Leaving Sweden to live and work abroad was one of the scariest decisions I’ve ever made. On paper, it sounded like an exciting adventure, but as the departure date drew closer, reality set in. Moving to Slovenia felt like stepping into a completely different world, a place far away from everything familiar, safe, and comfortable. I remember wondering if I was truly ready to leave my routine behind and jump into the unknown.

When I first arrived in Ljubljana, my head was full of doubts. But it didn’t take long for the city to prove me wrong in the best possible way. I quickly discovered that despite the geographical distance and different languages, our worlds aren’t so different after all. People here welcomed me with genuine warmth, the city itself turned out to be stunningly beautiful, and there was always something happening around every corner. Slowly but surely, the initial fear transformed into curiosity and joy.

A major reason why this journey became so deeply meaningful was of course because of my workplace and the incredible people I met there. Going into a new team in a foreign country can feel intimidating, but the connection we built happened at a speed that honestly blew my mind. Strangers became close friends almost overnight, sharing daily laughs, supporting each other through projects, and creating memories that I will carry with me forever. Knowing that my time here is coming to an end makes saying goodbye extra tough. It’s always hard to leave a place when the bonds you’ve formed are so real. 

Looking back, this experience has been more than great for my personal growth. Beyond all the professional skills I gained, it truly built me as a person. I was given space to practice things that used to make my skin crawl, like walking up to complete strangers, striking up conversations, and making my voice heard. At first, those moments made my pulse race, but with time and encouragement, they became easier and easier. I realized that stepping out of my comfort zone wasn’t dangerous, it was just the gateway to becoming more confident.

This internship gave me so much more than a line on my resume. It taught me that fear is usually just a lack of familiarity, and that home isn’t just a place, it’s the people you surround yourself with. To everyone who was part of this chapter, thank you for welcoming me with open arms, for pushing me to grow, and for making Ljubljana feel like a home.