Slovak Courses - IWCB Interest Group (source: Courtesy of the International Women's Club of Bratislava)
In our ongoing series, we turn the spotlight on the International Women’s Club of Bratislava (IWCB) and its dynamic members. This week, we feature Darina Sedláková, the diligent IWCB Board Secretary who also co-leads the Slovak language interest group together with another IWCB member, Alica Mozolikova.
The mission of IWCB is two-fold: connecting cultures to promote friendship and cultural diversity, and engaging in charitable actions. Within this framework, the Slovak language course led by Darina embodies the club’s ethos of cultural connection.
Darina’s Slovak language group offers more than just linguistic skills. It’s a welcoming space where foreign women come together to learn, laugh, and build lasting relationships.
“Learning Slovak is a gateway to understanding Slovak culture,” says Darina. “It helps our members feel more integrated and at home in Bratislava.”
Each session is a blend of language instruction and cultural exchange, creating a nurturing environment for members to thrive. The camaraderie that develops in these classes exemplifies the IWCB’s mission of fostering international friendship and understanding.
I asked Darina about her teaching inclinations and what prompted her to spearhead this initiative.
Slovak Courses - IWCB Interest Group (source: Courtesy of the International Women's Club of Bratislava)
Here is her answer:
“Practically all my life I have worked in international organizations with people of different nationalities and I have always been very interested in information about the countries they came from. That is why I was very pleased when I could become a member of the IWCB, a club that brings together women from many countries and creates space for them not only to socialize and do charity work, but also get to know Slovakia. And that includes the possibility to learn the basics of the Slovak language. We usually jointly choose a topic for a discussion and thus learn new Slovak words and phrases. You know, only during these lessons I have realized how complicated the Slovak language is with all its grammar, and how difficult it must be for foreigners to cope with all the conjugations and declinations. In light of this it is amazing to see how my ladies dedicate time and energy to learn and how quickly they are progressing.
It is not just them learning. I am benefiting myself. Whatever we discuss, there is a reference made to their home countries, they share their personal opinions on different issues. Much information and knowledge is shared about life and culture in different countries. I try to make the lessons interactive; we go round the table with questions and answers, we role-play performing different situations e.g. shopping, seeing a doctor, or attending a social event. Last year we learned a Christmas song in Slovak (Silent Night) together and sang it for the other club members at the Christmas party.
I love learning foreign languages, so I am happy to help anyone who likes to do so as well. Slovak lessons within the IWCB are not merit-based. We do it for pleasure derived from interacting and socializing with wonderful ladies full of positive energy.”
By promoting language learning, Darina Sedláková not only teaches Slovak but also bridges cultural divides, reinforcing the IWCB’s commitment to a more connected and inclusive community.
Eva Staronova is a founder of a non-profit cultural and educational exchange organization in New York, NY, and an entrepreneur in the natural product industry with her company based in Los Angeles, CA. She is also a board member and Fundraising Coordinator of the International Women’s Club of Bratislava.
