Hello, I’m Robyn Goodfellow, I’m from Pittsburgh, and am currently a full-time student. This summer, I had the privilege of attending the Slovak Summer Language Intensive program at the University of Pittsburgh. The program is a six-week course designed to provide the equivalent of a full year of language learning, with the option of adding an additional three weeks studying in Slovakia. This year I joined the domestic six-week program. I began the course at a beginner level, with almost no knowledge of the Slovak language. My classmates in the introductory section came from various parts of the country and had varying levels of proficiency. What united us all was our enthusiasm for the language and learning, which brought us close and fostered mutual support throughout the summer. This, coupled with exceptional instruction from my professors, Renáta Kamenárová and Vlasta Štofová, created a highly productive and encouraging learning environment. The coursework was challenging, and we covered a substantial amount of material in just six weeks. I decided to take the course because I wanted to learn more about the language and culture of my grandparents. I also have an interest in linguistics and other languages, so the course aligned with my academic goals. Although my grandparents also spoke German and Hungarian, I chose the Slovak program at Pitt because it is unique and not replicated by any other university-accredited programs in the US. My proximity to the program as a Pittsburgh resident and my heritage as a descendant of Slovak immigrants moved me to view enrollment in the program as an incredible opportunity. After completing the program, I am only more convinced that it is a very special program. Our days followed a structured routine: language learning in the mornings, followed by a break, and then additional lectures, Slovak film screenings, or cultural activities – often featuring guest experts. This structure immersed us not only in the language but also in Slovak culture. It cultivated a personal interest for me in Slovak film and folk music, both of which I had little knowledge of before joining the program. Upon completing the six-week program, I was pleased with my progress and surprised at how easily some conversations flowed. I decided to continue my language studies and enrolled as a guest student for the current school semester. I am determined to work hard on learning the language and plan to enroll again next summer to make the most of this remarkable program.

Ahoj! My name is Ben Sommer and I am a junior at the University of Pittsburgh. I study Political Science and German as my majors and Religious Studies and Slovak as my minors. I am also pursuing an undergraduate certificate in Central European Studies. I was born and raised in Pittsburgh and grew up in the suburb of Bethel Park. I trace some of my ancestral roots to the Spiš region of Slovakia, an hour north of the city Poprad.

After a short visit to Bratislava in the summer of 2022, I returned to the United States with a greater interest in connecting with the Slovak side of my heritage and began studying Slovak at the University of Pittsburgh, the only institution offering courses in Slovak language, culture, and history on the continent! I enjoyed learning Slovak so much during the academic year that I decided to continue my education in the summer through the Summer Language Institute which offered a 10-week intensive language program.

My classmates and I had instruction from 9AM to 3PM every week, Monday through Friday. This lasted for six weeks and for a continuing four weeks, some of us traveled to Slovakia where we continued our studies during the day and explored the capital Bratislava and other parts of the beautiful country during evenings and weekends. I was able to see so much of the country, and some highlights for me were Orava Castle, Žilina, Galanta, and hiking in the High Tatras.

Embarking on this program has greatly improved my Slovak as I now feel much more comfortable when speaking, and can listen, read, and write with greater ease. I am now enrolled in Advanced Slovak and am close to finishing my minor. I want to sincerely thank Dr. Renáta Kamenárová and Dr. Vlasta Štofová, my instructors at the University of Pittsburgh’s Summer Language Institute, and Dr. Helena Ľos Ivoríková and Dr. Petra Kollárová, my instructors at the Comenius University in Bratislava. I also wish to thank a few organizations which financially helped me study Slovak this summer. Namely, the Western Pennsylvania Slovak Cultural Association, the Slovak American Cultural Center, and support from the Jack Wilson Fund and the Pittsburgh Foundation.

My entire experience was made possible through the support of my professor, Dr. Renáta Kamenárová, who not only encouraged me to go to Slovakia, but also cultivated a new love of the Slovak language and culture in me, a love of the language and culture that I hope to continue to share in the future.

For more information on the University of Pittsburgh Summer Language Institute visit: https://www.sli.pitt.edu/