Slovakia

You will enjoy this peaceful Central European country with historic towns and beautiful scenery, hospitable people, and remarkable cultural events.

Austro-Hungarian and Russian superpowers left their mark plainly in Slovakia’s historical architecture, which includes many cathedrals, fortresses, and medieval town centers. Most towns have historic churches. The centuries-old, still-functioning wooden churches of northeastern Slovakia are some of the country’s greatest treasures.

For the outdoor lover, Slovakia proudly offers an impressive number of national parks and cherishes their unique landscapes, including the Carpathian Mountains extending across most of the northern part of the country. Amongst these mountain ranges are the high peaks of the beautiful Tatra mountains.

Slovak families enjoy many outdoor activities, such as mushroom hunting and gardening at summer cottages, and soccer and tennis in the cities. Ice hockey and skiing are on the favorite national winter sports list.

Learn more about Slovakia, its history, culture, and people and don’t forget what to do if you would like to “wish luck” in Slovakia. You should fold the thumb in and close the fingers on it instead of just crossing the fingers!

Academic Programs

Your program will start with a four day arrival orientation in Bratislava and will be followed by a five day introductory  intensive language course at a local gymnasium. You will study the Slovak language and prepare to attend school. There are many new subjects to discover including Slovak literature and history. You may attend elective classes such as drawing and music. If you decide to take a music class you will learn traditional folk songs. Knowing these songs is considered part of being Slovak. A popular saying is Kde Slovák, tam spev - wherever there is a Slovak, there is a song.   With your host siblings or new friends, you may go to club activities after school.  Students are responsible for buying school books and materials. Skiing is one of Slovakia's most important sports and students who attend the year program will participate a five day mid-year seminar which includes a partial skiing trip.

During your academic program in Slovakia, you may participate in a five day hiking trip through Slovakia's mountains, visit Slovakia's ancient mining towns for four days, or visit local folk art and music festivals. These cultural trips are offered for an additional fee. Your program will end with a pre-departure orientation and seminar.

To be eligible for a 2009 YFU program to Slovakia students must have a birth date between February 1, 1991 - September 1, 1993.

Gap Year Abroad
The traditional Academic programs are also available as Gap Year Abroad options. Learn more about other 13th Year Abroad Programs.

Programs, Departures, and Costs

Program tuition does not include personal spending money (approximately 100 EUR per month), school travel, visa fees, and optional trips from YFU, school, or host family, or cost for school books and materials. 

Online Resources

To learn more about Slovakia, we recommend:

• E-mail YFU Alumni from the Alumni Referral List with your questions
• Visit your local library to find reference books, travel guides and essays, Slovak language dictionaries, and many more country resources 
• Use an internet search engine to find informative web sites 
• Embassy of Slovakia in Washington, DC web site

All YFU Programs are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice.
Last Updated: Monday, October 6, 2008