A Life-Changing Experience in Our Homeland Macedonia
The United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD), and its partner, the Macedonian Center for International Cooperation, are gearing up for the 8th Birthright Macedonia program to take place June 30-July 21, 2023, in Skopje, Macedonia.
The city of consuls Bitola will be an optional host city (please note: a minimum of five participants need to sign up for Bitola), for the second year in a row, in partnership with the Birthright Macedonia Bitola Alliance.
Over 50 students have participated in UMD’s most popular initiative – a fantastic opportunity to (re)discover your Macedonian heritage, culture, and roots. Last summer saw our most successful year with 12 college-age students fully immersed in Macedonian society and getting to practice their Macedonian language skills.
During the three-week program in Macedonia, participants will intern in a field related to their studies, gain experience, and make an impact.
Participants will have an opportunity to engage in cultural activities, meet local Macedonians, and learn about the history and traditions of their ancestors. They will have a chance to see the capital Skopje and its surroundings, enjoy and relax on the shores of the third oldest lake in the world, Lake Ohrid, walk the Shirok Sokak in the city of Consuls, Bitola, and join in a centuries-old traditional Macedonian wedding and dances at the famous Galicnik wedding festival.
Birthright Macedonia participants may even get the rare chance to take a memorable trip to see the Voden waterfalls and the only Macedonian Orthodox Church in Greece built with funding by the Macedonian diaspora around the world.
Participants will have two options for housing. They can either stay with family in the city they have been assigned to for the internship or share an apartment with other participants from the program. The program will provide apartments located close to the center of Skopje.
We are excited to embark on this journey with our participants and look forward to the positive impact this program will have on individuals and society. Click here to learn more and apply for the once-in-a-lifetime Birthright Macedonia program.
For questions or additional information, please get in touch with UMD Director of Advancement and Development Ema Brown at ebrown@umdiaspora.org.