Slovenia

Greetings

Men greeting Men – If it is a new acquaintance, men will most likely shake hands. Good friends and family may engage in a light hug or pats on back. A nod is also an informal way of greeting someone if you aren’t close enough to the person to shake hands.

Women greeting Women – If it is a new acquaintance, women will most likely shake hands. With friends and family, a hug or a kiss or two on the cheek is common. A nod is also an informal way of greeting someone if you aren’t close enough to the person to shake hands.

Meetings between Men and Women – Handshakes are common. With friends and family, a light hug or sometimes a kiss or two on the cheek is acceptable.

Communication Style

• It is always important to ask how a person is doing and really listen to their answer before moving on to the purpose of the conversation, if there is one.
• Slovenes tend to be very accommodating people with a good sense of humor.
• Slovenes are neither overly direct nor indirect in their communication style. The norm is somewhere in between.

Personal Space & Touch

• An arm’s length of personal space during conversation is usually the norm. It generally depends on how well you know the person you’re talking to. For example, space is closer with the family or good friends.

• Touching during conversations is not that common, and while most people wouldn’t mind touching the arm, shoulders or hands every now and then, some could consider it too pushing or personal. To stay on the safe side, it’s best not touch too much until you have established a good relationship

• When interacting with good friends and family a normal amount of touching is usually acceptable, regardless of sex. However, its best to avoid touching during conversations with business colleagues.

Eye Contact

• Normally it’s appropriate and expected to have some eye contact with the person you’re talking to in order to show that you’re listening to her/him. However, constantly staring at someone’s eyes could be offensive.

Gestures

• It is a bit impolite to point at things. People usually use a finger or the whole hand.

Views of Time

• It’s always good to be on time, as being late can be considered offensive by some people.
• Transportation services normally run on time, but there can be some delays due to traffic jams as well.
• Punctuality is in most cases valued and people normally do covet their time. It is the same when doing business and in social situations. However, it’s quite common to come to a party or dinner held at home, a bit late.

Gender Roles

• Women tend to have the same opportunities for education and professional advancement as men. Many women hold very good jobs and positions of power in various industries.

Taboos

• Swearing, yelling, walking around naked and acting offensive towards any other member of the public is considered taboo.
• Kissing in public is not prohibited, although some people may find it a bit disturbing.
• Showing someone the middle finger is a rude gesture.

Law & Order

• You must to be at least 18 years to buy old alcoholic drinks and at least 16 to buy cigarettes but in most cases these rules are not enforced.
• Illegal drug possession is normally punished with heavy fines and or imprisonment.
• Traffic violations are usually strongly enforced.
• You can get fined or worse for speaking offensively to a policeman.

Dress

• For men: conservative yet stylish suits with shirts and ties. Business casual is acceptable in various industries.
• For women: stylish yet conservative business suits or dresses and blouses are a good way to go. Accessories are usually worn, but it's best to stay on the subtle side. Business casual attire is acceptable in various industries.

Titles & Business Cards

• Titles are important and it is best to address people directly by using Mr., Mrs., or Miss, followed by the surname.
• You should always wait to be invited to use first names before doing so yourself.
• There is no set protocol surrounding the giving and receiving of business cards.

Meetings

• It is best to show up on time for all meetings, better 5 minutes too early than too late.
• It’s common protocol to say hello and shake hands with everybody in the room. If you’re sitting it’s polite to stand up when greeting someone.
• There is usually some bit of small talk before getting down to business.
• The boss or host usually starts and concludes the meeting.

Negotiations

• Price is generally negotiated at the end of a meeting.
• It’s best to remain calm and avoid showing emotions during the negotiating process.
• Larger decisions are usually made from the top down.

Gift Giving

• Gifts are not generally exchanged at initial business meetings.
• If invited over for dinner or a drink to a Slovene home, it's a good idea to bring the host/hostess a gift. Flowers or a bottle of high quality wine or spirits is an acceptable gift.
• Gifts are usually wrapped nicely and may be opened right away.

In the Classroom

• The school year at the university level usually begins in early October and ends in July. Holiday breaks begin after students pass all exams. If they manage to pass them all the first time, they get a long summer holiday from July to October.
• School uniforms are not in use and normally there aren’t any restrictions on how students have to be dressed.

• University grades are given on a scale from 1(worst) -10 (best) with the failing grade being a 5.

• The most common forms of teaching are lectures and experiential exercises.