Revealing North Macedonia Education Volunteer Interview

1. Give us an overview of your experience serving as a North Macedonia Education volunteer?

I embarked on my Peace Corps journey following my graduation from Colorado State University, where I earned a double major in History and Secondary Education. My application process began in September of 2021, and I officially joined the Peace Corps as a trainee in North Macedonia in September 2022. After completing my training, I took the oath and became a volunteer in December 2022, specializing in the Education sector known as English and Inclusive Education (EIE).

My experience in the EIE program has been rewarding. While my university education taught me valuable teaching and leadership skills for History courses, my proficiency in teaching English as a foreign language was limited. The Peace Corps staff in North Macedonia are exceptionally skilled at providing comprehensive training, ensuring that all trainees leave with the enhanced skills needed to become accomplished volunteers.

I was placed in a small village closer to Bulgaria on the country’s eastern side. My role involves co-teaching English across five schools, four of which are satellite schools. I work with students ranging from 1st to 9th grade. Initially, I had reservations, having previously taught middle school and high school students in the United States. However, I quickly discovered a deep appreciation for working with younger age groups.

While my invitation specified a “Co-teaching English position,” my teaching experience took on a unique form. Since I live and work in villages, class sizes are significantly smaller than my fellow volunteers in towns or cities. Consequently, my Macedonian co-teacher and I engage in parallel teaching.

For instance, in a classroom with 3rd and 5th graders, my counterpart takes the 5th grade while I focus on instructing the 3rd graders. This method posed initial challenges, mainly when my language skills were limited. However, after several months of collaboration with my counterparts, we became proficient in this teaching style.

In addition to teaching multiple grades in one classroom, the class sizes are pretty small. In many cases, I may have as few as 4 to 8 students in a shared-grade classroom. Naturally, this approach has advantages and disadvantages, but I couldn’t be happier with my current role as a volunteer educator in North Macedonia.

2. What motivated you to join the Peace Corps and choose North Macedonia as your service destination?

I embarked on my journey with the Peace Corps, driven by a deep-seated desire to immerse myself in diverse cultures, explore the far reaches of the world, broaden my horizons, glean insights from others, and, hopefully, make a meaningful impact in the process.

When I initially applied, I opted for the “serve where needed most” assignment, mainly because my experience was limited, and I wanted to keep my options open for acceptance. Furthermore, I held no strong preferences regarding my destination; I was ready for an adventure, wherever it might take me.

In the beginning, my placement was in the Ukraine application pool. However, as tensions escalated toward conflict in that region, I realized it might not be the best fit. Several months later, the Peace Corps offered me a position in North Macedonia. My area knowledge was limited then, with vague associations of Alexander the Great’s Macedonia. A quick Google search later, and I found myself eagerly accepting the opportunity. Little did I know how much I would come to love this remarkable country I now call home.

Living Arrangements and Cultural Integration

3. Can you tell us about your host family and how you cross that cultural divide as a member of their household?

Directly after the COVID-19 Pandemic, my cohort was the first to come back to the country; therefore, my group was put with designated “resource families.” The consensus of these resource families was to still have a family or group that could assist the volunteers and help them integrate into the communities.

Most of the volunteers in my group got their own apartments or units, but in a few cases, there would be volunteers located on the second floor or in an attached unit. Each had its benefits or drawbacks; however, in my situation, I live in the same house as my resource family. Considering everything, I refer to it as a host family situation because I live on the second floor in one room while all the others are occupied. I am very grateful to live in this situation because it has helped so much with integration and learning the language, and the family and I get along very well!

In my host family, there is a husband, a wife, and a grandfather. All of the kids have moved out, and in Macedonian culture, that is seen as a rarity; however, in recent years, younger generations have either moved into the capital or immigrated to different countries. The husband and wife work at one of my schools, and the grandfather is retired. Moreover, the husband works in the rice farming industry and has a few fields; everyone in the home contributes to the home garden.

Generally, it wasn’t too difficult to cross the cultural divide with them. They had had a volunteer before for a time and knew the overall idea of having a volunteer in their house. The morning before I met my family I memorized a line and said: “Чест ми е што сум ваш гостин” (I am honored to be your guest) and without hesitation, they immediately replied, “Не, чест ни е што те имаме во нашето семејство” (No, we are honored to have you in our family).

I have an excellent relationship with them and often help around the house, have dinner, or drink coffee or rakija (homemade brandy) on the front porch. They include me in cultural and religious celebrations and have taught me the culture in a meaningful way. We have long conversations about the different perspectives in the country, and always welcome my questions with a smile!

Surprises, Challenges, and Personal Growth

4. What has surprised you most (or least) about North Macedonia?

One of the aspects of North Macedonian culture I cherish the most is the abundance of festivals in various regions in the country. These festivals, whether centered around food, religion, or customs, offer a fantastic opportunity to immerse oneself in the local culture. I’ve had the chance to attend nearly every festival, with just a few remaining on my list. This experience has deepened my understanding of the country’s history and values and facilitated my integration into its rich cultural tapestry. Furthermore, it has allowed me to forge friendships not only with locals but also with people from around the world.

5. What challenges did you face while working in North Macedonia, and how did you overcome them?

I haven’t encountered many issues while working with community members. However, I believe one of the fundamental principles that significantly influences our interactions is the concept of time. In our country, there’s a well-known saying, “Има време,” which translates to “We have time.” Initially, adapting to this concept was somewhat challenging, especially in the early stages of my work. With more experience within my community, I’ve learned how to align my actions with this prevailing value effectively.

Community Projects and Interactions

7. Could you share some of the secondary projects you have been involved in?

As part of my secondary projects, I have initiated two clubs. The first is an outdoor/sports club that introduces new games, sports, and activities for the children to explore. The second is an English club, offering a relaxed and enjoyable environment for English language learning. These clubs primarily cater to students ranging from 1st to 6th grade.

I am actively involved in a grant project to equip all five schools and their classrooms with Dry-Erase boards. Additionally, we are working to install two Smart Boards, complete with screens, projectors, and training. Throughout the planning and execution of these clubs and the grant project, my main contact points within the community are the School Director and my counterparts.

8. Can you tell us about any memorable experiences?

Volunteering can be a life-changing experience, but it’s not always smooth sailing. As a volunteer in a small village, I’ve had my fair share of challenges, especially regarding community interactions.

Every day, I have the privilege of engaging with my students and colleagues. These interactions are a source of immense pride. We play basketball, engage in soccer showdowns, and even explore nearby villages on bike rides. My students have been incredibly welcoming, which brightens my days.

Beyond the school, things take a different turn. My experiences with the broader community haven’t been as rosy. It felt like I was the issue for a while, like I wasn’t doing the right things to connect with the community. However, as time went on and I had more conversations with colleagues, I realized a particular mindset was at play.

In my small village, most young people are leaving, not returning home to live and work. The community isn’t used to newcomers, and previous volunteers didn’t stick around for long. Most of them lasted no more than five months before calling it quits. So, you can imagine that community members might expect the same from me. It’s not about one single interaction but rather a consistent pattern with older community members.

Despite these challenges, I’ve found the motivation to keep going. The students have been my most significant source of inspiration. Their warm welcome and the bonds we’ve formed in the classroom and through sports clubs keep my spirits high. I also believe that building stronger relationships with others in the community is possible with time and effort. While it’s not always smooth sailing, I maintain an optimistic outlook that things will get easier as I go.

In the world of volunteering, not every community extends a warm welcome. Some might keep their distance, but the key is to persist. It’s about forging connections and making a difference, not just for yourself but for the next volunteer who follows in your footsteps.

Advice and Support

10. What skills or qualities do you think are important for a North Macedonia Education volunteer?

Stepping into international volunteering, I was a freshly graduated secondary education major. My experience was limited to teaching American students in grades 7-12. Little did I know that my journey would lead me to the vibrant world of primary education in the 1st-6th grades.

In many of the places where volunteers are stationed, primary education schools (grades 1st-9th) are the norm. Having some experience with younger students, whether it’s through babysitting, volunteering, or summer camps, is invaluable. I can’t stress this enough: you’re likely to find yourself in a primary school setting, and it’s a world of its own.

One essential skill that future volunteers should pack in their mental suitcase is open-mindedness. This applies to volunteers worldwide. Arriving with a closed mindset can seriously dampen your experience both within the community and your work. As the saying goes, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” Flexibility and adaptability are your greatest allies.

Adaptability grows as you spend more time in your host country and community. I’ve repeated it many times because it’s crucial: the ability to “go with the flow” can transform your experience into something truly incredible. Changes, cultural differences, and unexpected situations will be part of your journey. The more you embrace them, the more rewarding your time as a volunteer will be.

In the diverse world of international volunteering, flexibility, open-mindedness, and a willingness to work with students of all ages are your best companions. Embrace these skills, and your journey will be filled with meaningful experiences and impactful connections.

Practical Tips and Language Learning

13. How has learning the language been? Any advice to future volunteers?

Learning the language has been a positive experience thus far. North Macedonia boasts exceptional language trainers dedicated to helping trainees and volunteers excel. I want to share three key factors that future volunteers should consider regarding language learning in this unique context.

First, it’s important to understand that North Macedonia operates as a dual-language program. Some trainees and volunteers will be tasked with learning both Albanian and Macedonian. Whether you use both or one will depend on your placement after training. It’s essential to know that Peace Corps staff is receptive to trainee concerns, particularly if you have doubts about mastering two languages simultaneously.

Second, North Macedonia’s linguistic landscape is diverse, with many regions having distinct dialects that vary from the ‘literary language’ taught by the Peace Corps. Regardless of your placement, I highly recommend seeking a dialect tutor as soon as possible. Don’t hesitate to ask Peace Corps staff if they know of any previous Language and Culture Facilitators (LCFs) in the area, as they can serve as excellent tutors.

Lastly, my most significant piece of advice is to continue your language tutoring even after the required training period ends. Many volunteers might start feeling comfortable with their language skills and ability to communicate effectively. However, it’s crucial to remember that the Peace Corps guarantees eight hours of language training each month until your Close of Service (COS). I highly recommend taking full advantage of this opportunity and continuing your tutoring until the very end of your service. It’s a commitment that can significantly enhance your experience and impact on the community.

Impact of Media and Final Thoughts

14. Tell us more about your blog, To MAK and Back, and what blogging advice would you give?

One of the three main goals of the Peace Corps is “To help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.” Therefore, it is essential to share the culture, stories, and experiences I have had as a volunteer, and a blog is a great way to start that. Also, I hope future volunteers or people interested in service to the Peace Corps could gain knowledge or understanding from my experience. When applying to the Peace Corps, individual blogs from different countries gave me good insight into volunteer life, and I hope mine will do the same!

15. Any last comments for future North Macedonia volunteers?

I wish you the best of luck on the remarkable adventures that await you! Throughout your service, there may be moments when life seems to slow down, or obstacles appear insurmountable. However, I genuinely believe anyone can navigate these challenges and become stronger on the other side.

When you find out where you’ll be placed, I encourage you to ask the staff about any previous volunteers who served in your location. Their insights and contact information can be invaluable in helping you navigate your new environment.

One piece of advice I’d like to emphasize is the importance of integration. It’s an ongoing process that can lead to lifelong friendships and meaningful connections within your community. By embracing this aspect of your service, you’ll gain a profound perspective that will stay with you long after your Peace Corps journey ends.