North Macedonia

Students will live with host families in order to experience true immersion in the local culture. Families are selected based on recommendations by members of the local community, and each family is carefully screened by American Councils staff. Families are carefully vetted through a thorough application process and are highly regarded by their relatives and neighbors. Hosting communities exist through the presence of a strong support network, with a local staff member, or "local coordinator", available to each student hosted in the community.

Participants are enrolled in private (non-gap year students) or public (gap year students) schools while in North Macedonia. The language of instruction at the private schools is English; the language of instruction at the public schools is Macedonian or a combination of Macedonian and English. School typically runs Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for non-gap year participants; gap year participants at public schools tend to change between a first and second shift, with the first shift running from 7:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. and the second shift from 1:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. 

Depending on host school, participants have the opportunity to participate in a number of extracurricular school activities, such as clubs and sports. Some students may also participate in the Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) program, if their school has an International Baccalaureate (IB) program, which provides opportunities for students to participate in other activities organized by the school. All participants, however, will have plenty of opportunities to seek out interesting activities outside of school.

The U.S. enjoys good relations with the Republic of North Macedonia. It is an active member in organizations such as the UN, WHO, ICC, ILO, and the Councils of Europe.

For more information, visit the CIA World Factbook.

With a presence in North Macedonia since 2005, staff draw on strong local connections for a deep understanding of the area’s intercultural, health, safety, and security issues. Prior to departure and upon arrival, students attend a number of information and a safety briefings by American Councils staff and a security briefing by the U.S. Embassy’s Security Office, which will also provide participants with assistance in registering with the Embassy to receive travel alerts. American Councils works closely with participants before arrival and throughout the exchange year to prepare for and discuss participants’ well-being.

YES Abroad participants are covered by medical coverage as well as Political and Security Evacuation Insurance. Participants and their parents have access to a 24-hour emergency number, and staff members are thoroughly trained for any issues that might arise. Each student is given a mobile phone upon arrival as well as the contact number for their local coordinator in the American Councils North Macedonia office.

For further information on North Macedonia visit the U.S. Department of State website. 

Participants have the opportunity to take part in various activities to increase their interaction with locals and peers in North Macedonia. Activities may include field trips, sporting events, cultural excursions, social outings, and community service projects. Examples of previous enrichment activities include:

• Meeting with the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy;

• Exploring the capital city – Skopje;

• Trips to other cities, towns, and sites in North Macedonia, such as Ohrid, Bitola, and Tetovo;

• Cultural events with Macedonian YES Alumni who studied in the United States; and

• Community service activities, such as volunteering with Habitat for Humanity and local non-profits.