“Where are you, fellow countryman?” is a phrase that resonates with Montenegrin students in Maribor, Slovenia. This spontaneous greeting fosters connections amongst them, so it’s fitting that they named their podcast “Where Are You, Fellow Countryman,” which shares their stories about Montenegro, their new lives, and the challenges they face.

In the second episode, we discussed cultural nuances, including how Slovenians often “don’t know how to enjoy coffee” like we do—slowly and thoughtfully, says Vildan Ramusović, president of the Montenegrin Cultural Society “Komovi” from Maribor. The podcast is part of their initiatives, as he told “Vijesti.”

Founded in 2016, the society boasts over 50 active members. Ramusović has led it since March last year, alongside board members Nora Pavićević, Senad Durović, and Adam Zverotić.

“With the new leadership, we have made remarkable progress. We’ve participated in our first competition and secured funding for our activities. This allows us to pursue a wider range of projects and enrich our cultural offerings,” Ramusović stated to “Vijesti.”

Through a competition by the now Ministry of Diaspora of Montenegro, they received funding for their podcast and launched the “Bridges of Knowledge” project, connecting students with expatriates.

They are also in the process of applying for public importance status with the Slovenian Ministry of Culture.

Ramusović notes that the Montenegrin community in Slovenia, particularly around the Montenegrin Cultural Society “Komovi” in Maribor, shows great interest and support for initiatives like the podcast and the “Bridges of Knowledge” project.

This validates that their efforts to preserve identity, language, and cultural heritage are meaningful and necessary. They aim to create a platform for dialogue and networking, Ramusović added.

Community engagement goes beyond attendance; many actively participate through suggestions, guest appearances, volunteer work, and disseminating information.

“We’re encouraged by the increasing interest from younger generations in such projects, which bodes well for the future of our community in Slovenia,” he added.

Stories of Resourcefulness, Pride, and Community Strength

The podcast “Where Are You, Fellow Countryman!” can be found on the society’s YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@CkdKomoviMaribor). So far, six episodes have aired featuring guests like Nora Pavićević, Željka Potpara, Tarik Durović, Irina Damjanović, Vanesa Ramusović, and Elvis Šahmanović.

The podcast’s name embodies the warmth of everyday language. It’s a question we all instinctively ask upon hearing our language spoken on the street. “Where are you, fellow countryman?” is more than a greeting—it forms an immediate connection and sense of closeness, Vildan explains.

A memorable episode features Irina, who shared her touching experience of encountering roe deer during her coffee ritual in Gornja Radgona. The tranquility and proximity to nature were entirely new for her. In the second episode, we explored cultural differences, including the Slovenian way of coffee-drinking contrasted with ours. Vanesa humorously claimed her native village is “more beautiful than Paris,” perfectly capturing the podcast’s spirit of blending emotion, memory, and humor with daily life for our people in Slovenia.

These narratives are not just entertaining; they reflect resourcefulness, pride, nostalgia, and the strength of a community committed to preserving and sharing its roots.

Aiming for Global Reach

Though it’s just the beginning, plans are already in place for enhancing the podcast.

“We aim to elevate the podcast’s technical and content quality. We’re preparing a new application for the Public Competition of the Ministry for Diaspora of Montenegro to acquire additional equipment and create a suitable studio environment. One goal is to broaden our guest network, including more members from the Montenegrin community across Slovenia, from Ljubljana to Nova Gorica. Everyone has a story worth sharing, whether in science, sports, culture, or simply life perspectives,” he explained.

In the long run, they envision the podcast becoming a regional and even global endeavor, uniting the entire Montenegrin diaspora:

“We aim to weave a tapestry of identities, experiences, and inspiring stories that unify us. Currently, we seek media and general sponsors to fund our logistics, guest arrivals, and space costs. Our initiatives are voluntary, driven by love for our homeland and the desire to impact the community positively.”

Vildan is particularly excited about hosting Slovenians who have adapted their lives in Podgorica.

“That’s part of the two-way bridge we wish to construct: for us in the diaspora to discuss Montenegro, and for those who’ve made Montenegro their home to share their stories with us.”

The First Port of Call for Newcomers, Constant Support for Veterans

The “Komovi” Society bridges connection among Montenegrin students in Slovenia.

“They frequently socialize, support one another, and foster community, which is crucial when away from home yet close to their roots. We actively strive to incorporate new arrivals, particularly freshmen, by facilitating meetups and social interactions where they can connect with older students, easing their adaptation to a new environment,” Vildan mentions.

Nora Pavićević, a board member, oversees the student group.

“We are proud of our ‘Bridges of Knowledge’ project, showcasing the experiences of Montenegrin students in Slovenia. This initiative involved interviews with ten students from various Montenegrin cities studying in Maribor, sharing their experiences and advice for future generations,” Ramusović elaborated.

The project also highlights a girl of Montenegrin descent raised in Slovenia, giving insight from her dual community perspective while studying in Maribor.

According to Ramusović, as of January, about 50 Montenegrin students are enrolled in Maribor, mainly at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and Informatics (FERI), the Faculty of Economics and Business (EPF), the Faculty of Law, and the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Mechanical Engineering.

Commonly sought support includes administrative issues, diploma validations, accommodation assistance, and guidance with study programs or job finding, often directed at the “Komovi” Society.

“As soon as the weather improves, we also plan a large student gathering for reconnecting, sharing experiences, and enjoying quality time together in an informal setting,” Ramusović noted.

Positive Relations with Institutions

They view their collaboration with institutions in both Slovenia and Montenegro as “positive and encouraging.”

“Slovenia has been a supportive friend to Montenegro since independence, especially regarding European integration. We take pride in community members within the Slovenian diaspora supporting Montenegro’s EU membership. Through institutional ties and cultural promotion, we receive adequate recognition and support from Slovenian institutions,” he stated.

Ramusović affirmed a “stable and positive relationship” with the Montenegrin embassy in Slovenia, emphasizing satisfaction with the establishment of the Ministry for Diaspora of Montenegro.

“From the outset, we’ve had open communication and understand their support for our projects and ideas. We aim to involve various Montenegrin municipalities in the projects we implement in Slovenia to strengthen our ties to our homeland. We anticipate ongoing openness and cooperation in these endeavors,” the “Vijesti” interviewee concluded.

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