Sinfo went to ask them:

Blaž Točaj, student of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in Maribor:
"I am glad that students have the possibility of free education until the age of 26. The quality of education in our country is very high in my opinion. I believe that a student with even just a little self-initiative can get substantial benefit from education. I am certain of this because we, students, can appreciate the quality of our education when we go abroad. I am also proud to say that our schools provide a very broad general education, and we can thus easily compete with other European countries. How do I see Slovenia in 25 years? Well, I wish that many more engineers would stay here in Slovenia and not be tempted to go abroad. I personally wish to stay in Slovenia, but if there are no good opportunities, I’ll unfortunately be forced to leave."

Goran Tišma, student of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in Maribor:
"I see Slovenia’s biggest plus points being the fact that it’s an EU member, it’s independent and it provides free education. However, I would add that we skim too quickly through the curriculum. There’s definitely not enough hands on, practical work related to our studies, and that’ll be single most important thing in our profession. So, I wish that more practical work might be provided during our studies. If Slovenia were an animal, it would certainly be a bird – a bird which flies far and wide and often migrates from place to place."

Tilen Handare, student of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in Maribor:
"What is my wish for Slovenia? That things remain as they are and that all citizens help to live in peace and harmony. And that our sportspeople continue taking first places at international competitions. I think that as a nation we have so many good sportspeople because there’s so few of us and we have to make extra efforts to be noticed. I would advise young people to participate in public life and government activities, including elections, and to follow their dreams and realise their goals. I would present Slovenia to foreigners in terms of its geographical characteristics, and as a land with numerous wonderful attractions."

Ivana Rajko, student of the Faculty of Design:
"I come from Croatia and I see Slovenia as a country which offers more possibilities and opportunities than Croatia and also as a nation of friendly and communicative people. If Slovenia were an animal, I think it would be a bird, which flies freely without limits and constantly engages with other countries."

Valerija Zabrač, student of the School of Arts in Nova Gorica:
"How would I describe Slovenia to a foreigner? As a small, green country with a small capital, where people are generally friendly, and as a good starting point for travelling. It’s different from other countries; it’s an interesting little country. Its negative points are the current economic crisis and the distrust in politics. Many Slovenians are successful internationally. Because we come from a small country, we make even bigger efforts to prove ourselves. We constantly worry that we are less noticed because of our small size, but we also successfully prove that size is not an obstacle to achieving success. How do I see Slovenia in 25 years? I hope the EU doesn’t become one large single state, but remains a union of autonomous countries."

Boštjan Vrisk, student of the Faculty of Law in Ljubljana:
"If Slovenia were an animal, I would describe it as a dog. A very obedient and loyal animal. I think we are very submissive towards the European Union. I think that despite the fact that we are an EU member state, we should develop an independent "backbone" within Slovenia, rather than taking for granted everything the EU says. Generally, I wish Slovenia was more critical of the EU. It’s difficult to imagine what Slovenia will be like in 25 years’ time; we’ll just have to wait and see. Only time will tell."

Klavdija Sitar, student of the Faculty of Law in Ljubljana:
"Creativity should be promoted more. There should be greater emphasis on practical work, students should resolve problems and look for their own solutions. My advice to the country is to invest more in young people."

Maja Rupret, student of the Faculty of Law:
"I perceive Slovenia as a country whose population is highly educated. Unfortunately, the unemployment rate is high and thus the brain drain problem is getting worse, which is damaging the country. And unemployment also represents an immense financial outlay for the country – one which will not get repaid. It’s difficult to predict what will happen in 25 years, but if we have survived until now, I’m sure we’ll continue to do so in the future as well."

Tjaša Valič, school-girl:
"Slovenia is a small, very beautiful country, full of good people and picturesque places. If Slovenia were an animal, it would be a hen. And that’s not just because of its geographical shape. In the same way as a mother hen takes care of its chickens, Slovenia takes care of its people and protects them under its wings. As for Slovenia’s achievements, I would mention the successes of our sportspeople, Tina Maze and Peter Prevc. The best things about Slovenia are its small size, the connection between people, the familiarity and awareness between all parts of the country."

Martina Lokar, school-girl:
"How would I persuade foreigners to move to Slovenia? I would tempt them with beautiful places and friendly people. I think Slovenians are welcoming to foreigners; we are hospitable. Its small size is also an advantage; people can see many things in a small area. If Slovenia were an animal, it would be a bee or an ant. People are industrious, hard-working, and do their best at work. In addition to sport, I would also include business enterprises and companies among Slovenia’s achievements, for example, the Pipistrel light aircraft manufacturer, based in the Primorska region where I come from."

Tim Poštuvan, school – boy:
"I would list all the natural sights and places of interest to a foreigner and I’d also describe its people. I would mention that Slovenia is known internationally for its sporting successes and other achievements in all areas of life. Slovenians are friendly and eager to learn. I would tell young people about our school system and explain how good it is. If Slovenia were an animal, it would be a hen because of its shape. Or a tiger that attacks the world. It could also be a reclusive animal due to its independence, or a smart and cunning animal. A big advantage of Slovenia is that education is free and that there’s a variety of different schools you can go to."

Matija Stupar, student:
"Slovenians are a very small nation with a good reputation in science. However, its size is also a disadvantage because people are not aware of their potential. Perhaps Slovenians are rather humble by nature, and therefore they do not try to make use of their potential. I would encourage foreigners to visit Slovenia by describing our nature, the diverse opportunities and ways of life. We have beautiful nature, really clean air and clean water. The country is sparsely populated which is important to people who prefer to live in small towns or in the countryside. This is ideal for them. If Slovenia were an animal, it would be a hen, because it’s useful and small; every now and then it also lays an egg."

Maruša Kerenčič, school-girl:
"Slovenia features beautiful nature, diversity, many different events. Slovenians are friendly and the education system is good. Teachers are very friendly and understanding if you have to participate in competitions or attend various preparations. We are a small nation. On the one hand, this is a good thing. We all know each other, and you can quickly get from one end of the country to the other. On the other hand, this is also a disadvantage. If you want to be successful and rise above the average, you often have to go abroad. There’s simply not enough space here for everybody to be a success. Hidden reserves?"

Domen Vavpotič, student:
"One of its most distinctive features is its size, actually its smallness, which is really evident, particularly when you contrast this with Slovenia’s diversity. First and foremost I would present the varied geographical features which combine in such a small area as our Slovenia. One of the first things would also be our language, which I like and respect very much. I find it a very interesting and suitable means of introducing our country. These would be the first two things I’d mention. I’d leave any political and other matters to one side."

Vesna Žarkovič and Urška Stolnik, Sinfo