Work and Travel in Slovenia

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VOLUNTEER AND PAID WORK OPPORTUNITIES IN SLOVENIA FOR TRAVELLERS

At the very top of the former nation of Yugoslavia is Slovenia. Known as the greenest country in Europe, this tiny nation of just over two million people has a lot to offer the traveller that’s willing to get out of their comfort zone. Work and travel in Slovenia can be incredibly rewarding and we’re going to show you how.

These volunteer opportunities in Slovenia will give you the opportunity to experience the real heart of this country. Read through our travel guide to Slovenia and find out what challenges this land has to offer.

1. Be Sustainable in Istra

Istra is a region on the border with Croatia and is one of the poorest parts of the country. Here there are projects to expand the environmental and social model of the rest of the country.

It’s all about promoting green living and getting the people here involved. If you’re charismatic and you want to meet real Slovenians, this is the place to be.

2. Work on a Farm in Northern Slovenia

North Slovenia is much more rural than the south of the country. Away from the hustle and bustle of the capital Ljubljana you have stunning Lake Bled and the Julian Alps. There are farms all across the north, specialising in both crops and livestock.

The work is hard but it gives you a taste of rural life. It’s also an excellent opportunity to see and experience one of the most stunning natural landscapes in Europe.

If you have a great work ethic and you’re not scared of a few early mornings, this will be an experience that changes your life.

3. Volunteer in a Hostel in Ljubljana

Many people who travel in Slovenia are surprised at how expensive it is. After all, it does use the Euro. For an easy way to spend longer in the vibrant capital of Slovenia, you could volunteer in one of the many hostels there.

Whether you’re an expert at cleaning, working the reception desk, or organising pub crawls, there will be a space for you.

It’s relatively easy to find work in hostels in Slovenia because of the emerging backpacker industry. It’s part of the main trail going into the Balkans, so there’s no shortage of opportunities.

Is hostel work in Slovenia for you?

VOLUNTEER WORK VISA / PERMIT REQUIREMENTS FOR SLOVENIA

Slovenia is part of the Schengen Zone, so if you’ve already entered the area you won’t have to worry about crossing the border into the country.

Anyone from the UK or the European Union (EU) can stay and work in Slovenia for as long as they want without any restrictions.

For everyone else, you need to remember that your visa applies for the whole Schengen Area, rather than just for Slovenia. Citizens of North America, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand can stay for a maximum of 90 days in the whole area before they have to leave for at least 90 days prior to re-entering.

South African and Russian citizens have to apply for a formal Schengen Visa.

SEASONAL BACKPACKER SKILLS NEEDED IN SLOVENIA

SPRING WORK

Springtime in Slovenia is a spectacular time to be in the country as the greenery begins to emerge again. At this time of year the best work you can find is on the farms of the country.

A lot of farms, whether they specialise in crops or livestock, come out of hibernation after the long winter and they need all the help they can get.

If you want to work and travel in Slovenia, this is a great time of year to get this sort of work as there’s not much competition before the main tourist season.

SUMMER JOBS

The summer is when all the tourists and backpackers start to flock to Slovenia. Any job within the tourist industry is open during the summer.

We recommend looking for hostel work. It’s a surprisingly developed industry, so you don’t have to look for work in Slovenia in the country. You’ll find hostels in urban areas, rural areas, as well as adventure hostels situated in the wilderness.

It’s an excellent time to meet other travellers and to wait out the hike in prices.

AUTUMN

Autumn marks the beginning of the school year and the end of the tourist season. Most young Slovenians speak fluent English, and the reason for that is that there’s a big emphasis on learning the language from an early age.

Native English speakers who work and travel in Slovenia may be able to find paid English teaching work at this time of year. Some schools and universities employ travellers on a temporary basis to provide an immersion experience for Slovenians who’re learning the language.

You can also find voluntary English teaching work with charities and on a private basis, regardless of whether you possess the TEFL qualification, or the equivalent of.

WINTER

You may think that winter wouldn’t offer any seasonal work in Slovenia, but that’s where you’re wrong. Slovenia has a small but growing winter sports industry.

Around the areas of Maribor and the Julian Alps, you’ll find various ski resorts and lodges. If you have experience with hitting the slopes, you can volunteer your services as an instructor.

Many of these positions are formal positions and do come with a salary.

ATTITUDE TO FOREIGNERS WORKING OR VOLUNTEERING IN SLOVENIA

Slovenia is one of the easiest countries to backpack in Europe because of its small size and the cross between Eastern and Central Europe. You’ll experience few problems handling yourself here. Slovenians are friendly and the sheer number of backpackers that come through this way means that people who work and travel in Slovenia are there in huge numbers.

It’s definitely one of the best countries to work and travel in if you’re just getting out of your comfort zone for the first time.

Are you ready to take on Slovenia?

Recent Contributors

  • Edited on May 23 2018 by

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