We just returned from spending an entire day at the University of Ljubljana in the Faculty (College) of Educational Sciences. It was incredibly interesting to learn about the systems of education in place in Slovenia for children from birth to post-graduate level. I was especially intrigued by two facts: mothers receive twelve months of paid leave to spend with their newborn children, and college at the Bachelors and Masters levels is free! On one hand, I can see how this free college system would be helpful for students who can more easily and affordably attain their degree and enter the workforce with no debt. I feel that my own college experience would have been less stressful if I had not been constantly worried about working to pay tuition. On the other hand, I worked harder in college and truly valued my experiences because I was paying for it out of pocket. Is it possible that we work harder in America because of the cost associated with our education? It will be interesting to talk to Slovenian students and get their viewpoint on this topic.
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