Southern Balkans: State Building and Human Rights

  Macedonia

Skopje

Term: Summer 
Dates: early June to mid July

Description: Witness the emergence of new states and the challenges they confront, especially in ensuring minority human rights in the south Balkans. In Montenegro, an independent state since 2006, government officials and citizen groups are playing a watchdog role against corruption and for Muslim and Roma rights. In Kosovo, a United Nations-supervised territory since 1999, debates center on future status, institution building, and human rights for Serb, Roma, and other minorities. Macedonians are working to share power between majority Slavs and minority ethnic Albanians, as well as to integrate Europe's largest settled Roma community.

Throughout the South Balkans, the program considers the impact of international involvement, particularly UN peacekeeping, NATO humanitarian intervention, development assistance, and possibilities of European Union accession. The session also emphasizes the concept of reciprocity through a community action project in the Roma community in Skopje, Macedonia.

Highlights: EURO 3000: State building and Human Rights Seminar
(6 credits/90 class hours)
Case studies of two countries Montenegro and Macedonia plus Kosovo, an international protectorate in the process of becoming a state. Additionally, a visit to Serbia helps illustrate the impact of that country on its neighbors. Topics may include the efforts of watchdog NGOs and the judicial system to stop corruption in Montenegro, Serbias reaction to the loss of territory, the future status and sustainability of Kosovo, and the impact of the Ohrid Peace Framework on interethnic relations in Macedonia.

PRAC 3000: Community Action Project
(2 credits/ 60 field hours)
Participation in various activities within the Roma community (10 days). Emphasizes community needs and applying individual talents and skills to provide service to benefit the host community.
Homestay: Two weeks in Skopje, Macedonia

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: Please inquire

Experience Required: yes

At least one semester of college-level work at the time of application and good academic standing with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5.

This Program is open to American and Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Macedonia in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 12-15

Scholarships are Available. To make study abroad opportunities available to a wide range of students, SIT Study Abroad offers a variety of scholarships. We base all scholarship awards on need and merit. Awards range from $500 to $5,000. For a full list of scholarships, and to download a scholarship application, please visit our web site.

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network

SIT Study Abroad's Mission Statement: SIT Study Abroad is the accredited higher education institution of World Learning, a private, nonprofit international organization promoting international and intercultural understanding, social justice, and economic development through education, training, and field projects around the globe. SIT prepares students to be interculturally effective leaders, professionals, and citizens through SIT Study Abroad, undergraduate, field-based academic programs operating in more than 50 countries worldwide, and thorough short-term professional training and graduate degrees in language teaching, conflict transformation, international education, social justice in intercultural relations, management, and sustainable development.

Year Founded: 1932