The University of Novo mesto values the contributions made by incoming staff members. Visiting international colleagues enrich international perspectives and broaden horizons within our community, working with us to promote internationalisation and to extend the impact of Erasmus+ values.

Professional development in an international work environment is invaluable for career advancement, and staff mobility opportunities make this possible. By hosting incoming staff members during their visit to UNM, we support them in their pursuit of the following objectives:

• Learn and share new ideas, inspired by international perspectives;
• Exchange expertise and best practices with UNM colleagues;
• Develop life skills and explore new tools and technologies in their field(s);
• Broaden their horizons and discover new approaches to teaching (for teaching mobilities);
• Build a network of new international colleagues.

Staff members visiting the University of Novo mesto may choose from the following accommodation options:

• Hotel Center
  Hotel Center is a modern hotel located on Glavni trg (the main square) in the centre of Novo mesto. Its central location allows guests to experience the vibrant atmosphere of the town, the friendliness of the local community, and the tranquillity of the surrounding greenery and the Krka River.
  More information: https://www.hotel-center.si/en/

• Hotel Dolenjc
  Hotel Dolenj'c is a hotel, restaurant, pizzeria, and bowling centre located in Novo mesto, just 100 metres from the Novo mesto–West motorway exit, which connects Ljubljana and Zagreb. The hotel offers modern, air-conditioned rooms and a spacious restaurant serving fresh and healthy meals prepared from locally sourced ingredients.
  More infromation: https://www.hotel-dolenjc.si/en/

• Hostel Situla
  Hostel Situla is located in the centre of Novo mesto and offers 70 beds in 18 themed rooms, as well as a restaurant, café, and summer garden. The Situla theme reflects the Early Iron Age heritage, which significantly shaped the Novo mesto and Dolenjska region.
  More information: http://www.situla.si/english.html

• Private apartments
  Private apartment accommodation is also available. Prices, availability, and amenities vary depending on location and provider. Guests are advised to contact accommodation owners directly for detailed information.
  Webpage: https://www.realestate-slovenia.info/ (please select the Dolenjska region)

Mirjana Plečko, MSc: Two-Month Job Shadowing Experience at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Novo mesto

My two-month stay at the University of Novo mesto provided me with a valuable opportunity for knowledge exchange, gaining new scientific perspectives, and insight into different academic approaches. I had the opportunity to work in an international and interdisciplinary academic environment, which significantly contributed to my professional and personal development.

During my stay, I actively participated in numerous academic and professional activities. At the 5th International Staff Week, I presented the University of Zadar and its new study programme in Mechatronics and Robotics. I also delivered a guest lecture for second-semester undergraduate students at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering on the topic of Quality 5.0 in manufacturing processes. In addition, I took part in a round table discussion entitled *Bacteriophages as a Sustainable Solution for Preventing Biofilms in Water Treatment Systems – The PhageGuard Project*.

An important part of my stay was also the opportunity to observe the teaching process at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of the University of Novo mesto. Among other activities, I attended a habilitation procedure in the field of thermodynamics, which was an exceptionally interesting and valuable experience for me. I was also particularly impressed by the University of Novo mesto Day and the ceremonial awarding of bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, both of which beautifully reflected the academic spirit of the university.

One of the most significant outcomes of my stay was the research collaboration with Assist. Prof. Lidija Rihar, with whom I prepared a scientific article for the journal *Computers & Industrial Engineering*. This collaboration represents an important contribution to my doctoral studies and opens opportunities for further joint research projects.

During my two months at the University of Novo mesto, I met numerous experts from various fields and established new friendships and professional connections that will undoubtedly develop into future collaborations. Throughout my stay, I felt welcomed, accepted, and included in the academic community.

My stay brought me far more than I had expected before my arrival. In addition to professional knowledge and new research experiences, I also gained valuable personal experiences. The University of Novo mesto and Novo mesto as a young university centre provide a stimulating environment for academic, professional, and personal growth and development, representing an excellent opportunity for both domestic and international students and researchers.

Mirjana Plečko, MSc
University of Zadar, Croatia

International Staff Week

Karolina Pawlak, MBA,  Jan Amos Komeński State University of Applied Sciences, Poland

Constantina Skanavis, PhD, University of West Attica, Greece:

Nikolina Topolko, Associate Expert for Science and International Cooperation, University North, Croatia:

 Agnieszka Saran-Jagodzińska, PhD, University of Applied Sciences in Konin, Poland:

International Staff Week, May 2023

Nestled among the hills of the Dolenjska region, less than an hour's drive by motorway from Ljubljana and Zagreb, and within two hours of both the sea and the Alps, lies the city of Novo mesto, embraced by the Krka River. The municipality has approximately 37,300 inhabitants, over 23,000 of whom reside in the town of Novo mesto, which serves as the municipal seat. Novo mesto is the seventh-largest town in Slovenia, and the Municipality of Novo mesto is one of the country's eleven urban municipalities.

Novo mesto is the administrative, economic, ecclesiastical, cultural, educational, healthcare, and sports centre of Slovenia's Southeast Region. It is a vibrant hub of diverse activities whose significance extends well beyond the regional level.

The municipality is renowned for its highly successful pharmaceutical, automotive, construction, textile, and other industries, as it is home to major companies such as Krka, Revoz, Adria Mobil, and TPV. For this reason, Novo mesto is often referred to as "the export capital of Slovenia."

Its rich archaeological heritage has also earned Novo mesto the name "Novo mesto – the Town of Situlae."

NOVO MESTO IN NUMBERS:

Name: Novo mesto, former name: Rudolfswerth
Founded: 7 April 1365
Founder: Rudolph IV von Habsburg
Area: 236 km2 (municipality); 30.3 km2 (town)
Forest area: 97.239 km²
Altitude: from 164 to 220 metres above sea level

Population: 37,280
Average age: 41.2 years

Nearby larger towns: Ljubljana (70 km), Celje (80 km); Zagreb (HR) (70 km)

Climate: moderate continental climate
Average temperature: January 1.3 °C; July 19.3 °C

More information about Novo mesto: https://eng.visitnovomesto.si/

Photo source: Fototeka Zavod Novo mesto

International Relations Office

Sabina Krsnik, MBA
Head of International Office 

Lea Lenart Štefanič, MSc in English and Andragogy
International Mobility Coordinator

Phone: +386 7 393 00 21

E-mail: international.office@uni-nm.si