Study Abroad: Slovenia

By: Ashley Casperson Potočnik, BLA 2019

In February 2018, I left Logan to spend four months studying landscape architecture in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The Slovenian exchange program completely changed my life, and I would recommend it to anyone. I learned about design, architecture, diverse landscapes, and Balkan culture through observation and personal experience. It was a struggle some days but a complete joy most. I made friends from all over Europe, traveled to nine countries, and fell in love with a local Slovene.

Fast forward to May 2019, when I graduated with a group of people who had very quickly become family. I know I’m biased, but I think the class of 2019 has a unique type of charm and a plethora of stupid jokes that I think I will always miss. Immediately following graduation, I left Logan again, but this time to move to Slovenia for good. I’ve been here now for a month, that local who I fell in love with last year now being my husband. And I couldn’t be happier.

It is so fun to be back in Ljubljana, riding my bike through the charming old streets and enjoying the beautiful landscapes and architecture. The opportunity to be here in Slovenia again has led me to learn even more about the local culture and most importantly the field of landscape architecture. Before moving, I spent a lot of time researching, networking, and planning out my profession in Slovenia. With the help of Mateja Krugar, a former professor from the University of Ljubljana, I was connected with the architecture firm OFIS. We corresponded via email before graduation, and they offered me a job. After my arrival in Ljubljana, I learned that entry level employment as a landscape architect here is significantly different than in the States. I worked at OFIS as an unpaid intern for a time, and was connected with three other possible jobs. I’m currently waiting for a permanent position to open up. Through OFIS I made connections that will help me in my job search, such as with a non-profit group that works with public open spaces. I am also spending my days working at a local plant nursery, where I’m gaining experience with the local plant varieties.

I have also recently been reminded about how small Slovenia and the world really is. Through all of the paperwork that I’ve completely to legally live and work here, I was forced to find a court-certified Slovene to be my English translator. All of my legal documents from the US had to be translated, and I had to have a translator with me at the administration unit when we were married. After corresponding with one online, she brought up landscape architecture. It turned out that her father was the founder of the landscape architecture program at the University of Ljubljana, and he had worked closely with Professor Dick Toth in the early years of the Slovenia exchange program. It was such a pleasure to meet the family of someone who helped set up the exchange program that led me to meeting my husband.

Looking back on each project in LAEP, we tried to give the site and the local people an identity. Slovenia itself has done just that by coining the catchphrase “I feel Slovenia.” I dare you to find another country that has “love” in the name. If that hasn’t convinced you, Ljubljana comes from the root “ljub,” which actually means love. So, come to the city of love in the country of love. I guarantee that you’ll fall in love with the country, and even more in love with landscape architecture.

For any students at USU who are even slightly interested in coming toSlovenia, please get in touch with me. I’d love to answer all of your questionsand be your local contact when you arrive.