Backpacking or travelling in Slovakia?

• Slovakia is a small and often unnoticed country that lies pretty much in the heart of Europe. With dramatic castles, medieval villages and unspoilt nature parks, Slovakia is a dream for travellers who don’t like to go off the beaten track. And don’t forget that Slovakia is smaller than you think, so you can cross the entire country in a few hours.
• Activities to spot: visit Spiš Castle, one of the largest castles in Central Europe; hike or ski in the High Tatras Mountains; go on an adventure in Slovenský Raj National Park; explore the mining town of Banská Štiavnica; feel like a spelunker in Jaskyňa Domica Cave; wander through Bratislava’s old town; relax in the thermal baths of Bešeňová; taste Slovak wine; sail the Dunajec River. Animal spotting: brown bear, red deer, lynx, bison, squirrels, alpine salamander, wolves, fox, golden eagle.
• Food spotting: bryndzové halušky, kapustnica, lokše, vyprážaný syr, guláš, pirohy, jaternice.

Studying in Slovakia?

• There are many opportunities to study in Slovakia and the education is also quite good. In addition, the economy is growing and it is therefore easier to progress to an internship. Popular studies include applied science, economics, education, biology, management and many more.
• Study cities: Bratislava, Presov, Košice, Nitra.
• Language: Slovak, with more and more programs in English.

Internships in Slovakia?

• Internships in Slovakia are mainly found in technology, engineering, and tourism and at international companies. Slovakia offers an interesting mix of Western and Eastern European work culture.
• Competencies: flexibility, technical skills, intercultural communication, Slovak language skills.

Volunteering in Slovakia?

• You can work in hostels, with refugees or for example agriculture and nature projects.

Working in Slovakia?

• The vast majority of expats (and locals) work in the tourism sector, but electronic production, vehicle production and agriculture are also major sectors.
• Bratislava in particular has many jobs and they also have a reasonably good salary.

Working as a digital nomad in Slovakia?

• Slovakia does not yet attract many digital nomads, but cities such as Bratislava and Košice are modern, affordable and have fast internet. If you like a less touristy environment, this is a hidden gem in Europe.
• Favorite locations: Bratislava, Košice, Poprad.

Living in Slovakia?

• Slovakia offers an affordable life with a high quality of life. The rent is low, nature is nearby and the food is delicious. You can choose between a quiet life in the countryside (while still living close to the city), or a vibrant life in the city.
• Education: education is solid and there are also international schools.
• Expat community: the expat community is growing, especially in Bratislava. You can have a nice social and international life there.
• Safety: it is a very safe country.
• Note: in rural areas public transport is limited, the language barrier can be a problem and the quality of healthcare can vary greatly.
• Health insurance: the quality of care can vary greatly per institution. However, basic care is free. When you go to private clinics, make sure you have your own good health insurance.

Stories, tips and experiences from Slovakia