at orientation events, and contributed to written and video content for the university’s social media accounts.  

In August I flew to Edinburgh to visit a group of my Scottish friends from Erasmus+, and we had an amazing time at the Fringe festival. In the coming months, I will have visitors from as far as Melbourne, Australia! It is such an amazing feeling to have made so many beautiful friendships that are worth flying for.  

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All photos are reproduced here with permission from Eve.

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