Slovakia

Healthcare System

Slovakia is a lanlocked central European nation, with its capital located in Bratislava. The nation is bordered by Poland, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Austria, and Ukraine. Healthcare in Slovakia is regulated under the Ministry of Health. There are three main health-insurance provider, one of which is owned by the government and covered 65% of Slovak population. The full cost of the treatments and medication is not always covered. Plastic surgery and dental treatment are not usually covered by insurance. To see a specialist, a patient would require referral card from general practitioner, except for dentists, gynaecologists, psychiatrists, dermatologists or ophthalmologists. In 2009, 5.36% of GDP is used for health expenditure.

Currency

Slovak people use Euro as their currency, much like most European nations. By the time this is written the value of one euro is equal to around eighteen thousand rupiah and roughly equal to one dollar (1.00 EUR = 18,010.77 IDR = 1.1029 USD).

Food

Food in Slovakia is varied by region and influenced by its neighbour. Main products that can be found in their cuisines are milk, potatoes, wheat, and pork. Meat is usually cooked by breading it and frying it (like schnitzel) or cooked in sauce. Goulash, like in other Eastern and Central European nations, can be found in Slovakia. Brydzové pirohy, a variant of traditional Eastern European dumpling, is one of Slovak national dishes. It is filled with potatoes and cheese. Another national dish is Bryndzové halušky, potatoes dumpling similar to gnocchi mixed with soft sheep cheese and sprinkled with bacon.

Transportation

Traveling in Slovakia are mostly done through train and bus. Trains are considered to be more comfortable, and there are four different type of trains available (Passenger train, Fast train, City train, and Express). Buses are cheaper however and depends on the destination could be more direct. There is a large airport in Bratislava, Košice, and Poprad, but international flight usually lands in Vienna. It took 45 minutes to reach Bratislava from Vienna with bus. Within the towns and cities one can travel with buses from 05.00 to 23.00. Students may be able to get discounted price for buses. Foreign driving licenses are accepted in Slovakia, however special sticker needs to be placed on the car before it can be used. Driver is not allowed any amount of alcohol in their blood.

Exchange Conditions

Research Exchange: https://exchange.ifmsa.org/exchange/score/explore/conditions/view/107

Professional Exchange: https://exchange.ifmsa.org/exchange/scope/explore/conditions/view/80