Visit Slovenia Fellowship

About ASEF Visit Slovenia Junior Fellowship Program

The Visit Slovenia Fellowship is a selective, one-year fellowship enabling talented young individuals of Slovenian heritage to conduct a 10-week research or work placement in Slovenia. Tailored to your field of expertise, the program offers unique placements at leading universities, research institutes, or innovative companies. It seamlessly bridges high-level professional growth with an authentic immersion into Slovenian language and culture.

Beyond your primary placement, Junior Fellows actively participate in the vibrant ASEF Society of Fellows network. This comprehensive experience includes:

  • Collaborative Research: Engaging in joint projects and peer-to-peer collaborations with fellow scholars.

  • Professional Growth: Attending exclusive leadership workshops, career development seminars, and regular public lectures.

  • Community Engagement: Participating in community events and giving back to the Slovenian community under the dedicated guidance and mentorship of industry experts.

Apply now

The Fellowship Experience

Junior Fellows collaborate closely with experienced mentors at leading universities, research institutions, and innovative companies in Slovenia, engaging in research projects and professional work placements tailored to their fields of study and interests. Throughout their placements, they become part of their host organizations, working alongside local researchers, students, and professionals while gaining valuable hands-on experience. Beyond their professional activities, Fellows immerse themselves in Slovenian culture, participate in cultural and community events, and connect with Research Abroad Fellows and the wider ASEF community, building lasting relationships within a global network of Slovenian talent.

Candidate

ASEF Junior Fellow

10-week visit to Slovenia

Work with ASEF Mentor

1 year

Participate in ASEF Activities

within 1 year

ASEF Alumni

Join us on a journey with ASEF Junior Fellows as they Visit Slovenia in 2025.

This video highlights the inspiring experiences of young individuals of Slovenian heritage who participated in the ASEF Junior Fellows program VISIT SLOVENIA. This one-year program offers a unique opportunity for these Fellows to undertake a 10-week research or work visit at top Slovenian universities, companies, and research institutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The applications for Visit Slovenia Fellowship open on 26 October 2026.

  • The exact time of the research visit is flexible and will be discussed with the particular research group, company or professor. Generally, most visits tend to take place during the summer (June to September) with some exceptions. Importantly, visits must end in the calendar year 2027.

  • In case of complications, ASEF will work with the Junior Fellow individually to try to make the 10-week research visit possible.

  • As Slovenia is an EU Member State and part of the Schengen Area, visa requirements depend entirely on your nationality. For many international students, no visa is required for stays of up to 3 months (90 days). However, please note that upcoming EU travel regulations (such as ETIAS) may require visa-exempt travelers to obtain a digital travel authorization prior to departure. We highly recommend checking the official entry requirements based on your citizenship: https://insurte.com/do-i-need-etias-for-slovenia.

    Additionally, all Junior Fellows must hold valid Travel Medical Insurance for the entire duration of their stay.

  • ASEF will work with Junior Fellows to identify funding sources to help cover all expenses of the research visit: airfare, housing, and living expenses. Whenever possible, students will stay with a Slovenian family and then work with the professor or mentor at a university or company. In other cases, ASEF will help you find accommodation.

  • Applicants are selected based on exceptional ability, originality, and resourcefulness, and should be of the highest caliber of intellectual achievement. The application period for 2027 will open on 26 October 2026.

  • Upon selection, Junior Fellows to Slovenia are appointed to the ASEF Society of Fellows for a one-year term. This comprehensive fellowship blends active participation in academic life with a strong commitment to community growth and ambassadorship. As part of this vibrant community, Fellows are encouraged to:

    Accelerate Professional Growth: Engage in collaborative research within the global network, participate in leadership and career development workshops, and receive specialized communication training and coaching.

    Share Knowledge & Research: Showcase and present your research findings to a broadly diverse, international community.

    Empower the Next Generation: Act as peer mentors to incoming fellows, helping them navigate the program, learn about Slovenian culture, and adapt to local life.

    Be the Voice of ASEF: Promote the fellowship’s vision by sharing experiences on social media, participating in promotional activities, and inspiring local Slovenian communities, universities, and businesses to build long-lasting connections.

    To maximize the value of this community, Fellows are expected to regularly attend cultural events, public lectures, and networking gatherings throughout their fellowship year.

    Be the Voice of ASEF & Active Community Leaders: Promote the fellowship’s vision by sharing experiences on social media, participating in promotional activities, and actively engaging in local ASEF committees abroad to help spread ASEF values and inspire local Slovenian communities, universities, and businesses to build long-lasting connections.

  • Yes, also employed students are eligible to apply.

  • Slovenia has an excellent reputation for study in Europe. The home to multiple cultures, languages, and traditions, Slovenia is a small and very safe country with a population of approximately 2 million. The capital Ljubljana is the country’s largest city with approximately 300,000 inhabitants with the river Ljubljanica cutting it in the middle. For bikers and runners, there are long well-tended paths on both sides of the river. Unlike many world’s cities, one can feel secure walking alone at night. The experience in Slovenia will offer students the great opportunity to discover their family roots. Students can take advantage of Slovenia’s central location to explore other European countries. Because it is part of the Schengen area, travel to Hungary, Austria, Italy, and others is simply a matter of crossing the border. No visa is needed. Vienna is approximately 150 miles to the north, Budapest 200 miles to the northeast, Venice 230 miles to the southwest, and Zagreb 75 miles south. Slovenia is a mountainous country with a tradition of skiing as well as hosting World Cup skiing competitions. Finally, the cost of living and studying in Slovenia is affordable. To learn more about Slovenia, visit the following page.

  • Academic Excellence: We strive for the highest standards of excellence in research and learning across all academic disciplines. By connecting exceptional talents with world-class mentors, we foster academic growth that drives innovation and pushes the boundaries of global knowledge.

    Character Formation: We believe in developing the whole person through intellectual rigor and moral integrity. Our programs empower individuals to become leaders with a strong sense of community, ethical judgment, and a lifelong commitment to the values of the ASEF family.

    Dedicated Service: We prepare global citizens to contribute to the intellectual and cultural vitality of society. By bridging the gap between Slovenia and the world, our fellows use their expertise to foster progress, share knowledge, and empower the next generation of talents.

Eligibility

Costs

Participating Institutions

Selection Criteria

What our Fellows say

This experience has truly been one-of-a-kind, and I’m incredibly grateful for it. This program is one of the best things I’ve ever done because it encourages personal growth, lifelong friendships, and a deeper cultural connection. It’s a chance to visit your homeland, discover your roots, and grow as an individual. Who wouldn’t want that?
Miranda Kreinbrink-Gačnik, ASEF Junior Fellow 2025 Miranda Kreinbrink-Gačnik, ASEF Junior Fellow 2025
ASEF was one of the best experiences of my life, and I am incredibly grateful that I said yes to this opportunity. I would encourage anyone considering the program not to be afraid to step out of their comfort zone, meet new people, and try new things.
Matthew Matej Klepec, ASEF Junior Fellow, Generation 2025 Matthew Matej Klepec, ASEF Junior Fellow, Generation 2025
If you’re considering applying for the program, you should definitely do it. It’s been an even greater experience than I could have imagined. I’ve gained so much from it, not only academically but also socially. Meeting other people of Slovenian descent who collectively value the culture and connecting with them here has truly been an amazing experience.
Elizabeth Stupica, ASEF Junior Fellow 2025 Elizabeth Stupica, ASEF Junior Fellow 2025

How to Apply

Application should include:

  • Application form (filled during the online submission of application)
  • Curriculum Vitae with a focus on your research
  • Transcripts of your courses
  • Research Statement

    Research and Work Placement Statement (no longer than 2 pages)

    The Research and Work Placement Statement is your opportunity to explain how the ASEF Junior Fellowship will contribute to your academic, professional, and personal development. Your statement should reflect your interests, relevant experience, and the type of research or professional activities you would like to pursue during your placement in Slovenia. Some key points to address are:

    Motivation: Why do you wish to undertake a research or work placement in Slovenia? What inspired your interest in your chosen field, and what do you hope to gain from this experience? How do you anticipate the fellowship will contribute to your academic, professional, and personal goals?

    Previous Academic, Research, or Professional Experience: Describe relevant academic projects, research activities, internships, work experience, or independent projects that have prepared you for this opportunity. Highlight the knowledge, skills, and experiences that would enable you to contribute meaningfully to a research or professional environment.

    Research or Professional Areas of Interest: Describe the research areas, projects, or professional activities you would like to explore during your placement. Explain why these areas interest you, how they relate to your academic background and future aspirations, and what types of skills or experience you hope to develop. Where relevant, you may refer to specific research topics, technical challenges, or potential projects you would be interested in pursuing.

    Your statement should focus on your interests and goals rather than a specific host institution or mentor, as placements are arranged through ASEF's network of partner institutions and organizations. Where relevant, you may include scientific or professional references related to your field of interest.

  • Mission Statement

    Mission Statement (1 page)

    Your Mission Statement is a key component of your application. It should provide a concise yet comprehensive overview of your background, your connection to the Slovenian community, and your proposed contributions to the ASEF Society of Fellows. These contributions should reflect ASEF's core values: academic excellence, character formation, and dedication to service. What to include:

    • Academic Background & Personal Connection:

      • Briefly introduce your academic focus and your motivation for undertaking a research visit to Slovenia.

      • Highlight your connection to Slovenia and/or the Slovenian diaspora, and express how this fellowship aligns with your personal and professional identity.

    • Current & Past Contributions:

      • Highlight past or ongoing activities demonstrating your commitment to societal growth, leadership, and service.

      • Examples include: Volunteering in local Slovenian diaspora organizations, leading academic or engineering clubs, participating in science outreach, tutoring, or organizing cultural events. Focus on how these experiences align with ASEF's mission of community-building and mentorship.

    • Future Contributions as a Junior Fellow:

      • Describe how you plan to actively engage with ASEF and contribute to both the Slovenian community during your stay and your home community upon return. Consider initiatives such as:

        • Promoting ASEF & Building Local Chapters: Actively participating in or establishing ASEF local committees (lokalni odbori) in your home country/city to promote fellowship opportunities, represent ASEF, and build lasting international connections.

        • Community & Knowledge Exchange: Organizing public lectures, round-table discussions, or workshops sharing your expertise, or hosting cultural and networking events to bridge the gap between global perspectives and the local Slovenian ecosystem.

        • Mentorship & Giving Back: Acting as a peer mentor for future outgoing and incoming fellows, assisting with integration, cultural exchange, and academic networking.

        • Service & Outreach: Engaging in or leading community service initiatives, fundraising, or crowdfunding for causes aligned with ASEF's mission.

  • Two reference letters

    Reference letter

    Reference letters play a crucial role in evaluating an applicant's academic capacity, professional potential, and alignment with ASEF's mission. Applicants should request references from supervisors, advisors, line managers, or teachers from past research projects, summer internships, corporate placements, or diploma/MSc theses.

    What reference letters should address:

    • Specific Contributions: Clearly describe the applicant's concrete roles and achievements in research projects, practical engineering tasks, or corporate/industry environments.

    • Professional & Practical Aptitude: Assess the candidate's problem-solving skills, work ethic, teamwork, and ability to thrive in professional or business settings.

    • Motivation for Slovenia: Provide insights into the candidate's personal and professional motivation to connect with Slovenia, including their potential and ambition to integrate into the Slovenian economic landscape, collaborate with local businesses, or relocate/return to Slovenia in the future.

    Submission Process: Applicants only need to provide the contact details (email addresses) of their two referees in the application form. ASEF will contact the referees directly to request and collect the reference letters.

  • All submitted documents must be written in English

If you have questions about the program or the application process, please contact ASEF at info@asef.net.

How can you support the fellowship program?

The fellowship program operates with the support of kind donations from generous individuals.

We invite you to read more about the possibility of donating at the following link.

donate today

Your donation helps ASEF empower Slovenian talent and connect scholars worldwide.

Donate