Anika Velišček, graduate of the BA and MA study programme Slovene Studies

"When I was thinking about what to write about studying at the School of Humanities of the University of Nova Gorica, I realised it would be nice to share some things that most people do not know. Anyone can find out with just a few clicks that it is a school offering humanities programmes with small groups of students, which allows for a very personal approach from professors and provides numerous opportunities for project-based and research-oriented learning.

But this is not just something written for promotional purposes — it is genuinely true. I do not have to search my memory very hard to recall everything that my fellow students and I, who are still friends and continue to support one another, experienced during our three years of study.

We came up with the idea for and launched Artepakt, a magazine that was entirely our own work — from writing and proofreading to fundraising for printing and handling media promotion.

I also found it fascinating to attend the sessions of the school's Senate, the University Senate, the Governing Board, and the Quality Assurance Committee. These experiences gave me valuable insight into the inner workings of a top-level research and educational institution. Last but not least, I had the opportunity to meet and shake hands with many internationally renowned scientists whom I would otherwise never have encountered.

I will never forget the play Don Juan, for which we wrote our very first theatre review. Nor will I forget the visit of Michael Biggins, an American scholar who loves the Slovene language so much that he translates Slovene texts into English and teaches our language in the United States. I also remember participating in the Škrabec Days symposium and collaborating with linguists on various language research projects. If you browse Wikipedia, you can even find some of our contributions about inspiring women authors.

For most of the time, we were accompanied by good spirits and positive energy. And, of course, by the awareness that we can achieve a great deal both personally and professionally if we remain curious, eager to learn, and motivated. None of this would have been possible without support, so I would like to thank everyone — each and every one of you — who helped me, and, if I may say so, all of us, to grow and gain knowledge and experiences that we will never forget."

Anika Velišček, graduate of the Bachelor's and Master's Degree Programmes in Slovene Studies* at the University of Nova Gorica

*Starting in the 2024/25 academic year, the undergraduate study programme Slovene Studies was restructured and renamed Language and Literature in the Digital World.