From the moment I first saw the internship opportunity at Moja Mavrica, I felt that I wanted to be part of it. After exploring their website and social media, I immediately got the sense that this was a safe and supportive environment, exactly the kind of space I wanted to experience and contribute to. That feeling was enough for me to apply.

At the beginning, the only thing that made me hesitate slightly was the location. I didn’t know much about Ljubljana or Slovenia in general. However, that quickly changed during the interview process. When I spoke with Iva and Michelle, I immediately felt their openness and warmth. They also introduced me to upcoming projects that aligned with my background in sports and my Master’s in sport psychology, which made me feel even more excited and motivated.

From the very first day, I felt welcomed – not only by the team but also by the other interns. There was a sense of openness and friendliness that made me feel that we were going to be a team, not just co-workers. This feeling stayed with me throughout the entire internship.

During these months, I learned far more than I expected when I first applied. One of the most valuable aspects was the opportunity to explore my own interests. I had the chance to write my own article based on my academic background and personal passions, which allowed me to dive deeper into topics that truly matter to me. At the same time, I developed important personal skills, such as communication and self-expression, in a very natural way through the supportive environment around me.

A particularly meaningful experience for me was facilitating focus groups. I found it incredibly interesting to listen to people’s thoughts and personal experiences. At the same time, I realized how important it is to create a safe space where people feel comfortable sharing, especially when the topics are sensitive. I also had the opportunity to facilitate workshops. Although I had experience guiding groups due to my background, this was a different approach – more open, inclusive, and participant-centered. It was a challenge, but I never felt pressured. On the contrary, I felt supported and free to explore and grow.

Another highlight of my internship was participating in an Erasmus+ youth exchange programme for the first time and also taking on the role of a facilitator. It was truly one of the most beautiful experiences I have ever had. Michelle showed great trust in us, giving us the responsibility to design and structure the project from the beginning. This was incredibly empowering and helped build our confidence as a team. We met people from different countries, exchanged ideas, and learned so much from each other. The topic of active citizenship was especially inspiring and gave me valuable insights that I will carry with me in my life.

Team cohesion was another key element of this experience. Spending three months together naturally comes with both ups and downs, but I always felt supported. I felt safe to express myself, and that made a big difference for me. This sense of connection and mutual understanding was one of the most important aspects of the internship.

Overall, this experience has been truly life-changing. I feel grateful for the people I met and the opportunity to work in such a meaningful environment. Moja Mavrica is doing important work by addressing sensitive topics with care and depth, and by creating spaces where people feel seen and heard. Experiences like this show how powerful such environments can be and how much impact they can have on individuals and communities.

And of course, living in Ljubljana was an amazing experience in itself!