Ask Kristína

Q: Where can I learn Slovak in Bratislava?
A: Most language schools offer courses in Slovak for foreigners/beginners (Slovenčina pre cudzincov/začiatočníkov), although the advertised courses are often not run due to a lack of participants, and there appear to be few courses for advanced students. Most schools will, however, arrange individual lessons.
An alternative is to contact the Comenius University-based Institute for Language and Academic Preparation for Foreign Students (ÚJOP), which runs Slovak courses at various levels in Bratislava.

Q: Where can I learn Slovak in Bratislava?

A: Most language schools offer courses in Slovak for foreigners/beginners (Slovenčina pre cudzincov/začiatočníkov), although the advertised courses are often not run due to a lack of participants, and there appear to be few courses for advanced students. Most schools will, however, arrange individual lessons.

An alternative is to contact the Comenius University-based Institute for Language and Academic Preparation for Foreign Students (ÚJOP), which runs Slovak courses at various levels in Bratislava.

ÚJOP has three options for those who wish to learn the Slovak tongue: a five-month intensive course, a three-month evening course, and a three-week summer course.

The intensive course, which runs from September to January and from February to June, costs €1,700 for 20 hours of lessons per week.

The night school runs from September to December and from February to May, meets for two hours twice a week, and costs Sk5,500 (€133).

ÚJOP also offers a three-week Slovak language camp starting on July 7. There are four hours of classes each day as well as field trips to different places around Slovakia. The tuition for this is €450. Activities include linguistic games, lectures, conversation sessions, and excursions.

If you'd like to attend any of the courses mentioned above, send an email to sr@ujop.uniba.sk or call 02/5557-7488. You can also visit the web site www.uniba.sk/ujop.


Q: How do I find a babysitter, and what is the going rate for babysitting in Bratislava?

A: If you are not lucky enough to find a sitter through friends or colleagues, there are several companies in Bratislava that offer babysitting services. The most popular are Majáčik and Nikea.

If you'd like an English-speaking babysitter, both of these companies offer them; however, make sure you ask for an English speaker.

Hiring a babysitter through Majáčik will cost you Sk100 for one child and Sk130 for two children per hour. For a whole day (minimum seven and maximum 10 hours) the cost is Sk680 for one child and Sk760 for two children. For a night shift (19:00 till 7:00) you will pay Sk680 per child, and the same amount for two children.

Hiring a babysitter through Nikea will always cost you Sk150 for one child and between Sk180 and Sk200 for two children per hour.

To contact Majáčik call 02/4487-1597 or visit www.majacik.sk. To contact Nikea call 02/5441-6184 or visit www.nikea.sk. Neither of the web sites are in English.

Got a question?
Ask Kristína: kristina.havasova@gpp.sk

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