Autumn Mix & Mingle Day in Ljubljana
At the Faculty of Tourism, University of Maribor, we host a Mix & Mingle Day (M&M) twice a year, dedicated to student networking and community-building. These events take place annually in Brežice and/or Ljubljana, bringing together students from both English and Slovenian programmes. It’s a great opportunity for students to get to know each other, share experiences, build friendships, and strengthen cultural connections. The autumn M&M was held last Thursday, October 24, 2024, this time at the Ljubljana Student Campus.
The morning began with the arrival of students from Brežice, who traveled to Ljubljana by bus. The event opened with a welcome speech by the Vice Dean for Education, Assist. Prof. Dr. Barbara Pavlakovič Farrell. Afterward, all Faculty of Tourism students were grouped by year and joined in collective lectures. All lectures and seminars were conducted in English to encourage students further in using the language, which opens doors to international mobility and career opportunities.
Story of the Day: Languages as Bridges Between Cultures
A highlight of this year's M&M Day was a themed workshop on language and intercultural connection titled Languages: Bridges Between Cultures. Students participated in a creative challenge, developing a graphic travel diary titled Mojca and Janez Travel the World: A Faculty of Tourism Graphic Travelogue. In small groups, students illustrated the journey of two characters, Mojca and Janez, who explore the world through various cultural lenses. They incorporated one unique word from each group member’s language, such as "džezva" in Sarajevo or "मैं तुम्हारा भाई दोस्त हूँ" in New Delhi.
How Did They Tackle the Challenge?
Each group was given a specific word in one of the students’ native languages, representing that student’s cultural background. Groups researched, created scenarios, illustrated the comic, and presented a story with a special local touch, including customs, traditional food, sports, or notable attractions from the student’s home country. The event was an ideal opportunity for creative collaboration, team-building, and cultural exchange from all over the world.
Socializing Over a Delicious Indian Lunch
After the challenge, students enjoyed a delicious Indian lunch, continuing to socialize and share their impressions of the event in a relaxed atmosphere. Moments like these are essential for building bonds between students from diverse programs and backgrounds, creating spaces for future collaboration.
The Mix & Mingle Day is a long-standing tradition organized by the Faculty of Tourism twice a year. Each event brings a new theme and fresh challenges for students, always with an emphasis on connection and mutual understanding. The Faculty builds bridges between students from different locations and programmes, offering them a unique chance to collaborate, develop their potential, and forge lasting friendships.
Students, see you at the next Mix & Mingle Day in Brežice!