ASEF Junior Fellow Mariano Figueroa’s Unforgettable Research Visit

Mariano Figueroa, a civil engineering graduate from Bariloche, Argentina, was selected by ASEF to receive the esteemed Visit Slovenia scholarship. This incredible opportunity allowed him to work in Slovenia for 10 weeks, gaining hands-on experience in his field, while immersing himself in the country’s rich cultural landscape.

During his time with TOSIDOS, a prominent Slovenian construction company, Mariano provided support on the “Jurčkovo naselje” project in Ljubljana, which consists of eight apartment buildings, complete with extensive construction, installation, and landscaping work. His primary task involved volumetric calculations for the concrete required for the project, bringing his engineering skills from paper into real-world application. Guided by his supervisor Grega Kejžar and team members Žiga Domadenik, Primož Sajevic, Nejc Legat, Uroš Tolar, and Robert Mlakar, Mariano gained invaluable insights into Slovenian working methods and traditions.

Reflecting on his experience, Mariano described it as an unforgettable adventure.

“I gained international experience, met incredible people, and contributed my skills,” he shared, adding that the cultural exchange was just as enriching as the professional one. “I saw how projects come together, from computer screens to on-site development.”

In his free time, Mariano took full advantage of Slovenia’s natural beauty and cultural offerings. He traveled across the country with his friends and fellow ASEF participants, Bautista Krasevec and Alex Csaky, exploring iconic spots such as Lake Bled, Bohinj, Kranjska Gora, Maribor, and even Slovenia’s famed coastal cities of Portorož, Koper, and Piran.

For Mariano, meeting relatives living across Slovenia and reconnecting with his family’s Slovenian roots added even greater personal significance to his visit. Hearing stories from his grandparents’ homeland gave him a deeper understanding of his heritage, making his journey all the more memorable.

“I immersed myself in Slovenian culture, tasted traditional cuisine, and practiced the language, making this one of the most enriching experiences of my life,” Mariano said.

He encourages everyone interested in gaining international exposure and connecting with Slovenian culture to apply for the ASEF Visit Slovenia program.

We’re beyond excited to hear about Mariano’s enjoyment of the ASEF Visit Slovenia program. We wish him all the best and hope to see him again soon!

We also thank the Government Office for Slovenians Abroad and all ASEF donors for supporting the work of ASEF and our Junior Fellows.