On Wednesday, March 19^th, 2025, UNIZA came alive with the energy of the PIONEER Festival, the standout feature of this year’s Intercultural Day at UNIZA. The festival brought a fresh and forward-thinking perspective on interculturality and global cooperation, capturing the attention of students, educators, and researchers alike.

Set within the broader framework of the Intercultural Day, the PIONEER Festival served as a dynamic platform for exploring international mobility, cross-cultural understanding, and opportunities for collaboration across Europe. Alongside the festival, participants enjoyed engaging presentations (of what? ), personal stories and recommendations from students who studied abroad, and interactive discussions on studying internationally and securing scholarships.

The event unfolded in the vibrant foyer of UNIZA’s main building bringing global inspiration to the heart of campus life.

UNI ZA stands behind you: Opportunities, Experiences and Cooperation

The Intercultural Day at UNIZA was officially opened by Vice-rector for International Relations and Marketing Jozef Ristvej, who introduced the PIONEER European University Alliance, of which UNIZA is a proud member. This alliance offers numerous opportunities for collaboration among students, educators, and researchers. Vice-rector Ristvej outlined how students can benefit from mobility possibilities within the PIONEER Alliance and what advantages these international experiences can bring to their academic and personal growth.

Following the opening presentation, the program expanded into a variety of engaging discussions and lectures. Colleagues from the Institute of Lifelong Learning shared insights about teaching Slovak to foreigners, and a playful quiz helped highlight cultural differences across nations. UNIZA student organizations presented their activities, all open to every student. Among the organizations present were Radio Rapeš, Radio X, Itečko (student TV), STAVBÁR – folk ensemble, GAMA (student film club) and the Erasmus Student Network (ESN).

Erasmus+ Talks: Personal Stories that Inspire

One of the biggest draws of the event was the Erasmus+ Talks, where students shared their personal experiences from Erasmus+ mobility program. These inspiring stories from students who had studied in different countries served as a testament that studying abroad is not only enriching but also accessible to everyone. Diverse perspectives on life abroad, educational systems, and firsthand experiences shared during the discussion surely helped students decide to take advantage of the Erasmus+ opportunities themselves.

Scholarships and Opportunities to Study Abroad

The event went beyond sharing experiences—it also provided valuable information for those interested in studying abroad. Attendees learned about various scholarships that could open the door to international careers. Representatives from SAIA, n.o. and the Fulbright Scholarship Program introduced the funding options available for studies and research abroad. They offered useful details on scholarship amounts, application requirements, and the destinations available to students.

PIONEER Festival: New Horizons for Students, Teachers, and Researchers

The highlight of the event was the PIONEER Festival, which provided students, teachers, and researchers with the opportunity to discover new opportunities for international collaboration and mobility. The presentation of the PIONEER Alliance brought forward information about educational and research opportunities at the international level that can significantly enrich every participant’s academic and career path. Intercultural Day at UNIZA was not just about educational opportunities—it was also about the exchange of experiences and inspiration for students looking to engage in international academic, student, and cultural life.

video of the event available here