english-programme students

This page is for our International English-programme students who study at Faculty's dislocated unit in Ljubljana (at ŠOU Kampus).

It will help you to get off to an easier start in a new environment, both in the field of study and in extracurricular activities.

You can find even more helpful information in the Welcome guide prepared for English-programme students:

welcome guide (english-programme students)

English-Programme Students Administrative Support

Klara Pinterič

+386 8 205 40 13

klara.pinteric@um.si

Office hours Ljubljana, ŠOU Kampus (FT room):

Thursdays from 9.30 am – 12 pm
by prior appointment by e-mail.

buddy programme

Need a buddy? The Faculty of Tourism has in place a Buddy Programme for new and existing students. This means that if you have any doubts, concerns or problems – related to your studies, life in Slovenia or otherwise – you are welcome to turn to either a Student Buddy or your Personal Tutor (Teacher Buddy). Student Buddies are junior and senior international students who have been with us for a while and know the ins-and-outs of the Faculty, our staff, the courses and are well-versed in the practical aspects of living in Ljubljana.

They will do their best to help and guide you. The Teacher Buddy is a member of the teaching staff whose role it is to make international students feel welcome and well. She also has access to all the teaching staff and the Faculty Management, and can talk to your professors if you stumble upon an obstacle in one of the courses. It is best to email them (contact details below). Don’t be shy!

student representation at faculty of tourism

your student buddies (student tutors)

Stanislava Kolesnikova

stanislava.kolesniko@student.um.si

Anshul Nicholas Lewis

anshul@student.um.si

Elizaveta Buvaeva

elizaveta.buvaeva@student.um.si

Fidha Moothedath

fidha.moothedath@student.um.si

your personal tutors (teacher tutors)

Lect. Dr Biljana Božinovski

biljana.bozinovski@um.si

Assoc. Prof. Dr Jasna Potočnik Topler

jasna.potocnik1@um.si

Assist. Mihaela Franjić

mihaela.franjic1@um.si

welcome and orientation days

Every September we hold International Student Welcome Days and Orientation in Ljubljana.

We first get together at ŠOU Kampus, and later take new students around the city for basic orientation. Usually there are two Welcome Days (Day 1: Information Briefing, Day 2: Workshops) and one Orientation Day (we visit the Central Economic Library at Bežigrad, the Students Health Centre at Aškerčeva Street, we register for the Ljubljana City Bus and BicikeLJ Bike Network, etc.). Faculty staff will be there, including teachers and support staff, and you can ask any question that comes to mind. You will learn all there is to know about studying at our Faculty and living in Slovenia and Ljubljana.

2023 Welcome days materials:

programme of 2023 welcome and orientation days: SEPTEMBER 20-21

1_Welcome Days 23_FT and UM

2_Welcome Days_Attending Classes and Student Work

3_Welcome Days_Internships and Study Exchanges

4_Welcome Days_Academic Excellence Package

5_Welcome Days_Student Affairs Office

6_Welcome Days_ICT services, and Moodle Workshop

7_Welcome Days_Formal Corespondence

8_Welcome Days_Student Council

9_Welcome Days_Medical Assistance and Basic Orientation

10_Welcome Days_ESN Ljubljana

studying in ljubljana

Ljubljana is a cosy and vibrant student city. It is the capital of Slovenia with a population of nearly 300,000. It is the economic and cultural hub of Slovenia with an exciting mix of different cultural traditions. Its history goes back to Roman times, when it was called Emona, and you can spot Roman ruins at many locations in the old town. The castle perched on top of a hill just above the Cathedral gives the old town its characteristic image as do the Ljubljanica River, which splits the downtown area into two halves connected by many bridges, and the monumental works by UNESCO acclaimed architect Jože Plečnik. There are museums and galleries, a wide variety of cafes, pubs, bars and restaurants. The city’s official symbol is the dragon, sported on the steel bridge across the river and on numerous souvenirs. The city has one of the oldest philharmonic orchestra buildings in the world and the Congress Square, named after the meeting of the Holy Alliance, which made Ljubljana the centre of the modern world (for a fleeting moment in 1821). The green city also offers numerous parks and woodland areas.

ACCOMMODATION

Ljubljana is a lovely city to live in and offers a variety of accommodation options. Unfortunately there are no student dorms available for foreign students but you can browse these platforms to find a home-away-from-home that suits you best: RealestateSI24, Housing Anywhere, Erasmus Play, Bolha, Nepremicnine.net, etc. Contact the Student Room Rental Agency or your Student Buddy to help you with rental information and general accommodation queries.

LOCAL TRANSPORTATION IN LJUBLJANA

The city is walkable and it is easy and safe to get around on foot. There are also two public transport systems: buses (they cover the city and all the main suburbs) and bicycles (BicikeLJ). The fare for buses is paid by the single city card called URBANA, while in order to use Ljubljana City bikes you have to create an account via the BicikeLJ Official app and at just 3€ annually (charged to your credit card) you can borrow the bikes for free all year round. To register for cheaper student bus fares, complete form and take it to the LLP Office at Slovenska Cesta 56 (bring your ID).

INTERNET ACCESS

All higher-education institutions and libraries in Ljubljana will offer the Eduroam Wi-Fi network, which you are free to use as a student; log in using your University digital identity (email address & password). Lecture rooms at ŠOU Kampus have WiFi Internet. You log in with your email and the account will remain active for 24 hours (then you log in again). Downtown Ljubljana is covered by access points to the WiFreeLjubljana wireless broadband network, providing 60 minutes of free internet access per day.

ŠOU KAMPUS

Known as Student City, the Kampus is THE place for student events, sports, concerts, workshops and parties. Across the street from the Tivoli Park and right next to the Union Brewery, the Kampus is where you will find a Student Meals Contact Point (to register for subsidized student meals), and they also run a decent coffee house which serves snacks. Moreover, this is the Ljubljana location of the Faculty of Tourism and therefore your classes will take place there, on the "Kampus".

Šou Kampus, pivovarniška u. 6, ljubljana

useful links

foreign embassies in slovenia

study in slovenia

visit ljubljana

slovenia info

information for foreigners

practicalities of life in slovenia

TEMPORARY RESIDENCE PERMIT (TRP) PROCESS AND ARRIVAL TO SLOVENIA

In order to enter Slovenia, citizens of non-EEA countries must acquire a visa or a residence permit from Slovenia’s diplomatic mission abroad. After we enrol you, you will receive instructions as to which documents to supply so that we can start the TRP process for you. (In addition to proof of admission to the Faculty you will also need proof of sufficient financial resources, a valid passport, a police clearance certificate, an authentic photo, appropriate health insurance, and you will also be scanned for fingerprints.) The TRP process usually takes around six months.

After you’ve arrived to Slovenia, you will need to register your temporary address in Slovenia at the Administrative Unit Ljubljana, where you will also apply for an extension of your TRP every year. Don’t worry, we will help you with everything! For more information, contact Ms Klara Pinterič at the Student Affairs Office.

Don’t forget:
To legally reside in Slovenia and the EU, you need a valid TRP. In order to be granted/extended your TRP for study purposes, you need proof of enrolment into a higher-education institution, i.e. Certificate of Student Status. Our Faculty will issue a valid Certificate of Student Status to you every year after you have completed all courses and collected the ECTS as per the syllabus. If you fail to meet your study obligations, your Certificate of Student Status (and thus your TRP) may be revoked.

MEDICAL INSURANCE

Before coming to Slovenia make sure you have appropriate health insurance coverage (including for accidents and liability) and enough supply of any prescription medications that you need. Alternatively you can purchase coverage in Slovenia; Coris Insurance is best suited for non-EU students.

If you need medical help, you will usually pay €20–50 per visit (depending on your type of coverage) and then ask for a refund from your insurance company. Another option is applying for Slovenian national health insurance, in which case you get to choose your personal physician and visit specialists in the same way as Slovenian residents. For more about health insurance in Slovenia go here.

BANKING IN SLOVENIA

If you stay in Slovenia for a year or more, you will want to open an account with a local bank. Most payments in Slovenia are done with cards (therefore most shops, hotels and restaurants accept Eurocard, VISA, MasterCard, Diners Club, American Express and other payment cards).

Moreover, it is recommended to deposit your money in an account rather than carry cash around.

TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

In order to open a bank account you will need a tax identification number (so as to land a student job, receive a scholarship from a Slovenian institution, etc.). Follow the process described here

MOBILE PHONES

In addition to several others, there are four main mobile network operators & Internet service providers in Slovenia: Telekom, A1, Telemach, and T2. They offer a range of prepay plans. Visit a local store or their website for more information. Mind you: you will need a phone with a Slovenian SIM card to use the system of subsidized student meals.

THINGS TO DO

Slovenia feels a bit like all of its neighbours (Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia), in the best possible ways. There are spectacular mountains and lakes, historic cities, and warm people. Take time to discover our beautiful green country at the intersection of the Alps, the Mediterranean and the Pannonian Plain.

GEETING AROUND

Slovenia is situated in Central Europe and borders Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia. It is only a few hours’ drive from Venice or Vienna. Slovenia is easily accessible from all neighbouring countries, as it has good road and rail connections, with daily flights from many European cities. Since it is a coastal country, you can also get to Slovenia by sea. Explore the options.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

The Global Peace Index ranks Slovenia a top 5 destination in terms of safety in the world. You will rarely see police officers patrolling the streets – simply because there is no need for that; the crime rate is low. However, it is important that you take precautions in keeping yourself and your possessions safe, particularly in busy streets, at big events and at the peak of the tourist season.

HEALTH CARE AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT

If you encounter any medical problems, the Student Health Centre of the University of Ljubljana (ZDŠ) at Aškerčeva Street will take care of you. They specialize in providing health care services to students. Every time you need medical help, you should first make an appointment by email (international@zdstudenti.si) and the staff will assign a doctor to you.

If you need emergency medical care, dial 112. For emergency dental care, dial +386 1 472 37 18. If you need the Ljubljana ER (Emergency Room), they can be reached at +386 1 522 84 08. (But make sure you only call these numbers in cases of absolute emergency. Otherwise contact the ZDŠ).

Being half way round the globe away from home and on your own can sometimes become a struggle. If you would like to talk to someone, you are always welcome to contact your Student Buddy or Personal Tutor. Maybe you just need a good conversation and a laugh! You can also contact any of these student support services: psychiatric helpline, psychosocial counselling and Psychology Students helpline, where friendly staff will listen to you and try to help with counselling and advice.

studying at ft um

Here we have compiled some of the most relevant information related to your studies at the FT: types of classes, what sort of input is expected of you, what the staff are like and how to approach them, the DI (digital identity) is and its uses, this and that about exams and grades, and more.

Read before you ask. However, if there’s something you need and can’t find at our website, ask your Student Buddy!

UNIVERSITY DIGITAL IDENTITY (DI)

The University Digital Identity is your gateway to all Faculty of Tourism services and tools! It consists of a username (name.surname@student.um.si) and password (students set it themselves).

it services for students

With your DI you can log into all the Faculty services (AIPS, Moodle, MS 365, etc.), your University-issued e-mail account (where you will be receiving all official communications from the Faculty), and you can also use it to access the Eduroam Wi-Fi network anywhere in Slovenia or Europe.

COMMUNICATING WITH THE FACULTY STAFF

We are a small Faculty and we believe in the personal approach. Professors and other staff will soon know you by your first name, and we are all very approachable. We are also very open as to what we do, and we encourage students to get involved in the operations of the Faculty as much as possible. So if you have suggestions or need anything, don’t hesitate to contact us!

The official communications channel at the Faculty is E-MAIL. This is how the Student Affairs Office will send information to you, and this is also how you should ask for information – either from the teaching staff or support services.

Make sure you check your University-issued email account regularly (several times a day) to have the latest information about changes to the timetable, pending obligations, upcoming events.

When you need information about something, make sure you email the relevant person early enough (not last minute). Moreover, whenever you are unsure about something, it is better to double check it with the relevant person and get a clarification in writing. If you receive an email from Faculty staff, you are expected to respond (= reply to their message).

The Faculty of Tourism also has a Facebook and Instagram account, which are used for informing about events and not for communicating with students about study-related issues.

TYPES OF CLASSES

The Faculty of Tourism uses diverse teaching approaches. Lectures are when the professor covers topics in-depth ex-cathedra and you mainly take notes, with student participation being generally limited. Lectures are valuable as professors there usually touch on aspects of a topic not covered in textbooks and can therefore provide insights into the study material beyond books.

Seminars, tutorials and other practical work are slightly different in terms of student engagement: here you are expected to come to class prepared and actively contribute throughout (voice your opinions, ask questions, share your work). For these practically-oriented classes, student attendance is absolutely mandatory, which means you cannot sit for the final exam unless you have attended throughout the semester.

TAKING NOTES AND CONTRIBUTING

Classes are diverse and intense, and there will be a lot to cover in a short period of time. Professors will usually lecture using PPT presentations, showing videos, setting up an online quiz, or inviting guest tourism experts to talk to you. There is mandatory reading for all courses but you are nevertheless expected to take notes of all the relevant information you hear in class. This includes information about when and how you should submit assignments.

Professors will generally appreciate you getting invested in the classes: if they see you ask questions or make comments about the topic being discussed, this will go a long way when they have to grade you at the end of the semester. So raise your hand, be vocal, make yourself visible. If the professor asks you to bring a project to class next time, make sure you have it: this shows good work ethic and professors always reward it. Sometimes active participation in class can contribute a major part to the final grade for the course!

STUDENTS’ PENDING OBLIGATIONS

Usually professors will require students to comply with certain requirements before they can sit for an exam. Merely attending lectures is sometimes not enough: you may have to hand in several assignments during the semester, you may have to be vocal and active in class, you may have to be present for more than 80% of the time (depending on the syllabus).

Only if you have met all the requirements, can you proceed to the exam. Should you be unsure if all your requirements have been met, make sure you contact the professor in due time (weeks before the end of the semester) and ask about your pending obligations. It is the students’ responsibility to be familiar with their pending obligations at all times; do not expect any notifications from professors in this respect.

EXAMS AND EXAM RULES

Exams take place after each completed teaching period (which usually coincides with semesters). There are three exam periods each academic year: the winter, summer and autumn exam period. You can apply for an exam if you have met all the criteria during the semester (handed in all assignments on time, participated, attended, etc. – depending on the rules for each course). Applications are done in the AIPS system. You have to apply no later than 8 days before the exam date.

If you later wish to withdraw, you have to do this no later than 2 days prior to the exam. (If you do not withdraw and do not take the exam, you lose one exam date.) You have 6 attempts for each course (if you happen to fail the first time, you can take the exam the second, or third time…). The last 3 attempts are subject to a fee and are done before an exam board. For more information see:

exams

CHEATING/PLAGIARISM

In the academic world, the intellectual contribution of an individual to the scientific community comes highly valued. Therefore all forms of cheating and plagiarism are strictly prohibited. This means students cannot copy someone else’s work (either for term assignments or at exams) or have someone else write an assignment for them (e.g. an essay, term paper, research project). Taking your notes to an exam is also not allowed (except for open-book exams; see below).

At the Faculty of Tourism we also have a Zero Tolerance Policy for plagiarism. Plagiarism is presenting someone else’s work as your own without their permission, either deliberately or accidentally. You commit plagiarism if you copy bits of text from a book or a website without citing the book or website as your source. Any form of plagiarism will be treated seriously and can result in expulsion. More about sanctions for cheating and plagiarism at Document centre for students.

document centre for students

CERTIFICATE OF STUDENT STATUS

This is a certificate that the Student Affairs Office will issue in your name after you have enrolled (1st year) and after you have completed all study obligations (all subsequent years). It is valid for 12 months.

You need it to obtain/extend your TRP and obtain all student-status related benefits (subsidized meals, low-cost bus fares, etc.). If you fail to meet your study obligations during the year, your Certificate of Student Status may be revoked.

Remember: To legally reside in Slovenia and the EU, you need a valid TRP and thus a valid Certificate of Student Status.

STUDENT IDENTITY CARD

The Student Identity Card is your proof of student status and allows you to exercise your rights and to obtain other benefits derived from the student status (subsidized student meals, discounts on entrance fees to museums and other visits, etc.). You will receive your Student Identity Card at the Student Affairs Office after enrolment formalities are completed.

IT SERVICES (DIGITAL IDENTITY, MOODLE, AIPS …)

The University of Maribor provides students with a uniform digital identity, which consists of their username (= University-issued email account) and password. Using it, students may access a powerful ecosystem of IT tools and solutions, such as the e-learning environment Moodle, the exam platform AIPS and many more. If you require assistance using any IT services, please contact the ICT coordinator (at skrbnik.ft@um.si) or the Student Affairs Office.

Our students have access to licences for MICROSOFT 365 APPS, including MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, OneNote, Teams, Publisher, Access, etc. You can use the Office 365 online version or install the desktop version on a maximum of 5 computers/portable devices. (While traditional Office installations are tied to the computers they are installed on, Office 365 ProPlus offers new and flexible installation possibilities.) Microsoft Office 365 can be accessed at IT services for students with your digital identity.

it services for um students

MOODLE is the e-learning environment (online classroom) that all members of the UM use. It is where professors upload study materials and post course-related announcements, and students submit term papers and receive mid-term grades. Exams can also be take place in Moodle. It is imperative you get comfortable with Moodle at an early stage because it is one of the pillars of the study process! If you have any questions, contact your Student Buddy, Personal Tutor or the Computer Centre of University of Maribor.

AIPS is the student information system for exams and grades. It is here that you will see the scheduled examination dates as well as apply for and withdraw from exams. A list of your outstanding obligations (for each course) will be here, and all your exam applications (with information whether you passed or failed). All your grades are also visible here. Moreover, it is here that you will complete student surveys (i.e. provide an assessment of the professors’ work prior to applying for any exam; don’t worry, the surveys are anonymous!).

LIBRARIES AND LEARNING SPACES

The Faculty of Tourism has its library in Brežice and is therefore not convenient for students based in Ljubljana.

However, Ljubljana has several well-equipped libraries that you can use for study purposes. One of them is the Central Economics Library, which offers a multitude of study resources as well as a pleasant study environment. Enrolment into the library takes place during Orientation Days in September.

ELECTRONIC SOURCES

The University of Maribor also provides access to numerous electronic resources, which are available via the Maribor University Library website.

You will obtain your log-in details and a quick how-to guide for that during Orientation Days, too.

electronic sources ukm

TUITION FEE

In order to study at a public higher-education institution in Slovenia, students who are citizens of non-EU Member States are required to pay a tuition fee.
Tuition fees and other study-related costs are published each academic year by the University and are available at:

UM Price List - Tuition Fees and Other Study Costs 

The tuition fee covers the above-standard execution of the study programme – in addition to providing all courses in Slovene, the Faculty provides its part-time programmes for international students in English, giving its Ljubljana-based students fully-time attention and availability.

ACADEMIC CALENDAR AND STUDY TIMETABLE

The academic calendar is published at the end of September for the following academic year. Each academic year has two parts: the winter semester (October–January) followed by the winter exam period (January–February), and the summer semester (March–June) followed by the summer exam period (June–July). There is a third exam period in August–September.
There are Welcome and Orientation Days in September, before the start of the academic year. Because of national holidays and other special events, some days during the year are teaching free.

ACADEMIC CALENDAR AND TIMETABLE

The study timetable shows classes taught, class times, professors that teach, student groups, lecture rooms, and type of class (lecture/seminar/tutorial) for each week of the academic calendar. It is published twice every academic year: once before the start of the winter semester, and then again before the summer semester.
It is important you check it regularly as changes are possible and they may even occur daily. In case of ad-hoc changes (effective within the following two days), you will receive a notification of the change to your student e-mail and there will be an announcement under student notifications on the FT website. Other, more long-term changes of the timetable will be reflected in the timetable only.

academic excellence package

The Academic Excellence Package is an option for English-programme students who want to have better grades, increased exposure (with professors), intense networking (with students), more study and/or work exchange options (studying/working outside Slovenia), and – ultimately – better chances of landing a higher paid job.

More infrmation and applications:
Lect. Dr Biljana Božinovski