Student Profiles
Klemen Ponikvar
International Relations Major
One year exchange: University of Miami, Florida
Why did you choose to study in the United States?
Because I wanted to attend courses which are not offered in Slovenia. I was interested in politics and policies of the U.S. I wanted to understand the role that the U.S. plays in the international political arena from its own perspective.
What was different about studying in the U.S. versus studying in Slovenia?
One word: Everything. More involved professors. Smaller classes. A lot of communication between students and professors. Lots of extra curricular activities. Campus life. You can take all kinds of courses, and study according to your own preferences, as you go. In Slovenia you choose two courses per year (others are prescribed by the university). At the University of Miami, you could choose all your classes, consulting with your academic advisor.
Was there anything you found surprising about the U.S. in your time there?
Actually I had been to the U.S. before, so there were no big surprises. However, I was surprised by the city of Miami. The Cuban influence and Hispanic influence in general were overwhelming and exceeded my expectations. I had never imagined you could speak only Spanish and get by with it.
What would you say to students who say “Why should I study in the U.S.?” particularly when they can get a nearly free education in Slovenia?
You can experience stuff you can’t here, academically and socially. For example, two key U.S. decision-makers visited University of Miami during my time there: Al Gore and Bill Clinton. You can listen to lectures from the greatest people of our time. You can get involved in everything; from taking part in Model UN to scuba diving. There is also a great diversity of students who attend universities. They come from different backgrounds and different countries. The flow of ideas among students from all over the world can lead only toward progress.
What was your most memorable experience, either socially or academically?
Academically it was attending the Euro and the Dollar Conference which was hosted by European Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs Joaquín Almunia. During my year at UM, two other EU Commissioners visited as well. Socially it was meeting so many great friends from all over the world and proving I can take care of myself.
What advice would you give students who are interested in pursuing some form of higher education in the U.S.?
Go for it. It will take a lot of self initiative but is well worth it.
How did your experience studying in the U.S. contribute to your career path?
It is hard to talk about the career-based advantages of my year abroad because no one ever tells you why they hire you. However it gives you an attitude in believing that you make it - that you can do whatever you want, and that you’re in control of your destiny.
Klemen can be reached at: Klemen.ponikvar@siol.net