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The international researcher’s guide to

The international researcher’s guide to 12. 4.2008 20:43:46 This publication was prepared within the project 1. Foreword...... 4 4. international Researcher's Mobility Centre in Slovakia, with the financial support co‑operation – grants of the Ministry of Education of the Slovak Republic. 2. Life in Slovakia...... 6 and scholarships...... 60

1. Slovakia in brief...... 7 1. Funding based on Slovak 2. Geography...... 7 sources ...... 61 3. History...... 8 2. Funding for bilateral 4. Political system co‑operation...... 65 and state bodies ...... 11 (e g., based on bilateral 5. Regional and intergovernmental agreements local administration...... 11 or focused primarily 6. Economy...... 12 on bilateral cooperation)...... 65 7. Currency...... 14 3. Funding by multilateral/ 8. Population...... 14 international programmes 9. Religion...... 14 or organisations...... 76 10. Transport ...... 15 11. Accommodation and housing. . . . 20 5. Formalities, entering 12. Banks...... 21 and staying in Slovakia. . . . . 88 13. Shopping...... 22 1. Entry conditions – registration 14. Electrical appliances procedures and visa...... 89 The International Researcher‘s Guide to Slovakia and computers...... 23 2. Working and employment. . . . .95 (Third Updated Edition) 15. Communications 3. Social security...... 100 and post offices...... 24 4. Health and medical care. . . . . 108 Published by: 16. Hiking and tourism...... 26 5. Taxation...... 112 SAIA, n. o. 17. Sport ...... 30 6. Recognition of diplomas Námestie slobody 23 18. Culture and media...... 31 and qualifications...... 114 812 20 1 19. Cuisine...... 36 7. Driving licence, The Slovak Republic 20. Childcare and education...... 37 import of goods...... 119 21. Higher education...... 41 Prepared by: 22. Libraries ...... 44 6. Significant scientists Karla Zimanová in cooperation with: 23. Language...... 45 born in Slovakia...... 122 Michal Fedák, Katarína Košťálová, Oľga Šubeníková 24. Veterinary care...... 46 7. gLossary...... 126 Daniel Gurňák (map of the Slovak Republic) 25. Other services...... 46 26. Public holidays...... 46 8. Useful links 27. Living costs...... 47 Graphic design and prepress: and addresses...... 132 xpression, s. r. o., . research in Slovakia...... 48 © SAIA, n. o., 2008 1. Legislative framework of research and ISBN 978–80–88928–88–1 development in Slovakia...... 49 2. Research institutions...... 50 3. R&D funding on national level. . .57 The mobility of researchers involves all ages and helps establish a valuable pathway for a researcher’s career. It is a core element in research development and an effective way of training skilled workers and disseminating knowledge. It permits the creation and operation of multi‑national teams and networks of researchers, which enhance economic competitiveness and the potential exploitation of results. Increased physical mobility of researchers is essential for taking a maximum advantage of available resources.

Publication “The International Researcher’s Guide to Slovakia” (third updated edition) has been prepared for researchers and their families, who might be interested to spend part of their professional life in a country that has been only gradually discovered by the international community. This guide tells you, in a nutshell, what to expect from life in Slovakia; how science and technology are organised on national level; and what the funding opportunities for researchers interested in coming to Slovakia are. It also touches upon formalities that cannot be avoided and are important to remember, if you want to enter the country without difficulties, or use its health and social security systems properly and avert discussions with tax authorities.

You will also have a chance to look through an impressive list of significant scientists that were born during the past centuries on the territory of what is today Slovakia, showing that research and researchers were also part of our history.

Through useful links you will be directed to different institutions and get addresses and up‑to‑date information that can be important not only for your professional life but also for enjoying your stay in Slovakia.

At the end we present you a short glossary that can be your introduction into Slovak language 1. and can help in the moments when knowledge of local language is usually critical. Slovakia is a beautiful country with a fast developing economy and a community of researchers keen to contribute to the creation of the European Research Area. We hope that Foreword you will soon find a way to visit us and spend a few months or several years as a researcher in Slovakia. Researcher’s mobility centres have been established in the Slovak Academic Information Agency (SAIA, n. o.) in Bratislava and at the Technical University of Košice. As part of the European network of mobility centres ERA‑MORE, they have gathered a significant amount of useful information and are looking forward to helping you find answers to your questions.

5 1. Slovakia in brief 2, 1 Sk and 50 hel.; National Bank of Slovakia exchange rate (www.nbs.sk) Official name: Membership in international Slovak Republic organisations: EU, NATO, UN, OECD, OSCE, Date of establishment: WHO, INTERPOL etc. 1 January 1993 (after splitting Main agricultural crops: wheat, rye, corn, of the Czech and Slovak sugar beet, potatoes, sunflower, grapes, hops, Federative Republic) soya, fruit and vegetables Form of government: Breeding: cattle, pigs, poultry, sheep, goats republic Main fields of industry: automobile industry, Political system: chemical industry, iron ore processing, parliamentary democracy fertilizers, brown coal mining; food and Administrative beverages; electricity, gas, coke, oil, nuclear organisation: 8 higher territorial units, fuel; manmade fibres; machinery; paper and 8 regions, 79 districts, 2,883 municipalities printing; earthenware and ceramics; textiles; out of which are 138 cities and towns electrical and optical apparatus; rubber Regional capitals: Bratislava, Trnava, , products Trenčín, Žilina, Banská Bystrica, Prešov, Košice Natural resources: non‑ore resources: Official language: Slovak building stone, gravel sand, sand, bentonite, Capital: Bratislava (428,672 inhabitants) basalt, dolomite, magnesite, anhydrite, Neighbouring countries: , gypsum, limestone, stone salt, precious the , , , stones; brown coal, lignite, natural gas, crude Area: 49,035 sq. km oil; ores: small amounts of iron ore, copper, Population: 5,400,998 (out of them 51.5 % molybdenum, aluminium, mercury of women) Electric current: 230 V/50 Hz, outlets with Density of population: 110 sq. km safety peg Large towns: Košice (240,915), Prešov General information about Slovakia: (92,687), Nitra (87,357), Žilina (86,685) www.slovakia.travel, www.sacr.sk, Banská Bystrica (84,919), Trnava (70,191), www.slovakia.com, www.slovensko.com, Martin (60,772), Trenčín (58,872), Poprad www.cometoslovakia.com (55,037), Prievidza (54,405), (44,328). 2. Ethnic mix of the population: Slovaks (85.8 %), Hungarians (9.7 %), Roma (1.7 %), 2. Geography Czechs (0.8 %), Ruthenians (0.4 %), Ukrainians The Slovak Republic is situated in Central Life in Slovakia (0.2 %), Germans (0.1 %), Others (0.2 %), Europe, sharing borders with Austria, Unknown (1.1 %) the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Population and their denominations: Ukraine. Mountains, lowlands, valleys, lakes, Roman Catholic (68.9 %), Evangelical Lutheran cave formations, forests and meadows of Augsburg Confession (6.9 %), Greek provide many examples of Slovakia’s Catholic (4.1 %), Reformed Christian (2.0 %), year‑round natural beauty. The Carpathian Orthodox (0.9 %), Jews (0.04 %), Others Arc, a range of mountains stretching across (4.1 %), without denomination (13.0 %). the north, takes up almost a half of the Currency: Slovak crown (koruna), country. The south and east of the country 1 Sk = 100 hellers (halier), banknotes in lie in the lowlands, an important agricultural denominations of 5000, 1000, 500, 200, 100, area in Slovakia. For more information see 50 and 20 Sk; coins in denominations of 10, 5, the section “Hiking and Tourism”

7 Average Average Life in Slovakia Wet Days Month Temperature Precipitation (+0.25 mm) min Max (mm) Jan –3 2 43 12 The highest point: Gerlachovský štít in High Feb –2 3 47 12 themselves against which significantly strengthened urban Tatras 2,655 m above sea level March 1 9 42 10 nomadic Avars and civilisation. After the male line of the The lowest point: River Bodrog 94 m above April 6 16 42 11 this activity led Árpád dynasty died out in 1301, Charles sea level to the creation of Robert of Anjou became king in 1308 and May 11 21 61 11 Maximum length: 428 km a tribal union under established the Anjou dynasty, which was (Záhorská Ves [W] – Nová Sedlica [E]) June 14 24 64 11 the rule of the Frankish merchant Samo, followed by the Jagello dynasty in 1440. Maximum breadth: 195 km July 16 26 73 11 known as “Samo’s Empire” (623 – 658 A. D.). (Štúrovo [S] – Skalité [N]) Aug 15 26 69 10 The period of humanism and renaissance The longest river: River Váh (406 km) Sept 12 22 40 8 Middle Ages in the Hungarian Empire is forever linked to the name of its ruler, Time Oct 7 15 54 11 Early Middle Ages Nov 3 8 55 13 (1458 – 1490). The first university on the GMT + 2; GMT + 1 from last Sunday After the break‑up of “Samo’s Empire” territory of present‑day Slovakia, Academia Dec 0 4 59 14 in October to last Saturday in March. Slavonic tribes enjoyed no political unity. Istropolitana (1465 – 1491), was established Only Duke Pribina succeeded in establishing in Bratislava during his rule. Climate Required clothing a larger state‑like entity and founded the first The Slovak Republic has a continental Heavy overcoats and winter shoes or boots church in this area between 824 and 828. An important historic moment for climate with 4 seasons (spring, summer, for winter, summer clothes for summer. He fought and was defeated by Mojmír, the development of the country was the autumn, winter). Summers are hot; winters Rainwear is recommended throughout the Duke of Morava and had to flee. Duke defeat and the killing of King Louis II by are cold, cloudy and humid. The average the year. Mojmír I established a united state called the Turks at the battle near Mohács in 1526. winter daily temperature is –2 °C, but Great Moravia (830 – 908). His successor, Hungary opened for them a gateway to can plummet to –15 °C. The average daily Rastislav, invited the missionaries Sts. Cyril Central Europe and the Habsburg dynasty temperature in summer is 21 °C, but can 3. History and Methodius to Great Moravia. They assumed the Hungarian throne. The territory be as warm as over 30 °C. The coldest established an independent church province, of Slovakia became the administrative and month is January; the hottest month is Stone Age developed the first Slavic alphabet (Glagol) economic centre of the Hungarian Empire July. The period from May to July is often The first recorded tribes using Greek symbols, and used it to translate and Bratislava was the coronation site considered the best season. to settle on the territory the bible into vernacular. The most important of many Hungarian kings. of modern Slovakia were ruler of Great Moravia was Svätopluk who Data concerns Bratislava, the capital of the SR Celtic (from around battled with the East Frankish Empire. Great Late Middle Ages (Source BBC Weather). 450 B. C.), whose culture represented the Moravia disintegrated after its invasion by In 1635, Peter Pazmany established Trnava Weather in northern and mountainous pinnacle of barbarian civilisation. The remains Magyar tribes and the successes of the East University (which was relocated to Budapest regions could be much colder. of Celtic oppida (elevated, fortified Frankish Empire. Sites dating back to the in 1777). The Jesuits founded Košice settlements) can be found, for example in time of Great Moravia may be found at Devín, University in 1657. During the winters the sun rises Bratislava, Devín, and on Havránok Hill near Nitra, and Ducové, amongst others. approximately at 7:30 and sets about 16:00. the Liptovská Mara reservoir. The numerous anti‑Habsburg During the summer, sunrise is before 5:00 The Celts were forced out by the Germanic The Magyar tribes established a Hungarian uprisings by Hungarian nobility and sunset is about 21:00. tribes of Marcomans which fought with Empire in the area and the territory were curtailed by the 1711 Peace of the Roman Emperors Marcus Aurelius of present‑day Slovakia was absorbed around Azatmar. However, it did not stop Weather forecast and other related and Commodus (166 – 180 A. D.). Remains 1000 A. D. The history of Slovakia was thus unrest amongst the subjects, information (hydrologic state at Slovak of the Limes Romanus – the fortifications interwoven with that of the Hungarian state a fact that was reflected in watercourses, atmosphehic conditions, on the Roman Empire’s northern border – until 1918. the high levels of emigration snow situation, webcam views of are preserved in Slovakia (for example at and banditry. At this time the several holiday resorts, satellite views), , Trenčín, and Iža). The German tribes Developed Middle Ages legend of the most famous can be got at the following websites: were driven out by Huns led by Atila. The development of the Hungarian Empire of Slovak outlaws, who was www.meteo.sk, www.shmu.sk (both only Tribes of Western Slavs arrived on this was interrupted by the Tatar invasion stealing from the rich to give to in Slovak). International weather forecast territory at the end of the 5th and beginning (1240 – 1242). After the Tatars left, Belo IV the poor, was born – the legend websites can also be used. of the 6th centuries. Soon they had to defend invited Saxons to come and live in Hungary, of Juraj Jánošík.

8 9 Life in Slovakia

Modern Times The 1950 s in were a period 4. Political system of political oppression, characterized by the The 18th century saw the development victimization of prominent political, cultural and state bodies of manufacturing and the modernisation of and religious individuals and even of ordinary mining technology. In 1770, the enlightened, people. In 1968, Alexander Dubček The Slovak Republic was established on absolutist ruler, Maria Theresa, established (the then leader of the Communist Party of January 1, 1993 as one of the successors the first school of mining in the world – Czechoslovakia) introduced the policy known to the Czech and Slovak Federal (Federative) the Mining Academy in Banská Štiavnica. as “socialism with a human face” that ended Republic. It is a parliamentary democracy, In 1774, she also introduced compulsory with the Spring and the consequent and its Constitution guarantees equal rights school attendance. Her son, the Emperor crushing of the reformist movement by the for all citizens regardless of gender, religion, Joseph II abolished serfdom in the Hungarian Soviet army. race, national origin, social status or political Empire in 1785. conviction. The period of “normalization” lasted until The Slovak national consciousness was the end of the 70 s. The normalization State bodies rekindled in the 18th and 19th centuries; regime plunged Czechoslovakia into an The National Council of the Slovak Republic a Slovak civil society began to emerge. economic, political and moral decline. It was is a unicameral parliament and the country’s The first written form of the Slovak language succeeded by the democratic socialism in main legislative body. The National Council any time. The Parliament can hold a vote was codified in 1847, and the first political 1980 s. Nevertheless, opposition towards has 150 members elected for 4‑year terms of no confidence to a single member of the programme was proclaimed in 1848. In 1861 the regime grew and during the late 80’s in direct elections. The electoral system Government too. The current Prime Minister the Memorandum of the Slovak Nation was it became more intense and organised. is proportional representation. Parties are is Róbert Fico (since 2006), the leader of SMER published and in 1863 Matica slovenská It led to the overthrow of the communist allocated seats in the Parliament according – Social Democracy Party. Besides SMER was established to promote the Slovak government in November 1989 referred to as to the percentage share of the votes they – Social Democracy the government has nation. In 1893 the Slovak Museum Society the “Velvet Revolution”. get in parliamentary elections. Only a party been formed by two other coalition parties: was established. The late 19th and early 20th with at least 5 % of votes can obtain seats The People Party – Movement for Democratic centuries were marked by the struggle against On January 1, 1993 the former Czech and in the Parliament. Slovakia (ĽS‑HZDS) and The Slovak National Hungarian nationalist tendencies, culminating Slovak Federal (Federative) Republic was Party (SNS). in the creation of the Czechoslovak Republic. peacefully divided into two independent The President is the Head of State elected Slovak and Czech states and the Slovak for a five‑year term in a direct two‑round Other state bodies are the Constitutional Present times Republic joined the United Nations election. The same person can be elected Court of the Slovak Republic and Czechoslovakia was established with the as a fully‑fledged member. President for a maximum of two consecutive the Supreme Audit Office of the Slovak end of World War I and the dissolution of the 5‑year terms. The current Slovak president Republic. Austro‑Hungarian Monarchy in 1918. The In October 1993 the European Parliament is Ivan Gašparovič (2004 – 2009). period of prosperity of the newly established ratified the association agreement between The state administration power is mostly republic followed until the world’s economic the Slovak Republic and the European Union. The Government is the highest tier executed on central level. The central bodies crisis and the later advent of the Nazism; In spring 2004, the Slovak Republic joined of executive power and consists of the have lower – regional levels. If needed, local In 1939, Slovakia was de iure proclaimed NATO and on May 1, 2004 the Slovak Republic Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Ministers and state administration authorities establish autonomous. Its independence, however, joined European Union as a full member. Ministers. The Government is formed on the other authorities and offices in regions. was greatly limited by its strong economic, basis of parliamentary elections (last one held military and political dependence on in June 2006). The Prime Minister is appointed Germany. The Slovak National Uprising during and can be dismissed by the President. Upon 5. Regional and local World War II, in 1944, was a clear indication the advice of the Prime Minister, the President administration of the country’s opposition to Nazism. appoints and dismisses other members of the Government. The Government is Within the launch of decentralisation In 1945 the Czech and Slovak states joined collectively responsible for the exercise of as of January 1, 2002 a regional level again. In 1948 a communistic putsch took governmental powers to the Parliament, of self‑administration was established. place – so called February Revolution. which may hold a vote of no confidence at The Slovak territory is divided into 8 higher

10 11 Life in Slovakia

territorial units/self‑governing regions, . Trnava www.trnava.sk In 1991, privatisation became a part reform. The current government of 2006 and into municipalities (2,883). Between . Trenčín www.trencin.sk of the extensive changes in the economic elections has introduced two rates for VAT. both levels of local self‑administration . Zvolen www.zvolen.sk environment. It was connected with Predominantly VAT is 19 %, but two special (self‑governing regions and municipalities) . Žilina www.zilina.sk the liberalisation of prices, achievement categories of products like medicaments, there is no relation of superiority or (only in Slovak) of the internal convertibility of the currency, pharmaceutical products, medical and subordination. Both levels have their own liberalisation of foreign trade and opening diagnostic aids and books, brochures and elected officials, distributed duties and up of the country to foreign investors. similar printing products (including music liabilities. Some duties are divided between 6. Economy The bulk of the industrial economy has been printing works) are subject to reduced VAT the state and self‑administration. The current economy of the Slovak Republic transferred to the private sector, including of 10 %. As far as personal direct income tax is a result of a long‑term development. the key areas of machinery, chemical works, is concerned, some measures were taken to Regional Administration In the past agriculture presented the most textiles, leather, shoes, glass, electronics differentiate higher incomes see( the chapter . Banská Bystrica higher territorial unit important part of Slovak economy. and car manufacturing. In 1999, Slovak on Taxation). (www.vucbb.sk) state banks were privatised. At present, . Bratislava higher territorial unit The first manufactures on the territory an estimated 85 per cent of the economy Slovak gross domestic product (GDP) (www.region-bsk.sk, only in Slovak) of present‑day Slovakia were established in is in private hands. is steadily growing. In 2007 the GDP was . Košice higher territorial unit the 18th century, while modern industry such 1,851,787 million Sk i. e. 56,978 million € (www.kosice-region.sk) as wood processing industry, paper‑making The agricultural sector, almost all of which at current prices (1,429,549 million Sk . Nitra higher territorial unit industry, and chiefly flour‑milling industry is now privately owned, produces wheat i. e. 43,986 million € at constant prices (www.unsk.sk, only in Slovak) started to develop in the 19th century. and barley, corn, sugar beet, potatoes, chain‑linked volumes with reference year . Prešov higher territorial unit fruit, vegetables, sun‑flower and livestock 2000), that means the annual (year‑on‑year) (www.vucpo.sk, only in Slovak) After the creation of Czechoslovakia in 1918, (cattle, pigs, poultry, sheep and goats). growth by 11.6 % (10.4 % respectively) . Trenčín higher territorial unit Slovakia presented a less‑developed part However, its relative economic contribution (source Statistical Office of the Slovak (www.tsk.sk, only in Slovak) of the newly established republic. Slovak (lower than five per cent of GDP) is not Republic – www.statistics.sk). GDP growth . Trnava higher territorial unit industry was scattered and the basic substantial. is supported by an increasing domestic (www.trnava-vuc.sk, only in Slovak) production predominated. After the world demand (especially consumption of . Žilina higher territorial unit (www.zask.sk) economic crisis armaments companies, Since 1998 the national government has households), revenues from investments, chemical works and footwear works were focused on macroeconomic stabilisation but also the foreign demand. Local Administration built. During the interwar period, Czech and structural reforms to build a base Local administration in the Slovak Republic capital predominated in Slovak industry for long‑term prosperity, and on integrating In 2007 inflation averaged 2.76 % (CPI), is directed by municipalities. Every town has taking advantage of cheap raw materials the Slovak Republic to European and 1.88 % (HICP). A slight growth in inflation rate its own town hall and administration headed and low wages, which resulted in growing international organisations, such as the is expected in the following years. by the mayor. Every village has a community of Slovak capital investment. Organisation for Economic Cooperation office headed by a reeve. Many towns and and Development (OECD), which the country The Slovak government declared intention villages have their own websites. After the WW II and the communist takeover joined in 2000. to adopt the Euro currency on January 1, in 1948 industry, transport and banks were 2009. To achieve this goal, Slovakia will . Banská Bystrica www.bbb.sk nationalised and agriculture collectivised. The fundamental tax reform was one have to meet Maastricht economic criteria . Bratislava www.bratislava.sk In that period armament industry, metal and of the most important initiatives of the for eurozone entry (in January 2008, the . Komárno www.komarno.sk heavy industries developed at the expense of Slovak government in the period 2002 – 2006. probability of Slovakia adopting euro from . Košice www.kosice.sk traditional strengths in light and craft‑based The tax reform has brought flat rate in 2009 was 78 %) (source The Institute for (only in Slovak) industries, such as textiles, clothing, glass direct income taxation since 2004, one Economic and Social Reforms – www.ineko.sk). . Liptovský Mikuláš www.liptovskymikulas.sk and ceramics. A proportion of employment linear percentage rate being 19 % for both . Martin www.martin.sk in industry and agriculture had gradually individuals and corporations. Since 2004 Export revenues of Slovakia are increasing, . Nitra www.nitra.sk changed. While in 1948 agriculture in also the unified 19 % VAT rate has been mainly because of the export to the . Poprad www.poprad.sk Slovakia employed 60 % of workers, at the applied for all goods and services. Real estate EU countries (in 2007 – 86.9 % of total . Prešov www.presov.sk beginning of 1980 it amounted to app. 18 % transfer tax, donation tax and inheritance Slovak export). There is a continuous . Ružomberok www.ruzomberok.sk of economically active population. tax were also cancelled as a part of the tax tendency of growth in foreign direct

12 13 Life in Slovakia

investments and Slovakia offers many Foreign currency (including travellers . Religious Society of Jehovah’s Witnesses investment opportunities for domestic and cheques) can be exchanged at exchange in the Slovak Republic foreign investors. The strongest position offices, main hotels, all banks, and border . Apostolic Church in Slovakia is currently held by automobile industry crossings, as well as major travel agencies. . Baptist Union in the Slovak Republic and its subcontractors (Volkswagen, Check the daily exchange rates on the . Church of Seventh Day Adventists, Peugeot‑Citroën, Kia Motors). website of the National Bank of Slovakia Slovak Association www.nbs.sk. . Brethren Church in the Slovak Republic Slovakia’s largest exports include motor . United Methodist Church, Slovak District vehicles (cars), electronic equipment, It is expected, that the Slovak Republic will . Christian Corps in Slovakia chemicals, crude oil and petroleum products, adopt Euro currency on January 1st 2009. . New Apostolic Church in the Slovak Republic iron and steel. Main imports include crude oil . Old Catholic Church in Slovakia and natural gas, iron ore and concentrates, Currency restrictions . Czechoslovak Hussite Church in Slovakia and liquid crystal products (source Spectacular The import and export of local and foreign Slovakia – http://travel.spectator.sk). currency is permitted. When entering the SR (EU) from third countries or departing the SR 10. Transport Slovakia is still trying to eliminate (EU) to third countries, exported, imported Travel by train the insufficient employment opportunities. money or other financial resources (bonds, At present, several legal norms regulate The unemployment is gradually decreasing cheques, trade drafts; precious metals and the freedom of conscience and religion Trains in the Slovak Republic are the safest (unemployment rate of registered stones) above the equivalent of 10,000 EUR and provide a guarantee for general and most agreeable way to travel. There exist unemployed labour force: average for must be declared on an official form (Annex 1 respect of these fundamental human rights basically 6 different types of train: 2007 – 8.43 %, unemployment rate based of Act 199/2004 of Law Code – Customs and freedoms. According to the Slovak Os Passenger train (“osobný vlak” in Slovak) on statistical survey of labour force – 11 % Act) at the corresponding customs office. Constitution “Freedom of thought, conscience, Zr Accelerated train for 2007). On the other hand, productivity Amounts in other currencies follow exchange religion and belief will be guaranteed. (“zrýchlený vlak” in Slovak) of labour and wages are slowly increasing rates given by the National Bank of Slovakia This right will include the right to change R Fast train (“rýchlik” in Slovak) (average salary in 2007 was 20,146 Sk) (source for the particular day. religion or belief”. Ex Express Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic – IC Intercity www.statistics.sk). Financial resources sent by mail to or from (For the religious affiliation according to the EC Eurocity a third country (outside EU) in the amount last census in 2001 see page 7.) exceeding 1,000 EUR should also be How to find a connection and buy a ticket 7. Currency declared. Religious Services The currency is the Slovak crown “slovenská There are services available in foreign The websites of the Slovak Railways koruna“ (Sk or SKK). 1 Sk = 100 hellers languages (principally in English, German, www.slovakrail.sk provide information on (“halier”). Notes come in denominations 8. Population Hungarian) all over the country. (For more time schedule, prices, duration and whether of 5000, 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50 and 20 Sk. The population of the Slovak Republic information consult your church.) you have to switch the trains at any point. Coins come in denominations of 10, 5, 2 is 5,400,998. 77 % of the population is urban. The websites www.cp.sk and www.vlak-bus.cz and 1 Sk, and 50 “halier”. Slovakia’s western regions are the most List of registered Churches: provide a complex travel itinerary. Here you densely populated, with the southern and . Roman Catholic Church can choose the means of public transport eastern provinces being relatively sparsely in the Slovak Republic (bus, train, airplane, town public transport) settled. (For the ethnic composition of . Evangelical Church of Augsburg but also search for optimal combination citizens see page 7.) Confession in Slovakia of them to find the shortest journey. . Greek (Byzantine) Catholic Church in the Slovak Republic Tickets can be bought at the train station 9. Religion . Reformed Christian Church in Slovakia ticket office reading KVC (“Komplexné The Slovak Republic is by tradition a religious . Orthodox Church in Slovakia vybavenie cestujúcich” in Slovak). country; the first Christian bishopric was . Central Union of Jewish Religious If applicable, the teller may ask what type established in the 9th century in Nitra. Communities in the Slovak Republic of train you would prefer: EC – Eurocity

14 15 Life in Slovakia

train (international), IC – Intercity train, Travel by plane buses terminate at Bratislava’s Main Bus Every town is responsible for running its fast train or passenger train. To guarantee Station (Hlavná autobusová stanica) Mlynské own public transport (“mestská hromadná a seat, it is possible to buy a seat reservation Travel by plane within the country is Nivy. For the schedule browse www.cp.sk doprava” in Slovak, abbr. MHD). (“miestenka” in Slovak), since the trains may also rather comfortable. There are airlines that or www.vlak-bus.cz. be crowded especially on Friday and Sunday, provide connections within Slovakia and to Common features when students travel to and from schools. foreign countries through three international Moreover, there is a special bus connection . Public transport is the most widely used airports (Bratislava, Košice, Poprad), such as, between Bratislava M. R. Štefánik means of transportation in towns. International trains run several times a day Sky Europe Airlines (www.skyeurope.sk), Air International Airport, Bratislava city centre . Schedules can be found at every stop from several train stations in the country and Slovakia (www.airslovakia.sk), Czech Airlines (Nový Most) and Vienna’s Schwechat and in Public transport stands. international tickets can be bought at the (www.csa.cz), Austrian Airlines (www.aua.com), International Airport, Vienna city . Tickets are usually not sold on buses. KVC window or at the international ticket Lufthansa (www.lufthansa.com) and Ryanair operated by Blaguss Slovakia. For the In such cases they can be bought at office (“medzinárodná pokladňa” in Slovak). (www.ryanair.com). time schedule and prices see the website newsstands, automatic ticket dispensers, It is also possible to buy tickets on‑line at www.blaguss.sk/ba_wien.php. some bus stations or public transport the website www.slovakrail.sk. There are 6 airports in Slovakia. The biggest kiosks. However, it is dependent on the are in Bratislava (“Letisko M. R. Štefánika International airport Ferihegy particular town, check it upon arrival. Travel by coach www.letiskobratislava.sk, (Budapest, Hungary) . Tickets vary from town to town. There While the trains are more comfortable, www.airportbratislava.sk), in Košice From Budapest airport get to the West are time‑tickets (you can change means coaches are sometimes more direct, they (“Medzinárodné letisko v Košiciach” (Nyugati) railway station or to the East (Keleti) of transport within a given period) or connect most of the towns and villages, and www.airportkosice.sk) and in Poprad railway station in Budapest. From here take single‑use tickets (every time you change are reliable and satisfactory. The first thing (“Medzinárodné letisko Poprad‑Tatry” the train to Bratislava in Slovakia. There are means of transport, you use a new ticket). is to check out the website at www.cp.sk or www.airport-poprad.sk). also direct trains to Trnava, Nové Zámky Fare depends also on tariff zones given www.vlak-bus.cz. and Košice. by the town area. There are usually Transportation between International also tickets valid for several days upon Airports and principal Slovak towns Ruzyně Airport validation after entering the vehicle. You (Prague International Airport) must also have a ticket for large pieces Bratislava International Airport From the Main bus station “Florenc” and of luggage and animals. M. R. Štefánik International Airport is located from railway station there are direct buses . If you stay longer in a certain town and 15 km from the Bratislava Old Town. A taxi and trains nearly to all principal Slovak towns, you are sure to use public transport more into town costs about 300 Sk (9.2 EUR), e. g., Bratislava, Nitra, Trnava, Žilina, Košice etc. often than once a day, it is advisable to depending on where in the centre you buy travel pass, for example 1, 3, 6 or How to buy a ticket want to go. By bus, take No. 61 to Hlavná Local Transport 12‑month passes. When travelling by coach within Slovakia, železničná stanica (Main Railway Station). The public transport system in towns is quite . To get a pass (1, 3, 6 or 12‑month tickets can be bought when boarding. reliable. A network of public transport – passes) you need a recent photograph It is possible to buy a ticket with a seat Vienna International Airport (Austria) usually buses (in Bratislava and Košice also (ca 3 × 3.5 cm), your ID card and reservation (“miestenka” in Slovak) for Thanks to the short distance of Vienna and a network of trams and trolleybuses) covers a completed application form. It is always long‑distance coaches at the ticket office Bratislava (60 kilometres) it is also possible to most of the towns. Operating hours are from helpful to consult with local people. of any main bus station. use Vienna’s Schwechat International Airport 5:00 to 23:00. After 23:00 there are a few night . Children and students travel for reduced (www.viennaairport.com) which is larger than bus lines. fares (ask for details as conditions may vary For international bus travel you can buy Bratislava’s M. R. Štefánik International Airport from town to town). tickets at the ticket office, travel agency and then take a bus or a taxi to Bratislava. or from Eurolines (www.eurolines.sk), Just in front of arrival gate at Vienna airport Useful glossary which provide passage to several cities in you will find the platform for departure of Autobus – bus 9 European states. For the lines operated by buses leaving for Bratislava where you can Električka – tram Eurolines (or its domestic branch Slovaklines) change to bus/train to other Slovak principal Trolejbus – Trolleybus it is possible to buy/book a ticket on‑line at towns, e.g., Košice, Banská Bystrica, Trnava, Zastávka – stop www.eurolines.sk. Žilina, Trenčín and Piešťany. Most of the Cestovný poriadok – schedule

16 17 Life in Slovakia

Cestovný lístok – single (one‑time) ticket On an open road: 90 km/h (55 mph) diesel and non‑leaded petrol; for older Police procedure when a foreigner Mesačník, predplatný cestovný lístok, In built‑up area: 60 km/h (30 mph) vehicles the non‑leaded petrol with special is involved in a traffic accident električenka – a monthly travel pass additives replacing lead are available. Besides Zastávka na znamenie – request stop Motorway stickers these there is already quite a wide network The procedure followed when a foreigner For the motorways, your automobile must of stations providing LPG. or foreign vehicle is involved is stipulated by Information on the routes and schedules have a motorway sticker valid in the given internal regulations. The police officer has to in Bratislava can be found at www.dpb.sk, calendar year. They are available at border Almost all petrol stations also sell drinks act as follows: www.imhd.sk. Information on public transport crossings, petrol stations and post offices. and snacks. Toilet facilities tend to be quite . During each traffic accident involving in Banská Bystrica, Košice, Nitra, Piešťany, The sticker must be placed on the right‑hand acceptable, and larger stations offer showers. a foreign national or vehicle, the police Prešov, Prievidza, Trenčín, Trnava, Vysoké side of windscreen and you must always have In all big petrol stations you can pay with officer will ask for the insurance document. Tatry, Žilina is at www.imhd.sk (in Slovak; look the second part of the sticker with you and credit cards. Prices of petrol can be monitored The driver is obliged to have such for “cestovné poriadky” – time schedule, show it to a police officer upon request. Any and compared at: www.natankuj.sk, in Slovak, a document with him/her. If the foreigner “mapy a schémy” – maps and schemes sticker not fixed is not valid. Motor‑bikers look for “Ceny PHM” and search according to shows an international insurance card, of routes). Connection search for public don’t need toll stickers on motorways. the type of petrol, region, etc. the police officer will verify its validity in transport of a larger number of principal the Slovak Republic and whether the card towns is available at www.cp.sk (under MHD), Prices of toll stickers for 2008 for motor Garages, car‑serves is signed. He will make a note of the data though it is necessary to be familiar with vehicles up to 3.5 t of weight Manufacturer‑endorsed services of domestic (name, validity and number of insurance names of stops. 7‑day motorway sticker costs as well as foreign companies are located document) in the record of road accidents. 150 Sk (4.6 EUR) throughout the whole territory of Slovakia . If the foreign vehicle is damaged and it Travel by car 1‑month motorway sticker costs and information about them is available proves necessary to interfere with the load All foreign national driving licences 300 Sk (9.2 EUR) at all petrol stations. See also yellow pages due to the traffic accident, the relevant are recognised in Slovakia. Visitors riding 1‑year motorway sticker costs (www.zlatestranky.sk, category Automotive; customs office will be informed. mopeds must be at least 15 years old and 1,100 Sk (33.8 EUR) Automobiles) . If the foreign vehicle is damaged, must hold a driving licence even if such the police officer always issues the driver a licence is not required in their country Petrol stations Parking with confirmation that the Police Force of permanent residence. Visitors riding Petrol stations are located throughout the Parking in cities is well marked by was informed of the traffic accident motorcycles over 50 ccm must be at least whole territory of Slovakia. They are usually international traffic signs. Parking and that the traffic accident was verified 17 years old and visitors driving cars or lorries open 24 hours daily, and easy to find except in forbidden places can result in being fined, by the Police Force. at least 18 years old. in the most remote areas. Most of these towed or wheel‑clamped. In bigger cities, Seat belts are compulsory. are operated by Europe’s largest petroleum some parking places are specified for parking Confirmation would include: companies and are well‑stocked. They sell with a parking card, which can be bought . Date and place of issuance of confirmation, Traffic regulations from newspaper kiosks. Other parking places . Date, time and place of traffic accident, The current traffic regulations are the same require the use of automatic parking meters. . Make and registration number of vehicle, as in other European countries. The use of name and address of owner of vehicle, a mobile phone is forbidden while driving. Breakdown service name and address of driver of vehicle at All accidents must be reported to the police. . ASA – Autoklub Slovakia Assistance, s. r. o. the time of the traffic accident, It is prohibited to drink any amount of alcohol – 18 120, 18 112 . Detailed description of the damaged parts before or while driving. No level of alcohol . NAMK (National automotive club of the SR) of the vehicle, in the blood is tolerated. A car must have the – section of road services 18 123, 18 154 . Stamp of the Police Force unit, which appropriate lights on all‑year round, but in . SATC – (Slovak automotive tourist club) – verified the accident and signature of the the period from October 15th to March 15th 18 124 police officer who issued the confirmation it is compulsory to keep lights on all day. and his/her identification number. It is necessary to use an appropriate Speed limits area code in front of the phone number. For planning your car route try: On a motorway: 130 km/h (80 mph) The services are commercial and operate www.viamichelin.com, www.theaa.com, On a motorway in built‑up area: 80 km/h (49 mph) 24 hours a day. www.rac.co.uk

18 19 Life in Slovakia

Taxi daily newspapers, regional press and on . www.hotels-slovakia.com – the internet. You can rent a flat directly accommodation in selected towns and There are many taxi companies, although from an owner or through a real estate areas of Slovakia, the database includes cruising taxis are seldom available. Taxi agency. hotels, hostels, bed & breakfasts, lodges, stands are located throughout the towns. botels, cottages, and campsites Taxis ordered by phone have cheaper fares When renting a flat, enquire whether (usually 50 % cheaper). The fare is flexible the price covers just the rent or if it also and varies from company to company. When includes utility costs (electricity, gas, heating, 12. Banks taking a taxi, look for one with company’s water, phone bills, etc.). Rents are normally . www.slovakspectator.sk – see the There are many banks, usually members name on the car. For a tip, just round up to paid monthly and deposits of a few months’ advertising part of the newspaper also of international corporations offering the nearest 10 Sk figure. rent are common. It is, of course, necessary providing information in English on ordinary banking services such as current to sign a lease. renting property. accounts and sub‑accounts, domestic and foreign payments, electronic banking, Rental prices depend on several factors: Short‑term accommodation debit and credit cards, cheques, deposit . City/town (in the capital city and university . www.ubytujsa.sk – nationwide search products, securities, private banking, unit towns rents are usually higher). database providing information on trusts, mortgage financing, loans, exchange . Locality within a city/town hotels, boarding houses and other and even insurance services. (centre/outskirts). accommodation facilities (also private) . Type of flat/house (tower block, brick across Slovakia. Many of them offer Banks are usually open from Monday to house, new building, flat/house that has a discount if booked online. Friday (8:00 – 17:00/18:00). Some branches or has not been renovated, etc.). . http://directory.spectator.sk – see the remain open for longer, and some are open . Furnishings. following sections: Hotels in Bratislava on Saturdays and in some cases on Sundays . Size of flat (number of bedrooms, surface and Hotels outside Bratislava (only in shopping centres). You should area etc.). . www.slovakia-accommodation.net, consult the website of the appropriate bank. www.zoznamubytovania.sk – To find out contact numbers on taxi services Useful links accommodation search in Slovakia in the particular town search Yellow pages at Long‑term accommodation for hotels, cottages, family pensions, List of banks: www.zlatestranky.sk. . www.reality.sk – a nationwide search spas with on‑line booking . Slovenská sporiteľňa (Erste Bank Group) database (also in English), regularly . www.iubytovanie.sk – accommodation www.slsp.sk updated rental offers by more than offers in Slovakia . VÚB banka (Banca Intesa Group) 11. Accommodation 400 real estate agencies, a list of real estate . www.limba.sk – accommodation search www.vub.sk and housing agencies with contact phone numbers, in Slovakia for hotels, cottages, family . Tatra banka www.tatrabanka.sk websites and E‑mails pensions, spas with on‑line booking . Ľudová banka (Österreichische Ask your future employer if he can . www.realityserver.sk – search database . www.skonline.sk – a webportal about Volksbanken – AG) www.luba.sk provide you with accommodation. Some . www.narks.sk – a website of the Slovakia, see the section Accommodation . Poštová banka www.pabk.sk universities and research institutes have National Association of Real Estate (”Ubytovanie”) (at every post office) (only in Slovak) their own accommodation facilities for their Offices of Slovakia including contact . www.travelguide.sk – Travel guide to . UniCredit banka www.unicreditbank.sk employees. phone numbers, websites and E‑mails Slovakia with accommodation information . Privatbanka www.privatbanka.sk of individual real estate agencies included with various searching options . OTP banka Slovensko www.otpbank.sk If your future employer cannot provide you . http://directory.spectator.sk – a webportal and on‑line booking . ČSOB banka www.csob.sk with accommodation, ask them for other “Green Pages“ providing information and . www.mesto.travelguide.sk – broad (only in Slovak and Czech) possibilities or recommendations. contact phone numbers, websites and scale information on selected towns . Istrobanka www.istrobanka.sk E‑mails of several firms and organisations with the possibility of on‑line booking . Dexia banka Slovensko www.dexia.sk You can find accommodation yourself, in Slovakia, including sections like: Real of accommodation (only in Slovak) . Komerční banka Bratislava www.koba.sk too – properties for rent are advertised estate agencies; Hotels in Bratislava; Hotels . www.datatravel.sk – database of . Citibank Slovakia www.citibank.sk in specialised advertising publications, outside Bratislava accommodations in the Slovak Republic . ING Bank Slovakia www.ingfn.sk

20 21 Life in Slovakia

List of foreign banks: . To close account: 0 − 300 Sk (0 − 9.2 €), Computer accessories, electronics . Bank für Arbeit und Wirtschaft according to services included in the package. www.exeshop.sk Aktiengesellschaft, Bratislava office . There are packages in the most of banks www.pc-shop.sk www.bawag.com covering various services and transactions. www.hej.sk . BNP Paribas, Bratislava office Standard fee for a package varies from www.elektrocoleti.sk www.bnpparibas.com 45 Sk to 200 Sk (1.4 € – 6,2 €) per month. www.elektroonline.sk . Commerzbank AG, Bratislava office www.proomo.sk www.commerzbank.com Credit & debit cards . Dresdner Bank, AG, Bratislava office Major credit cards (American Express, Diners’ of regional artists and craftsmen run their Stationery and drugstore, presents www.dresdner-bank.de Club, Visa, Eurocard/MasterCard) and debit own boutiques. Other special purchases www.regina.sk . J&T Banka, a. s, Bratislava office cards (Maestro, Cirrus, Eurocheque cards and include pottery from all regions of the Slovak www.darceky-eshop.sk www.jtfg.com Visa Electron, Eurocard/MasterCard) may be Republic and woodcarvings from the eastern www.still.sk . Magyar Külkereskedelmi Bank, Rt, used for cash withdrawal from automatic and central parts of Slovakia (Spišská Belá, Bratislava officewww.mkb.h u dispensers (ATM) as well as for payments Michalovce and Kyjatice). . Societe Generale, Bratislava office in hotels, restaurants, shops and petrol 14. Electrical appliances www.socgen.com stations. Credit cards can also be used to Shopping hours and computers obtain currency. For further information on Most shops are open from Monday to Friday How to open an account commercial acceptability and other services 9:00 – 18:00, till noon on Saturdays, and are In Slovakia 230 V, 50 Hz What you need: consult your card issuer. closed on Sundays. However, there are no electrical system is used and . ID or passport strict regulations and many shops are open appliances are designed . The fee could vary depending on whether Travellers’ cheques longer and some for 7 days a week, esp. for a round pin plug and your current account will be in Sk or in Thomas Cook, American Express, Visa, supermarkets, hypermarkets and shopping receptacle (socket) with foreign currency. Although the fee for Swiss Bankers, Citybank travellers’ cheques centres. male grounding pin. For safety and to opening the account could be zero, the are accepted in banks and at exchange avoid damage to electrical appliances, it is bank could set a fixed amount account offices. Exchange rate charges are at least On‑line shopping important to bring equipment designed balance ranging from 0 Sk to 500 Sk. one per cent of the nominal cheque value. There is also a possibility of on‑line shopping for the mentioned frequency and voltage, To avoid additional charges, travellers are (www.eshopy.sk – list of various electronic use dual voltage equipment or voltage Note! recommended to take travellers’ cheques shops), however, the relevant websites are converters/transformers. Moreover, plug If you have a current account in Sk, in Euros, US Dollars or Pounds Sterling. only in Slovak. adapter will also be needed if your device is a debit card is mostly issued within You can also use the services of Western constructed for other standards. a service package. A credit card is issued Union, operating in the Tatra Banka Clothes, shoes, home equipment independently of an account. throughout the Slovak Republic. www.quelle.sk For those bringing U. S. standard equipment, www.neckermann.sk an earthed (grounded) step‑down Procedure: Exchange rate www.bonprix.sk transformer is necessary for U. S. computers, . Signing contract The National Bank of Slovakia website monitors and printers. Even with the most . Filling in specimen signature form (“Národná banka Slovenka” www.nbs.sk) Books, videos, DVDs and CDs expensive transformers, one should always offers up‑dated information on exchange and www.alterego.sk monitor the electrical supply. Most printers Fees interest rates, and other financial data. www.dunaj.sk will need an adapter but not all adapters are (Fees provided bellow are just approximate www.eplanet.sk recommended for printers. and they are subject to change). www.elegenda.sk In all cases, it is worth checking the . To open account: 0 − 500 Sk (0 − 15.4 €), 13. Shopping www.ramzes.sk manufacturer’s label or your owner’s could be set as an account balance Souvenirs include pottery, porcelain, wooden www.knihyezop.sk manual to see what type of input the device . Account statement by mail: 10 Sk (0.3 €) carvings, hand‑embroidered clothing and www.brloh.sk can handle or contacting your appliance per month + costs for mail straw figures and food items. There are www.martinus.sk manufacturer’s technical departments . Cash transaction: 8 Sk per transaction (0.2 €) a number of excellent shops specialising www.antiquus-littera.sk and asking for their recommendations . Electronic services: 9 Sk per month (0.3 €) in glass and crystal, while various associations www.mojakniha.sk for transformers and surge protectors.

22 23 Life in Slovakia

15. Communications (only in Slovak, look for “Smerové telefónne čísla”). All numbers in the world can be and post offices dialled directly; international area (country) codes are listed on http://telefonny.zoznam.sk Computers, scanners, printers, hand‑helds (only in Slovak, look for “Medzinárodné etc. are widespread and easily purchased smerové telefónne čísla”. Names of countries anywhere in the country in specialised shops, are also given in Slovak). hypermarkets or shopping centres. To place an international call, dial 00, the Getting the internet connected country code, area (city) code and number. There are several ways to be connected There are public booths, including special to Internet. You can use your phone wire Moreover, city of Bratislava has launched ones for international calls. Surcharges can be (ISDN, DSL, dial‑up), cable‑TV connection, a project providing internet access in the quite high on long‑distance calls from hotels. microwave connection, mobile phone, city centre. There are three PC terminals Public phones take either coins or phone or direct fixed Internet connection. For connected to the broadband internet cards. You can buy phone cards (“telefónna households or individuals the first four available at the moment. First one is located karta” in Slovak) at newsstands, petrol options will do. Large companies can opt near the gate of Primatial Palace at Primatial stations or in post offices. for their own direct Internet connection square, opposite to Bratislava Town Hall. The to Slovak peering centre (SIX) and the other two public internet kiosks are located in Mobile phone operators Network providers worldwide web. Up to now, there is the entry hall of City Hall and in the Bratislava include the sole owner of phone wires – T‑Com Culture and Information Centre building in . T‑Mobile Slovensko, a. s., (www.t-mobile.sk) (www.t-com.sk). However, there exists a large Klobúčnická street. All kiosks are equipped . Orange Slovensko, a. s., (www.orange.sk) number of other Internet providers offering with the standard keyboard and trackball and . Telefónica O2 Slovakia, s. r. o., (www.sk.o2.com) mostly phone wire connection or microwave are available to public free of charge. Postal services connection (e. g. Slovanet – www.slovanet.sk, General Phone Numbers: MICRONET, a. s. – www.micronet.sk, VNET – There are also available wireless (Wi‑Fi) Emergency calls: At a Slovak post office (“Slovenská pošta” www.vnet.sk, Robur, s. r. o. – www.roburnet.sk). internet hotspots for those using their own . General Emergency – 112 www.posta.sk) you can pay your utility bills, Cable‑TV Internet connection is provided by notebooks equipped with a wireless internet . Ambulance – 155 receive cash on delivery consignments, buy UPC Broadband Slovakia, s. r. o. (www.upc.sk access card. Primatial Square (Primaciálne . Fire – 150 lottery tickets, receive payments, make phone or www.chello.sk, only in Slovak) or SATRO námestie), Main Square (Hlavné námestie) and . Police – 158 calls and buy phone cards, buy mobile phone s. r. o. (www.satro.sk). Slovak Higher Frantiskanske Square (Františkánske námestie) . Town police – 159 cards, and of course send telegrams, parcels Education Institutions are connected in Bratislava are covered by the wireless and mail. Poste Restante services are also through SANET (Slovak Academic internet and so is the City Hall and the Front Enquiry services: available. For incoming packages and money Network www.sanet.sk). Mobile phone Office of City of Bratislava. Wi‑Fi connection to . Directory enquiries – information about orders you must bring your ID card/passport Internet connection is provided by mobile the internet is again provided free of charge. telephone numbers in Slovakia – 1181 with you. operators, at present there are three: . International directory enquiries T‑Mobile (www.t-mobile.sk) and Orange For more information you can either browse – information about telephone Tariff rates (“Cenník” in Slovak) for domestic (www.orange.sk), O2 (www.sk.o2.com). the Internet or check Yellow Pages (“Zlaté numbers abroad – 12 149 and international relations services are Internet Cafes (“internetová kaviareň” stránky” in Slovak, www.zlatestranky.sk). . Info Assistant – Practical available at www.posta.sk so far in Slovak; in Slovak) are widespread and not confined information for everyday use – 12 111 the English version is going to be launched to large towns. There are wireless (Wi‑Fi) Getting the phone connected . Exact time – 12 110 on the website. internet hotspots in various Slovak IDD (International Direct Dialling) is available. . Wake‑up calls – 12 125 cities. For the list see e.g. www.teleoff. The country code is 00–421. For calls in . National calls mediated At the website www.posta.sk, you can search gov.sk/sk/Internet/Zdarma/hotspot.html, the Slovak Republic consult a list of area by an operator – 12 102 also for local postcodes (“PSČ” – “Poštové www.freespot.sk/?&L=en, www.ihotspotzone.eu codes for the appropriate region which . International calls mediated smerové číslo” in Slovak), after entering town can be found on http://telefonny.zoznam.sk by an operator – 12 131 and street.

24 25 Life in Slovakia

Shipping and packing mountains declared by the UNESCO to be Low Tatras “Nízke Tatry” is the second the “Biospheric reservation of the Tatras”. highest mountain range, and lies between Personal belongings can be sent by air, which High Tatras include 25 peaks reaching the the Váh and valleys. The highest peaks is fairly expensive, or surface. Surface costs height of over 2,000 m. Some of the highest there are “Ďumbier” (2,043 m) and “Chopok” are lower, but can take from 6 – 8 weeks. and most beautiful peaks in the range (2,024 m), from which there is an unmatched Contact your local post office about are “Kriváň” (2,494 m), “Gerlachovský štít” view of the surrounding landscape. requirements (2,655 m), “Slavkovský štít” (2,452 m) The National park of Low Tatras has also been and and “Lomnický štít” (2,632 m). established there (NAPANT). procedures. Customs SAIA, n. o. The Tatra National Park (TANAP) contains More information: Námestie slobody 23 officials will protected flora and fauna. The beauty www.nizketatry.sk, www.nizketatry.com Hall, Grassalkovich Palace – the seat of open, inspect Slovakia of National Park is enhanced by natural www.napant.sk president. You can visit also surrounding and hold the 812 20 mountain lakes (“pleso”) that formed during towns and villages, make a trip to hills shipment the ice age. The largest of these is “Veľké Other natural attractions are: like “Malé Karpaty”, cycling expeditions at the post office nearest to where you are Hincovo pleso”, while “Štrbské pleso”, “Modré www.skonline.sk/horys.php (only in Slovak) along the Small Carpathian Wine Route staying. You will be notified when your pleso”, “Zamrznuté pleso” and “Zelené pleso” . Slovak Paradise “Slovenský raj” – (“Malokarpatská vinná cesta” www.mvc.sk) belongings arrive. Your shipments can be are amongst the most picturesque. Many www.slovenskyraj.sk or you can go cycling along the Morava opened, inspected, and re‑secured before waterfalls can also be found here, of which . “Slovenský kras” – www.showcaves.com, and Danube Rivers. Don’t forget thermal you arrive to collect them. the most celebrated are “Obrovský” and www.gemer.sk/ciele/skras/skras.html spas and museums in this area. “Kmeťov” waterfalls. 350 km of marked tourist – the largest karst region . In Trnava region (www.trnava.sk) visit the Telegram and fax paths are available for hikers. 7 different ski . “Malá” and “Veľká Fatra” – historic town of Trnava and make a trip Services are provided by the post offices. resorts with ski lifts, chair lifts, cableways and www.sopsr.sk/velkafatra (only in Slovak) to the hills of the “Malé Karpaty” and the Telegram messages can be taken at the local cable railway are on offer for downhill skiing. www.skonline.sk/horys.php (only in Slovak, Driny cave – the only cave open to the post office or dictated over the telephone There are also several cross‑country skiing see the link “Hory“ – mountains) public in western part of the country. You with the charge appearing on your telephone centres and official mountaineering skiing . “Súľovské skaly” – www.sulov.sk – rocky can also visit nearby castles of “Červený bill. Fax machines are available at hotels and trails available. massif formed into shapes of towers, kameň” (Red Stone), “Smolenice” or castle local post offices. cones, needles, gates, a unique ruins of “Dechtice”. In Trnava region, there More information: phenomenon in the territory of Western is also the popular spa resort of Piešťany. www.tatry.net Carpathian Mountains . In Nitra region (www.nitra.sk) in addition 16. Hiking and tourism www.tatry.org . “Muránska planina” to Nitra’s historic treasures (, With its varied terrain, the Slovak Republic www.vysoke-tatry.sk www.vysoketatry.com www.muranskaplanina.com Franciscan Church and Monastery, The is a hiker’s paradise. It is criss‑crossed with www.tanap.org (only in Slovak) – plateau with a unique Small and Grand Seminary, Romanesque valleys, basins, lowlands, and hills. It is www.tanap.sk flora and fauna, including wild horses church of St. Michael Archangel in a country full of natural beauty. The biggest Drážovce from 12th century) visit nearby and best‑known mountains are Tatras If you are more interested in shorter strolls, Walks thermal spas in Diakovce. (“Tatry”) – a national symbol. we recommend that you visit the Pieniny . In . In Trenčín region (www.trencin.sk) use National Park (PIENAP), situated to the east (www.bratislava.sk, www.bratislavaguide.com, your stay for a walk around the town Mountains of “Vysoké Tatry”. The most popular attraction www.bratislava-info.sk, www.bratislava-city.sk) (Trenčín castle, Roman inscription from 2nd The Tatra Mountains are divided into is a fork in the River Dunajec, where rafting in you can use your free time for walks century) or a trip to such hills as the “Biele “Západné” (Western), “Vysoké” (High), 9 km long Dunajec Canyon (Dunajec gorge) in the historical centre of the capital, Karpaty”, as well as the “Strážovské “Belianske“ and “Nízke” (Low). High Tatras from the Red Monastery to Lesnica is on offer. its cobbled streets and squares, visit vrchy” and “Považský Inovec”. If you like “Vysoké Tatry“ mountains are situated in the Bratislava or Devín Castle, St. Martin’s spa resorts, you should definitely pay northern part of Slovakia, on the border with More information: Cathedral, Clariens church, Trinitarians a visit to Trenčianske Teplice. In Trenčín Poland. In 1949 it was declared to be the first www.pieniny.sk church, St. Elizabeth’s church (so called region, near the town of Prievdza, lies an Slovak national park (TANAP) and in 1993 it www.rafting-pieniny.sk Blue church) or other churches, Michael’s enchanting Neogothic castle of Bojnice was together with the polish part of the Tatras www.pieninyportal.com Gate or Primatial Palace, Old Town (www.bojnicecastle.sk).

26 27 Life in Slovakia

. In Banská Bystrica region (www.bbb.sk) in “Slovenský kras“ – Domica”, “Jasovská you can enjoy the town’s beauty (town jaskyňa” and “Gombasecká jaskyňa”, castle complex, square of the Slovak in “Malé Karpaty” – “Driny”, National Uprising, Monument of the in “Slovenský raj” – “Dobšinská ľadová jaskyňa” Slovak National Uprising), trips to hills in “Veľká Fatra” – “Harmanecká jaskyňa” and such ranges as “Starohorské vrchy”, in “Slovenské rudohorie” – “Ochtinská the Low Tatras (“Nízke Tatry”) and “Veľká aragonitová jaskyňa”. Fatra” or “Kremnické vrchy”. Do not miss the historical mining towns of Banská Spas Štiavnica and Kremnica. Near Banská Spa treatment has a long history thanks Štiavniaca there is also an Antol castle – to the country’s large number of mineral construction of stone castles in Slovakia mansion house in Svätý Anton. springs. Some of them are mentioned started immediately after the Tartars invasion . In Zvolen area (www.zvolen.sk) you can under “Walks“. in the middle of the 13th century and lasted till admire a stunning landscape of hills like at the Domaša reservoir. Be sure not to the half of the 14th. New stone forts were built “Kremnické vrchy”, “Štiavnické vrchy” overlook Dubník with its opal mines – More information: in the place of original wooden castles or near and “Vtáčnik”. The spa resorts of Kováčová a real European rarity. The town of Levoča www.slovakiatravels.com/sections/Routes/ them, but new castles were built as well. Most and Sliač offer relaxation after a long hike. (www.levoca.sk) is famous for its gothic therme-en.php of the Slovak castles were built before the See also and Castle Pustý art (wooden altars and statues) by the www.slovakia-spa.sk half of the 15th century. The nobility got the hrad directly in Zvolen that belongs to the workshop of Master Pavol, the sculptor. www.skonline.sk/kupele.html royal property step by step either as advance largest ones in Central Europe. . In Košice region (www.kosice.sk, only in payment for a loan given to a monarch or for . In Žilina region (www.zilina.sk, only in Slovak) visit the Košice town (St. Elizabeth’s Castles extraordinary and loyal services to the king. In Slovak) you can seize the day by walking Cathedral, St. Michael’s Chapel, Saint The country’s historic and architecturally the period of humanism and renaissance, the in the town (long pedestrian zone, Square Urban’s tower), the second largest in precious buildings are also great tourist system of the castles gradually lost its military of Virgin Mary, church of St. Stephen in Slovakia. The village of Herľany offers attractions. The first castles were built in the and strategic importance and aristocratic Rudiny from 13th century, Budatin castle), a unique cold geyser and mineral springs 10th century at the strategically important families started to move from castles to visiting small villages, or hike in the hills as to relax by. Excursions to the surrounding locations. In those times it was necessary to manor houses and to the towns. In this period “Malá Fatra”, “Súľovské vrchy” or relax in countryside are not complete without protect the border areas against attacks of a lot of castles were demolished, burned and the spa resort of Rajecké Teplice. seeing the Zemplínska šírava region, while invaders and to prevent their entering into others fell into disrepair after inhabitants . In Ružomberok area (www.ruzomberok.sk) wine lovers should certainly pay a visit to the country. In addition to the guarding moved out. At present many of the castles are (only in Slovak) there are beautiful villages the wine cellars of the Tokay region, such services a system of castles was used also reconstructed and are open for visitors. near Ružomberok offering hikes up the as those in Malá Tŕňa or Veľká Trňa. to guard the most important roads. An hills and the “Veľká Fatra”, Low Tatras exemption was a protecting system of castles More information: (“Nízke Tatry”) and “Chočské vrchy” Caves in the Považie region protecting crossings www.castles.sk ranges. The mineral springs of Kúpele There are many karst regions in the Slovak over the Váh river. The most extensive www.slovakheritage.org/Castles/castles_home.htm Lúčky and Korytnica provide refreshment Republic. 565 caves are currently registered, to everyone; an open thermal pool in including ten stalactitic caves; two ice caves, Slovak UNESCO Natural Bešeňová offers possibility of year‑round and one aragonite cave that are open to the and Cultural Heritage swimming. public. (www.slovakcaves.sk, Places included on the UNESCO list of the . In Prešov region (www.presov.sk) you can www.slovakiatravels.com/sections/Routes/ world cultural and natural heritage: walk in the town (Uniate Bishop’s Palace, caves-en.php, the Slovak Caves Administration . The historic town of Banská Štiavnica Uniate Cathedral Temple of St. John – www.ssj.sk) www.banskastiavnica.sk and the Technical the Baptist, Klobusiczky Palace, Church In “Nízke Tatry” you can find: “Demänovská monuments in its vicinity of St. Nicholas), visit nearby villages jaskyňa slobody”, “Demänovská ľadová . The village of Vlkolínec or towns or take a trip to the areas of jaskyňa”, “Bystrianska jaskyňa”, and “Važecká www.liptov.sk/vlkolinec (only in Slovak) Sigord, Haniska and Cemjata, as well as jaskyňa”, – historical site of traditional folk to the hills (like “Slanské vrchy”) or relax in “Belianske Tatry” – “Belianska jaskyňa” architecture

28 29 Life in Slovakia

. Spišský hrad castle www.spisskyhrad.sk 17. Sport year. Ice hockey and ice‑skating are very – the most extensive stronghold in popular sports that can be practised in closed Central Europe, and monuments in its Summer Sports stadiums, as well as outdoors. surroundings . the spa town of Bardejov www.e-bardejov.sk; In Slovakia there is a wide range of facilities More information: . The area of “Slovenský kras” for summer sports. The most popular are www.ski.sk, www.yeti.sk, www.holidayinfo.sk www.skonline.sk/npchko.php – the greatest cycling, water sports and hiking. Large Mountain rescue (“Horská záchranná služba”) karst region in Central Europe reservoirs such as Zemplínska šírava, Oravská www.hzs.sk (only in Slovak) . Dobšinská ľadová jaskyňa www.gemer.sk/ priehrada, Liptovská Mara, Sĺňava near ciele/dljaskyna/dljaskyna.html – ice cave Piešťany, Ružín at Hornád, and Domaša Indoor Sports . The Primeval Beech Forests at the River Ondava along with artificial Sports centres offer opportunities of the Carpathian lakes like the Slnečné jazerá near Senec for fitness, aerobics and sometimes squash. and Zlaté piesky in Bratislava offer visitors These centres are often equipped with saunas, More information: a chance to enjoy water sports. Many solaria, and masseurs and many also offer http://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/sk Slovak rivers are navigable and canoeing body care services, such as cosmetic and www.slovakiatravels.com/sections/Routes/ is very popular amongst young people. pedicure facilities. Some towns also have unesco-en.php Horse riding is becoming more popular, indoor swimming pools that provide www.travelguide.sk/default.asp?lang with stables for public existing in many opportunities for swimming, saunas, and =eng&prg=article&id=6 towns. Mountaineering, hill‑walking, massages. You can also rent a gym‑hall to play white water rafting, adrenaline sports, indoor football, volleyball, basketball or and paragliding are only some of the ways handball etc., that is mostly associated with Hiking signs to spend a weekend in the mountains. a primary, secondary school or a faculty. In Slovakia there are Another very popular activity is camping numerous hiking or renting cottages, and hiking (trekking) More information: routes, which are in the mountains. For those who prefer green www.sportslovakia.sk The most important is The Slovak National easy to follow lawns and white sport dress there are many Theatre (“Slovenské národné divadlo” – thanks to colour possibilities to play tennis at tennis clubs, SND) in Bratislava (www.snd.sk). It comprises symbols along the at public courts or golf in clubs. 18. Culture and media drama, opera and ballet sections, each with way. The hiking a permanent professional company, with (trekking) routes More information: Theatre, Opera, Ballet a central theatrical stockist providing sets are mostly marked www.holidayinfo.sk The theatre network consists of 4 state for all productions. The SND is a repertory by 3 horizontal http://rivers.raft.cz//slovensko funded professional theatres in Bratislava, company with a season running from the stripes forming www.panorama.sk/index.asp?kam=/go/ Košice and Banská Bystrica, 20 theatres under beginning of September to the end of June. a square, 2 white stripes at borders to draw clanky/430.asp&lang=en&sv=2 the competence/patronage of self‑governing Performances are staged every day except attention and a coloured one (red, blue, regions and municipalities in Bratislava, Sunday (opera and ballet) or Monday (drama). green, yellow) in the middle to indicate Winter Sports Banská Bystrica, Trnava, Nitra, Komárno, SND offers performances in its historical the route. If necessary the striped square Thanks to its mountainous nature, the Zvolen, Martin, Žilina, Košice, Prešov, building built at the end of the 18th century as takes the form of a striped arrow to show country offers great opportunities for Spišská Nová Ves and Rožňava. Moreover well as in its new building open only in 2007. the change in the direction of the route. downhill and cross‑country skiing, as well there are about 19 independent theatres The lengths of the routes are given as average as snowboarding. established by private owners/legal entities Other important state institutions are hiking times or as distance in kilometres throughout the territory of the SR. The State Theatre (“Štátne divadlo”) at frequent signposts. To see the used hiking The mountains enjoy over 80 days of The list of theatres with addresses can be in Košice (www.sdke.sk), The State Opera symbols visit the page of the Club of Slovak snow per year which often reaches a level found at www.theatre.sk (or directly and Ballet (“Štátna opera a balet”) in Banská Tourists at www.kst.sk (only in Slovak, of 2 m in the “Nízke” and “Vysoké Tatry”. http://www.theatre.sk/sk/download/Divadlo- Bystrica (www.stateopera.sk) and Nová scéna look for “Turistické značkovanie”, In these high mountain regions, there is na-Slovensku/Divadla.pdf, (New stage) in Bratislava specialising in “Spôsoby značkovania”). snow on the ground for 130 days each only in Slovak). musical repertory (www.nova-scena.sk).

30 31 Life in Slovakia

The theatre also offering different types of orchester Slovenského rozhlasu”) Museums and Galleries performances during the summer break is the (www.slovakradio.sk/sosr) and The Bohdan Aréna theatre in Bratislava (www.divarena.sk). Warchal Slovak Chamber Orchestra The Slovak Republic has more than (“Slovenský komorný orchester Bohdana 50 museums. The Slovak National Museum Theatre performances usually begin at Warchala”) (www.filharm.sk). (“Slovenské národné múzeum”, www.snm.sk) 19.00 and whilst tickets can be bought in Bratislava holds permanent and temporary an hour before the start, it is advisable to Musical performances usually begin at exhibitions on Slovak history, archaeology, reserve them several days before at the 19:00 and whilst tickets can be bought an crafts, nature and musicology etc. The best ticket office of the respective theatre. There hour before the beginning, it is advisable collection of the Slovak art can be found is also the possibility to buy a season ticket. to reserve tickets several days before at at The Slovak National Gallery (“Slovenská Tickets may be also reserved on‑line at the ticket office of the respective orchestra. národná galéria”, www.sng.sk) in Bratislava. www.ticketportal.sk. Tickets may be also reserved on‑line at The Gallery holds permanent and temporary www.ticketportal.sk. exhibitions. More information is available An overview of cultural events can be at the relevant website. found and searched for at www.port.sk Traditional Folk Music (only in Slovak). The most impressive ensembles performing Other interesting museums: traditional dance and music are The Slovak . The Museum of the Slovak National Traditional Folk Art Music Folk Ensemble (“Slovenský ľudový umelecký Uprising in Banská Bystrica (“Múzeum kolektív” – SĽUK, www.sluk.sk, only in Slovak) Slovenského národného povstania”, Folk art and crafts, which include Classical Music and Lúčnica (www.lucnica.sk). Most towns www.muzeumsnp.sk) woodcarving, fabric weaving, glass blowing In the first half of the 19th century, have their own folk festivals with dancing, . The Museum in Antol dedicated and painting, pottery, ceramics production, a national musical tradition began to local costumes and food. These tend to be to hunting (“Múzeum v Sv. Antone”) blacksmithing, have a long tradition. develop around Slovakia’s impressive folk held throughout summer until the end of near Banská Štiavnica The tradition of folk art and crafts has been heritage. Romantic as well as modern Slovak September. The biggest one takes place in (www.muzeumsv-anton.sk) handed down through the generations music has drawn from both classical and Východná (www.nocka.sk/utk, website of the . The Slovak Technical Museum in and is nowadays supported mainly by traditional folk styles. Among romantic Institute of Traditional Culture, look for FF Košice (“Slovenské technické múzeum”, ÚĽUV, The Centre for Folk Art Production. composers, the most important are the “Východná”, only in Slovak) in July each year. www.stm-ke.sk) The Centre sells traditional products but also compositions of Ján Levoslav Bella, Viliam . The Slovak Museum of Mining in Banská organises exhibitions, artistic workshops Figuš – Bystrý who layed the foundations of Modern Music Štiavnica (“Slovenské banské múzeum”, – “The ÚĽUV Craftschool“ both for youth and the first Slovak opera, and those of Mikuláš The Music Center (“Hudobné centrum”, www.muzeumbs.sk) (only in Slovak) adults, some of which are officially accredited Schneider‑Trnavský and Mikuláš Moyzes www.hc.sk) provides information on classical . Danubiana, Meulensteen Art Museum by the Ministry of Education of the SR who had merit in lyric songs and ballads and modern music. A search for various Bratislava (www.danubiana.sk) (www.uluv.sk/en). creation. Well‑known works from the 20th music events can be run on: www.port.sk . The Warhol Family Museum of Modern Art century include the symphonic compositions (only in Slovak) At www.ticketportal.sk you in Medzilaborce Slovakia became famous for “majolika“ of Alexander Moyzes, and the operas of can find information on concerts and buy (www.region.sk/warhol) pottery already in the 14th century Eugen Suchoň (1st Slovak national opera – tickets. If you prefer the club scene with live . The Koloman Sokol Centre in Liptovský (especially the town of Modra). Modra’s “Whirlpool” – “Krútňava”) and Ján Cikker. performances there are many options within Mikuláš (www.muzeum.sk/defaulte. ceramic tradition was heavily influenced by different genres. php?obj=galeria&ix=gpmblm_cks) the influx of Haban craftsman (a religious Today, music is one of the most significant sect) in the 16th century. The pottery is aspects of Slovak culture. Some of the Fine Arts Important note: Monday, unless stated characterised by gentle curves and bright most renowned orchestras are The Slovak Contemporary art is represented by otherwise, is a closing day. colours, particularly blue and yellow. Philharmonic Orchestra of Bratislava numerous artists who exhibit their works Contemporary Modra’s majolika factory (“Slovenský filharmonický orchester mesta in many galleries throughout the Slovak More information: is a direct descendant of this tradition Bratislavy”, www.filharm.sk) and Košice Republic. Up‑to‑date information on www.museum.sk (www.spectacularslovakia.sk see the section (www.sfk.sk), The Symphonic Orchestra exhibitions can be found on the websites www.slovakheritage.org Crafts, www.modra-ceramics.sk, of Bratislava Broadcast (“Symfonický of cities and towns, in newspapers etc. www.tourist-channel.sk www.majolika.sk/indexenglish.html).

32 33 Life in Slovakia

Cinema . Áčko – International festival of student films Cinemas (“kino” in Slovak) can be found . Biennial of Illustrations Bratislava – An in every town. Film clubs are popular and exhibition of illustrations from children’s can be found in all university towns. In books, taking place every two years Bratislava, there is also a multiplex cinema (www.bib-slovakia.sk) in Aupark shopping centre (Palace cinemas – www.palacecinemas.sk). Most films bear the Košice only in Slovak) and Slovak Radio (“Slovenský original soundtrack with subtitles; some films . Košice Musical Spring Festival rozhlas” abbr. SRo: channels: Rádio Slovensko, have Slovak dubbing. Cinema programmes “Košická hudobná jar“– International Rádio Devín, Rádio FM, Rádio Regina, are published on towns’ websites and Music Festival (www.sfk.sk) Rádio Patria, Radio Slovakia International, in newspapers. www.slovakradio.sk, only in Slovak). Apart Examples of folk architecture, such Východná from the national TV/radio network there as wooden churches and brightly painted More information: . “Východná“ traditional folk festival – are three commercial TV channels: TV houses, are to be found throughout the www.port.sk (only in Slovak) Festival of Slovak traditional and folk culture Markíza (www.markiza.sk, only in Slovak), country. Interesting open‑air museums TV JOJ (www.joj.sk, only in Slovak) and TV presenting folk architecture can be found in Some Cultural Events TA3, a news channel, (www.ta3.com, only in Martin (The Museum of the Slovak Village in the Slovak Republic Slovak) and several commercial radios. Unlike – “Múzeum slovenskej dediny”), Bardejov Bratislava cinemas, television channels provide mostly Spa, Zuberec, Výchylovka in Nová Bystrica, . Bratislava Music Festival “Bratislavské broadcast with Slovak dubbing. There are also and Pribylina. If you are interested in “living hudobné slávnosti“ – International two Slovak press agencies – TASR www.tasr.sk museums” (folk architecture reservations), festival of classical music (www.bhsfestival.sk) and SITA www.sita.sk. you should visit villages like Čičmany, . Bratislava Musical Spring “Bratislavská Vlkolínec, Špania dolina, Ždiar, Podbiel, hudobná jar“ – International festival In nearly all parts of Slovakia it is possible or Sebechleby. of classical music to subscribe to cable TV (often supplied in . Summer festival of culture “Kultúrne apartment buildings), offering a variety of Wooden church architecture is unique, leto“ (Cultual Summer) – International European TV stations in German, English, and especially by its construction and interior Festival of classical music including other languages (e.g. BBC World Service). design. All parts had to be made of wood the Chamber Music Series, Series of and no nails were allowed. In northeast Fanfare Concerts, J. K. Mertz International Nitra The Slovak Spectator of the country you may find mostly Guitar Music Festival, Days of Organ Music, . “Divadelná Nitra“ International theatre (www.slovakspectator.sk), an churches of Greek Catholic or Orthodox Convergence and fringe events festival (www.nitrafest.sk) independent English language denomination. Most of them date back to (www.bkis.sk) newspaper, is published every the 17th and 18th Century. One of the oldest . New Slovak Music “Nová slovenská Trenčín week. It includes information churches is the Roman‑Catholic wooden hudba“ – Festival presenting new pieces . Pohoda (“Relax”) – an international festival on politics, the economy, church in Hervartovo near Bardejov dating by Slovak composers of alternative, rock, pop, punk and world business, daily life, and back to 15th century. Wooden churches . Melos‑ethos – International festival of music with fringe events (cinema, plastic cultural events, as well as and towers in the centre of the country were contemporary music, takes place every arts) (www.pohodafestival.sk) advertisements. There are many varieties of mostly of Roman‑Catholic and Evangelical two years (www.melosethos.sk) local newspapers and journals. You can also denominations. . Bratislava Jazz Days – International jazz Media buy or subscribe to foreign newspapers and festival (www.bjd.sk) There is one national TV/radio network journals or buy them at newsstands. More information: . Klikkfest – International festival of rock, with several channels and also several www.museum.sk pop, jazz and other genres independent commercial and public TV SK Today (www.sktoday.com), is an internet www.muzeum.sk/dostol/defaulte.php (http://kozelklikkfest.sk) and radio stations. The national TV channel English language newspaper providing news www.geocities.com/woodchurch99 . Febiofest – International festival of film, is Slovak Television (“Slovenská televízia” about Slovakia to wide on‑line international www.remesla.lawit.sk television and video abbr. STV: channels STV1, STV2, www.stv.sk, community.

34 35 Life in Slovakia

how much he is paying inclusive of tip. In a juniper berry brandy. To the uninitiated, There exists mostly state kindergartens, 19. Cuisine restaurants and bars it is usual to round up these drinks will appear quite strong. Wine however, church and private kindergartens the price, the tip being roughly 10 %. is grown almost all over southern Slovakia, are becoming quite common too. Food resulting in good white and red table wines. In most of the kindergartens Slovak is the Slovak food is made using a variety More information and lists of catering places communication language, though there are of traditional and European products can be found at www.menu.sk (only in Slovak), In winter, try the mulled wine. Young wine several kindergartens (mostly state ones) with and ingredients. In shops, supermarkets www.zlatestranky.sk, www.gurmania.sk (only (“burčiak“), is available in the first half Hungarian and Ukrainian as communication or hypermarkets you can buy all kinds in Slovak), www.obedovat.sk (only in Slovak), of September, and is usually the subject languages aimed predominantly at children of vegetables and fruit in season, meat, milk http://directory.spectator.sk. of harvest festivals. of those nationalities. There exist a few products, pastry, bread, mineral and spring kindergartens providing education in English, water, and sweets. You can also buy fresh Traditional cuisine More information they are private ones. home‑grown fruit and vegetables and some The main http://slovakia.eunet.sk/slovakia/cuisine/bonappetit other products at open‑air markets. ingredients In Bratislava they are: that have 20. Childcare . Forel International School (www.forel.sk) Cuisine shaped . The British International School Bratislava There are many restaurants in Slovakia traditional and education (www.bis.sk) ranging from cheap to expensive. For Slovak . Galileo School (www.galileoschool.sk) a drink it is more usual to go to a pub, where cuisine are Pre‑school education . Wonderland English‑German Kindergarten you can also have a meal. Larger cities potatoes, In the Slovak Republic preschool (www.wonderland.sk) usually have restaurants with national and sauerkraut, education includes the child education . Brilliant Stars Intl. Kindergarten international cuisine, the most common pork and poultry, “bryndza” (a cheese until the beginning of the compulsory (www.brilliantstars.sk) being Italian, Chinese, Balkan and also Czech made from sheep’s milk), and pulses. school attendance. Preschool education . Little Angel Playschool (www.littleangel.sk) and Hungarian. Beer and wine (domestic and The number one national soup is sauerkraut in the Slovak Republic is carried out in . Minikin playschool (www.minikin.sk) foreign) are good and usually consumed with soup (hearty cabbage soup with smoked non‑institutional form and institutional . Atlantis (www.atlantis-centrum.sk) both lunch and dinner. pork sausage that often contains mushrooms, form. Non‑institutional form of preschool Babyland (www.babyland-centrum.sk) and sometimes plums, especially at education takes places in the family. . Pro Solutions (www.prosolutions.sk/ Lunch is the main meal and Slovaks are Christmastime). Another typical Slovak soup Institutional form of preschool education is materska-skolka-fantasy) more used to eating out for lunch than is made of beans and root vegetables such carried out in preschool establishments being . Unity House (www.montessorikindergarten.sk) for dinner. Most restaurants in town centres as carrots and parsley. Sometimes, smoked represented by kindergartens and special have special lunch offers (“denné menu” pork is added. Most traditional national kindergartens. Preschool establishments In Košice: in Slovak, usually consisting of soup and dish served as main course is “bryndzové admit children between the age of three and . English private kindergarten Kids a main course), which are cheaper than other halušky”, i.e., gnocchi/dumplings topped six years. Exceptionally, it is possible to admit (www.skolkakids.superfirmy.sk) meals served there. with “bryndza” and bacon. It is usually the children from the age of two years. (Preschool . English Learning Centre (ELC) (www.elc.sk) least expensive menu item and sometimes education in preschool establishments is also . Happy English Childcare (www.skolka-hec.sk) Restaurants are open from Monday to Sunday it is listed in the dessert section. Another provided to children over six years of age, from morning till night, and also in small traditional dish is “strapačky s kapustou“, whose start of compulsory school attendance Some of them are establishments where towns restaurants usually stay open later. dumplings with cabbage and sometimes was postponed or whose fulfilment also primary and even secondary education Stores and restaurants open 24 hours a day bacon. As the most common of compulsory schooling was additionally is carried out. have a sign reading “non‑stop”. dessert one can always have sweet postponed.) pancakes with jam, farmers’ cheese For the list of kindergartens see the database Unless the menu states that service and raisins and whipped Preschool establishments are set up with of the Institute for Educational Information is included, tipping is expected. Five to ten cream or chocolate. varied lengths of operation such as half‑day, and Prognosis (www.uips.sk, only in Slovak). percent is a standard tip in a restaurant full day, weekly and continuous operation. Look for regional education (“Regionálne with waiter service. Waiters usually give The most popular of spirits A prevailing number of kindergartens are školstvo”) available databases (“Dostupné the customer the total of the bill and the is “slivovica“, a brandy made operating full day, usually from 6 a. m. to databázy”) list of school facilities (“Register customer, as he hands over the money, says of plums or “borovička“, 6 p. m. according the parents’ needs. škôl a školských zariadení v Slovenskej

36 37 Life in Slovakia

Bilingual secondary schools – English section republike); search for “materské školy“ There are public, private and church schools. Name Town Address URL in the field of “druh školy“ – school type. Public primary and secondary schools Gymnázium J. Hronca Novohradská 3 www.gjh.sk See also the section “Private Schools“ are established by self‑governing bodies Bilingválne gymnázium C. S. Lewisa Bratislava 5 Beňadická 38 www.bilgym.sk at http://directory.spectator.sk. (municipalities, cities and self‑governing Gymnázium Bratislava 5 Pankúchova 6 www.gympaba.sk regions) and education is provided free Evanjelické lýceum Bratislava 5 Vranovská 2 www.elvraba.edu.sk Schools of charge. In private and some church Gymnázium J. M. Hurbana Čadca 17. novembra 1296 www.gymcadca.sk In the Slovak Republic, education schools a school fee is paid. Special schools Evanjelické gymnázium J. A. Komenského Košice Puškinova 3 www.gjak.sk is compulsory for ten years starting from and special educational establishments Spojené evanjelické školy Liptovský Mikuláš Komenského 10 www.seslm.sk the age of 6. (attended by children with physical and Súkromné gymnázium Prešov Solivarská 28 www.sukromnaskola.sk mental disabilities, talented and very talented Gymnázium bilingválne anglicko‑slovenské M. Hodžu Sučany Komenského 215 http://gbas.edupage.org Primary education: age 6 to 10 children) are set up under the authority of the Evanjelické gymnázium Tisovec Jesenského 836 www.egtis.sk Primary education is provided by the first state (regional authorities). Súkromné gymnázium Žilina Oravská cesta 11 www.ssag.sk stage of primary school (Grades 1 to 4). There are some schools which aim to Obchodná akadémia Trnava Kukučínova 2 http://oakuktt.edupage.org Obtaining of the primary education enables develop specific pupils’ talents, such as sports Bilingual secondary schools – German section pupils to continue in the second stage schools, schools for mathematics, foreign of primary school or in the 8‑year secondary languages, etc. Name Town Address URL school. Gymnázium Bratislava 42 Bilíkova 24 http://gymbilba.edupage.org Tuition takes place five days a week, from Obchodná akadémia Imricha Karvaša Bratislava 5 Hrobákova 11 www.oahrobba.edu.sk Lower secondary education: age 10 to 15 Monday to Friday. School year lasts from Gymnázium Poprad D. Tatarku 14 www.gpdt.sk Lower secondary education is provided September 1 to June 30, July and August Gymnázium V. B.Nedožerského Prievidza Matice slovenskej 16 www.gympd.sk by the second stage of primary school being summer holiday. The tuition usually Obchodná akadémia Trnava Kukučínova 2 http://oakuktt.edupage.org (Grades 5 to 9) or by the initial four years of begins at 8 a.m. and contains from four to Bilingual secondary schools – French section the 8‑year secondary schools. In most cases, it eight lessons per day. A standard lesson Name Town Address URL is necessary to pass an entrance procedure to takes 45 minutes and is mostly followed by Gymnázium JGT Banská Bystrica J. G. Tajovského 25 www.gjgt.sk get to upper education institution. a 10‑minute break; lunch break being longer. Gymnázium Bratislava 2 Metodova 2 http://gmet.edupage.org Gymnázium M. R. Štefánika Košice Nám. L. Novomeského 4 www.gmrske.sk Upper secondary education: age 15 to 19 The number of pupils in primary‑school Gymnázium Ľ. Štúra Trenčín 1. mája 2 www.glstn.sk Upper secondary education is carried classes is around 23 pupils per class, however Gymnázium bilingválne v Žiline Žilina T. Ružičku 3 www.gbza.edu.sk out in secondary schools represented by this number rises over 30 in upper grades. secondary grammar schools (gymnasia), Bilingual secondary schools – Spanish section conservatoires (secondary schools of music), There is a general grading scale: Name Town Address URL secondary specialised schools, secondary 1 – excellent Gymnázium M. Kováča Banská Bystrica Mládežnícka 51 www.gymmlbb.edu.sk vocational schools. Gymnasia represent 2 – very good Gymnázium F. G. Lorcu Bratislava 214 Hronská 3 www.gymhron.edu.sk a secondary comprehensive school that 3 – good Gymnázium Košice Park mládeže 5 www.gympm5ke.edu.sk prepares students particularly for studies 4 – satisfactory Gymnázium Nitra Párovská 1 www.gymparnr.edu.sk at higher education institutions. The general 5 – unsatisfactory (fail) Bilingválne slovensko‑španielske gymnázium Nové Mesto nad Váhom Športová 41 http://gmrsnm.edu.sk prerequisite for admission to higher Gymnázium M. Hattalu Trstená Železničiarov 278 www.gmhtrstena.sk education study is secondary school‑leaving In the majority of schools, Slovak language is Bilingual secondary schools – Italian section certificate issued after passing the secondary the language of instruction. However, there Name Town Address URL school‑leaving examination taken upon are also schools with instruction in other Gymnázium Ladislava Sáru 1 www.gymls.edu.sk completing 13, exceptionally, 12 years of language than Slovak – Hungarian mostly, study. The school‑leaving certificates are but also Ukrainian, Bulgarian, German, Bilingual secondary schools – Russian section issued by most of the mentioned types English. (See the list of schools at the website Name Town Address URL of secondary schools. Higher education of The Institute for Educational Information Gymnázium A. Einsteina Bratislava 5 Einsteinova 35 www.einsteinova.sk institutions organise as a rule the admission and Prognosis – www.uips.sk – guidelines Bilingválne gymnázium Snina Snina ZŠ Budovateľská 1992/9 [email protected] examination. for the search are given below.) Gymnázium, lýceum = secondary grammar school | Obchodná akadémia = secondary school of economics and administration 38 39 Life in Slovakia

Some private international/foreign own websites. Contact details and phone Au‑pair service language/schools (primary, secondary): numbers of private schools with instruction . Forel International School (www.forel.sk) in a foreign language are also available at If you need to babysit your child, you . The British International School Bratislava http://directory.spectator.sk. can use the services of one of the many (www.bis.sk) agencies which arrange babysitting for . Galileo English‑Slovak Primary School After‑school activity a fee (for both healthy or sick children, (www.galileoschool.sk) Primary or secondary schools’ classes are whole‑day or just afternoon babysitting . QSI International School of Bratislava usually held until afternoon (from 8.00 to 13.30) – with the possibility of being prepared (www.qsi.org/SVK) There are usually educational establishments for classes or accompanied to children’s . QSI International School of Košice where pupils of the first stage of primary clubs, after‑school activities, babysitting (www.qsi.org/ksc) schools can spend their free time after in the evenings and at weekends etc.) classes, attendance is voluntary. Their There are also bilingual schools – certain activities are aimed at developing pupils’ A babysitting charge depends on a type subjects are taught in Slovak, others in talents, preparing for lessons on the next day of babysitting (regular, occasional, in a school the subsequent master level study a particular foreign language. In Slovakia and organising sports activities in general. facility or in the household), on a length programme in the same or related field there are bilingual secondary schools in of babysitting (short‑time or long‑time of study is altogether a minimum of five which selected subjects are taught in English, Students can attend after‑school clubs run babysitting), as well as on a number of years. The basic condition for admission to German, French, Spanish, Italian or Russian by schools themselves, devoted to various children. The price is approximately from the second level study is graduation from language. There are about 30 bilingual fields of interest, e.g. science, ecology, drama 100 Sk to 150 Sk per hour. bachelor study. schools. classes, music, sport, photography etc. Main 3. The PhD. study programme. The standard enrolment/registration days for a particular For further information, contact directly length in full‑time form is three years at Children of foreigners with residence after school activity/programme are usually particular agencies or consult their websites. least and four years at most, duration in (temporary, permanent or tolerated) held in September. For further information A majority of agencies can also provide part‑time form and at some faculties of in Slovakia can attend kindergartens, contact the appropriate school. a babysitter who can also speak a foreign medicine with a specialisation examination elementary or secondary school in their place language (usually English or German). is five years. The basic condition for the of residence or according to their parents’ Apart from that, students can also attend admission to the PhD. study programme choice. Registration for a particular school language classes specially designed for their For a few of them see is graduation from second level university is carried out after an arrangement with the age and interests, leisure and hobby centres, http://directory.spectator.sk. study. In compliance with the Amendment headmaster of a selected school. or primary schools of art. (When looking of the Higher Education Act of 2007 for primary schools of art search for the 21. Higher education PhD students are treated as regular The list of schools and education term “základná umelecká škola” in a standard students that are in addition entitled to establishments in Slovakia is available at search engine). Higher education system in Slovakia follows obtain PhD. scholarships. the website of the Institute for Educational the principles of Bologna Declaration. Information and Prognosis (www.uips.sk) There are the so called centres of free Higher education institutions provide study All study programmes must be accredited regional education (“Regionálne školstvo”) time (“Centrá voľného času” – CVČ) in all programmes at three levels: by the Ministry of Education of the Slovak available databases (“Dostupné databázy”) the regions of Slovakia. The list of them 1. The Bachelor’s study programme which Republic. list (register) of school facilities (“Register škôl can be found on the webpage of Iuventa takes three years at least and four years at a školských zariadení v Slovenskej republike). (www.iuventa.sk), under the section of most (in the case of architecture, fine art Academic year starts on September 1 of the It is possible to search for information Children and Youth (“Deti a Mládež” and design). current year and ends on August 31 of the according to different criteria (but only in Slovak), look for “CVČ in SR” or use again 2. The Master‘s study programme following year. It is composed of 2 semesters in Slovak). the standard search engine. (the “Magister‘s”, “Engineer‘s” (winter semester lasts from September to and “Doctor’s” study programme). January and summer semester lasts from Contact phone numbers of kindergartens, Many children and youth organisations The study takes one year at least and February to June.) The organisation of elementary, secondary schools, and providing after‑school activities are three years at most, so that the total academic year is set by the statute of the universities can be found on associated with the Youth Council of Slovakia standard duration of study according faculty or statute of the higher education www.zlatestranky.sk. Many schools have their (www.mladez.sk). to the bachelor study programme and institution.

40 41 Life in Slovakia

The teaching process includes various forms are 20 public institutions of higher education, Degrees awarded in the SR of instruction such as lectures, seminars, comprising 9 more or less traditional exercises, laboratory work, projects, universities, 5 universities of technology, Higher education institutions award following practical training, consultations, etc. The 3 higher education institutions of art and academic degrees: credit system following the rules of the music, 1 university of economics, 1 university 1st level – Bachelor (comprising app. 180 credits) European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) was of veterinary medicine and 1 agricultural . “bakalár“ (abbr. “Bc.”). introduced in 2002 for all levels and forms university. of higher education study. The student‘s 2nd level – Master (comprising app. 120 credits) standard load is expressed by the number State higher education institutions: . “magister” (abbr. “Mgr. ”), in the field of of credits: 60 credits per academic year State institutions of higher education (3 HEIs) art “magister umenia” (abbr. “Mgr. art.”) and 30 credits per semester. The institution are military, police and medical schools. They . “inžinier” (abbr. “Ing.”) in technical, of higher education determines the total are established by law and governed by state agricultural and economic fields of number of credits required for the due through the corresponding ministries of the Engineer’s programmes, and in the field completion of the study in its respective government. The state HEIs are fully financed of architecture and town‑planning the stages. field of science, technology or art, and from the state budget. academic degree of “inžinier architekt” in compliance with the current state and (abbr. “Ing. arch.”) The grading is on a scale of A–FX: development of such fields. The term Private higher education institutions: . “doktor medicíny” (abbr. “MUDr.”) A – excellent = 1 ”university” may only be used in the name Private institutions of higher education in the field of human medicine B – very good (above‑average of a university type of higher education (10 HEIs) need to have the state approval . “doktor stomatológie” (abbr. “MDDr.”) achievements) = 1.5 institution. issued by the Government of the Slovak – dentists C – good (average achievements) = 2 b. The specialised higher education Republic. They are established and financed . “doktor veterinárskej medicíny” D – laudable (acceptable achievements) = 2.5 institution shall provide higher education by non‑governmental institutions or (abbr. “MVDr.”) in the field of veterinary E – satisfactory (achievements fulfil only the in the study programmes of the first founders. Most of the private higher medicine. minimum criteria) = 3 level and perform particularly applied education institutions provide education FX – unsatisfactory – fail (achievements do research. The name of the specialised HEI on bachelor level only, specialised in the 3rd – PhD (doctoral) level not fulfil even the minimum criteria) = 4 shall include the term “odborná vysoká fields of economics, business, management, . “philosophiae doctor” (abbr. “ PhD.”) škola” (specialised college). public administration, law, international . “artis doctor“ (abbr. “ArtD.”) in the field of art. Higher education institutions relations, regional development, medical Higher education institutions (HEIs) A higher education institution, that does and social work. Examina rigorosa are third‑level educational, scientific not comply with the definitions stated The holders of the academic degree and arts institutions. The major task of above, shall provide higher education You can find the comprehensive list of HEIs in of “magister” may take examina rigorosa, HEIs is the provision of higher education predominantly in the study programmes Slovakia with their websites under the section which includes also the defence of a rigorosa and creative scientific research or creative of the first and second level and perform Research in Slovakia (page 50). thesis. After its successful completing the artistic activity. mainly fundamental research. This type higher education institutions award the of institution is referred to as “vysoká škola” Also foreign higher education institutions following academic degrees: Slovak higher education institutions can (higher education institution). established and seated on the territory . “doktor prírodných vied” (abbr. “RNDr.”) be classifiedby nature and scope of their of another EU Member state or EEA in natural science study programmes. activities as either university type of HEIs Based on founding and funding State or may provide . “doktor farmácie” (abbr. “PharmDr.”) or specialised HEIs. there are 3 types of HEIs seated in the Slovak the higher education in accordance with in pharmacy study programmes. a. The university type of higher education Republic. the law of their country of origin on the . “doktor filozofie” (abbr. “PhDr.”) in social institutions shall provide education territory of Slovakia after having been science and art science study programmes. in the study programmes of all three Public higher education institutions: granted the official approval of the Ministry . “doktor práv” (abbr. “JUDr.”) in law study levels. and perform mostly fundamental Public institutions of higher education are of Education of SR. programmes. research. The study programmes shall be established by law. They are financed mostly . “doktor pedagogiky” (abbr. “PaedDr.”) carried out in connection with activities by the government. They are statutory and in teacher training and sports study of higher education institutions in the self‑governing institutions. At present, there programmes.

42 43 Life in Slovakia

. “doktor teológie” (abbr. “ThDr.”) in Websites of the libraries are mostly in Slovak The University Library (www.ulib.sk) and always in the upper ones (5th till 9th) theological study programmes except only. The list of libraries can be found on: in Bratislava ranks among the oldest and and at secondary schools. There are some for the study programmes in the field www.culture.gov.sk/files/files/kniznice/zk.xls most visited research libraries in Slovakia. primary and secondary schools that of Catholic Theology. (950 entries in Slovak). It was established in 1919 as the library conduct classes in foreign languages such for in Bratislava with as Hungarian, Ukrainian, Bulgarian, English, Number of students Scientific Libraries collections dating back to the 17th century. German, French, Italian, Spanish. Private In the academic year 2007/2008 there were . Slovak National Library (“Slovenská From 2001 to 2005 a complete reconstruction language schools offer many possibilities for in total 214,269 students studying at HEIs on národná knižnica“), Martin (www.snk.sk) of all Library premises took place. The library children, young people and adults to learn bachelor’s and master’s level, out of them . University Library (“Univerzitná knižnica“), collections include over 2.4 million items. foreign languages. were 185,928 studying at public HEIs, 4,575 at Bratislava (www.ulib.sk) state HEIs and 23,766 at private HEIs. 133,892 . The Slovak Library for the Blind of Matej Improving your Slovak students were studying full‑time (literally as Hrebenda (“Slovenská knižnica pre Foreigners can attend courses of Slovak daily students), and 80,377 were studying nevidiacich Mateja Hrebendu“), Levoča language at several language schools that part‑time (as external students). As regards (www.skn.sk) provide instruction at all levels of language more detailed distinction of full‑time and . The State Scientific Library (“Štátna proficiency: beginner, intermediate, part‑time students at different types of HEIs: vedecká knižnica“), Banská Bystrica advanced. They offer group instruction or from all the students at public HEIs there (www.svkbb.sk) individual courses tailored to the clients’ were 69 % students studying full‑time, at . The State Scientific Library (“Štátna individual needs. state and private HEIs the ratio of full‑time vedecká knižnica“), Košice (www.svkk.sk) The courses are aimed at mastering all four students to all the students was 30 % and . The State Scientific Library language skills: speaking, listening, reading 15 % respectively. The rest were studying (“Štátna vedecká knižnica), Prešov and writing. The courses are usually held part‑time. In the academic year 2007/2008 (www.ds.psg.sk/prezenta/kvk-po) twice a week, 2 standard lessons (90 min. in there were 2,699 foreign full‑time students . The Central Library of Slovak Academy total) per day. (2,659 at public HEIs, 36 at private HEIs, of Sciences (“Ústredná knižnica Slovenskej 4 at state HEIs) and 2,094 foreign part‑time Akadémie vied“), Bratislava (www.uk.sav.sk Slovak courses are offered students (788 at public HEIs, 1,192 at private – www.uk.sav.sk/EN/english.html) 23. Language e.g. by the Caledonian School HEIs, 114 at state HEIs) on bachelor’s and . The Slovak Medical Library (www.caledonianschool.sk), Eurolingua master’s level. (Slovenská lekárska knižnica), Bratislava Slovak is the official language and (www.eurolingua.sk, only in Slovak) (www.sllk.gov.sk) belongs to the West Slavic subgroup of or Berlitz (www.berlitz.sk). Some Concerning third level studies, there were . Slovac Pedagogical Library (“Slovenská the Indo‑European language family, and universities and research institutions 10,674 PhD. students in the academic year pedagogická knižnica“), Bratislava uses the Roman script. It does not differ organise Slovak language courses for their 2007/2008, out of them were 10,143 at public (www.spgk.sk) significantly from Czech, and comprehension international students/researchers e. g. HEIs, 222 at private HEIs and 309 at state HEIs. . Slovak Centre of Scientific and in both languages is rather common. The The Institute for Language and Academic Out of the PhD. students – 38 % at public Technical Information (“Centrum majority of the population (86 %) speaks Preparation for Foreign Students of HEIs and 17 % at private HEIs were enrolled vedecko‑technických informácií SR“), Slovak as their mother tongue. The second the Comenius University (www.ujop.sk, in full‑time studies. At state HEIs all PhD. Bratislava (www.cvtisr.sk) most widely spoken mother tongue is www.cdvuk.sk/blade/index.php?s=254), students were studying part‑time. There were Hungarian. Institute for Foreign Language Studies 588 foreign PhD. students enrolled for the The Slovak National Library (www.snk.sk), of the Slovak Academy of Sciences whole PhD. studies in the Slovak Republic located in Martin, belongs to the oldest The most widely spoken foreign languages (www.inja.sav.sk, only in Slovak), Centre for in 2007/2008. and most important national and research are English, German, Russian, Hungarian Language and Academic Preparation of libraries in Slovakia. It started to build its and French. The young urban population Bratislava Law College (www.uninova.sk/clap). 22. Libraries collections of materials mostly related is generally considered to be the most to Slovak culture and history in the middle linguistically proficient. Foreign languages For more information contact There are several state scientific libraries, of the 19th century. Nowadays it preserves are sometimes taught at kindergarten, the International Relations Office of the libraries affiliated to universities and higher around 3.2 million items. usually at primary school in lower grades respective university. education institutions, and public libraries.

44 45 Life in Slovakia

Summer School of Slovak Language and phone numbers are available on the website . November 17 (Day of Fight for Democracy Culture – Studia Academica Slovaca (SAS) of the Yellow Pages www.zlatestranky.sk, and Freedom) is the oldest summer school of Slovak section “automobiles – hire“ (automobily . December 24 (Christmas Eve) language and culture and has been taking – požičovne) and Green Pages . December 25 (Christmas Day) place in Bratislava since 1965. http://directory.spectator.sk, section “car hire“ . December 26 (St. Stephen’s Day) (autopožičovne). SAS is aimed at all those studying Slovak People usually don’t work on these language and culture, and towards all Laundry and dry cleaning service days; banks, post offices, shops, Slavists in general. This intensive programme There are no launderettes in Slovakia. ambulances are closed; some public is principally aimed at university professors, You can either use home laundry facilities transport offers a reduced service experienced teachers, postgraduates or commercial laundries that wash and (esp. buses and trains). of Slovak and Slavonic studies, writers, iron clothing and linen for their clients. translators and all others interested in Slovak However, there are many dry cleaning 27. Living costs language and culture. Further information is services or even fast dry cleaners . Local transport, monthly ticket/travel pass: available on www.fphil.uniba.sk/sas. (nearly in every shopping centre). Some of Example prices provided bellow give an from 400 Sk to 800 Sk (12.3 – 24.6 €) them also provide leather/suede/fur cleaning idea of how much living in Slovakia costs. . Coaches: 24. Veterinary care and dyeing. These costs are just approximate and they Bratislava – Košice, 445 km, from. 560 Sk (17.2 €) are subject to change. Bratislava – Žilina, 203 km, from. 260 Sk (8 €) A list of veterinarians in Slovakia can be found Beauty salons and hairdressers’ Bratislava – Nitra, 89 km, from. 100 Sk (3.1 €) at www.dog.sk/veterinari/veterinari.htm or at There are many beauty salons providing Example prices Bratislava – Banská Bystrica, 242 km, www.zzz.sk/?page=veterinari. The services of high quality service at a good price using Rent from 280 Sk (8.6 €) a veterinarian must be paid for in full at the the modern techniques of cosmetology . a guest room at a students’ dormitory: . Trains: point of use. and skin care. Most of them provide from 400 Sk per night (12.3 €) Bratislava – Košice: from 520 Sk (16 €) also nail design. There are also a lot of . 1 bedroom flat: from 8,000 Sk per month Bratislava – Žilina: from 270 Sk (8.3 €) hairdressers’ providing hair expert advice (246 €) including utilities (In larger towns . Taxi within Bratislava: app. 20 Sk per km (0.6 €) upon request. the prices are higher, especially in town . Petrol per litre: from 40 Sk (1.2 €) centres) . Diesel per litre: from 40 Sk (1.2 €) 26. Public holidays . 2 bedroom flat: from 10,000 Sk per month (308 €) including utilities Having fun The following days are official public holidays: . Movie ticket: 100 – 250 Sk (3.1 – 7.7 €) . January 1 (Slovak Republic Day) Food . Museum ticket: from 50 Sk (1.5 €) . January 6 (Epiphany) . lunch at a canteen: from 70 Sk (2.2 €) . Theatre ticket – drama: from 100 Sk (3.1 €) . March‑April . restaurant meal: from 250 Sk (7.7 €) . Theatre ticket – musical: from 400 Sk (12.3 €) (Good Friday, Easter Monday, set according . a pizza in a pizzeria: from 140 Sk (4.3 €) . Theatre ticket – opera and ballet: to the Christian Calendar, check the . 1 litre of milk: 25 Sk (0.8 €) 300 – 1,100 Sk (9.2 – 33.8 €) concrete dates of the respective year) . 1 litre of mineral water: 15 Sk (0.5 €) . Fitness centre ticket: from 80 Sk (2.5 €) . May 1 (Labour Day) . a loaf of bread: 30 Sk (0.9 €) . Swimming pool ticket: from 60 Sk (1.8 €) . May 8 (End of World War II) . 400 g spaghetti: 35 Sk (1.1 €) . Rent a bike: from 300 Sk per day (9.2 €) 25. Other services . July 5 (St. Cyril and St. Methodius Day) . 400 g of margarine: 40 Sk (1.2 €) . August 29 (Slovak National Uprising Day) Exchange rate has recently been rapidly Car rental . September 1 (Slovak Constitution Day), Transportation changing. (For the calculation of prices In Slovakia there are many car hire firms. . September 15 (Day of the Virgin Mary of . Local transport, basic ticket (single): from in this chapter, the exchange rate of 32.5 Sk Prices depend on the period over which the Seven Sorrows) 12 Sk to 30 Sk (0.4 – 0.9 €) (depending on to 1 € was used – approximately valid as the car is hired, and the type of car. Contact . November 1 (All Saints Day) a town) of January 2008.)

46 47 1. Legislative framework Research & development in the Slovak Republic is carried out in particular of research and at universities, institutes of the Slovak development in Slovakia Academy of Sciences and legal entities which have been established by state Research and development administration central bodies (state – it’s legal status department research institutions) that are mostly financed from state budget, The Act on Organisation of State Support and in private research institutions for Research & Development financed by business sector. The basic act in the area of research & development is the Act No. 172/2005 Government of the SR approves in the area Coll. on Organisation of State Support of research & development: for Research & Development and on . long‑term objective of state science Amendment of the Act No. 575/2001 Coll. & technology policy on the Organisation of the Activities of . national programme of science the Government and on the Organisation & technology development of the Central State Administration . state programmes of research as amended by later regulations effective & development as of July 1, 2005. The Act defines among . state programmes of research others the role of the Government, the & development infrastructure Ministry of Education of the SR and other development central bodies of state administration, . programmes of the Slovak Research position and roles of the Slovak Research and and Development Agency Development Agency, conditions and forms of granting state support, system of state Government of the SR: programmes of research & development . appoints and dismisses on the basis and the information support for research of proposal of the Minister of Education & development. members of the Council of the Government of the Slovak Republic It is expected that in 2008 an amendment for Science & Technology, members 3. of this law will be adopted covering several of the Board of the Slovak Research and areas, including definition of innovation Development Agency, members of state and centres of excellence, funding of programmes councils Research in Slovakia memberships of Slovakia in international . approves on the basis of proposal research & development centres, co‑funding of the Minister of Education the Statute of projects approved within the FP7 of the Slovak Research and Development from national sources, launching and Agency, the Statute of the Council for maintenance of Central Information Portal Science & Technology, statutes of state for Science, Technology and Innovations programmes councils as well as transposition of the Council . discusses annual report on situation Directive 2005/71/EC on a specific procedure of research & development in the Slovak for admitting third‑country nationals for Republic. the purpose of scientific research.

49 Research in Slovakia

The Ministry of Education of the Slovak as state support. Funds within institutional following sectors: the higher education Republic (ME SR) is central body that form are granted for support of research & sector, the state sector, the private sector is responsible for creating conditions development at public and state universities, and the non‑profit sector. for science & technology development, in the Slovak Academy of Sciences and in for cost‑effective utilization of state budget state department research institutes. Public The Higher education sector consists funds and coordination of activities of and state universities are top educational, of 20 public higher education institutions, other central bodies, the Slovak Academy science and artist institutions established by 3 state higher education institutions and of Science and universities at preparation separate act (the Act No. 131/2002 Coll. on 10 private higher education institutions. and implementation of state science Universities). The Slovak Academy of Science According to the Act on higher education & technology policy. is a self‑governing science institution of the institutions, these are third‑level educational, Slovak Republic established by separate scientific and arts institutions. More In 2007 two important documents dealing act (the Act No. 133/2002 Coll. on Slovak details are available at the websites of the with further development and support of Academy of Sciences). appropriate higher education institutions. . Slovak University of Technology in science and technology were adopted by Bratislava (Slovenská technická univerzita the Government of the Slovak Republic. One Council of the Government of the Slovak Public higher education institutions: v Bratislave) – www.stuba.sk of them is “The Long‑Term Plan of the State Republic for Science & Technology . Academy of Arts in Banská Bystrica . Technical University of Košice (Technická Science and Technology Policy by the year The Council of the Government of the SR (Akadémia umení v Banskej Bystrici) – univerzita v Košiciach) – www.tuke.sk 2015” that deals with the coordination of for Science & Technology is an advisory www.aku.sk . Technical University in Zvolen (Technická S&T, infrastructure of R&D, systemic priorities body of government for preparation and . Academy of Fine Arts and Design in univerzita vo Zvolen) – www.tuzvo.sk of S&T and substantive priorities of R&D, implementation of state science & technology Bratislava (Vysoká škola výtvarných umení . University of Economics in Bratislava support for S&T, international scientific policy. The Council of the Government: v Bratislave) – www.vsvu.sk (Ekonomická univerzita v Bratislave) – and technical cooperation, evaluation of R&D . discusses and assesses conceptual . Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts in www.euba.sk and popularisation of S&T. materials and strategic objectives for Bratislava (Vysoká škola múzických umení . University of Prešov in Prešov (Prešovská government decision making in the area v Bratislave) – www.vsmu.sk univerzita v Prešove) – www.unipo.sk The second document is the “Strategy for the of science & technology development . Alexander Dubček University in Trenčín . University of St. Cyril and Methodius Popularisation in Society of Science and . submits to the government opinions and (Trenčianska univerzita Alexandra in Trnava (Univerzita sv. Cyrila a Metoda Technology” which tries to find reasonable proposals to fundamental conceptual Dubčeka v Trenčín) – www.tnuni.sk v Trnave) – www.ucm.sk forms of popularisation of the researcher’s material from the field of organisation, . Catholic University in Ružomberok (Katolícka . University of Trnava in Trnava (Trnavská work, especially the beneficial results of their funding, legislation, focus of science univerzita v Ružomberku) – www.ku.sk univerzita v Trnave) – www.truni.sk work in order to improve public awareness of & technology development and . Comenius University in Bratislava (Univerzita . University of Veterinary Medicine in Košice the importance of developments in S&T. international science & technology Komenského v Bratislave) – www.uniba.sk (Univerzita veterinárskeho lekárstva cooperation submitted to the government . Constantine the Philosopher University v Košiciach) – www.uvm.sk The support of research & development by individual central bodies of state in Nitra (Univerzita Konštantína Filozofa . University of Žilina in Žilina (Žilinská is realised by granting funds from state administration of the Slovak Republic v Nitre) – www.ukf.sk univerzita v Žiline) – www.uniza.sk budget by the form of non‑repayable . assists the government in creating . J. Selye University of Komárno subsidies. It can be a purpose‑oriented necessary conceptual and system approach (Univerzita J. Selyeho v Komárne) – State higher education institutions: form of support on the basis of public tender to science & technology development in www.selyeuni.sk . Military Academy in Liptovský Mikuláš or an institutional form of support. Funds relation to economic, cultural and social . Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica (Akadémia ozbrojených síl within purpose‑oriented form are granted for development of the state, its defensiveness (Univerzita Mateja Bela v Banskej Bystrici) – gen. M. R. Štefánika v Liptovskom Mikuláši) solving research & development projects and and in international context. www.umb.sk – http://aos.valm.sk infrastructure development projects through . Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice . Police Academy in Bratislava (Akadémia the Slovak Research and Development 2. Research institutions (Univerzita Pavla Jozefa Šafárika policajného zboru v Bratislave) – Agency and projects within state v Košiciach) – www.upjs.sk www.akademiapz.sk programmes. Funds within purpose‑oriented Legal and physical entities with offices . Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra . Slovak Medical University in Bratislava form of research & and development in the Slovak Republic active in research (Slovenská poľnohospodárska univerzita (Slovenská zdravotnícka univerzita granted to private enterprises is considered and development are integrated in the v Nitre) – www.uniag.sk v Bratislave) – www.szu.sk

50 51 Research in Slovakia

Private higher education institutions activity by means of research institutes . Institute of Chemistry, Bratislava . Bratislava College of Law in Bratislava established on the basis of either full or (www.chem.sk) (Bratislavská vysoká škola práva) – partial public funding. State sector research . Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Bratislava www.uninova.sk and development organisations funded in (www.uach.sav.sk) . Bratislava International School of full or in part by the state are established . Institute of Molecular Biology, Bratislava Liberal Arts in Bratislava (Bratislavská by the appropriate central administrative (http://imb.savba.sk) medzinárodná škola liberálnych štúdií bodies. More details can be found on the . Institute of Plant Genetics v Bratislave) – www.bisla.sk websites of the appropriate SAS research and Biotechnology, Nitra . Central European College in Skalica institutes and state sector research (http://pribina.savba.sk/ugbr/uk/index.htm) (Stredoeurópska vysoká škola v Skalici) – organisations. . Polymer Institute, Bratislava www.sevs.sk (www.polymer.sav.sk) . College of International Business The Slovak Academy of Sciences ISM Slovakia in Prešov (Vysoká škola (www.sav.sk) Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences medzinárodného podnikania ISM Slovakia . Institute of Animal Biochemistry v Prešove) – www.ismpo.sk Earth and Space Sciences and Genetics, Ivanka pri Dunaji . College of Security Management in . Astronomical Institute, Vysoké Tatry (www.ubgz.sav.sk) Košice (Vysoká škola bezpečnostného (www.ta3.sk) . Institute of Animal Physiology, Košice manažérstva v Košiciach) – www.vsbm.sk . Geological Institute, Bratislava . Institute of Materials Research, Košice (http://www2.saske.sk/iap) . College of Management/City University (www.geol.sav.sk) (www.imrnov.saske.sk) . Institute of Forest Ecology, Zvolen in Trenčín (Vysoká škola manažmentu . Geophysical Institute, Bratislava . Institute of Measurement Science, (www.savzv.sk) v Trenčíne) – www.vsm.sk (http://gpi.savba.sk) Bratislava (www.um.savba.sk) . Institute of Landscape Ecology, Bratislava . College of Public Administration Economics . Institute of Geography, Bratislava (http://uke.sav.sk) and Management in Bratislava (Vysoká (www.geography.sav.sk) Medical Sciences . Institute of Zoology, Bratislava škola ekonómie a manažmentu verejnej . Institute of Hydrology, Bratislava . Cancer Research Institute, Bratislava (www.zoo.sav.sk) správy v Bratislave) – www.vsemvs.sk (www.ih.savba.sk) (www.exon.sav.sk) . Parasitological Institute, Košice . College in Sládkovičovo (Vysoká škola . Institute for Heart Research, Bratislava (www.saske.sk/pau) v Sládkovičove) – www.vssladkovicovo.sk Mathematical and Physical Sciences (www.usrd.sav.sk) . Dubnica Institute of Technology in Dubnica and Information Sciences . Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Historical Sciences nad Váhom (Dubnický technologický . Institute of Experimental Physics, Košice Bratislava (www.endo.sav.sk) . Archeological Institute, Nitra inštitút v Dubnici nad Váhom) – www.dti.sk (www.saske.sk/Uef/index.php) . Institute of Experimental Pharmacology, (www.archeol.sav.sk) . St. Elisabeth University of Healthcare and . Institute of Informatics, Bratislava Bratislava (www.uef.sav.sk) . Institute of Ethnology, Bratislava Social Work in Bratislava (Vysoká škola (www.ui.sav.sk) . Institute of Molecular Physiology (www.uet.sav.sk) zdravotníctva a sociálnej práce sv. Alžbety . Institute of Physics SAS, Bratislava and Genetics, Bratislava . Institute of Historical Studies, Bratislava v Bratislave) – www.vssvalzbety.sk (www.fu.sav.sk) (www.umfg.sav.sk) (http://history.sav.sk) . Mathematical Institute of SAS, Bratislava . Institute of Neurobiology, Košice . Institute of Social Sciences, Bratislava The State research and development (www.mat.savba.sk) (www.saske.sk/inb) (www.saske.sk/SVU) sector consists of research institutes . Institute of Neuroimunology, Bratislava of the Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAS) Technical Sciences (www.niu.sav.sk), only in Slovak Human and social sciences and state sector R&D organisations . Institute of Construction and Architecture, . Institute of Normal and Pathological . Department of Social and Biological established by central state administration Bratislava (www.ustarch.sav.sk) Physiology, Bratislava (www.unpf.sav.sk) Communication, Bratislava (www.kvsbk.sav.sk) bodies. The SAS is a self‑governing scientific . Institute of Electrical Engineering, . Institute of Virology, Bratislava . Institute for Forecasting SAS, Bratislava organisation of the Slovak Republic Bratislava (www.elu.sav.sk) (www.virology.sav.sk) (www.progeko.sav.sk/pu/pu.php) established by special Act, the activity . Institute of Geotechnics, Košice . Institute for Sociology of SAS, Bratislava of which is aimed at the development (www.saske.sk/UGT) Biological and Chemical Sciences (www.sociologia.sav.sk) of science, education, culture, and the . Institute of Materials and Machine . Institute of Botany, Bratislava . Institute of Economic Research, Bratislava economy. The SAS conducts its research Mechanics, Bratislava (www.umms.sav.sk) (http://ibot.sav.sk) (www.ekonom.sav.sk)

52 53 Research in Slovakia

. Institute of Experimental Psychology, . Food Research Institute, Bratislava Matica slovenská (Slovak Foundation), . Microstep‑MIS, s. r. o. Bratislava, Bratislava (www.psychologia.sav.sk) (www.vup.sk) Martin, basic research in Slovak language, development, manufacturing and . Institute of Philosophy, Bratislava . Research Institute of Plant Production, ethnography, literature, linguistics, Slovak marketing of monitoring and information (www.klemens.sav.sk/fiusav) Piešťany (www.vurv.sk) history (www.matica.sk), only in Slovak systems (www.microstep-mis.com) . Institute of Politology, Bratislava . Research Institute of Grass Vegetation and . NAVICOM, Inc. – Research Institute of (www.upv.sav.sk), only in Slovak Mountain Agriculture, Banská Bystrica The Private research and development Shipbuilding, Komárno (www.navicom.sk) . Institute of State and Law, Bratislava (www.vutphp.sk), only in Slovak sector consists of legal and physical entities . FIRST WELDING Company, Inc., Bratislava, (www.usap.sav.sk), only in Slovak . Research Institute of Vintage and active in R&D listed in the trade register. These research and development in the field of Viniculture, Bratislava are private joint‑stock companies (Inc) and welding, cutting and surface processing Culture and art sciences . Research Institute of Animal Production, limited companies (Ltd.) which deal mostly of materials (www.pzvar.sk) . Institute of Art History, Bratislava Nitra (www.vuzv.sk) with industrial research and development. . Slovgeoterm, a. s., Bratislava, research (www.dejum.sav.sk) More details can be found on the websites in the field of geothermal energy . Institute of Musicology, Bratislava Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs of the appropriate R&D organisations. (www.slovgeoterm.sk) (www.uhv.sav.sk) and the Family of SR: . CENEKON, s. r. o., Bratislava, research . Slovnaft – VÚRUP, a. s., Bratislava, research . Institute of Oriental Studies, Bratislava . Institute for Labour and Family Research, in the field of building economy in the field of oil and hydrocarbon gasses (http://orient.sav.sk) Bratislava (www.vupsvr.gov.sk) (www.cenekon.sk), only in Slovak (www.vurup.sk) . Institute of Slovak Literature, Bratislava . Clinitria, s.r. o., Bratislava, clinical trial . SPINEA, s. r. o., Prešov, research and (www.uslit.sav.sk), only in Slovak Ministry of Education of SR: services and consulting in Central development of high precision machines . Institute of Theatre and Film, Bratislava . International Laser Centre, Bratislava & Eastern Europe, bio‑medical and (www.spinea.sk) (www.kadf.sav.sk) (www.ilc.sk) pharmaceutical research, veterinary . ÚEOS‑Komercia, a. s., Bratislava, research . Institute of World Literature, Bratislava . National Institute for Education, Bratislava medicine studies (www.clinitria.com) in the field of building economy (www.usvl.sav.sk) (www.statpedu.sk) . DECOM Slovakia, s. r. o., Trnava, consulting, (www.ueos.sk), only in Slovak . Jan Stanislav Institute of Slavistics, . Research Institute for Children Psychology engineering and documentary activity in the . Textile Research Institute, š. p. (state‑run Bratislava (www.slavu.sav.sk), only in Slovak and Pathopsychology, Bratislava field of nuclear energetics www.decom.s( k) plant), Bratislava (www.utt.sk) . Ludovit Stur Institute of Linguistics, (www.vudpap.sk), only in Slovak . Economic‑Consulting, s. r. o., Bratislava, . VIPO, a. s., Partizánske, research and Bratislava (www.juls.sav.sk) research in the field of economic development in shoemaking industry Ministry of Environment of SR: consulting service (www.econsulting.sk) (www.vipo.sk) Specialised organisations: . State Geological Institute of Dionyz Stur, . Energetický ústav EGU, a. s., (Energy . VÚEZ, a. s., Levice, research and . Arboretum Mlyňany of SAS, Bratislava (www.gssr.sk) Institute), Bratislava, research in the field development in the field of energetic Vieska nad Žitavou . Water Research Institute, Bratislava of energy (www.egu.sk) facilities (www.vuez.sk) (www.arboretum.sav.sk) (www.vuvh.sk) . Siemens Business Services, Bratsialava, . VUCHT, a. s., Bratislava, research and . Slovak Institute of Hydrometeorology, research in the field of firm information development in the field of chemical Ministry of Transport, Posts and Bratislava (www.shmu.sk), only in Slovak systems (www.elas.sk) technologies (www.vucht.sk) Telecommunicationsof the Slovak Republic: . Elektrotechnický výskumný a projektový . VUIS – Cesty, spol. s r. o., (VUIS‑Roads, s. r. o.), . Research Institute of Posts Statistical Office of SR: ústav EVPÚ, a. s., (Electrotechnical Bratislava, research and development and Telecommunications, Banská Bystrica . INFOSTAT – Institute of Informatics and Research and Project Institute EVPU, a. s.), in the field of structural engineering (www.vus.sk) Statistics, Bratislava (www.infostat.sk) Nová Dubnica (www.evpu.sk) (www.vuis-cesty.sk), only in Slovak . KOVACO, s. r. o., Veľká Lehota, machine . VUIS Mosty, s. r. o. (VUIS – Bridges, s. r. o.), Ministry of Agriculture of SR: Slovak Office of Geodesy, Cartography development and production Bratislava, design and diagnostics, . National Forest Centre, Zvolen (www.nlcsk.org) and Land Register: (www.kovaco.sk) research and development, statics . Regional Research Institute . Research Institute of Geodesy and Cartography, . Research Institute of Rubber corrections related to bridges technology of Agroecology, Michalovce Bratislava (www.vugk.sk), only in Slovak Industry Matador – VUG, a. s., Púchov ([email protected]) . Research Institute of Agricultural and Food (www.matador.sk) . VUIS – Stavebná chémia, s. r. o., (VUIS Economics, Bratislava (www.vuepp.sk) Slovak Office of Standards, and Testing Office: . MicroStep, s. r. o., Bratislava, research – Building Chemistry, Ltd.), Bratislava, research . Soil Science and Conservation Research . Slovak Institute of Metrology, Bratislava in the field of automation and control and development in the field of structural Institute, Bratislava (www.vupu.sk) (www.smu.gov.sk) systems (www.microstep-group.com) engineering ([email protected])

54 55 Research in Slovakia

. VUIS – Vodovody a kanalizácie, s. r. o., . Výskumný ústav vzduchotechniky Support service in innovative processes The agency supports solving research (VUIS – Water Conduits and Sanitation (Research institute of ventilation development in SME‑s and technology & development tasks through support of systems, s. r. o.), Bratislava, research and engineering), Piešťany, innovation, applied transfer is provided by the International projects. Projects can be submitted to the development in the field of structural and industrial research and development Relay Centre Slovakia in Bratislava. Agency within Agency’s Calls for Proposals. engineering (http://slovanet.sk/vuis-vak), in air‑conditioning (www.vuv.sk), Further information is available at only in Slovak only in Slovak http://irc-slovakia.sk The agency usually supports projects . VÚJE Trnava, a. s., engineering, project . VÚVT‑Engineering, a. s., Žilina, research with the period of solving not exceeding and research organization, research and development in the field of The list of R&D organisations can be found three years. and development in the field of nuclear computing technology (www.vuvt.sk) on the website: www.veda-technika.sk, only energetics (www.vuje.sk) . Research and Development Institute of in Slovak. Calls of agency for submitting projects . VUKI, a. s., Bratislava, research and Building Constrution VVUPS‑NOVA, s. r. o., (agency programmes) development in the field of metals and Bratislava (www.vvups.sk), only in Slovak Public call for submitting projects insulants (www.vuki.sk) . Research and Potato Cultivation Institute, 3. R&D funding of research & development . VUKOV EXTRA, a. s., Prešov, research and Inc., Veľká Lomnica (www.vsuz.sk), on national level Annually announced general call has no development of automated machines and only in Slovak limitation relating to subject orientation facilities (www.vukovex.sk) . Transport Research Institute, Inc., Žilina The system of funding research of projects. Specialization, objectives and . Research Development Supply Chain, (www.vud.sk) & development on national level is governed subject content of research & development Hameln rds., Modra, pharmaceutical . Research Institute of Chemical Fibres, Inc., by the Act No. 172/2005 Coll. on Organisation project is defined by applicant. research, product development, Svit (www.vuchv.sk) of State Support for Research and pharmacological and toxicological studies, . Dairy Research Institute, Inc., Žilina Development. Subsidies for solving research The following programmes have been clinical studies (www.hameln-rds.com) (www.vum.sk) tasks are granted to entitled applicants approved for support in the period . Výskumný ústav súdnej optiky, s. r. o. . VÝVOJ Martin, a. s., Martin, research and through grant agencies (in particular 2007 − 2010 (Research institute of forensic optics), development of machines and facilities APVV) and state programmes for research Support of cooperation of universities Trenčín, research in optics, photometry (www.vyvoj.sk) & development support. and institutes of the Slovak Academy (www.vuso.sk) . WUSAM, a. s., Zvolen, research, of Sciences with industry . VUNAR Product, a. s. Nové Zámky, development and production of machines Slovak Research Support of research and development development and production of and transport facilities (www.wusam.sk) & Development Agency at small and medium enterprises mechanical engineering products, car . ZTS VVÚ Košice, a. s., Košice, research and Slovak Research and Development Agency Support of formation and operation of industry (www.vunarproduct.sk) development in the field of mechanical (Agentúra na podporu výskumu a vývoja – research and education centres of excellence . Petrochemistry Research Institute VUP, Inc., engineering and electrical technology APVV) is the major research and development Prievidza (www.vupas.sk) (www.ztsvvuke.sk) grant agency in the Slovak Republic. It Support of human potential in the . Pulp and Paper Research Institute VUPC, was established by the Act No.172/2005 in area of research & development and Inc.), Bratislava (www.vupc.sk) Non‑profit sector of research & July 2005 and it is a successor of the previous popularisation of science . VUPEX, a. s., Bratislava, research, development comprises of civil associations agency running since 2001. The programme consists of 2 sub‑programmes. engineering and consulting company, and non‑profit organisations engaging a) Within the sub‑programme “Support research in the field of energetics in the area of research & development. The main role of the agency is to support the of human potential”, there are defined (www.vupex.sk), only in Slovak You can find more information on websites solving of research & development projects in these objectives: to create conditions . VURAL, a. s., Žilina, development and of particular organisation of research defined groups of science disciplines, within for continuous growth of skills and production of machines and equipment & development. agency programmes and within international knowledge of research & development (www.vural.sk) science & technology cooperation and employees after the completion of . VÚSAPL, a. s., Nitra, research and Building Testing and Research Institute, n. o., international programmes. The agency PhD (doctoral) studies and thereby development of polymeric materials Bratislava (www.tsus.sk) programme is the purpose‑oriented form to increase the added value from (www.vusapl.sk) of research & development support in the investment into third level of university . VÚTCH‑CHEMITEX, s. r. o., Žilina, research Welding Research Institute – Industrial given field in compliance with the long‑term education that is utilisable for society; to and development in the field of textile Institute of the Slovak Republic, Bratislava objective of state science & technology policy stimulate closer connection of research chemistry (www.vutch.sk) (www.vuz.sk, www.welding.sk) and is approved by the Government. & development employees working in

56 57 Research in Slovakia

foreign institutions with institutions basic research. A project submitted to VEGA Centre may apply for the non‑repayable EU structural funds of research & development in the Slovak has to represent a proposal for solution financial contribution. For the purposes of the Republic; to stimulate and support of integral mono‑topical science problem project the applicant usually engages in The support of science and research excellent supervisors of PhD students; in certain time interval. Projects are not a partnership with a legal or natural person is implemented also by means of EU to strengthen information flow in research thematically limited. of non‑university sector who carries out structural funds. The Operational & development community on issues the applied research. The grant is usually Programme Education financed from the of ethics in science and/or protection More information on the website of provided for the maximum of three year European Social Fund and Operational of intellectual property. the Ministry of Education of the SR: projects. Programme Research and Development b) The sub‑programme “Popularisation www.minedu.sk (www.minedu.sk/index. financed from the European Fund for of science” focuses on explaining php?lang=sk&rootId=416, in Slovak only) More information on the website of the Regional Development for the period the importance of research & development http://evega.minedu.sk/e-vega Ministry of Education of SR 2007 – 2013 have been adopted. to broad public with special emphasis www.minedu.sk (www.minedu.sk/index. on youth. KEGA – Cultural and Education php?lang=sk&rootId=504, only in Slovak) The operational programmes set down Grant Agency several priority axes and are carried out with Other calls (focused on support of activities The Cultural and Education Grant Agency State programmes for research respect to defined goals. Geographically, at engaging in international cooperation; of the Ministry of Education of the Slovak & development support both operational programmes cover the more about international cooperation in Republic (KEGA) is an internal grant agency The Act No. 172/2005 Coll. lays down two complete territory of the Slovak Republic, i. e. section International co‑operation – grants of the Ministry of Education of the Slovak types of state programmes: state programme all regions of SR are eligible for the financial and scholarships): Republic focused on financial support of research & development and state contribution from EU structural funds. . Call for submitting research of research projects in the field of education programme of research & development & development projects induced by and creative art in defined thematic areas. infrastructure development. The state The managing entity for both operational the international cooperation in EU Applicants from universities may apply programme of research & development programmes is the Ministry of Framework Programme. for the financial support from KEGA. is implemented by means of research & Education of SR. There has been founded . Call for submitting projects of research Thematic areas for the years 2008 – 2010 are: development projects in the given thematic the Agency of the Ministry of Education & development EUREKA. The programme of primary and secondary area aimed at solving key problems of social of the Slovak Republic for the Structural . Call for submitting projects induced by schools development (perspectives); and economic development of society. The Funds of EU with the objective to provide international cooperation in research New technologies in education, Content state programme of research & development assistance for the implementation process & development within COST. integration and diversification of higher infrastructure development is implemented (the acceptance, assessment, financial . Call for European Science Foundation education, Culture and arts development. in the form of development projects management and monitoring of projects) activities. Thematic priorities and calls for submitting and is aimed at creating and improving of EU Structural Funds, in the program period projects for the forthcoming calendar year conditions for research & development 2007 – 2013. More information at: are published by the ministry in the second projects solving in particular by means of www.apvv.sk half of current year. technology infrastructure modernisation, More information on the website of the increasing qualification, support of mobility, Agency: www.asfeu.sk/english, www.minedu. VEGA – Science Grant Agency More information on the website establishing excellence centres and transfer sk/index.php?lang=en&rootId=21&col=true. Science Grant Agency (VEGA) is a grant of the Ministry of Education of SR of research & development outcomes into agency of the Ministry of Education of the www.minedu.sk (www.minedu.sk/index. practice. Proposals of state programmes Research is financed besides public/state SR and the Board of the Slovak Academy of php?lang=sk&rootId=499, only in Slovak) are elaborated by the Ministry of Education funding resources (including EU structural Sciences. Researchers from universities in the in cooperation with involved partners in funds) also by the private sector and SR, from the Slovak Academy of Sciences and Applied research compliance with the long‑term objective non‑governmental non‑profit organisations. from organisations directly controlled by the The Ministry of Education of SR annually of state science & technology policy and are In addition to national funding, science Ministry of Education of the SR may apply for publishes a call for proposals for projects approved by the Government. & research are funded also from international financial support within the agency. of the applied research. The applicants, who resources, e.g. from EU research and VEGA accepts application for grants are university teachers and researchers, More information on the website of the technological development framework for science projects that solve problems of or researchers at the International Laser Ministry of Education of SR www.minedu.sk. programmes.

58 59 1. Funding based The Scholarship Programme does not support: on Slovak sources . foreign students and PhD students accepted for entire Master or PhD studies The National Scholarship in Slovakia, specifically those who are Programme of the Slovak NŠP already studying in Slovakia and would Republic for the Support like to cover part of their costs from the National Scholarship Programme; of Mobility of Students, Národný PhD Students, University štipendijný . foreign university teachers and Teachers and Researchers program researches who are already teaching or researching at Slovak universities Establishment of the National scholarship and research institutes; programme for the support of mobility . citizens of the Slovak Republic studying, of students, PhD students, university teaching or researching at foreign teachers and researchers was approved by universities or research institutes; the Government of the Slovak Republic in . foreign applicants accepted for other 2005. The National scholarship programme scholarship programmes in Slovakia of the Slovak Republic is funded by the (for example Visegrad Fund, Erasmus, Ministry of Education of the Slovak Republic. CEEPUS, bilateral agreements, etc.).

The National scholarship programme Citizens from following countries can of the Slovak Republic is intended to support apply for scholarships: mobility of foreign students, PhD students, a) European Union member states, university teachers and researchers to b) other countries participating in the stay at Slovak universities and research Bologna process (listed are only countries institutions. that are not stated in item a) – Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Types of scholarships: Herzegovina, , Georgia, , a) Scholarships for foreign university Liechtenstein, Moldova, Montenegro, students (enrolled at least in the 6th , the Russian Federation, Serbia, semester) to take part in Master study over Switzerland, the Former Yugoslav Republic 4. a period of 1 to 2 semesters (from 5 to 10 of Macedonia, Turkey, Ukraine, months) at Slovak universities. c) , b) Scholarships for foreign PhD students to d) Canada, Central American countries, Latin International co‑operation take a part of PhD study over a period American countries, Mexico, the United of 1 to 12 months at Slovak universities States of America, or research institutes. e) Australia, China, Egypt, India, , c) Scholarships for foreign university Israel, , New Zealand, the Republic – grants and scholarships teachers and researchers over a period of South Africa, the Republic of Korea, of 1 to 12 months to carry out teaching Taiwan, , . or research at Slovak universities, research institutes or nongovernmental Scholarship designation organisations on the basis of an invitation. The scholarship is designated to cover living costs (accommodation, boarding, etc.) of a study, research and teaching stay of foreign

61 International co‑operation – grants and scholarships

applicants at Slovak universities and research Applications deadlines: in the SR, depending on the acceptance by Scholarships for 3‑month institutions. The applicants can ask their host 30th April – for the next academic year the university in the SR, or the specialised academic/research stays institution to assist them to arrange their 31st October – for the summer semester training workplace of the Slovak Academy The Ministry of Education of the SR accommodation and necessary documents of Sciences (SAS). grants scholarships of the Ministry of regarding the stay in Slovakia, or they have Address, at which the documents Education of SR to candidates for the to arrange it by themselves. The Scholarship must be received by the deadline: Candidates applying for scholarship research stay at public universities in SR or Programme does not cover the travel costs to SAIA, n. o. for PhD studies within this offer must meet at research institutes of the Slovak Academy and from Slovakia. Námestie slobody 23 | 812 20 Bratislava 1 the following conditions: of Sciences (SAS). The Slovak Republic . to complete higher education in a study Amount of a monthly scholarship: programme of the second level (acquire Candidates applying for this scholarship must a) university students 7,000 Sk Further information: degrees of “MSc” at a foreign university, meet the following conditions: b) PhD students 14,000 Sk E‑mail: [email protected] or “Mgr. ”, “Ing. ”, “MUDr” or “MVDr” . to complete a university study in a study c) university teachers: www.scholarships.sk at a university in the SR) and study programme of minimum second level lecturers with or without Ms Adela Poláčková – programme at a foreign university in the selected (acquired academic degree of “MSc.” a PhD degree 20,000 Sk coordinator for foreign applicants; study programme. at a foreign university, or “Mgr.”, “Ing.”, associated professors 25,000 Sk E‑mail: [email protected] . to submit completed application for “MUDr” or “MVDr.” at a university professors 30,000 Sk scholarship of the Ministry of Education in SR) and work at a foreign university d) researchers: Ministry of Education Scholarships of SR, giving the course of study of PhD or a research institute, young researchers The Ministry of Education of the Slovak studies according to the list of study . to submit completed application for (< 4 years of experience) 20,000 Sk Republic awards scholarships for accredited courses of PhD studies implemented in the award of the scholarship of the PhD holders study programmes at public universities. the SR, with a preliminary acceptance Ministry of Education of SR, giving (or > 4 years of experience) 25,000 Sk These scholarships are designed for of the assumed teaching workplace as well the scientific and research programme senior researchers applicants meeting required criteria related as with the annexes. carried out in SR, with a preliminary (>10 years of experience) 30,000 Sk to the selected type of study stay. . to be PhD students, aged 23 to 35 years. acceptance of the scientific/research organisation in SR as well as the relevant 1 EUR = 32.5 Sk • 1 USD = 20.7 Sk Types of scholarships: For the approved duration of study in annexes, a) Scholarships for students for a selected course of study, determined by . to be graduates of universities, aged Application procedure: one‑semestral/5‑month study stay the decision of the Ministry of Education of 30 to 50 Applications must be submitted on‑line at (2008/2009 − 17 places) the SR, i.e. during the time when he/she is www.scholarships.sk and some documents b) Scholarships for graduates for a scholarship holder, he/she shall be provided For the duration of the research stay, to be must be sent by post and received by one‑semestral/5‑month PhD. study stay . a monthly scholarship at 7,000 SKK, determined by the Ministry of Education the deadline at SAIA, n. o. The submitted (2008/2009 − 9 places) . accommodation in a student hall of of the SR, the holders of the scholarship documents must be originals. c) Scholarships for 3‑month academic/ residence and meals in student canteens of the Ministry of Education of the SR shall be research stay (2008/2009 − 3 places) for a fee equal with students that are SR provided: The on‑line application system opens nationals, . a monthly scholarship in total amount at www.scholarships.sk 6 – 8 weeks before Criteria for scholarship applicants . training at a selected public university, of 7,000 SKK, the deadline. The application form is (doctoral studies and academic/researcher under equal conditions with SR nationals . accommodation of campus‑type and accessible only after the on‑line application stays) and scholarship details: during the approved period of exchange. meals in canteens for employees of the system is opened. In order to submit the receiving organisation, for a fee. on‑line application, it is necessary to fill in the Scholarships for graduates for studies in The Ministry of Education of the SR does on‑line application form (in Slovak, English, study programmes of third‑level university not provide financial resources for travel The Ministry of Education of the SR does French, Spanish or Russian version), attach all study (PhD study) in the SR expenses upon enrolment and after not provide financial resources for travel required documents (in .doc or .pdf format) The Ministry of Education of the SR grants completion of the study in the SR. expenses associated with the stay in the SR. and press the “submit” button. scholarships of the Ministry of Education of SR to candidates for PhD studies in Slovak or English language in the public universities

62 63 International co‑operation – grants and scholarships

Address, to which the documents Also students of some other countries are . to meet the conditions for acceptance 2. Funding for bilateral must be sent: eligible for PhD scholarship within the to a third degree university study The Ministry of Education Government support of students’ exchange programme, co‑operation of the Slovak Republic (Vietnam for the academic years 2008/2009, . to submit a completed application form (e g., based on bilateral International Cooperation Division 2009/2010). For the list of countries see www. for the provision of a scholarship of the intergovernmental agreements Stromová 1 | 813 30 Bratislava minedu.sk/index.php?lang=sk&rootId=645, Slovak Government with a statement of or focused primarily on bilateral Slovak Republic look for “Rozpis štipendií podľa krajín na the field of the doctoral study according to cooperation) akademické roky 2007/2008 – 2009/2010“. the current list of fields of doctoral studies Application deadline: provided in the SR with a preliminary Bilateral scientific 31st May The doctoral (PhD) study can be carried acceptance of the envisaged training and technological co‑operation based out only at public universities in SR and is workplace in the SR, as well as the relevant on intergovernmental agreements The delivery date to the Slovak Republic held in Slovak. Only specific study fields appendices stated on the application form, is decisive. Incomplete materials and are supported (www.minedu.sk/index. . to be between 23 and 35 years of age The Government of the Slovak Republic has applications delivered after this deadline will php?lang=en&rootId=41). The Slovak concluded bilateral agreements on scientific not be considered. Government scholarship for PhD studies also Under the development aid for the and technological co‑operation to support includes the scholarship for a 1‑year language developing countries, the official offer the participation of scientists and experts Decision of award/refusal of the scholarship preparation in the case that the applicant is sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in joint projects with several countries that of the Ministry of Education of the Slovak has not completed the second degree of of the relevant country in accordance with are listed further. Institutions in the brackets Republic will be announced in writing to university study in SR. the approved breakdown of countries and are usually responsible for execution on the contact address indicated in application by scholarship places in particular academic national level. the 31st August. It will be also announced Persons applying for a scholarship for years. Under the aid to Slovaks living abroad, electronically at www.studyin.sk. doctoral study in the framework of the the offer is sent to theofficial compatriot Calls for proposals are published on their SR Government offer must fulfil these representatives according to the approved websites (usually once in two years). It is Further information: www.studyin.sk, conditions: breakdown of countries and scholarship therefore advisable to visit their websites on www.minedu.sk/index.php?lang=en&rootId=43 . to have completed university education positions in relevant academic years. a regular basis. Proposals for the S&T projects in a second degree study programme. based on the concluded agreements can be Scholarships awarded by The document on the education gained The sending party presents its proposals via submitted mostly by both physical and legal the Government of SR within ODA abroad must be assessed by the Centre its representative office in Slovakia, or the entities from both the public and private and to Slovak Compatriots for Recognition of Documents of representative office of the Slovak Republic sectors active in research and development. The Slovak Republic Government annually Education of the Ministry of Education in the respective country to the address Only jointly submitted proposals will be awards scholarships for doctoral (PhD) study of the SR. Its opinion forms a part of specified in the notification letter. The eligible for consideration. Both project to students (upon completion of university the application for a scholarship of the nominations of compatriots are presented by partners have to submit their common education of the second degree “Master“ Slovak Government submitted by the the respective compatriot organisation. proposal separately before the deadline to study programmes) from the countries applicant for assessment to the selection the addresses of respective coordinating eligible for Official Development commission at the Ministry of Education Application deadline: institutions in their countries, which also Assistance 1) and to Slovak compatriots 2). of the Slovak Republic, 30th May – deadline for delivering the provides the relevant application forms. personal materials of the candidates to the The final selection of proposals is made Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak by the Joint Committee, which takes into Republic, Hlboká cesta 2, 833 36 Bratislava. consideration the evaluation of both Parties. 1) Afghanistan, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia, Mongolia, Montenegro, Mozambique, Serbia, Sudan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan Financial support for bilateral projects can Note: only countries indicated in bold are offered scholarships for PhD studies in the academic years More information: 2008/2009, 2009/2010 www.minedu.sk, (www.minedu.sk/index. be used exclusively to finance the mobility of 2) Argentina, Canada, Croatia, , , Germany, Hungary, Kyrgyzstan, Montenegro, Norway, php?lang=en&rootId=40) scientists and experts. Poland, Romania, Serbia, , Switzerland, Ukraine, USA Note: only countries indicated in bold are offered scholarships for PhD studies in the academic years 2008/2009, 2009/2010.

64 65 International co‑operation – grants and scholarships

As of 31st December 2007 the SR has agreement between the Ministry of . The Republic of South Africa – Nanoscience and Engineering concluded 20 bilateral intergovernmental Education of the SR, The Slovak Academy (The National Research Foundation, Science (innovative nanotechnological agreements on scientific and technological of Sciences and DAAD (Deutscher and Technology Agreements Fund) approaches to widening the co‑operation with the following countries: Akademischer Austausch Dienst – German www.nrf.ac.za potential for matter manipulation . Austria Academic Exchange Service) referred to as . Serbia at molecular and atomic levels). (The Austrian Federal Ministry of Science PPP – Projektbezogener Personenaustauch (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Directorate Further information is available and Research) (Exchange programme for researchers for International Cultural, Educational at www.nsf.gov www.bmwf.gv.at working on joint projects). and Sport Cooperation) www.mfa.gov.yu . The U. S. Department of Energy focuses . Further information is available at . Slovenia on the development of traditional and (The Ministry of Education and Science, www.daad.de (Ministry of Higher Education, renewable energy technologies, e. g., coal, Scientific Research Department) . Hungary Science and Technology) oil processing, solar, water energies etc. www.minedu.government.bg (The National Office for Research www.mvzt.gov.si Further information is available at . Czech Republic and Technology) . Spain www.doe.gov (The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports) www.nkth.gov.hu (The Ministry of Foreign Affairs . The U. S. Department of Health, National www.msmt.cz (The Ministry of Education and Culture) and Cooperation) Institutes of Health (NIH) www.nih.gov (The Association of Innovative www.om.hu www.maec.es Fogarty International Centre (FIC), as Entrepreneurship) . India . Ukraine one of the NIH bodies, promotes and www.aipcr.cz The Government of India, Department Ministry of Education and Science, supports international scientific research . China of Science & Technology, Department of International Cooperation and training to reduce global disparities in (The Ministry of Science and Technology International Division) and European Integration health through a system of research and of P. R. C, International Cooperation http://cstup.gov.in www.mon.gov.ua training grants www.fic.nih.gov Department) . . USA Further information on research and www.most.gov.cn/eng (The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Italy, The Slovak Republic has concluded several training opportunities is available at . Egypt 3) Directorate for Cultural Promotion and separate bilateral agreements, relating www.training.nih.gov . France Co‑operation) to specific areas of research, with the Other useful links: (The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Youth, www.esteri.it following institutions: Crisp Database – searchable database Education and Research) . Montenegro . The National Science Foundation – of federally funded biomedical research (Égide – a non‑profit association managing (The Ministry of Education and Science, an independent agency of the U. S. projects http://crisp.cit.nih.gov the French Government’s international Department of Science and Higher Department promoting the progress of NIH Guide to Grants and Contracts – co‑operation initiatives) Education) science, technology and education in http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/index.html www.egide.asso.fr www.vlada.cg.yu/eng/minprosv the United States through a system of . The U. S. Department of Agriculture – The . Greece . Poland grants in the following priority areas: Research and Scientific Exchanges Division (The Ministry of Development of the (The Ministry of Science and Higher Education) – 21st Century Education (fostering (RSED) of the Foreign Agricultural Service Hellenic Republic, General Secretariat for www.eng.nauka.gov.pl quality in education at all levels and promotes international cooperation on Research & Technology, Bilateral Relations . Portugal 3) raising public awareness of science sustainable agricultural systems to help Division) (The Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and technology) secure a safe and adequate food supply. www.gsrt.gr www.mne.gov.pt/mne/pt – Advanced Information Technologies RSED supports cooperation between . Germany . Russian Federation (promoting innovation in computer American and foreign researchers through (The Federal Ministry of Education (The Ministry of Education and Science technology and engineering and activities directed against potential and Research) of the Russian Federation, Department of thereby in its impact on general threats to U. S. agriculture and forestry, the www.bmbf.de International Cooperation and Information welfare) development of new technologies and There is also a possibility of cooperation in Education and Science) – Biocomplexity (developing a more enhancement of trade in foreign markets. on joint R&D projects based on the http://eng.mon.gov.ru/str/dep/mez thorough understanding of the Further information is available at interactions of living things with www.fas.usda.gov/icd/grants/scep/scep.asp chemical, geological, physical and . The U. S. Department of Education – 3) The agreement has been signed but has not come in force yet. social processes) National Institute on Disability and

66 67 International co‑operation Programme offered by Counterpart the Ministry of Education Target group Country institution Eligibility – grants and scholarships of the Slovak Republic on (Incoming researchers) & URL the basis of reciprocity Advanced training University graduate Up to 35 years Acceptance letter Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), and research institutes of the Slovak (1 to 10 months) PhD student Department of Education supports Academy of Sciences. PhD student a comprehensive research programme Research stay Researcher Teacher Up to 35 years Acceptance letter relating to the rehabilitation of individuals Scholarships are awarded for the purpose (1 to 4 months) of higher education with disabilities. NIDRR also provides of study, research or training. There is no institution

Belgium­ the opportunity to cooperate with the general limitation regarding field of study. ‑Flanders PhD Student European Union. Applicants must be fluent in English or other Summer School of Slovak Researcher Teacher Basic knowledge of the Slovak Further information is available at language agreed/arranged with a Slovak host Language and Culture (SAS) at higher education language institution www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/nidrr/ institution or proficient in Slovak. Teacher of higher index.html?src=mr Conferences, congresses, education institution Invitation letter Applicants must be nominated by the seminars (1 to 2 weeks) NARIC Vlaanderen Ministry Vlaanderen of the Flamish NARIC Department Education Community www.ond.vlaanderen.be Researcher Agreements with the following countries appropriate counterpart institutions University graduate p are in the process of elaboration – Romania, (see the table). PhD. students and researchers PhD student Advanced training Argentina, Korea. wishing to study or conduct research Teacher at higher Acceptance letter

, (1 to 10 months) in Slovakia should arrange in advance p education institution Bilateral intergovernmental ‑French a contact with his/her Slovak host research Community Researcher agreements on educational, research institution. List of all Slovak higher education and cultural co‑operation (CFR) PhD student institutions and research institutes can be Summer School of Slovak Researcher Basic knowledge of the Slovak The Government of the Slovak Republic found above in this guide and is available Language and Culture (SAS) Teacher at higher language

has concluded bilateral agreements at the Slovak Researcher’s Mobility Portal Ministry Community of French www.cfwb.be/infosu www.enseignement.be/infosu education institution on educational, research and cultural www.eracareers.sk. PhD Student

co‑operation with several countries y Research stay Researcher Acceptance letter (see the table) in order to support For further information (specific instructions, (1 to 10 months) Teacher of higher exchange programmes providing exact application deadlines) about funding education institution Belarus scholarships for students and researchers for academic and research pursuits please PhD Student coming to Slovakia to study or carry consult websites of the appropriate Summer School of Slovak Researcher Basic knowledge of the Slovak out research at Slovak universities counterpart institutions. Language and Culture (SAS) Teacher of higher language

Ministry of Education www.minedu.unibel.b education institution Programme offered by Counterpart PhD student

the Ministry of Education Target group g Country institution Eligibility Post gradual/research stay Researcher of the Slovak Republic on (Incoming researchers) Acceptance letter/invitation letter & URL (1 to 10 months) Teacher of higher the basis of reciprocity education institution Action “Austria‑Slovakia, cooperation in science and education” Bulgaria Short‑term research stay of At the date of application finished PhD student PhD student PhD students (1 – 4 months) at least one‑semester Summer School of Slovak Researcher Teacher Basic knowledge of the Slovak Language and Culture (SAS) of higher education language PhD holder (excellent researcher) with institution

no more than 10 years of research Ministry and Science of Education www.minedu.government.b Research stay for postdocs experience after having graduated PhD holder (6 months) from a PhD programme, not to be in Study stay (1 year) PhD student Acceptance letter Austria the position of an Associate Professor Researcher Research stay (no “habilitation” yet) Teacher of higher (1 to 10 months) Alumni holders of Alumni holders of the Action scholarship education institution

Alumni research stay the Action scholarship that lasted at least 3 months; China PhD student

(1 month) (university teachers application possible once in 2 years n or researchers) (maximum 3 times); up to 45 years Summer School of Slovak Researcher Basic knowledge of the Slovak Language and Culture (SAS) Teacher at higher language Summer School of Slovak University student education institution ŐAD – Austrian Exchange Service Exchange – Austrian ŐAD www.oead.ac.at Language and Culture (SAS) PhD student Ministry of Education www.edu.c

68 69 International co‑operation Programme offered by Counterpart the Ministry of Education Target group Country institution Eligibility – grants and scholarships of the Slovak Republic on (Incoming researchers) & URL the basis of reciprocity Post gradual/research stay PhD student Programme offered by Acceptance letter Counterpart (5 to 10 months) Researcher

the Ministry of Education Target group Country institution Eligibility r of the Slovak Republic on (Incoming researchers) & URL Greece PhD student the basis of reciprocity Summer School of Slovak Researcher Teacher Basic knowledge of the Slovak

r Study fellowship PhD student Language and Culture (SAS) of higher education language Acceptance letter institution

(1 to 3 months) Postgraduate Ministry of Education www.ypepth.g

PhD student Research stay

Croatia www.mzos.h PhD student Acceptance letter Summer School of Slovak Researcher Basic knowledge of the Slovak (1 to 10 months) Language and Culture (SAS) Teacher of higher language Short‑term study stay education institution Teacher of higher

Ministry of Education and Sports (1 to 3 months)/expert visit Invitation letter Research plan education institution (5 to 20 days) Study stay (1 semester) PhD student Acceptance letter (only at Slovak universities) Hungary PhD student Summer School of Slovak Researcher Basic knowledge of the Slovak PhD student Czech Republic z Language and Culture (SAS) Teacher of higher language

Summer School of Slovak Researcher Basic knowledge of the Slovak

u education institution Language and Culture (SAS) Teacher of higher language Researcher education institution Conferences, seminars, Ministry of Education, and Sports House Youth Services International for www.dzs.c Teacher of higher lectures Study/research stay PhD student Ministry of Education www.om.h education institution k Acceptance letter (3 to 10 months) Researcher Post gradual stay University graduate PhD student Acceptance letter (max. 10 months) PhD student Summer School of Slovak Researcher Basic knowledge of the Slovak l Language and Culture (SAS) Teacher at higher language Israel

Ministry of Education http://eng.uvm.d education institution Summer School of Slovak University graduate Basic knowledge of the Slovak PhD fellowship (3 years) PhD student Acceptance letter Language and Culture (SAS) PhD student language

Teacher of higher Affairs Ministry of Foreign www.mfa.gov.i Short‑term research stay education institution Acceptance letter University graduate (max. 10 days) Study/research stay Researcher PhD student Up to 40 years Acceptance letter Teacher of higher (max. 10 months) Egypt Long‑term research stay Researcher

education institution Acceptance letter t g (2 to 6 months) Italy Researcher PhD student Summer School of Slovak Researcher Basic knowledge of the Slovak Researcher Summer School of Slovak Basic knowledge of the Slovak Language and Culture (SAS) Teacher of the Slovak language Teacher of higher Language and Culture (SAS) language Affairs Ministry of Foreign www.esteri.i language

Egypt High MinistryEgypt of Education www.emoe.or education institution Short‑term study stay PhD student Acceptance letter (up to 30 days) PhD student Research stay Study/research stay Researcher PhD student Acceptance letter Finland Up to 35 years Acceptance letter (up to 8 months) (3 to 9 months) Teacher of higher u Luxembourg education institution Musical interpretation course PhD student Interpreter PhD student Centre for International International for Centre Mobility http://finland.cimo.fi Summer School of Slovak Researcher Basic knowledge of the Slovak Language and Culture (SAS) Teacher of higher language Study/research stay

PhD student Vocation Ministry of Education, and Sports www.men.public.l education institution (3 months) Research and study stay PhD student, university English or Slovak language, Germany e PhD student (3 – 10 months) teacher, researcher Acceptance or invitation letter Summer School of Slovak Researcher Moldova Student or teacher of Summer School of Slovak Language and Culture (SAS) Teacher at higher Slovak and/or Slavonic Language and Culture (SAS)

Federal MinistryFederal of and Research Education www.bmbf.d education institution studies

70 71 International co‑operation Programme offered by Counterpart the Ministry of Education Target group Country institution Eligibility – grants and scholarships of the Slovak Republic on (Incoming researchers) & URL the basis of reciprocity

Programme offered by Counterpart i the Ministry of Education Target group Country institution Eligibility Study/research stay PhD student of the Slovak Republic on (Incoming researchers) Slovenia Up to 35 years Acceptance letter & URL (3 to 10 months) Researcher the basis of reciprocity

Ministry of Education and Sport www.mss.gov.s Study stay PhD student Up to 40 years Acceptance letter (1 to 10 months) Researcher

, d d

Norway h Post gradual study stay University graduate PhD student Switzerland Up to 35 years Acceptance letter (9 months) PhD student Summer School of Slovak Researcher Basic knowledge of the Slovak Language and Culture (SAS) Teacher at higher language education institution Ministry of Education and Research Ministry and Research of Education www.odin.dep.no/uf http://odin.dep.no/k State Secretariat for Education Education for Secretariat State and Research www.sbf.admin.c

Researcher University graduate

l Research stay Research stay (8 months) Acceptance letter Teacher of higher Invitation letter PhD student (1 to 10 months) education institution

r Turkey PhD student Post gradual stay Summer School of Slovak Basic knowledge of the Slovak Poland (1 to 3 months) (only PhD student Acceptance letter Teacher of higher www.men.home.p Language and Culture (SAS) language

, l at Slovak universities) education institution

PhD student Ministry Education of National www.meb.gov.t PhD student

Summer School of Slovak Researcher Basic knowledge of the Slovak a Study/research stay Researcher Language and Culture (SAS) Teacher of higher language Acceptance letter (1 to 10 months) Teacher of higher Ministry and Sport Education of National www.menis.gov.p education institution education institution PhD student Ukraine Research stay Researcher PhD student

Acceptance letter www.mon.gov.u (1 to 10 months) Teacher of higher Summer School of Slovak Researcher Basic knowledge of the Slovak education institution Language and Culture (SAS) Teacher of higher language Ministry & of Education Science Romania education institution o PhD student Lecturing/research stay Summer School of Slovak Researcher Basic knowledge of the Slovak Teacher of higher (9 months) For more Language and Culture (SAS) Teacher of higher language education institution information contact: Ministry of Education www.edu.r education institution Researcher www.cies.org PhD student All fields of study Knowledge Research stay Researcher Study/research stay University graduate Acceptance letter of the Slovak language at the level (1 to 10 months) Teacher of higher (9 months) For more Researcher needed in fields: political science, education institution

u information contact: Teacher of higher Russia history, anthropology (by the begin. www.iie.org education institution PhD student of the grant) Summer School of Slovak Researcher Basic knowledge of the Slovak U.S.A. Language and Culture (SAS) Teacher of higher language Exchange program For more information Full‑time high school Ministry of Education www.ed.gov.r education institution Min. 3 years of teaching experience contact: teachers

Study stay (1 to 9 months) PhD student u

www.fulbrightexchanges.org k Senior Specialist Program PhD student Researchers Teacher Min. 5 years of post‑doctoral teaching Serbia (2 to 6 weeks) For more Summer School of Slovak Researcher Basic knowledge of the Slovak of higher education or professional experience in respective information contact: Language and Culture (SAS) Teacher of higher language institution field of study education institution www.cies.org Fulbright Commission Fulbright www.fulbright.s Ministry of Education and Sport, Serbia www.mps.sr.gov.y

72 73 International co‑operation – grants and scholarships

Scholarship disbursement and research. The Programme has been Research scholarships Fulbright Program Mechanisms: Sending party usually covers a travel costs funded by the Ministry of Education of the . scholarships for postdocs (6 months) (based upon the distance between the Slovak Republic and the Federal Ministry (see also chart above) Programs administered by the Council location of the host university or research of Science and Research of the Republic of . one‑month stays for alumni scholarship for International Exchange of Scholars institute and the PhD student/researcher’s Austria on the basis of the agreement signed holders of the Programme (see also chart (www.cies.org) place of origin). Receiving party usually in 1992. Since 2008 the Austria‑Slovakia above) . Traditional Fulbright Scholar Program for covers a living allowance. Action has been running on the basis of the U. S. Faculty and Professionals – to lecture Currently, the long‑term scholarship new agreement on its continuation in the Summer schools and conduct research in a wide variety pays 7,000 Sk (approximately 215 EUR period 2008 – 2013. Financial matters and the . organisation of summer schools of academic and professional fields per month). For short stays the receiving activities to be supported in the respective (project cooperation) . The Fulbright Senior Specialists Program – party shall provide the visiting student/ period will be the subject of the Joint . scholarships for summer language courses designed to provide short‑term academic teacher/researcher with per diems and free Austria‑Slovak Committee meeting that will (see also chart and text above) opportunities (two to six weeks) for U. S. accommodation. take place in June 2008. Due to this reason, faculty and professionals – rolling deadline There are no grants for family members. it is necessary to take into consideration that Electronic submission of project proposals: . Fulbright New Century Scholar Program Scholarship holders must be insured against the below described activities are preliminary http://akciars.saia.sk illness and accident during the scholarship and can be subject to change. It is advisable Programs administered by the Institute period. For further information on terms to consult the website www.saia.sk. Electronic submission of applications of International Education (www.iie.org) and conditions of the insurance contact the for scholarships: www.scholarships.at . Fulbright for Graduate Study and appropriate counterpart institutions. The Programme is administered by SAIA, n. o. Research Abroad – for recent graduates, (www.saia.sk). Further information is available at postgraduate candidates, and developing Summer School of Slovak Language and www.oead.ac.at or www.saia.sk. professionals and artists to conduct study Culture – Studia Academica Slovaca (SAS) Via the Programme, financial support is and research in the Slovak Republic. Bilateral agreements often offer scholarships provided to: Fulbright Program Advanced graduate students capable for participation in summer courses PhD students The Fulbright of working independently are preferred of the Slovak language and culture . conferences, seminars and trainings Program of the . Central Europe Summer Research Institute (Studia Academica Slovaca – SAS). organised for PhD students Slovak Republic (CESRI) – for 10 U. S. graduate students . individual scholarships for short‑term providing in the sciences and engineering to get SAS is aimed at all those studying Slovak research stays (1 – 4 months) (see also U. S. citizens with individual high‑quality international research language and culture, and towards all Slavists chart above) grants and awards, is administered by experience in Austria, Czech Republic, in general. This intensive programme is the J. William Fulbright Commission Germany, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia, especially offered to university professors, Cooperation in the field of education for Educational Exchange, based on bilateral under the supervision of European experienced teachers, postgraduates (project cooperation) agreement between the Government of the mentors, for 8 weeks of Slovak and Slavonic studies, writers, . Lectures and block seminars led by USA and SR. translators and all others interested in Slovak hosting lecturers Others language and culture. A summer course lasts . joint study programmes with the objective General requirements for grants and awards . Fulbright High School Teachers Exchange 3 weeks and takes place in August. to establish mutual/dual recognition of are the U. S. Citizenship at the time of – for qualified educators from the diplomas application and high level of academic and United States and the Slovak Republic Further information is available at professional achievements. The program is to participate in direct exchanges of www.fphil.uniba.sk/sas. Bilateral interdisciplinary projects administered in the SR by the Fulbright office positions for a full school year – check for (project cooperation) in Bratislava (www.fulbright.sk). updates – (www.fulbrightexchanges.org) Austria – Slovakia Action, . priority: human and social sciences . Fulbright High School Administrators cooperation in science and education . activities focused on the establishment Exchange Program – check for updates – It is a bilateral programme the objective of of new partnerships with the aim to (www.fulbrightexchanges.org) which is to intensify cooperation between prepare joint bilateral, regional and . Ronald and Eileen Weiser Professional Austria and Slovakia in European projects in the field of education Development Award – Center for Russian the field of education and science and Eastern European Studies (CREES) at

74 75 International co‑operation – grants and scholarships

University of Michigan, invites applications programme. It fosters collaborative research The People programme is implemented International Reintegration Grants – IRG, from U‑M faculty for the Ronald and across Europe and other partner countries under five headings via a set of Marie Curie MC International Research Staff Exchange Eileen Weiser Professional Development through projects by transnational consortia actions, providing fellowships and other Scheme – IRSES). Award Program. This program supports of industry and academia. Research is carried measures to help researchers build their 5. ‘Specific actions’ to support removing short‑term (2 – 3 weeks) travel awards out in ten key thematic areas: skills and competences throughout their obstacles to mobility and enhancing to the Slovak Republic. Applicants are . Health careers: the career perspectives of researchers in invited to propose projects in any field of . Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, 1. ‘Initial training of researchers’ to Europe (e.g. Researchers´ Night). research or teaching with a faculty partner and Biotechnology improve mostly young researchers’ career at a Slovak institution of higher education . Information and Communication perspectives in both public and private Information on open calls for proposal (www.umich.edu/~iinet/crees) Technologies sectors, by broadening their scientific and under the People programme is available . Nanosciences, Nanotechnologies, Materials generic skills, including those related to at http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/dc/index. Further information is available at and new Production Technologies technology transfer and entrepreneurship cfm?fuseaction=UserSite.FP7CallsPage&ID_ www.fulbright.sk/index_en.htm . Energy (MC Initial Training Networks – ITN). ACTIVITY=12 . Environment (including Climate Change) 2. ‘Life‑long training and career . Transport (including Aeronautics) development’ to support experienced Capacities 3. Funding by multilateral/ . Socio‑economic Sciences and Humanities researchers in complementing or The Capacities programme aims to international programmes . Space acquiring new skills and competencies enhance research and innovation capacities . Security or in enhancing inter/multidisciplinarity throughout Europe and ensure their optimal or organisations and/or inter‑sectoral mobility, in resuming use. It operates in six broad areas: Ideas a research career after a break and in (re) . Research Infrastructures th 7 Framework Programme of the The Ideas programme supports “frontier integrating into a longer term research . Research for the Benefit of SMEs European Community for Research, research” solely on the basis of scientific position in Europe after a trans‑national . Regions of Knowledge Technological Development (FP7) excellence. Research may be carried out in mobility experience (MC Intra‑European . Research Potential any area of science or technology, including Fellowships for Career Development – IEF, . Science in Society FP7 is the EU’s main instrument engineering, socio‑economic sciences MC European Re‑integration grants – ERG, . Specific Activities of International for funding research. It will and the humanities. In contracts with MC Co‑funding of Regional, National and Cooperation last from 2007 till 2013 and the Cooperation programme, there is no International Programmes – COFUND). has a total budget of over € 50 obligation for cross‑border partnerships‑ 3. ‘Industry‑academia pathways Information on all financial instruments of billion. It has two main strategic objectives: 1) Projects are implemented by “individual and partnerships’ to stimulate FP7 as well as calls for proposals is available at to strengthen the scientific and technological teams” around a “principal investigator”. The intersectoral mobility and increase http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7. base of European industry; and 2) to programme is implemented via the European knowledge sharing through joint research encourage its international competitiveness, Research Council (ERC) – www.erc.europa.eu. partnerships in longer term co‑operation Programmes for cooperation while promoting research that supports EU programmes between organisations from in education and vocational training policies. Participation in FP7 is open to a wide People academia and industry, in particular SMEs funded from EU sources range of organisations and individuals from The People programme and including traditional manufacturing Since 2004 the Slovak Republic is any country in the world. The procedure for provides support for industries (IAPP). a member of the EU. Therefore there is no participation and funding possibilities vary researcher mobility and 4. ‘International dimension’ to contribute limitation for institutions from Slovakia to for different groups of countries. career development, both for to the life‑long training and career participate in any EU programme designed to researchers inside the EU and internationally. development of EU‑researchers, to attract strengthen co‑operations not only among EU The Specific Programmes constitute four It addresses researchers at all stages of their research talent from outside Europe and member states but also with third (non‑EU) major building blocks of FP7 (Cooperation, careers, in both public and private sectors to foster mutually beneficial research countries. Ideas, People, Capacities). and is open to all domains of research and collaboration with research actors technological development addressed under from outside Europe (MC International Lifelong Learning Programme of EU Cooperation the EC Treaty. Research fields are chosen Outgoing Fellowships for Career The general objective of The core of FP7, representing two thirds freely by the applicants in a ‘bottom‑up’ Development – IOF, MC International Lifelong Learning Programme of the overall budget, is the Cooperation manner. Incoming Fellowships (IIF), MC for Community Action in

76 77 International co‑operation – grants and scholarships

the Field of Lifelong Learning (LLP) is to end of upper secondary education, The Lifelong Learning Programme will run for European higher education. It supports contribute to the development of the and the institutions and organisations 7 years (2007 – 2013). activities that improve the profile, the Community as an advanced knowledge providing or facilitating such education visibility and the accessibility of European society, with sustainable economic and training More information: higher education as well as issues crucial development, more and better jobs and – Erasmus programme http://ec.europa.eu/education/programmes/ to the internationalisation of higher greater social cohesion, while ensuring good Addresses the teaching and learning llp/index_en.html education, such as the mutual recognition protection of the environment for future needs of all those in formal higher The Education, Audiovisual and of qualifications with third countries. generations. In particular, it aims to foster education and vocational education Cultural Executive Agency (EACEA) – Projects seeking to establish links between interchange, co‑operation and mobility and training at tertiary level, http://eacea.ec.europa.eu higher education and research, and between education and training systems whatever the length of their course SAAIC – Slovak Academic Association for between higher education and business within the Community so that they become or qualification may be and including International Cooperation – www.saaic.sk and to exploit potential synergies are also a world quality reference. The Lifelong doctoral studies, and the institutions eligible. Higher education institutions and Learning Programme is established to and organisations providing or Erasmus Mundus other public and private organisations address the modernisation and adaptation facilitating such education and training The Erasmus Mundus active in the field of higher education play of EU Member State education and training – Leonardo da Vinci programme programme is a key role in this action. systems, particularly in the context of the Addresses the teaching and learning a co‑operation and strategic Lisbon goals, and brings European needs of all those in vocational mobility programme Erasmus Mundus More information: added value directly to individual citizens education and training, other than at in the field of higher education which http://ec.europa.eu/education/programmes/ participating in its mobility and other tertiary level, as well as the institutions promotes the European Union as a centre mundus/index_en.html co‑operation actions. and organisations providing or of excellence in learning around the world. The Education, Audiovisual and facilitating such education and training It supports European top‑quality Masters Cultural Executive Agency (EACEA) – The Programme supports: – Grundtvig programme Courses and enhances the visibility http://eacea.ec.europa.eu . mobility Addresses the teaching and learning and attractiveness of European higher SAAIC – Slovak Academic Association for . bilateral and multilateral partnerships needs of those in all forms of adult education in third countries. It also International Cooperation – www.saaic.sk . multilateral projects education, as well as the institutions provides EU‑funded scholarships for third . multilateral networks and organisations providing or country nationals participating in these Erasmus Mundus . unilateral and national projects facilitating such education Masters Courses, as well as scholarships for – External Cooperation Window . observation and analysis EU‑nationals studying at Partner universities In 2007 the Commission has launched . operating grants . A transversal programme targeted on throughout the world. the “Erasmus Mundus External Cooperation . accompanying measures cross‑cutting areas: Window” which has been implemented – Policy cooperation and innovation in The Erasmus Mundus programme has complementary to, and in synergy with, the The programme is open to lifelong learning a budget of 230 million euros, 90 % of which Erasmus Mundus programme. This initiative . 27 EU Member States – Promotion of language learning go into scholarships. It runs from 2004 to 2008. funds student mobility (from undergraduate . Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway – Development of Innovative ICT‑based to post‑doctorate level) and academic staff . Turkey Content, Services, Pedagogies and The programme comprises four concrete mobility between European higher education Practice for Lifelong Learning actions: institutions and institutions from targeted The Lifelong Learning Programme consists of: – Dissemination and Exploitation of . Action 1 – Erasmus Mundus Masters third countries with a view to enhancing . Four sectoral sub‑programmes focusing Results of Actions Supported under Courses (closed) the cooperation capacities of institutions on school education (Comenius), higher the Programme and Previous Related . Action 2 – Erasmus Mundus in the partner countries and the transfer of education (Erasmus), vocational training Programmes; Exchange of Good scholarships (closed) know‑how. Applicants shall be: universities, (Leonardo da Vinci) and adult education Practices. . Action 3 – Partnerships (closed) higher education institutions and networks (Grundtvig): . Action 4 – Enhancing attractiveness or association of universities settled in the – Comenius programme . Jean Monnet programme to support (last call for proposals open, deadline European countries and having subscribed Addresses the teaching and learning teaching, research and reflection around 15th May, 2008): an Erasmus Charter. This action has been needs of all those in pre‑school and European integration and key European It supports projects aimed at enhancing fully integrated into the proposal for the new school education up to the level of the institutions and associations. the attractiveness of, and the interest in, Erasmus Mundus programme to start in 2009.

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More information: . support measures which will help to Union and the United States of America Programme ALFA III – Latin America http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid enhance the world‑wide appeal of and improving the quality of their human Academic Training The Education, Audiovisual and Europe as an educational destination. resource development. Cultural Executive Agency (EACEA) – ALFA (América Latina – Formación http://eacea.ec.europa.eu The main novelties of the programme More information: Académica) III is a programme of proposal are: http://ec.europa.eu/education/programmes/ co‑operation between higher education Erasmus Mundus II . More opportunities and variety eu-usa/index_en.html institutions of the European Union and The European Commission adopted in in the institutional cooperation Latin America. The programme has been July 2007 a proposal to launch the new modalities between European and The Education, Audiovisual and implemented through networks of higher generation of the Erasmus Mundus third‑country universities (highly Cultural Executive Agency (EACEA) – education institutions (HEI), adult education programme for the period 2009 – 13. integrated joint programmes or wider http://eacea.ec.europa.eu or continuing education centres; non‑profit The new Erasmus Mundus II programme partnerships) and in the individual organisations; National Authorities and builds on original programme and aims mobility scheme (full‑study scholarships The EU‑Canada Cooperation private enterprises. to become the EU reference programme or short‑term mobility grants); Programme in Higher Education, for cooperation with third countries in the . Increased role of third‑country Training and Youth (2006 – 2013) Participant countries are the Member States given area. Over a period of five years, just universities in the programme The programme aims primarily at promoting of the European Union and the following over 950 million euros will be available (voluntary participation in joint understanding between the peoples of the 18 countries of Latin America: Argentina, for European and third‑country universities programmes and obligatory participation European Union and Canada and improving Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, to join forces in joint programmes or in partnerships); the quality of their human resource Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, collaborative partnerships, and to grant . Extension of Erasmus Mundus development. Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, scholarships to European and third‑country to doctoral studies (joint programmes Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela. students for an international study and partnerships) and, partially, to the More information: experience. undergraduate level (for partnerships http://ec.europa.eu/education/programmes/ More information: only); eu-canada/index_en.html http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/where/ The scope of Erasmus Mundus II has . Stronger financial support for European latin-america/regional-cooperation/alfa/ been widened to new and more students through the offer of more The Education, Audiovisual and index_en.htm collaborative cooperation mechanisms attractive scholarships. Cultural Executive Agency (EACEA) – between European and third‑country http://eacea.ec.europa.eu The Tempus IV programme universities which respect the needs The new programme should be adopted The Trans‑European mobility scheme for and priorities of partner countries outside in the course of 2008 and enter into Cooperation in education and culture university studies is the EU programme Europe. force in January 2009 when the current between EU and other industrialised that supports the modernisation of higher programme expires. countries (Asia‑Pacific region – Japan, education in the partner countries of the The programme addresses universities as well Australia, New Zealand) Western Balkans, Eastern Europe and Central as university students and staff around the More information: Check for updates: Asia, North Africa and the Middle East. It world. It will: http://ec.europa.eu/education/programmes/mundus http://ec.europa.eu/education/programmes/ contributes to creating an area of cooperation . support joint programmes of outstanding http://ec.europa.eu/education/programmes/ eu_others/index_en.html in the field of higher education between academic quality at master and doctoral mundus/programme/future_en.html the European Union and partner countries level, including a scholarship scheme for Regional Cooperation between surrounding the European Union. high‑calibre EU and third‑country students ATLANTIS Programme EU‑US EU and Asia during 2007 – 2013 and academics; Cooperation in Higher Education Check for updates: The Tempus programme supports . promote partnerships between European and Vocational Training (2006 – 2013) http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/where/asia/ cooperative projects under two actions types, and third‑country universities in specific The programme is funded and managed overview/index_en.htm Joint Projects and Structural Measures, from world regions as a basis for structured jointly by the European Commission and partnerships comprised of higher education co‑operation, transfer of know‑how, by the US Department of Education. It aims institutions, enterprises, ministries, NGOs, exchange and mobility at all levels of primarily at promoting understanding associations etc., from the EU and the partner higher education; and between the peoples of the European countries.

80 81 International co‑operation – grants and scholarships

More information: . Science Management . cross‑border harmonisation of weights EUREKA comprises the following fields of http://ec.europa.eu/education/programmes/ ESF also manages external programmes and measures in order to reach as high technology: tempus/index_en.html and takes a co‑ordinating role in various a level of convergence as possible . Electronics, It & Telecomms Technology EC‑funded ERA‑NETs (standardization process). . Industrial Manufacturing, Material European Science Foundation & Transport The European Science There are 2 ESF member organisations from More information: . Other Industrial Technologies Foundation (ESF) is an Slovakia: www.cost.esf.org . Energy Technology association of member . Slovak Academy of Sciences (www.sav.sk) . Chemistry, Physical & Exact Sciences organisations devoted to . Slovak Research and Development Agency National contact points in Slovakia: . Biological Sciences (incl. medical scientific research (research (www.apvv.sk) Prof. Ladislav Hudec technology and genome research) funding organisations, research performing Slovak Research and Development Agency . Agriculture & Marine Resources organisations, academies) in 30 European More information: (Agentúra na podporu výskumu a vývoja) . Agrofood Technology countries. It promotes high quality science at www.esf.org Mýtna 23 | 811 07 Bratislava . Measurements & Standards a European level. It acts as a catalyst for the The Slovak Republic . Technology for protecting humankind development of science by bringing together COST – European Cooperation [email protected] & the environment. leading scientists and funding agencies to in the field of Scientific and Technical debate, plan and implement pan‑European Research Ms Andrea Danková – Director of Department More information: initiatives. The ESF is committed to facilitating COST is an inter‑­ Department of International Cooperation www.eureka.be cooperation and collaboration in European governmental in Research and Development science on behalf of its principal stakeholders framework for European Division of Science and Technology National EUREKA officer: (Member Organisations and Europe’s co‑operation in the field of scientific Ministry of Education of the Slovak Republic Dr. Martin Kedro scientific community). This cross‑border and technical research coordinating Stromová 1 | 813 30 Bratislava 1 Slovak Research and Development Agency activity combines both ‘top‑down’ and nationally‑funded research at a European The Slovak Republic (Agentúra na podporu výskumu a vývoja) ‘bottom‑up’ approaches in the long‑term level. COST now has 35 member countries [email protected] Mýtna 23 | 811 07 Bratislava development of science. and enables scientists to collaborate in The Slovak Republic a wide spectrum of activities in research and EUREKA E‑mail: [email protected] The ESF’s various instruments for promoting technology The 35 Member countries of COST EUREKA is a pan‑European www.apvv.sk European science are open to all members of include the 27 EU Member States, Croatia, framework for research Europe’s scientific community. Iceland, Israel, Norway, the Republic of Serbia, and development co‑operation NATO – Science for Peace ESF divides activities three pillars. FYR of Macedonia, Switzerland and Turkey. through which industry and Security Programme . Science Strategy COST research networks are called Actions. All and research organisations The NATO Science for Within this pillar which aims to provide Member Countries can propose COST actions from 38 European countries and the Peace and Security (SPS) high level and high quality foresight and at any time and in any field of scientific and European Union develop and exploit Programme offers grants advice on science, research infrastructure technological research. Initiative may also the technologies crucial to global to scientists in NATO and science policy issues, are activities come from elsewhere, e.g., international competitiveness and a better quality of life. countries on the one hand and Partner such as Forward Looks, Member organisations. The EUREKA programme is aimed at the and Mediterranean Dialogue countries on Organisation Fora, and Exploratory companies and research institutes willing the other hand to collaborate on priority Workshops. Scientific and technological co‑operation to co‑operate on the particular projects research areas. Grants are also offered . Science Synergy within COST programme has been of a high at international level. It is the main instrument to assist the academic community in The instruments grouped here aim to efficiency in the following domains: for market‑oriented research. The Slovak Partner countries to set up basic computer bring together excellent scientists at all . research of a world‑wide interest: Republic became a EUREKA member on networking infrastructure and to optimise stages of their careers to advance the oceanography, environment, meteorology, June 28, 2001. their use of electronic communication. frontiers of research. These activities are new materials; EUROCORES, ESF Research Networking . research relevant for all European Programmes and ESF Research countries: information technology, Conferences. agriculture & biotechnology;

82 83 International co‑operation – grants and scholarships

Priority Research Topics . Conducting Regional Studies including Application forms, further details and the Universities collaborate within the framework – Collaborative Grants Cross‑Border Activities appropriate deadlines may be found in the of approved networks. Each network . Preventing Conflicts in Relation to Scarcity relevant sections of the following website: shall consist of at least 3 universities from Scientific Collaboration for Defence of Resources www.nato.int/science. 3 different member states involved in the against Terrorism . Non‑traditional threats to security Programme. Applications for university The priority research topics in the area CEEPUS – Central European Exchange networking and for mobilities are submitted of Defence against Terrorism are: Partner Country Priorities Program for University Studies only on‑line at www.ceepus.info. In the first . Rapid Detection of Chemical, Biological, A list has also been developed The Slovak Republic is engaged round, the decision on network membership Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) agents of Partner‑country priorities which in the Central European is made by the National Selection Committee or weapons, and rapid diagnosis of their extend or supplement NATO’s Priority Exchange Program for based on the assessment of submitted effects on people Topics in a national or regionally specific University Studies (CEEPUS) applications. In the second round, the . Novel and rapid methods of detection manner. together with the following countries: decision is taken by the International (e.g., chemical and biosensors, multisensor Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Conference for the Selection of Cooperating processing, gene chips) Computer Networking the Czech Republic, Hungary, FYR Macedonia, Networks which comprises representatives of . Physical Protection against CBRN agents and Electronic Communication Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Serbia and the CEEPUS Programme member countries. . Decontamination of CBRN agents Support for Partner countries Slovenia. . Destruction of CBRN agents and weapons The objective of the Computer Should a public school not participate in the (e.g., chemical and vaccine technologies) Networking Grant is to advance electronic University co‑operation is focused on the Programme, its students and PhD students . Medical Countermeasures communications by ensuring that preparation of joint programmes and joint may still apply for scholarship under the . Explosives Detection Partner countries have adequate Internet diplomas, mobility of university students, category “free mover“. . Eco‑Terrorism Countermeasures connectivity and training to enable them PhD students and university teachers, . Computer Terrorism Countermeasures to develop and maintain contacts with the student excursions, professional language Scholarship rates for Slovakia: international scientific community. The grants courses and summer schools. As part of a) University students 7,000 Sk (+ basic Scientific Collaboration to Counter Other enable computer networking problems of mobility activities, in particular one‑term medical insurance where needed) Threats to Security particular concern to Partner countries to stays for university students and short‑term b) PhD students and university lecturers The priority research topics on Countering be identified and addressed. In addition, stays (1 – 2 months, minimum 21 days) for 14,000 Sk (+ basic medical insurance Other Threats to Security are: the grants help to enable the development PhD students are supported (related to PhD where needed) . Environmental Security of virtual communities through electronic thesis elaboration) as well as stays for guest (e.g., desertification, land erosion, communication. university lecturers (1 month, minimum The scholarships are paid off by the National pollution, etc.) with implications for 5 days and 6 lectures). Students and PhD CEEPUS Office in Slovakia. Travel costs can economic, cultural and political Instability Applications for support on topics in the students shall not be older than 35 years of be reimbursed by the respective National . Reducing the Environmental Impact priority areas are prepared jointly by working age. All fields of study are welcome and there CEEPUS Office of the scholarship holder’s of Military Activities scientists in eligible countries of the Euro are no priority areas. country of origin. . Water Resources Management Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC) and . Management of Non‑Renewable countries of the Mediterranean Dialogue. Resources The collaboration must be between scientists . Modelling Sustainable Consumption in NATO countries 4) on the one hand, and (e.g., food, energy, materials, fiscal scientists in eligible Partner countries 5) or measures and environmental costing) Mediterranean Dialogue countries 6) on the 4) Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, , France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, . Disaster Forecast and Prevention other. Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, , Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, . Food Security Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom and United States. . Information Security There is also the special programme 5) Partner countries – eligible for support: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, . Human and Societal Dynamics (e.g. new under the NATO‑Russia Council (NRC) Croatia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Moldova, Russian Federation, Serbia, Tajikistan, challenges for global security, economic to strengthen cooperation between NATO the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. impact of terrorist actions, risk studies, countries and Russia. Partner countries – participation on a self‑funding basis: Austria, Finland, Ireland, Sweden, Switzerland topics in science policy) 6) Mediterranean Dialogue countries: Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia.

84 85 International co‑operation – grants and scholarships

Further information: involve partners (co‑organisers) from all V4 participate in a project implementation. Note: The IVF provides also Visegrad Master www.ceepus.info countries. The Fund will not support projects The maximum time limit for implementation Scholarships to applicants who have in which less than three of the V4 countries of the Visegrad Strategic Program Grants is successfully finished at least 4 semesters of National CEEPUS Office in Slovakia: are involved, except projects in the field of 3 years. The amount allocated for a project bachelor studies at their sending universities. SAIA, n. o. cross‑border cooperation. In cross‑border is usually from 40,000 to 200,000 EUR. The Námestie slobody 23 | 812 20 Bratislava 1 projects partners from 2 countries are financial contribution of IVF cannot exceed Visegrad Artist Residency Programme The Slovak Republic enough. Deadlines for applications are 50 % of the total project costs including the (VARP) is designed for artistic projects Ms Monika Brečková – National CEEPUS 1st March, 1st June, 1st September and 1st own in kind contribution of the applicant, or specified in the application form. The country Office, Programme Coordinator December. in kind contributions of other co‑financing of citizenship and country of permanent E‑mail: [email protected] subjects. Deadline for applications is 15th residence of the artist must be different Standard Grants February and 15th May. from the hosting country. The length of the International Visegrad Fund The IVF within Standard grants supports supported period of residency is 3 months. International Visegrad the activities in the fields mentioned above Visegrad Post‑Graduate Fund (IVF) provides (1 − 6). The minimum amount of funding Scholarships (VPSP) More information: support to promote provided allocated to a single project of Visegrad Post‑Graduate Scholarships are www.visegradfund.org regional cooperation Standard Grants is 4,001 EUR. The financial provided for study/research projects to International Visegrad Fund among the Visegrad countries (Slovakia, contribution of the Fund cannot exceed applicants who have successfully finished Kráľovské údolie 8 | 811 02 Bratislava Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary) 50 % of the total project costs including the their master’s studies. The length of The Slovak Republic in the field of: own in kind contribution of the applicant, or supported period of study/research project . cultural cooperation in kind contributions of other co‑financing must be 10 or 5 months. The level of studies . scientific exchanges and research subjects. The maximum time frame of the supported must be doctoral studies (Ph. D. . education proposed budget is 12 months, even if the programme) or other Post‑Master studies. . exchange between young people project is envisaged to last longer. When . Intra‑Visegrad scholarships – for . cross‑border cooperation considering funding, the Fund will prefer outstanding students or researchers . promotion of tourism those projects that will involve partners coming from one of the V4 countries who (co‑organisers) from all V4 countries. The plan to study one or two semesters in The IVF supports the cooperation via grants Fund will not support projects in which less another V4 country. and scholarships. than three of the V4 countries are involved, . Out‑going scholarships – for outstanding except projects in the field of cross‑border students or researchers from Member Small Grants cooperation. In cross‑border projects partners States for studies at acknowledged The IVF within Small grants supports the from 2 countries are enough. Deadlines universities in Albania, Belarus, Bosnia activities in the fields mentioned above for applications are 15th March and 15th and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, (1 − 6). The maximum contribution of the September. Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia and Ukraine. IVF allocated to each Small Grant Project is . In‑coming scholarships – for outstanding 4,000 EUR. The financial contribution of the Visegrad Strategic Programme students or researchers who are citizens IVF cannot exceed 50 % of the total project The Visegrad Strategic Programme (VStP) has of the following countries: Albania, costs including the own in kind contribution been created to support strategic, long‑term, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, of the applicant, or in kind contributions of which are in accordance with the priorities Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, the other co‑financing subjects. The maximum defined by the V4 Conference of Ministers on Russian Federation, Serbia and Ukraine time frame of the proposed budget is an annual basis for the upcoming year. The wishing to study in the Member States 6 months, even if the project is envisaged projects eligible for acquiring Strategic grant . Scholarship Programme for Ukrainian to last longer. When considering funding, must involve partners (co‑organisers) from Students – for scholars coming to V4 the Fund will prefer those projects that will all V4 countries. All partners must actively countries from Ukraine.

86 87 1. Entry conditions d) has financial resources to cover his/her stay and has health insurance on the – registration territory of the SR or procedures and visa e) there is an assumption that he/she will become employed. The legal regulations are different for nationals of the European Union/European A citizen of the European Union/European Economic Area and for third countries Economic Area and Switzerland may nationals. The regulations governing the stay apply for the registration of his/her first of foreigners in Slovakia are stated by the Act (permanent residence) permit/authorisation. on Stay of Aliens (Act No. 48/2002) The application is to be submitted in person, on an official form at the appropriate Foreign Nationals of the European Union, Police Office. For the registration of the European Economic Area Member first permit (for permanent residence) it is States and Switzerland necessary to submit a valid travel document. A citizen of the European Union/European Economic Area and Switzerland does not The first (permanent residence) permit/ need a visa for entering SR. He/she is required authorisation is to be granted for a period of to prove his/her identity at the border with five years. The next (permanent residence) a valid travel document (passport/ID card). permit/authorisation is granted for an unlimited time, based on another application A citizen of the European Union/European for such a permit. Economic Area and Switzerland should notify a Foreign Police Office of the date of Third countries nationals commencement of his/her stay in the SR (hereinafter referred to as “aliens“) within 10 days upon his/her entering the SR On December 21st, 2007 the Slovak Republic (notification shall submitted on an official joined the Schengen Area, as of January 1st, form, in person at the appropriate Foreign 2008, the Slovak Republic is entitled to issue Police Office), unless this duty lies on the Schengen visa. provider of accommodation. Obtaining visa 5. A stay of a citizen of the European Union/ Nationals of third countries must in general European Economic Area and Switzerland, apply for a visa at the representative who intends to dwell on the territory of office/foreign mission of the Slovak Republic Formalities, entering the SR for a period longer than 3 months, in his/her country, in person. Visa conditions is considered as a stay on the basis of the for various countries are stated on the first permit/authorisation (for permanent website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of residence) on condition he/she: the Slovak Republic (www.mfa.sk), see the and staying in Slovakia a) is employed section “Ministry”, “Travel advice”, “Passports b) exercises business and visa”; and visa and residence c) studies at a school in the SR and has applications are available in the financial resources to cover his/her stay section “Ministry”, “Travel advice”, “Visa and has health insurance on the territory application” of the same website or at of the SR www.minv.sk/uhcp/2007/informacie/ bezvizovy-rezim, though in Slovak only. After

89 Formalities, entering and staying in Slovakia

the granting of Schengen visa, the holder and the total period of multiple stays may Temporary residence permit may be issued Moreover, if applicable the police section may is eligible to dwell on the territory of any not exceed 90 days in any six month period by the police section for the period necessary require the alien to submit: country of the Schengen Area, whilst no 4. long‑term visa – can be granted to for achieving the purpose, but at maximum . a document on long‑term stay in other other permits are required. a foreigner, if this is necessary for meeting for two years. This may be extended prior to EU/EEA state; commitments of the Slovak Republic its termination on the basis of an application . approval for family reunification; Along with the visa application, an alien entailed from international treaties or if it submitted to the police. . a document not older than 30 days is obliged to submit: is in the interest of the Slovak Republic showing that he/she will be no burden . a valid travel document 5. long‑term visa valid at the same time An alien has to submit the application for the social security system in the Slovak . one photograph (measuring 3 × 3.5 cm) as short‑term visa for granting permit for temporary stay Republic. . a document confirming the purpose of in person, abroad, at the representative residence Transit visa and short‑term visa can be office/foreign mission of the Slovak Republic The alien shall submit a confirmation . the financial coverage of residence granted as a collective visa or a visa with accredited for the state, which issued on health insurance and a document . provision of resources for departure restricted territorial validity. his/her passport, or at the representative confirming that he/she does not suffer from . a document on health insurance valid in office/foreign mission accredited for the an infectious disease the spreading of which all countries of the Schengen Area to cover List of representative offices of the SR can be state of his/her place of residence (unless is punishable, within 30 days upon entering costs, which might arise in connection found on the website of the Ministry of Foreign otherwise provided by the Act). If there is the SR or upon the granting of the temporary with one’ s repatriation due to an illness or Affairs of the Slovak Republic www.mfa.s( k) no such representative office or in cases residence permit. to cover urgent medical assistance in the only in Slovak, see the section “Zastupiteľské deserving special consideration, he/she shall amount of minimum 30,000 EUR úrady”, “Slovenské zastupiteľstvá”. (Embassy – submit the application at a foreign mission The Act also states the ways how the different . and further documents needed to make Veľvyslanectvo – in Slovak). determined by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs purposes of stay should be documented. the decision (e.g. official invitation). in agreement with the Ministry of Interior. The granting of visa can be conditioned The Temporary Residence Permit In special cases, there exists the possibility Documents issued in a foreign language by the official invitation certified by The permit for temporary stay may be to submit the application at the appropriate have to be submitted in an authenticated the appropriate Foreign Police Office. granted to an alien for the following purpose: Foreign Police Office in the Slovak Republic translation in Slovak language (verified by The request for verification of invitation a) business activities; (see below). an authorised notary). If the documents are (for personal or professional purposes) b) employment; issued by foreign institutions, they have to is submitted on the appropriate form, in c) studies; To the application (on an official form) legalized and superlegalized, unless provided person (www.minv.sk/uhcp/2007/informacie/ d) specific activities; an alien needs to enclose: otherwise by an international treaty. pozvanie-cudzinca, in Slovak only). e) family reunification; . a valid travel document; . an administration fee – in the amount f) performing professional duties by civil . two photographs with measures The police section (in the SR) decides on the of 60 EUR component of armed forces. 3 × 3.5 cm showing his/her current visage; application for granting permit for temporary . a document on the purpose of stay; stay within 90 days following the receipt of In general, these documents must be not The permit for temporary stay is bound to one . confirmation on his/her blamelessness – the application; in extremely complicated older than 90 days. On request, the foreigner purpose only. If an alien intends to carry out not required e.g. of foreigners applying cases this period may be extended by 90 days shall report to a personal interview. a different activity than for which the permit for temporary residence permit for the at maximum. The appropriate representative office of the for temporary stay was granted he/she has purpose of specific activities (§ 22); Slovak Republic will decide on the application to submit a new application for granting the . confirmation on provision of In case of a foreigner who submitted the within 30 days of receipt. temporary stay (unless otherwise provided accommodation – not required e.g. of application for granting permit for temporary by the Act). However, an alien who has been students studying at a higher education stay abroad at the representative office of Types of visa: granted permit for temporary residence institution and researchers/scientists who the SR, after the permit for temporary stay 1. airport transit visa for the purpose of business activities, have been granted permit for temporary has been granted the police section notifies 2. transit visa employment, specific activities, family stay for specific activities (§ 22 sec. 2); the respective representative office of this 3. short‑term visa – authorises a foreigner to reunification or performing professional . financial coverage of residence (in general matter. Consequently, if visa is required the enter one or more times and for the period duties by civil component of armed forces is in the amount of a minimum monthly representative office of the SR shall issue visa of stay shown on it; an uninterrupted stay allowed to study during the stay. wage per each month of stay). free of charge.

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The alien has to enter the territory of the SR d) study stay as a part of study carried out Aliens coming to Slovakia for the purpose (The work permit is not required of a foreigner within 180 days of the day the permit for outside the Slovak Republic; of specific activities may apply for the (alien) who has been granted the temporary temporary stay was granted, otherwise the e) activity arising from programmes of the granting of a permit for temporary stay also residence permit for the purpose of studies and validity of such permit ceases. government of the Slovak Republic or from at the appropriate Foreign Police Office his/her employment on the territory of SR does not programmes of the European Economic in the Slovak Republic. exceed 10 hours per week or the corresponding The alien is obliged to report at Area; or (An alien may apply for the granting of a permit number of days or months per year.) the appropriate Foreign Police Office f) meeting the commitment of the Slovak for temporary stay also at the police section, if within 3 days of the date of commencement Republic entailed from an international treaty. a visa is not required from the alien or if he/she Permit for temporary stay for the purpose of his/her stay in the SR. is applying for the granting of a permit for of study is not required, if the stay of the alien (2) A permit for temporary stay for the purpose temporary stay for the purpose of employment, on the territory of the Slovak Republic does In case of a foreigner who applied for of specific activities shall be granted by the for which the work permit is granted without not exceed 90 days in one half‑year. granting the temporary stay at the Foreign police department after meeting the conditions consideration of the situation on labour market, In case of an alien applying for a temporary Police Office in the SR, he/she shall draw the stipulated by this Act to an alien, who is not or for the stay of alien pursuant to §. 22 (specific residence permit for the purpose of studies permit at that Office in person. The permit is an entrepreneur (executing business activities) activities) and § 23 section 1 subsection b), d) the police department decides on the issued as a sticker into the travel document. neither is he employed (in an employment and f) (family reunification) or for the stay of application for the granting of the permit for relation) nor in similar labour relation a spouse of an asylum holder or for the stay of temporary stay within 30 days following the The police section may renew or cancel the and carries out research or development. an alien pursuant to § 23a or in the case of an receipt of the application. The application permit for temporary stay, or it just expires alien with a long‑term stay or if provided by an for granting the permit for temporary stay according to the Act. The application for (3) Permit for temporary stay pursuant to international treaty.) for the purpose of studies shall be submitted renewal shall be submitted at the latest section 1 and 2 is not required, if the stay of the in person, abroad (for the precise wording 60 days prior to the termination of the alien on the territory of the Slovak Republic does In the case of an alien applying see the section – general rules and specific original residence permit. not exceed 90 days in one half‑year. for a temporary residence permit for activities), unless visa is not required from the purpose of specific activities (pursuant the alien. Conditions and procedures for granting In case of an alien applying for the granting to § 22) the police section decides on the permit for temporary stay for different of a permit for temporary stay according to the application for the granting of a permit Procedures for family members (§ 23) purposes differ. Below you can find some § 22 section 2, he/she shall prove the purpose for temporary stay within 30 days following of them. of his/her stay with a hosting agreement in the receipt of the application. The permit for temporary stay may be a research institute or a scientific workplace. granted to an alien by a police department Specific activities – lecturers, researchers, Studies – including the entire PhD studies for the purpose of family reunification, artists, exchange students, etc. In the case of lecturing activities (§ 22 (§ 21) that is: section 1a), the purpose of the stay is proved . a spouse of an alien who holds a permit The application within the framework of by the confirmation from a school or any The permit for temporary stay for the purpose for temporary stay or a permanent Specific activities gives the applicant more other education establishment on performing of studies may be granted by a police section residence permit, if both of them are at favourable provisions. the lecturing activity by the applicant. to an alien who attends an elementary least 18 years old; school or studies at a secondary school or at . a minor (single) child not older than (§ 22) When applying for granting the temporary a university in SR. 18 years of age of aliens who hold (1) A permit for temporary stay for the purpose stay for the purpose of specific activities, Foreign students (who have been granted a permit for temporary stay or of an alien of specific activities may be granted by the the confirmation on blamelessness is a temporary residence permit for the purpose having a permit for temporary stay, or of police station to an alien, who is not an not required (however, may be asked for, of study) may enter business activities, his/her spouse or of an asylum holder or entrepreneur (exercising business activities) document not older than 90 days). employment or similar labour relation under of a spouse of an asylum holder, who cares neither is he employed (in an employment specific conditions (Act no. 5/2004 Coll. for the child based on the law or based on relation) nor in similar labour relation for Work permit is not required when applying on Employment services). They are allowed the decision of the respective authority; a) lecturing activity; for the temporary residence permit for the to work at maximum 10 hours per week or . a dependent child older than 18 years b) artistic activity; purpose of specific activities –see the chapter the corresponding number of days or months of age of an alien having a permit for c) sport activity; on working and employment. per year. temporary stay, or of his/her spouse;

92 93 Formalities, entering and staying in Slovakia

. a single parent dependent on the care of framework of specific activities (pursuant to . a document proving his family relation Nationals of the European Economic an alien who holds a permit for temporary § 22 section 2), will be granted the permit by to the EEA national with residence on the Area Member States stay for the purpose of business activity or the police department with the validity till the territory of the SR; employment (also having a work permit) expiration of the validity of the permit of the . a document or statutory declaration Nationals of EEA Member States can be or of an alien who holds or a permanent researcher (alien pursuant to § 22 section 2). confirming that he/she is a dependent employed on the territory of the Slovak residence permit; family member or a member of the Republic on the same terms as Slovak . a dependent person according to the “Favoured aliens” household (not necessary in case of a) nationals. An applicant has to meet an international treaty; and An alien who is a family member of an and b) above); employer’s requirements, e.g., required . others. EU/EEA or Swiss national is not required to . statutory declaration that he/she will education, language skills, required work have a visa when entering the SR. not be a burden on the health and social experience etc. For information related Family members of aliens have to submit security system of the Slovak Republic. to all mobile workers from EU and EEA the application for the granting of a permit A family member is defined as follows: see the website of EURES (information for temporary stay for the purpose of a) a spouse and his/her child no older than If the application for granting the first network to facilitate mobility of workers family reunificationin person, abroad, at 21 years of age or his/her dependent child; permit (for permanent residence) has been within the countries of European Union the representative office/foreign mission b) a child no older than 21 years of age or approved, no decision is released. and the European Free Trade Association) of the Slovak Republic accredited for the a dependent child; www.eures.sk and http://ec.europa.eu/eures. state, which issued his/her passport, or c) a dependent family relative in the direct Contact information of the Foreign Police at a representative office/foreign mission family line; departments in various See also: www.employment.gov. accredited for the state of his/her place of d) a dependent family relative of the spouse as well as information on entry and stay sk/new/index.php?SMC=1&id=906 residence (unless otherwise provided by the in his/her direct family line; conditions (in Slovak language) can be found (www.employment.gov.sk; look for “Občan Act) – see general rules. e) another dependent family member or on the website of the Ministry of Interior of v sociálnej politike” >> “Zamestnávanie a member of the EU/EEA/Swiss national’s the SR, Bureau of Border and Aliens Police: cudzincov v SR” >> “Information on Access A minor child not older than 18 years of household. www.minv.sk/uhcp/2007/kontakty/oddelenia- to the Labour Market of the Slovak Republic“ age (eligibility criteria see above) and cudzineckej-policie or search for the latter phrase in a search a dependent person according to the The police department shall grant a permit engine.) international treaty may apply for the for the first permit/authorisation (for granting of a permit for temporary stay for permanent residence) to an alien (not an 2. Working Third countries nationals (aliens) – the purpose of family reunification also at EEA national) who intends to stay on the and employment general conditions the appropriate Foreign Police Office in the territory of the SR for more than 3 months In general, if an alien wishes to be employed Slovak Republic. provided that he/she is a family member Work permit on the territory of the Slovak Republic, prior of the EU/EEA national with permanent to his/her arrival to the territory of the Slovak The police department decides on the residence (first permit/authorisation) Employment relations in Slovakia are Republic he/she must apply (in person or application for the granting of a permit for in Slovakia and he/she will be no burden regulated by the Labour Code (Act no. by means of the future employer) for a work temporary stay within 90 days following on the health and social security system 311/2001 of Law Code) which is available at permit at the Labour Office according to the the receipt of the application; in extremely of the Slovak Republic. The favoured alien www.employment.gov.sk (under “Legislation” territorial competence where the foreigner is complicated cases this period may be shall submit the application for granting >> “Labour Code“ – “Zákonník práce”) to perform the employment. extended by 90 days at the maximum. The first permitin person, abroad, at the and can be searched for in the on‑line police department may renew or cancel the representative office/foreign mission of legislation database http://jaspi.justice.gov.sk The form “Work Permit Application” that permit for temporary stay, or it just expires the Slovak Republic or in person at the (the website is only in Slovak) the Office provides to a foreigner shall also according to the Act. appropriate Foreign Police Office in the contain the written “Employer’s Promise Slovak Republic. Since 1st May 2004 the Slovak legal system to Employ a Foreigner”. The employer shall The alien, applying for the granting of has distinguished between two groups of confirm by its signature and stamp that after a permit for temporary stay for the purpose of Along with the application, the alien shall foreigners: obtaining the work permit it shall employ family reunification with an alien who holds submit the following documents: . nationals of the European Economic Area the alien. The application is documented a temporary residence permit for carrying . a valid travel document; Member States also by the verified copy of the certificate out research or development within the . two photographs measuring 3 × 3.5 cm; . nationals of third countries (aliens) of the achieved education level translated

94 95 Formalities, entering and staying in Slovakia

into Slovak language. If the foreigner wishes (www.employment.gov.sk; look for “Občan . whose employment on the territory of specify the duration of the employment or the application to be submitted by the v sociálnej politike” >> “Zamestnávanie the Slovak Republic does not exceed where the legal requirements for signing an future employer, the application must be cudzincov v SR” >> “Information on Access seven consecutive calendar days or the employment contract for a temporary period supplemented with the written consent to to the Labour Market of the Slovak Republic“ total of 30 calendar days in a calendar cannot be complied with. Employment is also such a procedure for the submission of the or search for the latter phrase in a search year and who is a pedagogic employee, for an indefinite period if there is no written application, this with the verification of the engine) academic employee at a higher employment contract. An employment authenticity of the foreigner’s signature education institution, scientific, contract for a temporary period may only under the legal regulations of the state Exceptions (as defined by Act research or development worker be signed for a maximum period of three where he/she is a citizen, or according to the No. 5/2004 of Law Code participating in a professional scientific years. After this period the contract may be generally binding legal regulations of the on Employment Services) event or and artist participating in an extended, or a new employment contract for Slovak Republic. The relevant district labour office when artistic event; a period of three years may be signed, but granting a work permit, does not take into . who is employed on the basis of the only once. Part‑time employment contract – The work permit should be issued by the consideration the current situation on the commitment of the Slovak Republic an employer may specify a shorter working relevant district labour office within 30 days Slovak labour market in the case of an alien entailed from an international treaty time than the statutory maximum working following the application receipt. The Office (inter alia): (published in the Law Code of SR) defining week (working time may not be allocated issues the work permit with a one‑year . if stipulated in an international treaty, that for the employment of the alien under for each working day, the employee is paid validity at most. The work permit may be which is binding for the Slovak Republic this treaty the work permit is not required; a wage corresponding to this shorter working renewed. (The application for renewal of and published in the Law Code of SR; . who performs work within the systematic time arrangement; where the working time a work permit shall be filed at latest 30 days . who will be employed for the purpose training for the profession at schools and is 15 hours a week or less, the part‑time prior to the expiry of the previous work of further training, not longer than for school establishments registered in the employment contract can be terminated by permit, work permit is granted again for a period of one year; school network. either the employer or the employee without the maximum of one year. The renewal . who is not older than 26 years of age giving a reason). of a work permit is conditional upon and who is employed casually or on An employer with a seat in the Slovak the alien’s continued employment by the part‑time basis within school exchanges Republic, who employs an EU citizen, his/her Employment starts on the day specified in the same employer. The application form must or within a youth program, in which the SR family members or an alien who does not employment contract as the day on which an include the written confirmation of the participates; need work permit for carrying out a job, is employee is to start work. The notice period employer’s intention to employ the applicant . who carries out a constant teaching or obliged to inform the relevant district Labour is 30 days. henceforth.) research activity as a pedagogic employee Office, in writing and within seven working or an academic employee at a higher days at the latest from the commencement Probationary period: an employment contract If the Office grants the work permit, the education institution, or as a scientific, and/or termination of the employee’s may specify a probationary period which foreigner shall submit the permit obtained as research or development worker. employment about the establishment/ should not be more than three months; the a document supporting the application for termination of an employment relation. probationary period may not be extended. a temporary residence permit for the purpose A work permit is not required in the case of employment. The work permit must not be of an alien (inter alia): See the exact wording of the Act in English An employer may conclude different types of older than 90 days. . who has permanent residence permit on at: www.employment.gov.sk/new/index. contracts with employees (natural persons) the territory of the SR; php?SMC=1&id=144; Part five. in order to fulfil special tasks that are out of In general, the labour market situation is . who has been granted a temporary the scope of employment (agreement for taken into account when deciding on the residence permit for the purpose of family Employment performance of work, contract for services, application. The work permit is granted on reunification; The basic forms of employment include contract for part‑time work of students). If the condition, the job vacancy is not possible . who has been granted the temporary employment for an indefinite period, such work results in a specific outcome – to be fulfilled by a worker registered in the residence permit for the purpose of employment for a temporary – defined agreement for performance of work – shall database of employment seekers. studies and his/her employment on period, part‑time employment, working be concluded. The scope of cumulative work the territory of SR does not exceed from home, teleworking and employment as executed for a particular employer (based For more detailed information see also: 10 hours per week or the corresponding a student of a vocational school or institute. on all agreements for performance of work www.employment.gov.sk/new/index.php?SMC number of days or months per year; Employment is for an indefinite period if the between the employee and the employer) =1&id=906 . who is a Slovak living abroad; employment contract does not expressly must not exceed 350 hours in one calendar

96 97 Formalities, entering and staying in Slovakia

year. If the work is carried out occasionally Example: the average monthly gross wage receive a travel per diem in the amount child. Such leave is granted for the duration and is defined by the type of work – contract in Slovakia in 2007 was 20,146 Sk. After being of treble of the per diem rate set for journeys requested by the parent, but generally for at for services or contract for part time work reduced by contributions to compulsory on the territory of Slovakia from the hosting least one month. of students shall be applied. The maximum insurance funds (social insurance, health employer in Slovakia, on condition this duty is work load within the contract for services is insurance), the rest of the income is taxed at not fulfilled by the sending foreign employer. Maternity leave granted in connection with the 10 hours per week. On the basis of contract 19 %. The monthly net wage then amounts (For journeys longer than 18 hours a day it birth must not be shorter than 14 weeks and for part time work of students the load must to 14,132 Sk (or 15,646 Sk when applying makes 3 × 208 Sk, 208 Sk being the per diem may not be terminated or interrupted before not exceed half of the working time per non‑taxable sum; for the definition of rate for the year 2008). The visiting foreigner the lapse of six weeks from the date of the birth. week (statutory maximum working week), on non‑taxable sum see the chapter on Taxation.) is also entitled to obtain pocket‑money in average. This restriction is considered with the amount ranging from 5 % to 40 % of the An employer must excuse an employee respect to the whole duration of the contract, Working time per diem. These regulations arise from the from work on the grounds of incapacity at maximum during 12 months. The standard working week for employees Act No. 283/2002 on Travel compensation. for work due to illness or injury, quarantine, in the Slovak Republic is the maximum of (It can be applied e.g. to a short‑term mobility nursing a sick family member or taking Special status of PhD students 40 hours. within a research project). care of a child under ten years of age that, Full‑time PhD students receive a scholarship for important reasons, cannot be left in the provided from the state budget. PhD students Annual leave Maternity leave, family care care of a childcare establishment or school are not considered as employees, hence The basic leave entitlement is at least four In connection with the birth and care that the child normally attends, or in case a university is not in the position of their weeks (20 days) in a calendar year; it can of children, women are entitled to the of sickness or quarantine of the person who employee in connection with the social and be even longer (usually one more week) maternity leave lasting 28 weeks. If otherwise takes care of the child, or if that health insurance. Levies into social insurance provided it is set in the collective agreement, a woman gives birth to two or more children person must be hospitalised due to the funds are not compulsory for doctoral or on the basis of cumulative work experience at the same time or if she is a single parent, expected delivery. students, although they may opt for voluntary that exceeds 15 years after the age of 18. she is entitled to the maternity leave insurance of defined percentage rates from of 37 weeks. The date of commencing A job for your spouse the basis of assessment of their choice. Board the maternity leave is set by the attended If your spouse accompanies you during your Contributions into health insurance funds are After 4 hours of work per day an employee physician, usually 6 weeks before the study or research stay in Slovakia and he/she not paid from the scholarship either. Health is entitled to contribution to his/her board expected date of childbirth (at earliest wants to work in Slovakia, the process of insurance on‑behalf of doctoral students up (in the form of meal tickets redeemable for 8 weeks prior to the childbirth). This period is employment is different for citizens of EU to the age of 30 is paid by the state. a restaurant or canteen meal). calculated to the total duration of 28 weeks. Member States and nationals from other PhD scholarships are as of January 1st, 2008 In connection with the care for a newborn (third) countries (hereinafter referred to exempt from income tax. Business trips – travel costs child, men are also entitled to the paternity as “aliens“). and per diem leave of the same duration from the date Average income In the case of business trips an employee is of birth of the child of whom they take care Nationals of EU Member States are employed An employee receives a wage in return for entitled to reimbursement of travel expenses (usually 22 weeks). under the same conditions as Slovak his/her work. The amount of an employee’s wage and travel per diem according to the valid nationals. They must fulfil the employer’s and its constituents (basic wage plus bonuses regulations (the amount differs according to For the purposes of extended care of requirements, e.g., required education, etc.) must be stipulated in advance within the length of a business trip). children, employers are obliged to grant language skills or required working a contract of employment with the employee. women and men who so request parental experience in an appropriate professional In case a worker executes some tasks for leave until the age of three years of the child area etc. Net wage is the wage without contributions a natural or legal entity, to which there exists (it can be requested at any time up to the age into compulsory insurance funds and income no employment/labour relation he/she can of 3 years, even if the mother/father has been Aliens can be employed in Slovakia if they tax. (See also chapters: Social Security, obtain travel allowances and travel per diem working after the maternity/paternity leave). have been granted a permit for temporary Taxation, Health and Medical Care.) on condition it has been agreed upon. If the stay for the purpose of family reunification The so cold “work cost“ includes also the mobility of a foreign national (employee) is In case of children with long‑term poor health with an alien who is employed or carries contributions to social and health insurance based on an agreement on mutual exchange requiring special care, employers are obliged out a business activity, or has a permanent fund an employer pays on behalf of an of staff concluded between a Slovak and to grant women and men who so request residence permit on the territory of the SR employee. a foreign employer, such foreigner can parental leave until six years of age of the after a period of 12 months of continuous

98 99 Formalities, entering and staying in Slovakia

stay (Act No. 48/2002 of Law Code on Stay Information on the labour market, living and The system of State Social Support is devised example of posting could be a research stay of Aliens). Otherwise, they are required to working conditions and freedom of movement to address particular life contingencies, in the duration longer than 1 month but obtain a temporary residence permit for the is available at http://ec.europa.eu/eures in all including the birth of a child, child not exceeding 1 year at a hosting research purpose of employment and to be granted official languages of the EU. maintenance and education, death of organisation in another Member State, while a work permit. a family member and others. These benefits the researcher remains officially employed by are financed directly from the State Budget. the organisation in the country of origin. Job seeking 3. Social security These include: Child allowance, Parental Information on job vacancies is available allowance, Child birth allowance, Allowance To be officially certified of the applicability on the internet, in daily newspapers, Social welfare to parents, Maintenance allowance, Funeral of home social insurance scheme, an E101 advertisement newspapers, regional and Social welfare in Slovakia comes under allowance, Foster care allowances, Foster form should be issued before the posting by local newspapers. the responsibility of the Ministry of Labour, caregiver’s fee. the respective social insurance company of When seeking a job you can also use the Social Affairs and the Family home country upon request of the employer. services of other legal or physical entities (www.employment.gov.sk). Foreigners working in Slovakia, In exceptional cases, period of posting can be (e.g., agencies) which would arrange a job for general rules in EU/EEA Member extended by another year (E102 form shall be a certain fee on the basis of the permit issued The Social security system is made of three States issued by the social insurance company of the by the Centre for Labour, Social Affairs and main components: Foreigners working on the territory of the host country – e.g., SR). Family. A list of job intermediaries is available . Social insurance Slovak Republic are subject to the Slovak at the website of the Centre: www.upsvar.sk . Social assistance system of social welfare. Any worker who In case of a worker carrying out work in (website only in Slovak). . State social support is employed on the basis of employment more than one Member State, he/she shall contract (according to the Act no. 461/2003 remain the subject of only one legislation, Useful links: The Social Insurance Agency (“Sociálna on social insurance) on the territory of the i.e. it is necessary to determine the www.profesia.sk – search database of job poisťovňa“ www.socpoist.sk, only in Slovak) Slovak Republic for the period appointed by applicable legislation among several states vacancies (also in English and German), and Centre Office of Labour, Social Affairs and the employer must pay contributions to the of occupation by E101 form. The E101 form contact phone numbers and addresses of Family are executive bodies. compulsory insurance funds (social insurance shall be issued by the social insurance personnel agencies/recruitment agencies company, health insurance company) as if company where the centre of vital interest http://directory.spectator.sk – see the section General structure of support he/she were a national of the Slovak Republic. lies. Consequently, contributions to “Personnel recruiters“ (Personálne agentúry) The basic role of the social insurance system social insurance from all states where the When looking for a job as a researcher, it in SR is the protection of the economically When living and working in different Member occupational activity is performed will go is advisable to have a look at European active population in the event of life States of EU/EEA each person is subject to only to one of the states. Researcher’s Mobility portal http://ec.europa.eu/ contingencies. Social insurance is financed the legislation of only one Member State at eracareers, where also job opportunities in SR with contributions, it is administered by the a time, which is usually the country where For more information on common European are displayed. Social Insurance Agency (SIA) and includes he/she exercises his/her occupational activity. Union/European Economic Area provisions the following types of insurance: Sickness safeguarding social security when being European Employment Service – EURES insurance, Old‑age insurance, Old‑age When moving especially for short or mobile throughout the Member States see: EURES is a co‑operation network of public pension saving, Invalidity insurance, Reserve medium term periods, mobile workers http://ec.europa.eu/employment_social/social_ employment services within the European Solidarity Fund, Injury insurance, Guarantee often prefer keeping their home country security_schemes/index_en.htm Economic Area and Switzerland. The EURES insurance, Unemployment insurance, Health pension regimes. Hence, there exists an http://ec.europa.eu/employment_social/free_ system website provides information on job insurance. exception when an undertaking (university, movement/index_en.htm vacancies in the EEA Member States. EURES research organisation, company) posts http://ec.europa.eu/employment_social has a network of more than 500 trained The system of social assistance allows a worker to a different Member State, i. e. advisers across Europe who provide practical citizens below the statutory subsistence sends him/her to another Member State Major applicable legislation for EU/EEA information regarding working conditions in minimum to receive substitute resources to perform work there for it. In such a case Member States: EEA Member States as well as help to facilitate from the State in the form of benefits. The the worker can/shall continue to be subject . Council Regulation No 1408/71 on the mobility in Europe. Contact information for three main types of benefits are: Health care to the legislation of the Member State of application of social security schemes EURES advisers is available at www.eures.sk or allowance, Protective allowance, Activation origin, provided that the anticipated duration to employed persons and their families at appropriate labour offices. allowance. of the work does not exceed one year. An moving within the Community

100 101 Formalities, entering and staying in Slovakia

. Council Regulation No 574/72 laying Social insurance and benefits in the SR a social security identification number (The daily assessment base for the down the procedure for implementing (in case of Slovak nationals it is the birth determination of sickness benefits is the Regulation (EEC) No 1408/71 Levies into the compulsory social identification number, this applies also to quotient of the sum of the assessment bases, insurance funds of employees Czech nationals due to the same original based on which the insured person paid Bilateral agreements on social security system of birth identification number sickness insurance in the relevant period, and have been concluded between the SR Contributions are a percentage of the assignment). the number of days in the relevant period.) and following 19 states: Austria, Bulgaria, basis for the assessment which is usually Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, the gross wage, while the minimum Special status – Agreement on the Conditions of entitlement: France, Germany, Holland, Hungary, and maximum amounts of the basis performance of work, Contract for . valid sickness insurance; Luxembourg, Poland, Quebec, Romania, of the assessment are set. services, Contract for part time work . after termination of sickness insurance Soviet Union (as of 1960), Spain, Switzerland, of students – being in the period of entitlement to Ukraine, Yugoslavian Republic (as of 1957). An employer is obliged to register an Neither employees nor employers pay any sickness benefits or within the duration of List of bilateral treaties can be found at: employee at the appropriate office of Social of the above mentioned contributions to the protective period. The duration of the www.socpoist.sk/index/index.php?ids=1550, insurance agency at least a day before social insurance if the labour relation is based protective period is 42 days. If the period only in Slovak). commencing the employment relation on agreement on the performance of work, of sickness insurance was shorter than (regardless whether the relation is in the contract for services, contract for part‑time 42 days, the duration of the protective Major legislation of SR: form of an employment contract – full or work of students, except for injury insurance, period is equal to the duration of sickness . Act No. 461/2003 on social insurance part‑time or in the form of an agreement amounting to 0.8 % of remuneration and insurance. The duration of the protective . Act No. 43/2004 on old‑age pension saving on the performance of work, agreement guarantee insurance, 0.25 % of remuneration, period for a female insured person, whose . Act No. 280/2002 on parental allowance on part‑time work of students). The Social both paid by the employer. sickness insurance terminated at the time . Act No. 600/2003 on child benefit insurance agency assigns the insured person of her pregnancy, is six months; Sickness insurance . persons with voluntary sickness insurance Sickness insurance is an insurance in case of are entitled to sickness benefits if, during Insurance Basis of assessment (Sk) loss or decrease in income due to temporary the last two years preceding temporary Insurance charges of employer incapacity to work, pregnancy, maternity. The incapacity to work, they were covered Type of social insurance charges of minimum * maximum ** on behalf of an following benefits are paid from the system by sickness insurance for not less than employee (%) (for 2008) (for 2008) employee (%) of sickness insurance: sickness cash benefit, 270 days; benefit for nursing a sick relative, equalisation . entitlement to sickness benefits ceases Sickness insurance 1.4 1.4 8,100 28,142 allowance, maternity benefit. on the day following the last day of Old‑age insurance 4 14 8,100 75,044 temporary incapacity to work, not later Sickness cash benefit Invalidity insurance 3 3 8,100 75,044 than with the lapse of the 52nd week from – income during sick leave the beginning of temporary incapacity to Unemployment insurance 1 1 8,100 75,044 During sick leave an employee/insured work (support period); Guarantee insurance 0.25 8,100 28,142 person does not receive any salary, but . employees are entitled to sickness benefits he/she, after being certified as temporarily if they do not receive income that may be Injury insurance 0.8 without restrictions unfit to work due to illness or injury, or due considered as an assessment base. (occupational accidents, diseases) to quarantine by an authorised doctor, is Solidarity reserve fund 4.75 8,100 75,044 entitled to sick pay. It is at the rate of 25 % Filing the claim: of the employee’s basis of assessment for . using a form of the Social Insurance the first 3 days, then at the rate of 55 % of Company – Certificate of Temporary * Minimum basis of the assessment is equal to the minimum wage, and it is modified after the modification the employee’s basis of assessment. During Work Incapacity issued by the medical of the minimum wage. the period of first 10 days of the sick leave the practitioner of a health establishment, ** Maximum basis of the assessment is always modified as of July, st1 ; regarding sickness insurance and benefits are paid by his/her employer; from submitted by means of the employer. guarantee insurance it represents a 1.5‑multiple and concerning the other types of insurances it represents the 11th day the sick pay is paid by the Social a quadruple of the average wage of 2 years ago (Hence for 2008 the average wage from 2006 is taken into Insurance Agency (at the rate of 55 % of the account, that was 18,761 Sk). employee’s basis of assessment).

102 103 Formalities, entering and staying in Slovakia

Obligations of the recipients of benefits: . being covered by sickness insurance for The amount of parental allowance is 4,560 Sk . to present proof of the facts that are not less than 270 days during the last two per calendar month (as of September 1st, 2007). relevant for granting or terminating the years preceding childbirth (delivery); entitlement to sickness benefits, their . employees are entitled to sickness benefits The parental allowance is provided to neither payments, or their amount; only if they do not receive income that of the parents if one of them is entitled to . to comply with the treatment regime may be considered as an assessment base. maternity benefit or sickness benefit of prescribed by the attending physician at a similar kind abroad. The entitlement ceases the time of the temporary incapacity to Filing the claim: in case the child‑care is provided at a school work; . using the form of Social Insurance establishment registered in the school . to stay at the address reported in the Company – Maternity Benefit Application, network and the parent is granted financial certificate at the time of temporary certified by a medical practitioner of resources for the child from the state budget. incapacity to work; a health establishment. . to state the birth identification number entitlement to maternity benefits and may Eligible persons may claim a parental in the application (or the social security not be terminated earlier than six weeks Obligations of a recipient of benefits: allowance by filing a written application with identification number); from the date of birth. If another insured . to present the proof of the facts relevant the office of labour, social affairs and family . to notify the Social Insurance Company of person is taking care of a child, such a person for the awarding or withdrawing of having the competence for that person’s the termination of temporary incapacity to shall be entitled to maternity benefits as the entitlement to maternity benefits, place of permanent or temporary residence. work within three days of its termination, if from the date of assuming the care of the entitlement to their payments, and their temporary incapacity for work lasted more child for a period of 22 weeks from the amount; Child benefit than ten days (by means of the employer); commencement of entitlement to maternity . to state his/her birth identification Child benefit is a state social benefit whereby . Commercial insurance companies offer the benefit (or, if assuming care of two or more number in the application, to notify the the state contributes to the upbringing and possibility of additional health insurance children, until the end of the 31st week from Social Insurance Agency of the birth maintenance of dependent children by during sickness leave since the income of the commencement of the entitlement to identification number of the child. eligible persons (e.g. parents, foster parents). an employee is being reduced. maternity benefits) Parental allowance In general, a dependent child is defined Maternity benefits The maternity benefits are at the rate of Parental allowance is a state social benefit as a child receiving compulsory education, Insured women are entitled to maternity 55 % of the daily assessment base, or of the whereby the state makes a contribution at maximum up to the age of 25, on benefits from the beginning of the sixth week probable daily assessment base, they are towards enabling the parent to take proper condition he/she is in continuous education preceding the expected date of delivery provided from the 1st day of entitlement, only care of a child of up to three years of age, or for the future profession and until he/she (childbirth) as determined by an attending to one insured person. up to six years of age in case of a child with has graduated from second level of higher practitioner, but not before the beginning long‑term poor health, or up to six years of education. of the eighth week preceding the expected Conditions of entitlement: a child placed in substitute parental care, delivery date, or from the date of birth if it . pregnancy or the care for a newborn child; not longer than three years from the date on Only one adult person is entitled to the comes earlier than the aforesaid dates. As . valid sickness insurance; which the decision of the court to place the allowance for the same child. a rule, 28 weeks are provided for from the . after termination of sickness insurance child in substitute care became final. commencement of entitlement. In case that – being in the period of entitlement to Those eligible to claim parental allowances Entitlement to child allowance arises upon a woman gives birth to two or more children sickness benefits or within the duration of are the parents of the child (i.e. his/her father the fulfilment of the following conditions: at the same time, and takes care at least of the protective period. The duration of the or mother) or persons providing substitute care of the child by the eligible person, two of these children, or if she is a single protective period is 42 days. If the period parental care. permanent or temporary residence of the mother, her entitlement to maternity benefits of sickness insurance was shorter than eligible person in the Slovak Republic, terminates at the end of the 37th week from 42 days, the duration of the protective Entitlement criteria: 1. Proper care by permanent or temporary residence of the the commencement of entitlement to the period is equal to the duration of sickness the parent of at least one child; 2. Permanent dependent child in the Slovak Republic. maternity benefit. The period of entitlement insurance. The duration of the protective or temporary residence of the eligible The amount of allowance is 540 Sk/month. to maternity benefits for an insured person period for a female insured person, whose person in the Slovak Republic; 3. Permanent who gave birth to a child may not be shorter sickness insurance terminated at the time or temporary residence of the child in the Eligible persons may claim child benefits by than 14 weeks from the commencement of of her pregnancy, is six months. Slovak Republic. filing a written application with the office

104 105 Formalities, entering and staying in Slovakia

of labour, social affairs and family having 2nd pillar (old‑age pension saving in pension If a mobile worker has contributed to Insurance Agency to draw benefits also from competence for the eligible person’s place of management companies, capitalising insurance schemes of various Member other states of EEA and Switzerland and permanent or temporary residence. regime). The total of 18 % of old‑age States (EU, EEA, Switzerland) during his/her from those with which there exists a bilateral insurance is equally distributed to both the period of occupation all records of his/her treaty). Hence usually only one application Benefit for nursing a sick relative pillars. Participation in the 2nd pillar is subject contributions are held in each separate is required. Sickness insurance entitles an insured to one’s own choice within a limited time Member State. Upon reaching retirement age, person for an income to be paid during the period after the commencement of first the periods of insurance in individual States Invalidity pension nursing of a sick child, sick husband/wife, old‑age insurance payments. are aggregated and he/she is entitled to Invalidity insurance entitles the insured sick parent or sick husband’s/wife’s parent draw the appropriate proportion of old‑age person for the following benefits: invalidity or taking care of a child under 10 years Moreover, there exists a 3rd pillar pension pension from each Member State in which pension, survivor’s benefits (widow, widower, of age that placed under quarantine, regime, which is completely voluntary and he/she has worked for a period of more orphan pensions). pre‑school or school establishments, that is meant as an additional old‑age pension than 12 months. The proportion is given by the child normally attends, were dissolved saving. Some employers might opt to partly the ratio of years of insurance in the given An insured person is entitled to invalidity or placed under quarantine, or in case of contribute to these savings on behalf of an state to the total insurance period of the pension if he/she becomes disabled, has sickness or quarantine of the person who employee. worker before reaching the retirement age. accumulated the correct number of years otherwise takes care of the child or in the An insurance period of less than 12 months of the superannuation scheme 7) and on the case of hospitalisation of that person due to Old‑age insurance entitles the insured person will be taken over by his/her final country of day on which the invalidity occurs does not expected delivery. to the following benefits: old‑age pension, employment. qualify for entitlement to an old‑age pension early retirement pension, survivor’s benefits or early retirement pension. Benefits for nursing a sick relative are at the (widow’s, widower‘s, orphan’s pension). Different legal framework applies to rate of 55 % of the daily assessment base, or workers who have contributed to pension For an insured person who has become of the probable daily assessment base, they Old‑age pension schemes of states with which there exists disabled as a result of an occupational are provided from the 1st day of the care to An insured person is entitled to an old‑age a bilateral agreement on social security. accident or disease, the condition regarding the end of the care, at maximum for 10 days. pension if he/she has been insured for an (Slovak Republic has concluded international the number of years in the superannuation It is provided for the same case only once and old‑age pension for at least 15 years and agreement with the following states outside scheme is automatically deemed to have only to one insured person. has reached the minimum age required for EEA: Canada, Croatia, Quebec, Soviet Union been satisfied. entitlement to an old‑age pension (the so (as of 1960), Ukraine, Yugoslavian Republic Filing the claim: called retirement age). The retirement age in (as of 1957). The principle of territoriality An insured person is considered to be . using the form of the Social Insurance the SR is at present 62 years both for men and is exercised here, i.e. the old‑age pension is disabled if, due to long‑term poor health, his Company – Application for benefit for women. In case of women the retirement age paid off by the state, on the territory of which or her capacity for work is reduced by more nursing a sick relative, certified/issued is also dependent on the number of children the insured person permanently resides. than 40 % in comparison with healthy natural by a medical practitioner of a health she has brought up. List of bilateral treaties can be found at persons; long‑term poor health means the establishment, submitted by means of the www.socpoist.sk/index/index.php?ids=1550, health condition that causes the reduction employer. only in Slovak). in work capacity and that, according to the knowledge of medical science, is expected to Old‑age insurance The application for drawing the old‑age last longer than one year. An employee pays old‑age insurance in the pension is submitted through the authorised amount of 4 % of the basis of assessment social insurance body based on the If a mobile worker is considered to be (usually equal to the gross wage). The permanent residence. (If having permanent disabled by the legal regulations of the SR, employer on behalf of the employee pays residence in the SR, the application shall be but has not accumulated the correct number the old‑age insurance of 14 % of the basis submitted to the appropriate office of Social of years of the superannuation scheme to of the assessment of the employer. As of January 1, 2005 there are two “forms” st of mandatory insurance scheme – 1 7) Supperannuation scheme – any period of compulsory insurance and any period of voluntary pillar/tier (contributions to the state Social insurance, provided that the contributions have been paid for this period in accordance with insurance agency, concurrent regime) and the Social Insurance Act and that act does not stipulate otherwise).

106 107 Formalities, entering and staying in Slovakia

be entitled for the invalidity benefit in the by not more than 40 %, but more than 10 %, On the other hand it does not cover the SR, the periods of insurance in individual even if the entitlement to injury annuity individual contribution of the insured person States (EU, EEA, Switzerland; states with has lapsed, provided that the reduction to treatment, transport to the country of which there exists a bilateral agreement on of capacity for work is at least 10 %. origin or repatriation. EHIC is mostly applied social security) are taken into consideration for short‑term temporary stays such as e.g. and are aggregated. The insurance periods The entitlement to start drawing in case of tourists, students, posted workers are figured in only on the basis of an official compensations for occupational accidents (see the section on Social security). confirmation by the relevant national and diseases shall be applied with three authority (e.g. a social insurance company); years of such entitlement or the entitlement Employment where European coordination regulations will lapse. When a foreign national takes up apply, E205 form is required. care, outpatient and inpatient care including employment with an employer who has Employers must take out compulsory injury rehabilitation, compulsory vaccination, permanent residence in the Slovak Republic Injury insurance for occupational insurance (as from the date on which they provision of drugs, medical aid and dietetic or commences to perform self‑employment accidents and diseases start employing at least one employee), food, spa treatment can be provided upon activities in the Slovak Republic, he/she If an employee has suffered health damage but insurance benefits go to the employee the recommendation of a doctor, where becomes subject to statutory public health or died during the performance of work or concerned or an authorised person. such care is an inevitable component of the insurance in the SR. The Slovak health in direct connection therewith as a result of Further information is available at: treatment procedure. insurance company of his/her choice will an accident (industrial accident), the liability http://ec.europa.eu/eures, www.socpoist.sk issue a Slovak health insurance card after for damage thus incurred lies with the (only in Slovak), www.employment.gov.sk/DIS Health insurance and coverage registering. Dependants of EU nationals employer with whom the employee had an (only in Slovak). EU/EEA and Swiss nationals are entitled to coming to stay in the Slovak Republic employment relationship at the time of the health care under the same conditions as the should also register in a Slovak health industrial accident. nationals of the Slovak Republic. insurance company and have the Slovak 4. Health and medical care health insurance card. However, each case The employer is obliged to compensate an The healthcare system in Slovakia falls under European Health Insurance Card is treated individually because the terms employee who suffers harm at least to the the competence of the Ministry of Health. In For entitlement to medical treatment on vary from case to case. For details it is highly extent to which he is liable for the harm. Slovakia there are state and private health the basis of health insurance in another recommended to contact your home health care providers. An initial medical examination Member State (EU, EEA, Switzerland), an insurance company before arrival in the An employee who, as a result of an is provided by state or private general EU/EEA national must present a European Slovak Republic. industrial accident or occupational disease practitioners. Everybody can choose a GP Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to the health is acknowledged as being temporarily who usually provides basic health care and care provider. (EHIC shall be issued at your Levies into statutory health insurance unfit for work, is entitled to anaccident can refer a patient to an appropriate specialist request by a health insurance company to funds of employees supplement (as a salary compensation) from for further medical examination. which you pay health insurance premiums.) Insurance Basis of assessment (Sk) the first day of temporary incapacity for work, In such a case, the treatment of an EU/EEA Insurance charge of if he or she receives sickness benefits under Major applicable legislation: national will be covered by a Slovak health charge of an employer on a sickness insurance scheme. The accident . Act no. 580/2004 on Health insurance insurance company in the same amount as employee behalf of an Minimum * Maximum** supplement is paid in respect of individual . Act no. 577/2004 on the Scope of health to a Slovak national, provided the relevant (%) employee (for 2008) (for 2008) days. The employee who sustains an injury care provided on the basis of public health physician has concluded a contract with (%) is entitled to injury annuity payments if, as insurance at least one health insurance company. 4 10 8,100 56,283 a result of industrial accident or occupational The European Health Insurance Card ensures disease, his or her capacity to perform There are two types of health insurance: necessary medical treatment within the * Minimum basis of assessment is equal to the minimum wage effective on January 1st of the the work that he or she had performed before public health insurance (statutory system of public health care, including respective calendar year, for which the health the injury has been diminished by more than or voluntary) and individual health treatment related to chronic diseases, if such insurance is to be paid 40 %. The injured employee is entitled to insurance. Public health insurance covers need arises, to enable the holder to continue ** Maximum basis of assessment is the treble of a lump‑sum compensation if, as a result of an the following benefits in full or to a partial his/her stay without having to return home the average wage of 2 years ago (Hence for industrial accident or occupational disease, extent, depending on specific conditions: for treatment. It covers all age groups, with 2008 the average wage from 2006 is taken into his or her capacity to work has been reduced diagnostics, treatment and preventative a maximum unlimited financial amount. account, that was 18,761 Sk).

108 109 Formalities, entering and staying in Slovakia

EU/EEA nationals employed in the International students (also PhD students) Obtaining health care Hospitals Slovak Republic who reside in another A foreign student, coming to Slovakia to In every town there is a hospital (“nemocnica” Member State are entitled (together study within a programme arising from an Doctors in Slovak) with an Accident and Emergency with their dependant family members) to international treaty that is binding for the SR General practitioners and specialists have department (“pohotovosť” in Slovak) and comprehensive health care (full coverage) is subject to statutory health insurance, the their consulting rooms in hospitals or many special clinics. (contrary to EHIC) in the country of SR being the payer of such insurance. The in health centres. Upon your arrival you If you cannot acquire the necessary residence as well as in the Slovak Republic. student shall submit the necessary documents should ask for details of a local doctor, who information, visit the website of the The entitlement is applied by means of certifying his/her study at a higher education will be able to provide information on the Ministry of Health of the Slovak Republic the E106 form, which can be obtained from institution in the SR, its international status – standards. There are specialists taking care (www.health.gov.sk – only in Slovak) or the list health insurance companies in the Slovak proved by the Ministry of Education of the SR. of children and youth. Family doctors are of health care establishments Republic after submission of the home not very common. If you cannot acquire the (www.zzz.sk – only in Slovak) that state country residence certificate and copies of Health insurance companies necessary information, visit the website of hospitals, clinics, specialists and agencies the labour contract in the Slovak Republic. List of Health Insurance companies the Ministry of Health of the Slovak Republic providing domestic nurses. After obtaining the E106 form, EU/EEA (“zdravotné poisťovne“ in Slovak language): (www.health.gov.sk) or the list of health care national shall submit it to a health insurer at . Apollo Health Insurance Company – establishments (Zoznam zdravotníckych Notice: Be prepared for long queues in the place of residence and register. If his/her www.apollo.sk (only in Slovak) zariadení) at www.zzz.sk hospitals and at doctors’, but it is usually family members live together with the . Common Health Insurance Company (look for “ambulancie” – possible to call and book an appointment employee, their entitlement to health care (Spoločná zdravotná poisťovňa) – www.zzz.sk/?page=zoznam_ambulancii – only with a GP in advance. will be reviewed according to the regulations www.szp.sk (only in Slovak) in Slovak) of the health insurance company at the place . Dôvera+ Health Insurance Company – Emergency of residence. www.zpdovera.sk (only in Slovak) Dentists If you need emergency services (“pohotovosť” . European Health Insurance Company In every town there is either a private or in Slovak), dial telephone number “112”. EU/EEA nationals working in the Slovak (Európska zdravotná poisťovňa, as of state dental practice (“zubár”, “stomatológ” Ambulances are well staffed and equipped Republic whose dependant family September 2006) – www.ezp.sk in Slovak language). Upon arrival you should with life‑sustaining apparatus needed to members live in another Member State (only in Slovak) ask for details of the chosen dentist. There are safely transport patients to hospital. Hospitals must apply to a selected Slovak health . General Health Insurance Company specialised dental technicians that have their provide 24 hour emergency services. Some insurance company in order to draw an (Všeobecná zdravotná poisťovňa) – own consulting rooms. emergency health care providers can be E109 form. This form must be submitted to www.vszp.sk (some information available If you cannot obtain the necessary found at www.zzz.sk/?page=pohotovost a health insurance company at the place of in English) information, visit the Yellow Pages website (only in Slovak). residence of the dependent family members. . Union Health Insurance Company (www.zlatestranky.sk) or list of dentists On the basis of the E109 form the dependant (as of September 2006) – www.unionzp.sk at www.uniadent.sk/stomatologovia.htm Pharmacies family members will be registered for health (only in Slovak) (only in Slovak). You can buy medicaments insurance in their home country and they only at pharmacies (“lekáreň” in will be entitled to comprehensive health Additional individual health insurance Notice: It is usually essential to book an Slovak), located in every town care in that country while all expenses will Foreigners who are not duly insured can appointment with a dentist in advance. and in most villages. Every town be covered by the selected Slovak health take out contractual health insurance on the has to have at least one emergency pharmacy insurance company. Their home health territory of the Slovak Republic. (“pohotovostná lekáreň“ in Slovak) open insurance company is in charge of issuing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – for further a European Health Insurance Card. The EHIC Useful links for different types of insurance details consult the information posted on entitles them to obtain necessary medical (e.g. life insurance, household insurance, the door of every pharmacy. If you require treatment also in EU/EEA states different from car insurance, etc.) Slovak Association of treatment at night, look for the sign “nočná the state of their residence,.i.e. in the Slovak Insurance companies: www.slaspo.sk služba”. Pharmacies sell domestic and foreign Republic too (for more detailed information Slovak Insurer’s Bureau: www.skp.sk medical products. Certain medicines are on EHIC see above). Insurance agencies portal: www.poistovne.sk obtainable only with a prescription from On these websites you can find a list of a physician. For a list of pharmacies see: insurance companies with their contact data. www.zzz.sk/?page=lekarne (only in Slovak).

110 111 Formalities, entering and staying in Slovakia

5. Taxation or the income is lower than the set limit and Tax residence lives in the same household). The resulting VAT tax can be reduced by a child allowance As regards the tax return (declaration (dependent child, e.g. attending school). of taxes), it is of great importance to VAT in Slovakia is predominantly uniform However, these conditions hold only for determine thetax residence of the person – 19 %. Only a very special category of foreigners with unrestricted tax liability. or entity in order to clarify the tax liability products like medicaments, pharmaceutical to the state of occupation and/or residence, products, medical and diagnostics aids and After the taxation period (that is one calendar since e.g. researchers may carry out research as of the beginning of 2008 also books, year) the annual clearing of taxes is made activities of various duration in several brochures and similar printing products by filing the tax return (declaration of taxes), states. According to the Act on Income tax (music printing works) are subject to reduced and only then the final level of non‑taxable a taxpayer – a physical entity can be either VAT of 10 %. amount is calculated dependent on the of an unrestricted tax liability or a restricted whole‑year wage. Only afterwards the tax liability in the SR: Income tax tax overpayment or tax in arrears can be Major applicable legislation determined. Taxpayer with an unrestricted tax liability: Act no. 595/2003 of Law Code on Income tax This is a physical entity (natural person) Notice: The following incomes are exempt with permanent residence in the Slovak Usually the income is taxed in the country from taxation in SR: (for exact wording see Republic or who often stays in the Slovak of occupation, unless otherwise provided. the Act on Income tax) Republic (although without permanent are: residence, personal home, centre of Hence if you are employed in the SR, the . scholarships, provided from the residence but he or she stays on the territory vital interest – closer personal or economic income tax is deducted from the wage state budget, or by higher education of the Slovak Republic at least 183 days relations, habitual abode, being a national of according to the Slovak legislation. institutions or similar benefits provided in a respective calendar year; the first day one of the states (usually Article 4). from abroad, financial support of of each period of residence is counted Income tax is paid monthly in the form of foundations, non‑for‑profit organisations, towards this period). Such a taxpayer pays Provisions in Double‑taxation treaties a tax advance – 19 % from the tax base etc. except for remuneration for carrying tax from the income received in the Slovak The Slovak Republic has concluded which is the gross wage minus all the out employment or business activities; Republic as well as from his or her income agreements on double‑taxation prevention contributions to compulsory insurance . financial resources from grants provided from abroad. with the following countries: funds and non‑taxable sum (exempt from on the basis of international treaties, by Australia – Austria – Belarus – Belgium – taxation) 8). The non‑taxable sum is applicable which is the Slovak Republic bound; Taxpayer with a restricted tax liability: Bosnia and Herzegovina – Brazil – Bulgaria also to foreigners. (See also chapters on . benefits from insurance of natural persons This is a physical entity (natural person) – Canada – Croatia – Cyprus – the Czech social insurance, health and medical care and except for benefits from insurance after who is not a taxpayer with an unrestricted Republic – China – Denmark – Egypt * working and employment) reaching certain age or additional old‑age tax liability. Such a taxpayer pays only – Estonia – Finland – France – Germany savings; tax from income received in the Slovak – Greece – Holland – Hungary – India – The tax base can be reduced by a spouse . travel allowances and per diems up to the Republic for his/her period of employment Indonesia – Ireland – Island – Israel – Italy allowance (if he or she is without own income amount set by law (national, European). in Slovakia. – Japan – Kazakhstan * – Korea – Latvia – Lithuania – Luxembourg – Macedonia Tax residence may be further specified in – Malta – Mexico – Moldova – Mongolia intergovernmental Double‑taxation treaties – Montenegro – Nigeria – Norway – Poland – 8) The non‑taxable sum: (where such a treaty exists). (According to the Portugal – Republic of South Africa – Romania The non‑taxable sum ranges from 19.2 multiple of the subsistence minimum to zero depending on the level of the tax base. (The maximum non‑taxable sum refers to a tax base of up to a 100‑multiple Act on Income tax such treaties have primacy – Russian Federation – Serbia – Singapore of the subsistence minimum. The non‑taxable sum for a tax base exceeding this level is calculated as over the Act itself) The aim of these treaties – Slovenia – Spain – Sri Lanka – Sweden – a 44.2 multiple of the subsistence minimum minus ¼ of the tax base. (The subsistence minimum as of is to avoid double‑taxation of the same Switzerland – Tunis – Turkey – Turkmenistan – July 2007 is Sk 5,130 Sk a month). The non‑taxable sum can be applied as a whole only once, and can taxpayer of the same income, not only in the Ukraine – USA – Uzbekistan – UK be taken into account proportionally each month, upon written request submitted to the employer. country of his or her income source but also An employee is entitled to the non‑taxable amount in the sum applicable for the whole taxation in the country of his or her tax residence. The * The treaties have been signed but have not period even if he/she has been working for a shorter period of the year. decisive points for determining tax residence come in force yet.

112 113 Formalities, entering and staying in Slovakia

Double‑taxation treaties set, which the taxed in the country of occupation and has to It is also bound by international agreements Slovak Republic has concluded contracting states are and to what extent be declared in the country of tax residence, (especially those of the European Union a bilateral treaty on the mutual a particular type of income is liable to tax. where he/she is a taxpayer with unrestricted and European Economic Area) and bilateral recognition of the equivalence After determining the country of tax duty tax liability. agreements to which it has acceded or which of educational documents or by setting down the tax residence, the other it has concluded with regard to qualifications other states). contractual state must carry out provisions In case of states, where no double‑taxation acquired in another state. in order to avoid double‑taxation. treaty exists, incomes from abroad, that have Academic purposes – been taxed in the country of occupation Legislation continuation of studies Treaties might contain special provisions for other than SR, are exempted from taxation The recognition of qualifications in the SR is in the SR students (including PhD students), teachers, in SR. (An authentic certificate of taxation of regulated by the Act on State administration The recognition of degrees of researchers (usually Articles 20 and 21). As an income must be submitted.) (However, it is in education and school self‑government 1st and 2nd level (Bachelor and example: relevant only to tax payers with unrestricted (Act No. 596/2003 of Law Code) for primary Master) issued by foreign higher education “Allowances/remittances of a student tax liability in SR.) and secondary schools and by the Higher institutions (of Member states or other states or a trainee, who is or instantly before Education Act (Act No. 131/2002 of Law except for the states with which there exist his/her arrival at the first contracting state was The list of double‑taxation prevention treaties Code). The legal framework is also provided a bilateral treaty) falls within the competence a resident of the second contracting state and as well as methods for elimination of double by Act No. 477/2002 on Recognition of of the appropriate higher education who is present in the former state solely for the taxation for particular states can be found on professional qualifications, as amended by institution in Slovakia which provide the purpose of further education or training, that the website of the Ministry of Finance of the SR: Act No. 5/2005, concerning the pursuit of same or similar study programme. If the he/she receives to cover maintenance, study or www.finance.gov.sk/en >> Taxes, Customs and regulated professions by nationals of the contents of the studies are only partly training shall be exempt from taxation in this Accounting >> Direct taxes >> Income tax. European Economic Area and Switzerland. identical, the higher education institution state on condition that these financial sources Further, in the case of recognition of may invite the applicant to take additional do not come from this state.” Tax return (declaration of taxes) qualifications issued by primary or secondary examinations or to complete and defend “A professor, teacher or researcher who In the SR the tax return shall be filed on the schools, Ordinance No. 207/1993 of the his/her Bachelor thesis, diploma thesis, temporarily resides in one contracting state appropriate form each year by March 31st for Ministry of Education of the SR applies, in examina rigorosa or dissertation thesis. for the period not exceeding two years for the the previous calendar year (taxation period) the case of recognition of higher education purpose of teaching or engaging in research to the Tax office respective to the place of diplomas Ordinance No. 238/2005 of the In case that there is no higher education at a university, college, school, or other stay. If a taxpayer has had income liable to tax Ministry of Education of the SR applies. institution to carry out the study establishment of teaching (or research), not from abroad (a tax payer with unrestricted tax The Ordinances specify the administration programmes identical or related to those aiming at personal profit and who is or instantly liability in the SR), the period for submitting procedures of recognition. stated in the submitted certificate in Slovakia, before this stay was a resident of the second the declaration of taxes may be prolonged by the recognition of equivalence is issued by contracting state shall be exempt from paying maximum of 6 months, upon written request University degrees the Ministry of Education, Educational taxes from remunerations for such teaching or addressed to the Tax office and its approval. The term of recognition of diplomas means Document Equivalence Centre. research in the former state, (on condition these recognition of a diploma, issued by a foreign financial sources do not come from the former However, it is always recommended higher education institution or other The diplomas issued by a foreign higher state)”. to consult the tax issues also with the authorised body according to the regulations education institution or other authorised appropriate tax authority of researcher’s state of the respective State as equivalent to bodies of the State that has concluded an Under this special provision, the income of permanent residence prior to commencing a diploma issued by a higher education agreement with the Slovak Republic are received for the period not longer than work in the SR. institution in the Slovak Republic. equivalent with those issued by a higher 2 years shall not be taxed in the country education institution in the Slovak Republic, of occupation, as it is usual (usually The key points when arranging recognition provided that these credentials are covered Article 15 of Treaties), but instead in the 6. Recognition of diplomas of a diploma are the type of activity to be by the agreement. Decisions on the country of tax residence/origin. and qualifications carried out in the SR (academic studies equivalence of diplomas shall be issued including PhD studies or occupation by the Ministry of Education, Educational Double‑taxation treaties also state the The Slovak Republic has its own legal purposes) and the state where the diploma Document Equivalence Centre. The method of elimination of double‑taxation regulations governing the recognition of was issued (states of the EEA and Switzerland decisions made under this Clause refer to (usually article 23), in case the income was educational qualifications awarded abroad. – Member states, states with which the the recognition for academic purposes only.

114 115 Formalities, entering and staying in Slovakia

(The bilateral treaty has been concluded a) Pursuit of a regulated occupation by . confirmation on professional work c) Pursuit of an occupation by neither with the following states: Croatia, Germany, a national of a Member State or a family experience; a national of a Member state, nor Romania, Hungary, the Czech Republic, member of such a national, diploma . fee stamps; a family member of such a national Poland, Austria – memorandum) issued in a Member State . other documents if necessary. The recognition of qualifications of A regulated profession is according to nationals of states other than Member Documents to be submitted: the Act on Recognition of professional In this case the administration of the states with no family relationship to . completed application form for academic qualifications, a professional activity or recognition can last up to 3 months from a national of Member states is governed purposes; a set of professional activities that can be the date of the delivery of the application. by the same regulations as the recognition . verified copy of the diploma/certificate carried out on condition of the appropriate of credentials of MS nationals for the submitted for assessment translated into qualification defined by legal regulations. b) Pursuit of a non‑regulated occupation purpose of the pursuit of non‑regulated Slovak language (notary‑certified); The qualification is understood as by a national of a Member state or profession. . transcript or other credentials on education or work experience, possibly a family member of such a national, The appropriate higher education completed examinations or subjects other special conditions like confirmation diploma issued in a Member State institution or the Ministry of Education (listing of exams notary‑certified copy and of a clean statement from the criminal If a national of a Member state intends usually decides on the recognition within translation into Slovak); register (confirmation on blamelessness), to carry‑out a non‑regulated occupation 30 days from the date of the receipt of the . certificate of the highest education grade membership in the particular professional in the SR, the recognition of his/her application. completed; chamber, etc. credentials is not necessary. The national . copy of student identity document of a Member state can pursue the Recognition of primary (identity card/passport); The regulated professions list among non‑regulated profession under same and secondary education . fee stamp. others: university professor, senior conditions as if he/she were a national According to the legislation in force, the lecturer at a university, assistant of the SR. foreign qualifications giving access to The appropriate higher education institution lecturer at a university, lecturer, lector, higher education are recognised by District or the Ministry of Education decides on secondary‑school teacher, primary‑school However, if an employer requires proof Education Authorities as a part of the general recognition within 30 days from the date of teacher, medical workers of different from his/her potential employee of his/her State administration in Slovakia. At present, the receipt of the application. categories, archaeologist, different acquired qualifications the procedure is there are eight regional authorities. The professions in nuclear facilities, chartered similar to the recognition of diplomas for regional school authority in competence of Purpose of occupation pursuit in the SR geodesist and cartographer, forest planner, academic purposes: the decision on the recognition of education Recognition of qualifications acquired in landscape architect, civil engineer, etc. is given according to the place of residence. Member States by nationals of Member States The recognition of degrees of the 1st and and their family members for the purposes The application is submitted to the 2nd level (Bachelor and Master) issued by The subject of nostrification 9) is a document of employment distinguishes between the Educational Document Equivalence foreign higher education institutions falls on education issued by the foreign school, recognition for the pursuit of a regulated or Centre or the competent authority. within the competence of the appropriate which is comparable by its concentration and a non‑regulated profession. The application shall contain: higher education institutions in Slovakia content of teaching to the primary school . completed application form for which provide the same or similar study or corresponds to the study of an equal or A credential on award of an academic degree a regulated occupation with the particular programme. The HEI will consider the similar subject in a secondary school. based on the defence of a dissertation thesis regulated profession clearly stated; opinion of the Educational Document (after the higher education of the 3rd level, . copy of student identity document Equivalence Centre, but is not bound by its PhD study, doctoral study) issued by a foreign (identity card/passport); conclusions. higher education institution is automatically . certified copy of the completed 9) In most cases the recognition of qualifications recognised by the Ministry of Education of education certificate/diploma, verified In case that there is no such higher is carried out by nostrification, i.e. recognition the SR as equivalent to the credential on translation into Slovak language; education institution in Slovakia, the of the validity of the final certificate issued the award of an academic degree of a PhD . transcript of the completed subjects recognition of equivalence is issued by by a foreign school. Only the certificates on issued by a higher education institution in the and examinations or the diploma the Ministry of Education, Educational completed education (final certificates) are Slovak Republic. supplement; Document Equivalence Centre. subject to nostrification.

116 117 Formalities, entering and staying in Slovakia

1. The application for recognition is did not attach all the required documents 7. Driving licence, submitted to the Educational Document mentioned above, the responsible Equivalence Centre. The holder of a foreign authority could lay down the obligation import of goods certificate should attach to the application to take a supplementary examination. for nostrification: The supplementary examination is meant Driving licence a. a verified copy of certificate; to verify the knowledge and skills of the b. unless the certificate directly shows graduate in subjects, or in their parts, A driving licence issued in another state successful completion of the entire which were not studied by the applicant authorises the holder, when in the Slovak study, a verified list of subjects with the in a foreign school and which have a direct Republic, to drive motor vehicles of the number of teaching hours in individual relation to the graduate’s profile or the field categories indicated in it, provided that the years of study (transcript of the of study pursued. A graduate who is not driving licence meets the conditions given curricula); a Slovak national, does not have to take in the International Convention on Road c. a document of the foreign school on a supplementary examination in Slovak Traffic (Article 2, Article 41, and Appendix 6 of the extent of practical training in the Language and Literature. the Convention on Road Traffic, Vienna 1968). case it is a profiling component of If a driving licence issued in another state may not be lower than: 800 cigarettes, the education and training, and is not The District Education Authority determines does not meet these requirements, the 200 cigars, 1 kg of tobacco, 10 litres of shown in curricula. the secondary school in which the graduate foreign national may only drive a motor spirits, 20 litres of fortified wine (such as shall take the supplementary examination, vehicle if he/she is the holder of a valid port or sherry), 90 litres of wine (of which, Also, a verified translation of a certificate the content and the date of examination. international driving licence. a maximum of 60 litres of sparkling wine), issued by the foreign school and other 110 litres of beer. above‑mentioned documents into Slovak A different procedure could apply when The age limit for driving in Slovakia is language is required. credentials were issued by a foreign school 18 years. For traffic regulationssee the chapter However, taxation of imported goods is of the State with which an agreement has on Transport. applied towards non‑EU states. Import of The authenticity of signatures and stamp been concluded on the mutual recognition of goods that are not subject to excise or VAT of the school on the original documents documents on education by which the Slovak Import of goods are permitted to bring for personal use within should be verified by the State authority Republic is bound. In case the recognition – general information the limits set out below. responsible for its verification or by notary is necessary for academic purposes Since May 1, 2004 the SR has become in the appropriate State with an imprint (continuing in higher education in the SR) the a part of the common market without Tobacco products: 200 cigarettes or 100 of the seal of the Embassy of the Slovak credentials are considered as equal without internal tax and customs borders among EU cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco Republic in that State, unless stated nostrification. The regional school authority Member states. Free movement of persons, Alcoholic drinks: 1 litre of spirits over 22 % otherwise by international agreement. shall issue within 15 days from delivery of the goods, services and capital is ensured. vol. or 2 litres of fortified wine or sparkling application a statement, in which it indicates There are no limits on what you can buy wine or 2 litres of still wine 2. The Centre for recognition issues the the document on education with which the and take with you when you travel between recommendation to the applicant. submitted document is equivalent. EU countries, as long as it is for personal Perfume: 50 grams, Eau de toilette: 250 ml use and not for resale. Taxes (VAT and excise) Other goods: Up to a value of € 175. 3. The applicant delivers the Further information is available on the are included in the price you pay and no However, the limit is € 90 for travellers recommendation of the Centre together website of the Educational Document further payment of tax can be due in any under 15 years old. with the appropriate documents to the Equivalence Centre: www.minedu.sk other EU country. District Education Authority according to Ministry of Education of the SR Import of meat, meat products, milk and the applicant’s place of residence. Educational Document Equivalence Centre To determine whether tobacco and dairy products are forbidden unless provided Correspondence address: alcohol are for personal use, each country with veterinary documentation. These rules In case that the study in the foreign school Stromová 1 | 813 30 Bratislava can set guide levels. In other words, were introduced to prevent the spread only partially corresponds to the curricula of Office: if a person carries a larger quantity of of serious animal diseases. You are, however, secondary schools in Slovakia or the graduate Klemensova 14 | 811 09 Bratislava these goods, he/she may be asked to prove allowed to bring in powdered infant milk, that they are intended for personal use and infant food and food required for medical to justify their purchase. The guide levels reasons.

118 119 Formalities, entering and staying in Slovakia

VAT export refund scheme Import of pets . Pets under 3 months are allowed to be Firearms licences are not required of hunters Visitors from outside the EU are entitled to transported without a rabies vaccination from Member States of the European Union a VAT refund on goods they have bought As of 1 October 2004 test. for guns for hunting or sport or ammunition during their stay in the EU if the goods are new EU regulations were for such weapons, provided that they are shown to customs on departure within introduced concerning In the case of import of more than 5 pets, holders of a “European firearms passport“, three months of their purchase together travelling with pets requirements for commercial activity apply in with the weapon in question entered in with the VAT refund documents. These are (maximum five) inside the accordance with Regulation 92/65/EEA. it and that the destination country (SR) normally prepared by the seller although, EU as well as for importing No special certificates are required for other has given permit for the importation of as the scheme is voluntary, not all merchants pets into the EU. pets, such as rabbits, guinea pigs or parrots. such a gun (consult at the appropriate participate. representative office of the Slovak Republic). To travel with dogs, cats and ferrets to Import of financial resources A European firearms passport is issued for Further information is available at: Slovakia, you have to meet the following See the Currency section (page 14). a period of 5 years. http://europa.eu/abc/travel/shop/ requirements: index_en.htm . Pets must be identified by a chip Medicaments Foreigners can obtain further details from (ISO standard 11 784 or 11 785) or a legible Import and export of medical drugs the appropriate representative office of the Import of cars tattoo. Following a transitional period for individual needs of the traveller Slovak Republic or the police. From a customs standpoint, there are no of eight years (2011) chips will be the only are permitted, on condition the medicaments restrictions on personal property. When valid identification. are imported and exported in a reasonable crossing the border upon entry, the owner of . Pets must have a Pet Pass issued by an amount corresponding to the duration a vehicle must submit the requisite vehicle authorised veterinary surgeon in case of of stay. documents, i.e., registration document, transport between EU member states or driving licence, vehicle insurance certificate. an EU import veterinary certificate for Firearms non‑commercial movement issued by If a foreign national wishes to carry a firearm If a foreign national has a permanent an official veterinarian of the third country on the territory of the Slovak Republic (be residence on the territory of the Slovak concerned. it during a period of residence, for import Republic and owns a motor vehicle registered . Pet Passport and veterinary certificate into or export out of the Slovak Republic abroad, he/she is obliged to register it with for non‑commercial movement should on a permanent basis, or for transit across the competent authority for his/her place of confirm the necessary vaccination against the Slovak territory), he/she must apply to residence within 30 days. rabies. Tick treatment and Echinococcus the appropriate representative office of the treatment are not required for entry into Slovak Republic or the police for a “firearms If a foreign national, during residence on the SR unless other countries of transit licence“, the validity of which is limited to the territory of the Slovak Republic, buys require them. the time needed to transport the weapon, a motor vehicle, he/she is obliged to register . In case of pets imported from third and to a maximum period of two months. If it with the competent authority for his/her countries not listed in Annex 2 of the firearm is not used, it must be returned place of residence. Before permanently Regulation 998/2003/EC, then a rabies within seven days to the competent issuing leaving the territory of the Slovak Republic, serological (antibody search) test is authority. a foreign national is obliged to report to the required. The serological test must competent authority for his/her place of be carried out at least 30 days after residence any motor vehicle purchased and vaccination and no later than three registered while in residence on the territory months before movement. of the Slovak Republic. . For countries listed in the above mentioned Annex the rabies serological Further information is available at: test is not needed unless Malta, Ireland, www.minv.sk/krpzba, www.euroinfo.gov.sk/ Great Britain or Sweden are included index/go.php?id=1226 both in Slovak. as transit countries.

120 121 Alexander, Vojtech – radiologist Blaškovič, Dionýz – virologist (1857 – 1916) (1913 – 1998) One of the world’s greatest radiologists Received international recognition and the founder of radiology in the for his research into pathogenesis, Hungarian Kingdom. He described the properties of biological and biochemical the development of tuberculosis and owned bacteria, laboratory virus mutation and the first X‑ray apparatus in Slovakia. the ecology of the influenza virus and limpet encephalithis. Bahýľ, Ján – engineer (1865 – 1916) Gerster, Béla – engineer Inventor of the motor‑powered helicopter (1850 – 1923) (four years before Bréguet and Cornu). Ján Widely respected expert on water Bahýľ was granted 7 patents for the invention constructions, designing the Panama of the tank pump, air balloons combined with and Corinth canal projects. He participated an air turbine, the first car to run on petrol in the 1876 international expedition in Slovakia and a lift to . to identify the most suitable route for an inter‑oceanic canal, and proposed the Banič, Štefan – inventor area between Panama and Colon. In 1881 (1870 – 1941) he was asked to project the Corinth canal, Lived in the USA from 1907 to 1921. the construction of which started a year He constructed a prototype parachute later and ended in 1893. He also marked out in 1913 which was registered at the United a railway from Athens to Larissa. States Patent Office. He was also involved in improving mining productivity and bridge Hell, Jozef Karol – mining engineer construction. The parachute has, of course, (1713 – 1789) become a vital part of modern aviation. Inventor of the water‑pillar pump machine, which pumps water from a depth Bel, Matej – polyhistor of 212 meters and is still used for oil (1684 – 1749) extraction. Polymath, educationist, scientist, and evangelical priest. He was one of the greatest Hell, Maximilián – astronomer 6. scientific figures of the th18 century, referred (1720 – 1792) to as the Magnum decus Hungariae – the One of the greatest astronomers of the Great Ornament of Hungary. He made an 18th century and a director of the Imperial Significant scientists important contribution to pietism, was Observatory in Vienna, Austria. He correctly a pioneer in the field of collective research measured the distance between the Earth into the Hungarian nation, and carried and the Sun in 1769 and calculated the Sun’s out comprehensive scientific, historical, parallax. born in Slovakia and geographical research. He was the co‑author of a unique account of agriculture Ilkovič, Dionýz – chemist and physicist in the Hungarian Empire – the works (1907 – 1980) Hungaria antiquae et novae prodromus A founder of Slovak physics. He played (1723), Aparatus ad historiam Hungariae a distinguished part in elaborating the theory (1735 – 1736), and Notitia Hungariae novae of polarography for which his teacher and historico‑geographica. The University collaborator Jaroslav Heyrovský was awarded of Banská Bystrica bears his name. a Nobel Prize in 1959.

123 Significant scientists born in slovakia

Jedlík, Štefan Anián – physicist Murgaš, Jozef – electrical engineer Petzval won many distinctions for his work. Štefánik, Milan Rastislav (1800 – 1895) (1864 – 1929) A crater on the far side of the Moon bears his – politician, soldier and astronomer Constructed the electromagnetic rotor, Lived in the USA, where he worked as name. (J. M. Petzval Museum, (1880 – 1919) a predecessor of the modern electro‑motor, a priest. He was also involved in electrical Petzvalova ul. 3, Spišská Belá) The most important Slovak politician three years before Farraday, and the unipolar engineering, and registered 12 patents in the participating in the negotiations leading dynamo six years before W. Siemens. field of wireless telegraphy. He established Segner, Ján Andrej to the founding of Czechoslovak Republic different frequencies for the dots and dashes – physicist and mathematician in 1918. Originally a scientist, he studied Jesenský Jessenius, Ján – physician in the Morse code, thus accelerating the (1704 – 1777) astronomy in Prague and . Štefánik (1566 – 1621) transmission of messages. His other patents Designed a reactive water engine known as specialized in astrophysics and especially Famous physician, anatomist and Rector include the spinning reel (for fishing), the the Segner wheel, and invented the water in solar physics. His picture appears of the Charles University. He carried out the wave meter, the electric transformer, the turbine principle which formed the basis for on Slovakia’s 5,000 Sk note. first public dissection in Prague in 1600. magnetic detector, and an engine producing the functioning of modern space rockets. He was also a Protestant activist, and was electromagnetic waves. He is often referred Štúr, Dionýz – geologist and botanist executed after the Battle of Biela Hora at the to as the “Slovak Edison”. Selye, Ján – physician (1827 – 1893) beginning of the Thirty Years War. (1907 – 1982) Very active in the field of geology and Pajdušáková, Ľudmila – astronomer Discovered the stress reaction and the founder of outstanding collections. Kempelen, Ján Wolfgan (1916 – 1979) the adaptation syndrome; did research into A director of the Imperial Geological Institute. – polytechnician and inventor The first Slovak woman astronomer, the killer illness of the 20th century, coronary (1734 – 1804) a specialist in solar astronomy. She made thrombosis. Moved to Canada where he Štúr, Ľudovít Invented first fountain and pressure water her name as the discoverer of 5 comets with established the “Institut de Medicine et de – politician, national activist and linguist piping, and designed a chess machine, her Starlit Sky Atlases and Discoveries of the Chirurgie Experimentale”. (1815 – 1856) a talking machine and a typewriter Comets. Other examples of her scientific The leading figure in the Slovak revelation for use by blind people. research included the systematic observation Stodola, Aurel period in the 19th century. Together with of meteors (among them the Umid meteor – engineer, professor and inventor Jozef Miloslav Hurban and Michal Hodža, Lenard, Filip Anton Eduard – physicist shower in 1945) and observations of the Sun. (1859 – 1942) he codified modern Slovak in 1844. (1862 – 1947) Her facsimile collection published in 1946, Graduated in mechanical engineering Ľudovít Štúr’s “Standard Slovak” Born in Bratislava but later moved to which included more than 11,000 meteorites and worked as a professor at the Federal was published in 1846 in his “Náuka Germany. Awarded the Nobel Prize in 1905 on 10,000 facsimiles, was at that time the Polytechnic in Zurich, Switzerland. He reči slovenskej” or “Theory of the Slovak for his work on cathode rays. second largest after the Harvard collection. achieved his greatest successes in the area language”. A small planet (3636) Pajdušáková = 1982 of steam and gas turbines, his calculations Mikovíny, Samuel UJ2, discovered in 1982, was named in and constructions forming the basis of this Thurzo, Viliam – physician – geodesist and cartographer memory of Ľudmila Pajdušáková by the particular field of mechanical engineering. (1912 – 1984) (1700 – 1750) International Astronomic Union. He constructed a movable artificial arm, Founder of oncological research and Invented an original cartographic method known as Stodola’s arm, in 1915. He was oncology in Slovakia. He discovered the while working in Bratislava, where Petzval, Jozef Maximilián granted the most prestigious engineering tumorous virus B77, which is still used he surveyed and marked out the basic – mathematician, optician, inventor awards – the Grashof Medal and the James as a model for research into the genesis triangulation polygon from Bratislava Castle (1807 – 1891) Watt Gold Medal (1940). He was also of tumours. Tower via Zobor to Sitno and Banská Bystrica. One of the foremost European researchers a corresponding member of the French The Emperor Charles VI commissioned him in the 19th century. He is best remembered Academy of Sciences. to produce a collection of maps of Hungary. forhis work on optical lenses and lens He also designed fortified buildings and aberration in early 1840’s (the Petzval artificial water reservoirs near the mines curvature is named after him) which made in the region of Banská Štiavnica. He possible the construction of modern cameras. also surveyed caves. In 1735 he became Petzval produced an achromatic portrait head of the first mining high school lens that was vastly superior to the simple in the Hungarian Kingdom. meniscus lens used in that time.

124 125 diéty per diem A divadlo theatre ambulancia outpatient room dohoda agreement auto car dohoda agreement on the autobus bus, coach o vykonaní práce performance of work autopožičovňa car rental doktorandské doctoral (PhD.) study štúdium B domáci domestic balík parcel doplnkové poistenie additional insurance benzín petrol doprava transportation byt flat, apartment dovolenka annual leave dovoz import C dôchodkové old‑age insurance cena price poistenie cestovná kancelária travel agency dôchodok old‑age pension cestovné náhrady travel allowances DPH VAT cestovný poriadok schedule druh type, kind clo, colnica duty, customs standpoint E cudzinec foreigner, alien električka tram čaj tea električenka a monthly pass čas time čerpacia stanica petrol station, F fuel station financovanie funding 7. čistiareň dry cleaning finančný financial člen, členský štát member, Glossary member state G gymnázium secondary D grammar school daň z príjmu income tax daň, daňovník tax, taxpayer H daňové priznanie tax return, hory mountains declaration of taxes hrad castle diaľničná známka motorway sticker hraničný priechod border crossing dieťa child

127 Glossary

I M P R internát dormitory, Maďarsko Hungary personálna agentúra personnel Rakúsko Austria student hostel manželka spouse, wife recruitment agency rámcový framework izba room materská škôlka kindergarten pivo beer reštaurácia restaurant medzinárodný international plat wage, salary rezervácia booking J medzivládny intergovernmental počasie, weather rodina family jaskyňa cave mena currency predpoveď počasia weather forecast rodné číslo birth registration jazyk language mesačník, predplatný a monthly pass počítač computer number jazykový kurz language course cestovný lístok podpis signature rodný list birth certificate jedáleň canteen mestská hromadná local public podpora support rozvoj development jedlo food, meal doprava (MHD) transport pohotovosť emergency rýchlik fast train miestenka seat reservation poistenie, insurance rýchlosť speed K mimoškolská činnosť after‑school activity poistenie unemployment kaderníctvo hairdresser mimovládne non‑governmental v nezamestnanosti insurance S neziskové non‑profit kaviareň coffee bar, café pokladňa ticket office samospráva self‑administration organizácie organisations kino cinema poplatok fee sanitka ambulance mzda income, wage, salary kniha book poschodie floor služba service knižnica library N postihnutie disability sobášny list marriage certificate koruna crown nájomné rent pošta post office spolupráca cooperation kostol church náklady costs povinná dochádzka compulsory education stredná škola secondary school kúpele spa nápoj drink povinné odvody levies into súkromný private do fondov poistenia compulsory funds národný national sviatok holiday L povolenie na pobyt residence permit nárok entitlement škola school lekár doctor, general práca work nemocenské poistenie sickness insurance štátny state practitioner, pracovný čas working time physician nemocnica hospital štipendium stipend, scholarship práceneschopnosť sick leave lekáreň pharmacy pracovná zmluva employment contract letisko airport O T pracovné povolenie work permit list letter občan citizen, national tretia krajina third country praktický lekár general practitioner lístok ticket obchod shop trolejbus trolleybus prechodný pobyt temporary stay lyžovanie skiing oblečenie clothes trvalý pobyt permanent residence priemerná mzda average income odborný lekár specialist priemysel industry odchod departure príchod arrival osobný vlak passenger train príjem income 128 129 Glossary

vyšší územný higher territorial On‑line dictionaries U celok (VÚC) unit, self‑governing ubytovanie accommodation region Here are some useful links where you can find účet bill výťah lift translation dictionaries from and to Slovak. úrad office vyučovací jazyk language of instruction Available languages for translation are stated úrazové poistenie injury insurance vyučovanie teaching‑learning in brackets. process ústav institute http://slovnik.zoznam.sk vzdelávanie education územie territory (English, German, French, Spanish) uznávanie diplomov recognition http://babel.redbox.sk of diplomas Z (English, German, Spanish, Hungarian) zahraničný, v zahraničí foreign, abroad V základná škola primary school http://korpus.juls.savba.sk/~garabik/slovnik veda science zákon act, law (English, German, Russian, Hungarian) výskum research zamestnanie employment http://slovnik.cyberspace.sk vedec scientist zamestnanec employee (English, German, Russian) výskumník researcher zastávka bus/tram stop http://frcatel.fri.utc.sk/slovnik.html veľvyslanectvo embassy zbraň firearm (English, German, French) vchod entrance zdravie health http://www.slovnik.sk vláda government zdravotná starostlivosť health care (English, German) vlak train zdravotná poisťovňa health insurance company http://slovnik.agx.sk vodičský preukaz driving licence (Hungarian) zdravotné poistenie health insurance vstupné admission fee zdroj source výdavky costs http://www.slovnik.org zmenáreň exchange office (Russian) východ exit zriaďovateľ founder výmenný kurz exchange rate http://www.somvprahe.sk/slovnik zubár dentist (Czech) výnimka exception železničná stanica railway station výpis z registra trestov criminal record žiadosť application výskum research výskumník researcher vysokoškolské higher vzdelávanie education

130 131 SAIA, n. o. Slovak Research and Development Agency (Slovak Academic Information Agency) (APVV) Námestie slobody 23 Mýtna 23 812 20 Bratislava 1 811 07 Bratislava Tel.: +421–2–54 41 14 64, 14 84 Tel: +421–2–69 20 19 01 Fax: +421–2–54 41 14 29 Fax: +421–2–69 20 19 99 E‑mail: [email protected] E‑mail: [email protected] URL: www.saia.sk, www.scholarships.sk, URL: www.apvv.sk www.eracareers.sk SRK – Slovak Rectors’ Conference SAAIC – Slovak Academic Association Vazovova 5 for International Cooperation 812 43 Bratislava Staré grunty 52 Tel: +421–2–57 29 45 21 842 44 Bratislava 4 Fax: +421–2–57 29 45 22 Tel.: +421–2–65 42 43 83 E‑mail: [email protected] Fax: +421–2– 65 42 44 83 URL: www.srk.sk E‑mail: [email protected] URL: www.saaic.sk The Slovak Academy of Sciences Štefánikova 49 The Fulbright Commission 814 38 Bratislava 1 Levická 3 Tel: +421–2–52 49 27 51–9 821 08 Bratislava Fax: +421–2–52 49 43 91 Tel: +421–2–55 42 56 06 URL: www.sav.sk Fax: +421–2–55 57 74 91 E‑mail: [email protected] Parliament URL: www.fulbright.sk The National Council of the Slovak Republic www.nrsr.sk International Visegrad Fund Kraľovské údolie 8 Ministries 811 02 Bratislava A list of ministries can be found at Tel: +421–2–59 20 38 11 www.vlada.gov.sk/english/others_sites.html 8. Fax: +421–2–59 20 38 05 Email: [email protected] The Government Office of SR Useful links URL: www.visegradfund.org www.government.gov.sk Ministry of Education The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of SR of the Slovak Republic www.foreign.gov.sk Science and Technology Division and addresses Department of International Cooperation The Ministry of Economy of SR in Research and Development www.economy.gov.sk Stromová 1 813 30 Bratislava The Ministry of Defence of SR Tel: +421–2–59 10 26 15 www.mosr.sk E‑mail: [email protected] URL: www.minedu.sk The Ministry of Interior of SR www.minv.sk

133 Useful links and addresses

The Ministry of Finance of SR The Statistical Office of SR www.finance.gov.sk http://portal.statistics.sk SAIA, n. o. The Ministry of Culture of SR The Slovak Office of Standards, www.culture.gov.sk Metrology and Testing The Slovak Academic Information Agency (SAIA) www.normoff.gov.sk is a non‑governmental, not‑for‑profit organisation which, since The Ministry of Health Service of SR its establishment in 1990, has been implementing programmes www.health.gov.sk INFOSTAT and providing services aimed at enhancement of civil society, The Institute of Informatics and statistics and assisting in internationalisation of education and research The Ministry of Education of SR www.infostat.sk in Slovakia. www.minedu.sk The Slovak Institute for Standartisation At the beginning of the 90s of the last century, new conditions The Ministry of Justice of SR www.sutn.gov.sk NŠP in the society called for the need to establish an independent www.justice.gov.sk information agency which would provide to the general public The Slovak Institute of Metrology Národný access to information and advice on studying abroad, and would štipendijný The Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs www.smu.gov.sk program create an open and transparent scholarship application procedure. and Family of SR As of January 1, 1992, SAIA became an independent civic association www.employment.gov.sk The Industrial Property Office of SR which was later transformed into a not‑for‑profit organisation www.indprop.gov.sk providing public‑benefit services. The Ministry of Environment of SR www.enviro.gov.sk Nuclear Regulatory Authority of SR In 1993, SAIA added services for non‑governmental organisations www.ujd.gov.sk to its agenda and became third sector service centre. SAIA ended The Ministry of Agriculture of SR its activities related to NGOs in 2003. In 2004, in addition to mobility www.land.gov.sk The National Bank of Slovakia of students and university teachers, SAIA started to focus on mobility www.nbs.sk and support of international co‑operation of researchers from both The Ministry of Transport, Posts public and private research organisations. and Telecommunications of SR Embassies www.telecom.gov.sk The contact addresses and phone numbers From 2006 SAIA began to implement two new programmes of the consulates and embassies of the Slovak approved by the Government of the Slovak Republic. These are The Ministry of Construction and Regional Republic abroad as well as foreign embassies the National Scholarship Programme of the Slovak Republic Development of the SR in Slovakia can be found at the website of the and M. R. Štefánik Fellowship. In 2007 implementation of the www.build.gov.sk Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the SR NIL‑Slovakia Fund for Internationalisation of Education as part www.foreign.gov.sk of the EEA/Norwegian Financial Mechanisms has started. Other Public Institutions The Office of Land Surveyor, Cartography SAIA, n. o. major programmes: and Cadastre of the SR 1. Academic Mobility www.geodesy.gov.sk 2. National Scholarship Programme of the Slovak Republic 3. Action Austria – Slovakia, Co‑operation in Science and Education 4. CEEPUS (Central European Exchange Programme for University Studies) 5. Researcher's Mobility Centre 6. Milan Rastislav Štefánik Fellowship 7. NIL‑Slovakia Fund for Internationalisation of Education

134 135 THE RESEARCHER’S MOBILITY CENTRES

Researcher’s mobility centres were established in Slovakia in the framework of the project initiated by the European Commission in 2004. One of the centres is at SAIA, n. o. in Bratislava, and CONTACTS the other at the Technical University of Košice. The centres are a part of the European Researcher’s Mobility Centres Network ERA‑MORE, set up by the European Commission, that exist in 32 countries of Europe. SAIA, n. o. From 2004 to 2007 the project was financially supported by the European Commission within Nám. slobody 23 the 6th Framework Programme and co‑financed by the Ministry of Education of the Slovak 812 20 Bratislava 1 Republic. The Ministry of Education of SR provided a financial support to SAIA, n. o. also in 2007. Slovakia

Researcher’s mobility centres help create a reliable and coordinated system for providing Karla Zimanová, PhD information about conditions governing stays for foreign researchers in Slovakia and Slovak E‑mail: [email protected] researchers abroad. The centres assist also in removing obstacles that impede a smooth Tel: +421–2–54 41 14 64, 54 41 14 84 running of mobility programmes. They provide incoming and outgoing researchers and their Fax: +421–2–54 41 14 29 families with information and services related to various mobility aspects. URL: www.saia.sk www.eracareers.sk Slovak Researcher’s mobility centres provide information on: . funding opportunities (focused on scholarships and grants supporting mobility); . administrative issues (visa, work permits, salaries and taxation, social security, pension rights and health care, recognition of qualifications); . daily life in Slovakia (e.g. accommodation, day care and schooling, language courses, social and cultural aspects); Technical University of Košice . research in Slovakia. Office of European Projects Letná 9 Besides providing personal customised assistance Researcher’s Mobility centres run 040 01 Košice Slovak Researcher’s Mobility Portal (www.eracareers.sk) contributing to the creation Slovakia of more favourable environment for mobility of incoming and outgoing researchers by means of displaying the aforementioned information. For mobility centres, the national Zuzana Lavrinová mobility portal is an important information‑providing tool. The Slovak Researcher’s E‑mail: [email protected] Mobility Portal is interconnected with the European Researcher’s Mobility Portal Tel: +421–55–602 21 81 (http://ec.europa.eu/eracareers), as well as with other national mobility portals. The portals Fax: +421–55 – 633 27 48 share a database of Research job vacancies, where interested researchers may seek research URL: www.tuke.sk/oep positions and research institutions may look for appropriate research staff.

Mobility centres are involved also in other activities. They organise local, national and international seminars and conferences, prepare publications and information materials and participate in international co‑operation. They have also created an informal Mobility Contact Points Network (SIMOB) of individuals from Slovak universities, research institutions and organisations active in information provision and administration of international mobility and research programmes that helps further disseminate information about different aspects of mobility of researchers.

136 137 Map of Slovakia indicating towns which are seats of universities and/or research institutes