Study Abroad in Macedonia
Home of Alexander the Great; conqueror of the ancient world and birthplace of Mother Theresa, Macedonia has an incredible history and also a bright future. With a major revamping of the capital city and the country’s developing economy there’s a lot to like about the future in Macedonia.
There are universities both new and old for foreign students to utilize and countless options for travel and other extra-curricular activities. The country is within easy striking distance of paradises on the Aegean and Adriatic seas, but Macedonia’s matchless beauty and wonderful east-meets-west culture might just keep you within her borders.
It’s much easier to find a study abroad placement in Macedonia if you’re already in the European university system (particularly ERASMUS), but it’s far from impossible to come from outside. There are few tailor-made study abroad courses, but numerous universities open to exchange and semester-abroad opportunities.
Academic Life
Macedonian students love a good café-bar. They’re a great place to hang out, discuss course-work, practice language and kick back with a coffee or a beer.
Language
Classes in English and other foreign languages are commonplace; more so at the international universities. Macedonian and Albanian are the official languages of Macedonia and as such are often the languages of instruction. If you plan on studying in the local dialect you might want to brush up on your Cyrillic script!
Housing
It all depends on your budget and requirements. Most universities have on-campus residences, but a lot of students choose to rent a flat close to their university. Each university has a department to assist students to find suitable accommodation.
Skopje
Skopje is the capital city and centre of study abroad opportunities in Macedonia. Located on the banks of the Vardar River the city is a melting pot of old and new world culture. In the city you’ll find the University American College Skopje and the International Balkan University – both of which have a history of welcoming foreign students. There’s a thriving student café culture in Skopje and the nightlife is awesome too; there is a collection of epic nightclubs which attract the best DJs on the planet.
Ohrid
Smaller than the capital city but infinitely more beautiful; Ohrid is located on the shores of the picturesque Lake Ohrid and within easy travelling distance of some of Macedonia’s best cultural and historical sites. Both Ohrid town and lake are UNESCO World Heritage listed. For tech students the University of Information Science and Technology is right in town, enthusiastic toward foreign students and offers classes delivered in the English language.