Hey everyone, it’s Esteban, and today I’m here to talk to you about Slovakia—or rather, the Slovak Republic. It’s a country in Central Europe. If you’re here, it’s probably because you’re studying for your early childhood education CAP and you’re considering doing your internship there. Mini disclaimer: Doing your internship, especially in early childhood education, in Slovakia is truly a great idea!
Before diving into the details, let me give you a little teaser about Slovakia as a destination. The main reasons to visit this country are, above all, its natural beauty, rich history, and excellent relaxation opportunities. Slovakia is quite small, so you’ll be able to make the most of your stay. The country has nine national parks covering a large part of its territory. The biggest mountain range is the Carpathians, with the High Tatras offering amazing mountain sports opportunities, whether in winter or summer. Even outside these areas, the landscapes are breathtaking. Slovakia is truly the place to be if you love well-marked hiking trails with stunning scenery
Speaking of history, Slovakia has an impressive number of castles. In fact, it’s the country with the most castles per capita in the world, whether they are ruins or well-restored castles similar to those in the Loire Valley. If you’re passionate about medieval history, this is the perfect destination! The country also has many mineral and thermal springs offering therapies, treatments, or simply moments of relaxation. You can also swim and sunbathe by the local lakes and pools.
Now, let’s talk about your internship. There are a few things you should know before going. In Slovakia, school is not mandatory for children aged 3 to 6, and even less so for those aged 0 to 3. Nurseries, called *jasle*, welcome children up to 3 years old, but they are not part of the official education system. They can be managed by municipalities, churches, or private entities. Sometimes, the Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs, and Family oversees these institutions. Preschool education for children aged 3 to 6 takes place in *materské školy*. From the age of 5, preschool education becomes mandatory for all children to prepare them for their future schooling.
Even though nurseries are not part of the official education system, they are subject to evaluations to ensure the quality of education and care. It is important to note that fewer children attend nurseries in Slovakia compared to countries like Germany or France.
For decades, there has been significant segregation of Roma children in Slovakia. Despite legal efforts and international pressure, this remains a major challenge for the country. In 2017, a primary school in Podzadek, led by Vera Krykova, was accused of segregation. As someone planning to do an early childhood internship, this is an important fact to be aware of. While the situation is evolving, this issue is still present.
Now that you know more about early childhood education in Slovakia, let me tell you about Bratislava, the capital. Of course, there are other interesting cities like Košice or Banská Štiavnica, but they are quite small. Since the country itself is small, I strongly recommend Bratislava. Nicknamed *The Beauty on the Danube*, this city is crossed by the river and sits at the foot of the Little Carpathians. For centuries, the region has been densely populated, and many historical buildings reflect its significance. When you’re in Bratislava, you won’t be able to miss its castle, which overlooks the city and is featured on the capital’s coat of arms.
Bratislava is the largest city in Slovakia, with a lively nightlife, although compared to cities like Prague or Krakow, it is about a third of their size. As a result, the nightlife scene is smaller. That said, unlike Prague, where many bars and clubs are tourist traps, that won’t be your experience in Bratislava.
To start your evening in the city center, you won’t be disappointed: there are plenty of beer and wine bars, as well as other venues within walking distance. Mainly around Námestie SNP Square, a great landmark with public transport connections in all directions. Streets like Laurinská, Ventúrska, Pánska, Michalská, Kozia, Biela, and Nedbalova are all less than five minutes away on foot. You’ll find around fifty bars, many restaurants, and much more.
If you want to extend your evening, you can consider clubs like Trafo, The Club, or Great. These are typical clubs, similar to those in Prague or Krakow. If you prefer something more local, try Wax, Hopkirk, or Kácečko/Ostblock and Bohéma.
So, ready to take the plunge? Before you go, test your English level right here. And if you have any questions or need help organizing your internship, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to support you on this amazing adventure!