An Unforgettable ASEF Weekend in Maribor

From July 3 to 5, 2026, an enthusiastic group of 18 ASEF Fellows – comprising the current VS 2026 cohort and RA alumni from various generations – embarked on a memorable three-day excursion to the capital of Styria. The goal of the weekend was clear: to blend world-class educational insights, foster team spirit, immerse ourselves in local culture, and, above all, weave deeper connections across different generations of the ASEF family. It is safe to say the weekend exceeded all expectations!

Friday: High-Tech Labs and a Musical Night by the Drava River

Our journey kicked off on Friday afternoon as we departed from Ljubljana. Our first stop was Mengeš, where we received a warm and insightful welcome at Novartis. As the first company in the history of the Slovenian pharmaceutical industry to develop, manufacture, and market innovative medicines, Novartis in Slovenia holds a critically important global position. Through an inspiring presentation and a guided tour of their state-of-the-art facilities, our fellows discovered that the Slovenian locations support about half of Novartis’s priority innovative products for patients worldwide and participate in all five of their high-tech platforms. The curiosity of the group sparked an engaging Q&A session, proving once again that a relentless thirst for knowledge is what truly unites the ASEF community.

We then headed towards Maribor, checked into our cozy accommodation right in the city center, and immediately immersed ourselves in the local vibe with a hearty dinner. We truly enjoyed ourselves at a local pizzeria, where we treated ourselves to huge, authentic Neapolitan pizzas that you funnily cut with scissors. The evening then continued with a relaxed stroll through the historic streets, which led us straight into the vibrant heartbeat of the city: the second-to-last night of the world-renowned Lent Festival. We spent the evening surrounded by incredible live music, open-air energy, and the magical atmosphere along the Drava River. The shared experience, rhythm, and laughter instantly melted away any initial barriers between the younger and older generations, setting a fantastic tone for the weekend ahead.

Saturday: Sporting Challenges, Underground Secrets, and the Magic of Lent

Saturday morning greeted us with beautiful sunshine, perfect for our trip to the scenic Mariborski otok. We spent the morning swimming, playing volleyball, and enjoying outdoor activities in the middle of the Drava River. The natural oasis provided the perfect backdrop for informal chats about academic paths, career trajectories, and life experiences.

After a delicious Slovenian lunch at one of the local restaurants and a brief rest, it was time for an adrenaline-fueled afternoon. We put our teamwork to the test in an Escape Room, where fellows combined logic and quick thinking to break out. The buzz of victory carried us right into the cool, historic tunnels of the Vinag Wine Cellar – one of Europe’s largest classic wine cellars – where we learned about the rich wine-making traditions of the region.

In the evening, after dinner, we dove right back into the festive energy of the city. The vibrant cultural performances along the riverbank made for yet another unforgettable summer night that will be cherished by everyone for years to come – especially when our Slovenian-American fellows enthusiastically joined in and danced the polka! 

Sunday: Creativity, Nature, and Promises to Meet Again

Our final day was dedicated to nature and mindfulness at the beautiful Sončni raj estate. It truly was the perfect grand finale to our weekend. We explored the estate, indulged our tastebuds with local delicacies, and tapped into our artistic sides during a hands-on soap-making workshop, allowing everyone to craft a unique, handmade souvenir to take home. Following a delicious farm-to-table lunch, it was time to say goodbye to Maribor.

A Community That Grows Together

This year’s Maribor excursion beautifully demonstrated the strength and inspiration embedded within the ASEF network. The synergy between the fresh energy of the Visit Slovenia 2026 cohort and the experience and wisdom of the Research Abroad alumni created a wonderful atmosphere that will connect and motivate us long into the future.

A heartfelt thank you to all 18 participants for your incredible energy, to the Novartis team for the warm and professional reception, and to all the local hosts who made us feel so welcome.

Until next time, ASEF family!

Photo credits: Domen Škerlep