By Andrea Mihalj, RTV

On Sunday, March 8—International Women's Day—what began as a symbolic date soon turned into a deeply personal milestone: my first solo journey abroad. If you had asked me whether I was nervous, I would have answered without hesitation—yes. Even though I was traveling to a country I knew well, one I had visited for years with a folklore group, this time felt different. Traveling alone brought a sense of uncertainty I had never experienced before. At 11:40 a.m., I boarded a bus in Novi Sad. And just like that, the adventure began. Destination: Bratislava, Slovakia.

I arrived at 9:30 p.m. at the modern Mlynské Nivy bus station. After a short taxi ride, I reached my hotel—but for a moment, I thought I had made a mistake. Everything was dark and quiet. Then, from a corner, a receptionist appeared with a warm smile and the words: “We’ve been expecting you.” In that instant, all my worries faded. Although exhausted, I couldn’t fall asleep. Excitement kept me awake—I was looking forward to what Monday would bring.

The next morning, I woke up even before my alarm. After getting ready, I went down for breakfast, where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. It was time to begin. Just a ten-minute tram ride away was Slovak Television and Radio, where I would spend a week observing professional newsroom practices. At 8:30 a.m., I met with the director’s assistant, Michaela Balážová, and by 9:00 a.m., I was already attending the editorial meeting. I was introduced to the entire team—from editors to journalists—and quickly became part of their daily routine. Each day brought a new experience. Tuesday was spent in the field, Wednesday in the studio, Thursday recording content for my youth program Hore dolu, and by Friday, it was already time to say goodbye.

This experience gave me a unique insight into how another public media institution operates. While much of the work was familiar, the approach and pace were different—at times, I even wondered if the people there ever slept. Beyond journalism, I also had the chance to discover the beauty of Bratislava. I visited the Slovak National Gallery, explored Bratislava Castle, walked through Hviezdoslav Square, enjoyed ice cream at the well-known Arthur, and stood beneath the iconic Michael's Gate. Alongside developing my journalistic skills and broadening my professional perspective, I also experienced the city from a cultural and historical point of view.

By Friday evening, I was already on my way home. At 6 a.m., I arrived back in Novi Sad—tired, but filled with positive experiences. I am grateful to have been part of this project, and for the opportunity not only to expand my professional horizons, but also to discover something new about myself along the way.

Funded by the European Union, the Innovation. Media. Minds Program: Support to Public Service Journalism in the Western Balkans, is managed by the Goethe-Institut on behalf of the European Commission and in collaboration with its implementing partner DW Akademie. The contents of this story are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.