The start of the winter semester was marked by group activities and exploring Trnava and Slovak culture. During Welcome Week (October 5–16, 2026), ESN Trnava, in collaboration with the universities, organized a varied program that helped international students overcome initial barriers and adapt more easily to their new environment. The program included a guided tour of Trnava’s historic center, interactive city games, icebreaker activities, a tasting of Slovak specialties, and an introduction to the Slovak language. The common thread running through all these activities was bringing together students of different nationalities and creating opportunities for new friendships.

Welcome Dinner: Slovakia Tastes Best in Good Company

One of the highlights of the orientation program was the Welcome Dinner, which took place on October 14, 2026. International students had the opportunity to experience Slovak cuisine through traditional dishes such as bryndzové halušky, potato pancakes, fried cheese, and homemade strudel.

However, the evening wasn’t just about food. ESN members organized original icebreaker activities, party games, and contests that naturally brought students together and created a pleasant, informal atmosphere. Thanks in part to gatherings like this, new classmates gradually become friends, and an unfamiliar city becomes a second home.

A Partnership That Goes Beyond Welcome Week

The UCM Office of International Relations (OMV) views ESN Trnava as an important partner in supporting and integrating international students.

Therefore, this collaboration involves not only supporting welcome activities but also actively involving ESN members in university events and international initiatives.

One example was Erasmus Days 2026, during which ESN participated in activities organized by the OMV and helped create a space for domestic and international students to meet, share experiences, and promote the opportunities offered by the Erasmus+ program.

An important part of this collaboration is also the gradual strengthening of the Buddy System, which aims to connect international students with local students and volunteers. It is precisely this personal contact, help with finding one’s way in a new environment, and shared leisure activities that can significantly ease the first weeks of mobility.

OMV therefore actively supports student initiatives and creates opportunities for ESN volunteers to actively engage in university life and contribute to building an open, international community.

And the shared experiences certainly don’t end with Welcome Week! ESN Trnava is preparing a varied program for international students in the coming months—ranging from day trips to Bratislava, Čachtice, or Bojnice to bowling, laser tag, creative workshops, party games, and trivia quizzes. In collaboration with UCM, it is creating further opportunities to explore Slovakia, forge friendships, and build an active international student community.

After all, internationalization isn’t just about the number of mobility programs and partner universities. It’s also about the people who can create an environment to which international students are happy to return.

And it is precisely thanks to the collaboration between UCM and ESN Trnava that Erasmus+ mobility becomes more than just a semester abroad—it becomes an unforgettable experience.