The participants were first addressed by Darja Saksida Bogataj, Head of the International Relations Office at the School of Economics and Business. On behalf of the School and the University of Ljubljana, she warmly welcomed the incoming students and expressed her pleasure that they had chosen SEB for their exchange. She emphasized that studying abroad is a unique and transformative experience, symbolically beginning with this very event, and encouraged students to make the most of their time in Slovenia—both academically and personally.

The students were then welcomed by Prof. Mojca Indihar Štemberger, Vice-Dean for Academic Affairs, who spoke on behalf of the School leadership. She highlighted the importance of internationalisation at SEB, where more than one fifth of full-time students come from abroad. Exchange students, she noted, significantly enrich the quality of teaching and collaboration in diverse study groups. She encouraged students not to limit themselves to socialising with peers from their home countries, but to actively engage with Slovenian and other international students, as intercultural collaboration is one of the key values of the exchange experience. At the same time, she reminded them of their academic responsibilities and wished them a successful and knowledge-filled semester.

The student perspective was presented by Kristijan Popovski, representative of the Student Council. As an international student himself, he shared his personal experience of studying in Slovenia and highlighted the important role of student organisations and the Student Council in representing student interests. He introduced a wide range of extracurricular activities, trips, social events, and parties organised throughout the semester, encouraging students to participate and expand their social networks. He particularly emphasized the value of connections built during exchange, which often prove beneficial in future professional careers.

The central informational part of the event was delivered by Helena Deršek Štuhec from the University of Ljubljana’s Central International Office. She provided detailed practical guidance on accommodation, administrative procedures, and everyday life in Slovenia. Special attention was given to residence registration procedures, obtaining residence permits, the use of university email as the main communication channel, and essential information about public transport and student benefits. She repeatedly stressed the importance of handling administrative matters in a timely manner, as delays may result in complications or even fines.

In the final part of the reception, members of the SEBuddies team introduced themselves as part of the School’s tutoring programme. Their role is to support international students in their first steps in the new environment, connect them with student life, and facilitate their adaptation to studying and living in Ljubljana. They presented upcoming social events, city tours, and group activities designed to help students integrate more quickly and build new connections.

The reception concluded with an overview of the day’s programme and upcoming activities, including a campus tour, presentations of support services, and an organised city tour. The event provided international students with a comprehensive introduction to studying at the School of Economics and Business and living in Slovenia, sending a clear message that they are warmly welcomed and fully supported throughout their exchange period.

Author: Marko Čadež Mačkić