Peace Corps Macedonia Welcome Book - February 2007

THE PEACE CORPS WELCOMES YOU TO
MACEDONIA
A P E A C E C O R P S P U B L I C ATI O N
FOR NEW VOLUNTEERS
February 2007
A W E L C O M E L E T TE R
Congratulations on your invitation to become a Peace Corps
Volunteer and on your decision to begin what will be one of
the most rewarding and challenging experiences of your life.
The people of Macedonia, along with the Peace Corps staff
members, look forward to meeting and working with you over
the next two years.
As with Peace Corps experiences worldwide, your intellectual

curiosity, sense of adventure, and personal resolve will guide
you through your service in Macedonia. If you arrive with an
open mind, a warm heart, and a sense of humor, your journey
will reward you kindly. The challenges that await you are here
for the taking.
Macedonia has a rich and complex history, and you are

encouraged to read the history section of this book. There are
many influences that shape Macedonia as we know it today.
Macedonia’s history goes back 3,000 years and Macedonians are
proud of the influence they have had in the world. Their favorite
son, Alexander the Great (Aleksander Macedonski), is a source
of great national pride. In the capital city, Skopje, you can see
the location of the childhood home of Mother Teresa. There is
also a lot of natural beauty, so nature lovers and photographers
will find a good home in Macedonia. You will also enjoy the
bountiful fresh produce and other agricultural products.
Macedonia has been struggling with the growing pains

associated with the newly independent countries of the
former Yugoslavia, along with reforms in its economic anad
social landscape. There have been many changes, some easier
than others, and they have not all gone smoothly. For more
than five years, the country has been operating under the
Lake Ohrid Peace Framework Agreement, signed in August
2001, that established peace after a brief period of instability.
WB-Macedonia-07.indd 1 2/16/07 1:05:50 PM

Most Volunteers in Macedonia are assigned to locations outside
of Skopje at sites based on their skills and knowledge and the
needs of the site. Placements vary and some sites require much
more self-sufficiency, flexibility, and persistence than others.
Carving out your own niche within your assigned organization
and community is paramount to a successful experience.
One of the key cultural differences trainees and Volunteers

notice is that Macedonia is a society oriented to relationships
where in America we tend to be more a society oriented to
tasks. When you take time to establish relationships, you will
be more successful and satisfied in your accomplishments.
Volunteers receive excellent medical care, training, program

support, and administrative and logistical services. As a
matter of fact, the Peace Corps/Macedonia medical team
tied for first place worldwide for Volunteer satisfaction. All
of our staff is here to help make your experience fulfilling
and rewarding. Upon arriving in Macedonia, you will begin
12 weeks of language, health and safety, technical, and
cultural training. Because we believe that training is critical to
providing you with a strong foundation for the next two years,
we expect your full participation in this training program.
The Peace Corps is committed to the safety and security of

all trainees and Volunteers. This Welcome Book has more
information on the safety and security program, and you will
receive additional training after your arrival. We approach
safety and security as a partnership with you.
If you are confident that you have the commitment,

motivation, and flexibility to carry out the tasks of a Peace
Corps Volunteer, then we look forward to your joining the
Peace Corps team in Macedonia, a dynamic country in a
historically rich part of the world.
Lucianne Phillips
Country Director

TA B L E O F C O NTE NTS
Map of Macedonia
A Welcome Letter 1
Peace Corps/Macedonia History and Programs 7

History of the Peace Corps in Macedonia 7-9
History and Status of Peace Corps
Programming in Macedonia 9-12
Country Overview: Macedonia at a Glance 15

History 18
Government 18-20
Economy 20-21
People and Culture 21
Environment 21-22
Resources for Further Information 21
Living Conditions and Volunteer Lifestyle 33

Communications 33-35
Housing and Site Location 35
Living Allowance and Money Management 35-36
Food and Diet 36-37
Transportation 37
Geography and Climate 38
Social Activities 38
Professionalism, Dress, and Behavior 39
Personal Safety 39-40
Rewards and Frustrations 40-41

Peace Corps Training 43
Overview of Pre-Service Training 43
Technical Training 43-44
Language Training 44
Cross-Cultural Training 44-45
Health Training 45
Safety Training 45
Additional Trainings During Volunteer Service 46
Your Health Care and Safety in Macedonia 49

Health Issues in Macedonia 49
Helping You Stay Healthy 50
Maintaining Your Health 50-51
Women’s Health Information 51-52
Your Peace Corps Medical Kit 52
Before You Leave: A Medical Checklist 53-54
Safety and Security—Our Partnership 54-57
Factors that Contribute to Volunteer Risk 55-56
Summary Strategies to Reduce Risk 56-57
Support from Staff 57-60
What if you Become a Victim of a Violent Crime 60-61
Security Issues in Macedonia 61-63
Staying Safe: Don’t Be a Target for Crime 63-65
Preparing for the Unexpected: Safety Training
and Volunteer Support in Macedonia 65-67
Diversity and Cross-Cultural Issues 69

Overview of Diversity in Macedonia 70
What Might a Volunteer Face? 70
Possible Issues for Female Volunteers 70-71
Possible Issues for Volunteers of Color 71-72
Possible Issues for Senior Volunteers 72-73
Possible Issues for Gay, Lesbian, or Bisexual Volunteers 73
Possible Religious Issues for Volunteers 74
Possible Issues for Volunteers With Disabilities 74

Frequently Asked Questions 77
Welcome Letters From Macedonia Volunteers 83
Packing List 95
Pre-departure Checklist 99
Contacting Peace Corps Headquarters 103

PEACE CORPS/MACEDONIA
H I S T O RY A N D P R O G R A M S
History of the Peace Corps in Macedonia
The Peace Corps received an invitation from the government

of Macedonia in March 1996 to initiate and develop a
program. By the beginning of June 1996, the first group of
seven trainees arrived. They completed training in August
and were assigned to the Ministry of Education’s secondary
school English education program. Over the next three years,
Peace Corps/Macedonia grew to include programs in business,
environmental education, and municipal development.
Because of the political unrest in neighboring Kosovo, the

Peace Corps program in Macedonia was suspended in 1999.
The confusion and tension resulting from the sudden influx of
hundreds of thousands of refugees in Macedonia were simply
too great to safely continue Peace Corps operations. The
surprisingly quick return of these refugees to Kosovo meant
that the Peace Corps was able to resume operations after only
a six-month suspension.
Long-standing ethnic tensions, however, began to flare up in

the spring of 2001. Grievances between ethnic Albanians and
the Macedonian majority led to armed rebellion in several
majority-Albanian communities. The conflict, which was
isolated primarily to regions in the north and northwest of
the country, became progressively more intense over the
next several months. Finally, on July 5, 2001, events on the
ground forced the Peace Corps to evacuate its Volunteers and
suspend its program. Once again, the further development
of the Peace Corps program in Macedonia was cut short by
political instability in the region.
A WELCOME BOOK · MACEDONIA 7

As the conflict in Macedonia continued, the parties involved
conducted extensive negotiations and after several months
signed the Lake Ohrid Peace Framework Agreement
(Framework Agreement) on August 13, 2001. At the request
of both parties, a NATO task force performed disarmament of
the ethnic Albanian National Liberation Army.
The Framework Agreement was confirmed by the Macedonian

Parliament on September 26, 2001, and continues to be
implemented. The constitution has been amended and laws on
local government and amnesty have been passed. Ethnically
mixed police forces are working to reintegrate the territory
of Macedonia, a task that was monitored by the Organization
for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). National
elections took place in September 2002, further confirming
the future stability of Macedonia.
After a rigorous safety and security assessment of the

situation in Macedonia, the Peace Corps determined that
enough stability had been achieved to support the return of
the Peace Corps. In November 2002, Peace Corps/Macedonia
welcomed the seventh group of Volunteers to continue the
contributions of previous Volunteers and their partners to the
development of Macedonian communities.
The security situation has improved so much that in January

2004, the European Union’s (EU) military force, Operation
Concordia, was replaced by an EU police mission, Proxima,
composed of only 200 mostly unarmed EU police. Proxima, in
cooperation with the OSCE, completed training and deploying
the newly integrated and ethnically mixed Macedonian police
force. Proxima officially ended its activities on December
15, 2005. The international community has assessed that
Macedonia now has capable security forces that can solve the
issues of the country on its own.
8 PEACE CORPS

Decentralization reforms, especially the Law on Territorial
Division that reduced the number of municipalities from
the current 124 to 84, were passed in 2005. These reforms
decentralized authority to local government for education,
healthcare, infrastructure, and other services. Financing these
now local-level responsibilities will be critical to the success of
this reform.
The peaceful municipal elections of 2005 and the

parliamentary elections of 2006 took the country a step closer
to membership in NATO and the EU. These memberships
eventually will increase regional and international trade ties
and political cooperation.
History and Future of Peace Corps Programming in Macedonia
Macedonia’s objectives are to develop a multiethnic

democracy; to provide economic opportunities for its
citizens; and to move toward NATO and EU integration.
Since the country gained its independence from Yugoslavia
in 1991, it has made this integration a top foreign policy
goal. A part of this strategy has been to encourage
partnerships and cooperation with a wide range of
international development organizations. The Peace Corps
has worked closely with various government ministries
in Macedonia to develop programs that will facilitate the
attainment of this goal in several key areas. Since Peace
Corps/Macedonia began in 1996, its program comprises
two major sectors: English education development, and
community development. The latter includes organizational
development for nongovernmental organizations (NGOs),
municipal government, educational institutions, or other
local organizations; business development; environmental
improvement; youth development; and assistance to
vulnerable and disadvantaged groups.

The objectives for each of these sectors are outlined in
documents called project plans, which have been translated
into Macedonian and are used as the basis for discussions
with potential sponsors that have requested the assistance
of a Peace Corps Volunteer. As in all Peace Corps programs,
work is done in collaboration with counterparts to ensure the
Peace Corps’ goal of assisting countries to meet their need for
trained men and women.
A number of different tasks are listed in each project plan, and

you are likely to become involved with several of these tasks in
addition to activities in the community. Information provided in
the Volunteer Assignment Description (VAD) can be matched
with specific tasks of the project plan for your sector. Both the
project plan and the VAD explain how you can work with both
your hosting organization’s program and the local community.
It is up to you, however, to take the first steps to become
acquainted with, and involved in, the program.
English language teaching was the original Peace Corps

program in Macedonia. There is a need for qualified English
teachers at both the primary and secondary school levels,
especially in small towns. Until 2005, it was illegal for a
foreign national teacher to teach in Macedonian public
schools. The law has changed, but the custom continues.
As a “resource teacher,” you will be paired with Macedonian
teachers to work collaboratively. It would be very rare for
you to have your own classroom. Volunteers work with their
Macedonian counterparts to promote applicable and current
teaching methods and approaches, especially interactive and
communicative techniques. Many of the schools where the
Peace Corps places Volunteers have limited resources for
materials. Volunteers work with Macedonian colleagues and
others in the community to develop strategies to improve
the educational resources in their schools and communities.
Overall, Volunteers focus on assisting students to improve
English writing, reading, and overall communication skills
10 PEACE CORPS

through creative and participatory language learning activities.
Volunteers and their Macedonian colleagues have collaborated
in many areas. These have included developing supplemental
materials to support English language instruction and forming
clubs at schools that encourage the use of the English
language (writing clubs, drama clubs, an English or American
film club, a debate club, and even a music club). Volunteers
have also helped develop links among schools, communities,
and the world through pen-pal exchanges and by creatively
using computer labs and the Internet to enhance the use of
information technology (IT). Volunteers are also encouraged
to help the community at large, and they have assisted their
communities to develop and implement a variety of projects
that seek solutions to environmental, health, gender, and
other social issues.
Peace Corps Volunteers in the community development

program facilitate community development efforts in
collaboration with local organizations. The program combines
the knowledge and skills of Volunteers and their community
partners in identifying common objectives, setting realistic
expectations, and reaching informed decisions to address
local needs. Volunteers are working with NGOs representing
environmental, youth development, disadvantaged groups,
women’s groups, and other grassroots organizations at the
local level as well as educational institutions and departments
of local government. Volunteers help these local organizations
develop internally to become sustainable and capable of
delivering needed services through organizational and
managerial development, increasing project management
skills, increasing grant writing and fund raising skills, and
increasing networking skills.
In organizations focused on local business development,

Volunteers and their local partners conduct market research,
prepare business and marketing plans, build networks with

the business community, apply better use of information
technology, and provide information and advice for local
businesses and associations.
In organizations focused on environmental activities,

Volunteers and their local partners identify and distribute
environmental education materials to schools, youth groups,
and NGOS; develop environmental education programs for
local organizations; develop and promote environmentally-
sustainable practices in forestry, agricultural organizations,
and local farmers’ associations; teach environmental classes in
the public school system; work with eco-clubs to develop their
capacity and improve their activities; participate in community
beautification activities; organize community clean-ups;
initiate programs for the collection, sorting, and/or recycling
of waste; and organize community-oriented environmental
awareness projects.
In organizations focused on youth development, Volunteers

and their local partners provide information to youth via
workshops and printed materials on topics related to social
issues and physical and mental well-being, such as fitness,
nutrition, prevention of violence, recognizing and handling
substance abuse, self-esteem, gender equality, ethnic
tolerance, and human rights. Volunteers and their local
partners also organize activities that promote tolerance and
equal opportunities for underrepresented groups, including
those with special needs, the economically disadvantaged, and
those from ethnic minorities; promote volunteer community
service; and motivate youth to develop strategies and
activities for the constructive use of free time.
12 PEACE CORPS

NOTES

C O U NTRY O V E R V I E W:
MAC E D O N IA AT A G LAN C E
History
The Republic of Macedonia is a small, landlocked country in

the Balkan Peninsula, bordered on the north by Serbia (which
includes the Kosovo province, which is under the mandate of
the United Nations until a final settlement status is reached),
on the east by Bulgaria, on the south by Greece, and on
the west by Albania. It forms part of the historical region of
greater Macedonia, the rest of which is now in Greece and
Bulgaria. The capital is Skopje. Formerly part of Yugoslavia,
it became independent in 1991 and was admitted to the
United Nations as the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
(FYROM) under pressure from Greece, which objected to
the use of what it considers a Hellenic name. (The ancient
kingdom of Macedonia, situated in the north of modern
Greece, was established by Perdiccas I in about 640 B.C.)
Although a small country today, Macedonia was once the

dominant power in the Balkans. In the Middle Ages, it
competed with the Byzantine Empire and greatly influenced
the cultural life of the region until it was conquered by the
Ottoman Turks in the late 14th century. In 1913 Macedonia
was annexed by Serbia, and in 1918 it became part of the
Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes (later known as
Yugoslavia). From 1944 to 1990, the country was part of the
Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.
In 1990 a coalition of reformist Communists and Macedonian

nationalists took office, and in 1991, Macedonia, following the
example of Croatia and Slovenia, declared its independence
from Yugoslavia and adopted a new constitution. Greece,
which controlled the southern part of historical Macedonia

and feared claims on its territory by Macedonian nationalists,
opposed recognizing the new nation under the name
“Macedonia” and imposed an economic blockade. Macedonia
gradually won recognition from most of the international
community, however, and was admitted to the United
Nations. A United Nations peacekeeping force was sent in to
discourage the ethnic conflicts that were engulfing other new
states of the former Yugoslavia. (The Republic of Macedonia
is the constitutional name of the country [recognized by the
United States and others] and Former Yugoslav Republic of
Macedonia (FYROM) is the internationally-recognized name
by the United Nations. The name FYROM is not popular with
Macedonians and should not be used within the country. In
Greece, FYROM is the only name they will recognize.)
In 1993 Kiro Gligorov of the Social Democratic Alliance

(former Communist Party) was elected as the first president of
Macedonia. Over the next several years, the young democracy
made slow progress in developing a stable government. After
the second parliamentary elections in 1998, Boris Trajkovski
became the second president of Macedonia in 1999.
In early 2001, internal tensions resulted in an armed

insurgency led by radical elements of the ethnic Albanian
minority. The conflict spread throughout small areas of the
largely Albanian-controlled northwest, which accounts for
approximately one-tenth of the entire country. After six
months of armed conflict, with negotiations conducted in
parallel, the Framework Agreement was signed on August
13, 2001. The agreement was confirmed by the Macedonian
Parliament on September 26, 2001, and is almost completely
implemented. The provisions of the Framework Agreement
included the reaffirmation of the multi-ethnic identity of the
country, equitable representation, the use of language, flags,
and symbols, and decentralization and municipal reforms. As
a result of the ongoing implementation of this Framework
Agreement, inter-ethnic relations became more relaxed, with
16 PEACE CORPS

isolated incidents of minor intensity and influence on the
stability of the country. An incident during 2005, however,
was the appearance of a paramilitary formation composed
of ethnic Albanians from Macedonia and Kosovo which
temporarily gained control over Kondovo, a small village near
Skopje, demanding a new amnesty law. After the political
solution of the crisis, supported by the leaders of the ethnic
Albanian political parties, the group abandoned the village
and the leader of the group is awaiting trial. He has remained
politically active and was elected to parliament. This incident,
though, did not deter the country from further completing
provisions of the Framework Agreement. The law on the use
of ethnic flags and symbols was passed without incident in the
latter part of 2005.
Overall, there is a greater awareness of the need to accelerate

the development of a more inclusive and pluralistic society.
Macedonia is making great strides in addressing the many
issues of concern within its ethnic minority communities.
Although the government and people of Macedonia have
been challenged by the crisis, they are well on the way to
successfully reforming their country. The national elections
in September 2002, the local elections held in March and
April 2005, the departure of the EU police mission, Proxima,
in December 2005 after the completion of its mission, and
the peaceful parliamentary elections of 2006 are all seen
as benchmarks of Macedonia’s progress toward a return
to the family of stable European democracies. Macedonia
seems ready to address the more important aspects of
economic stability and opportunity—its path to EU and NATO
membership and the justice reforms necessary to solidify the
rule of law in the country.
Macedonia was hoping to receive NATO membership by the

end of 2006, but the next NATO enlargement summit has
been postponed to 2008 for countries in the Adriatic group,

mainly Macedonia, Albania, and Croatia. Macedonia has been
fulfilling NATO requirements and reforms, and has been given
positive assessments to date, so it is expected that it will
receive full membership at that time.
Macedonia commenced its way toward the EU by submitting

answers to the EU questionnaire, which assesses a country’s
readiness to start the accession process. In November
2005, Macedonia received a positive assessment and was
recommended as a EU candidate status country. It is hoped
that it will receive a date for negotiations for EU membership.
Full EU membership, though, is not expected until Macedonia
fulfills all economic and judicial standards.
A pending issue remains the solution of Macedonia’s

constitutional name. A longstanding dispute with Greece
over the name of Macedonia continues. The United Nations
appointed a mediator to help Macedonia and Greece find an
acceptable solution, but no agreement has been reached.
The final status of Kosovo will also impact Macedonia. The

United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo
(UNMIK) has been administering the province since the end
of the Kosovo war in 1999. The United Nations recommended
that status talks concerning the future of Kosovo begin in
2005. A special U.N. envoy for Kosovo has been appointed
for talks to determine its final status. This was hoped to
have been completed by the end of 2006, but it is still in
the technical phase. It is hoped that the final status of this
province will consolidate stability in the region with its
neighbors, including Macedonia, and bring a conclusion to the
demarcation of the border with Kosovo.
Government
The executive branch of the government is composed of

the president, vice president, prime minister, and Council of
18 PEACE CORPS

Ministers. The president and vice president are elected by
popular vote for five-year terms. The prime minister chairs
the Council of Ministers and is nominated by the president for
confirmation by the National Assembly (after being proposed
by the majority party or coalition in the assembly). Deputy
prime ministers are nominated by the prime minister.
The legislative branch is composed of a unicameral National

Assembly, or Sobranie, with 120 members. Major political
parties include the Internal Macedonian Revolutionary
Organization-Democratic Party for Macedonian National
Unity (VMRO-DPMNE), Social Democratic Alliance (SDS),
Democratic Union for Integration (DUI), Democratic Party
of the Albanians (DPA), Socialist Party, Liberal Democratic
Party, New Social Democratic Alliance, Party for Democratic
Prosperity and several others. The national elections held in
September 2002 resulted in the reelection of President Boris
Trajkovski and the election of Branko Crvenkovski as prime
minister. Trajkovski, however, died tragically in an airplane
crash in February 2004. Branko Crvenkovski was elected
president of Macedonia on April 28, 2004. Hari Kostov was
elected as prime minister. Vlado Buckovski became prime
minister on November 26, 2004, following the resignation of
former Prime Minister Hari Kostov. After the last elections
held in July 2006, the president of VMRO-DPMNE, Nikola
Gruevski, became the prime minister and established a
government in coalition with DPA.
The judicial branch is composed of a supreme court chairman

appointed by the president and a Constitutional Court. The
Supreme Court addresses administrative matters and the
Constitutional Court addresses constitutional matters.
Macedonia’s municipal government is undergoing major

reforms. The successful local elections that took place in
March and April of 2005 have paved the way for decentralizing
authority to local government for public services such as

education and healthcare services, as well as infrastructure.
The financing of local-level responsibilities devolved to the
municipalities as well as competence for carrying out services
will be key aspects to monitor in upcoming years.
Economy
When Macedonia became independent in November 1991, it

was the least developed of the Yugoslav republics, producing
a mere 5 percent of the total federal output of goods and
services. The collapse of Yugoslavia ended transfer payments
from the central government and eliminated the advantages
of inclusion in a de facto free-trade area. With the absence
of infrastructure, UN sanctions on Yugoslavia, and the Greek
economic embargo, economic growth was severely hindered
until 1996. GDP has subsequently increased each year, and
successful privatization boosted the country’s reserves to more
than $700 million. Although the government demonstrated
a commitment to continued economic reform, free trade,
and regional integration, inflation jumped to 11 percent in
2000 largely as a result of higher oil prices. The economy
was adversely affected by unsettled political conditions in
the region, especially during the crises in Kosovo in 1998 and
in northwestern Macedonia in 2001, and by the republic’s
troubled relations with Greece and Serbia. With improved
political stability in Macedonia and the region, inflation is now
relatively low, under 3 percent, and there is price stability.
Ten percent of Macedonia’s GDP comes from agriculture,

32 percent from industry, and 58 percent from services. A
World Bank report in 2005 reported that 22 percent of the
population live in absolute poverty, being unable to meet their
basic needs. Sixty percent of this population is concentrated in
urban areas and 40 percent in rural areas. The unemployment
rate has remained unchanged at about 37 percent over the
20 PEACE CORPS

past several years. Unemployment, low salaries, and improper
social policy are the main reasons for poverty in the country.
The major industries are coal, metallic chromium, lead, zinc,
ferronickel, textiles, wood products, and tobacco. The major
agricultural products are rice, tobacco, wheat, corn, millet,
cotton, sesame, mulberry leaves, citrus, vegetables, beef, pork,
poultry, and mutton. Exports include food, beverages, tobacco,
iron, and steel. In October 2006, $1 (U.S.) was equivalent to
48 denars.
People and Culture
According to the Macedonian Bureau of Statistics, of the

total population of 2.05 million, 66.6 percent are ethnic
Macedonians and 22.7 percent are ethnic Albanians, although
Albanian politicians claim that the real figure is much higher.
Ethnic Turks and ethnic Serbs make up the remainder. The
dominant religion is Eastern Orthodox, which has at least the
nominal adherence of most Macedonians, Vlachs, and Serbs.
A separate Macedonian Orthodox Church has existed since
1967. The Turks and most Albanians are Muslim. The primary
language is Macedonian, a Slavic language. Serbo-Croatian,
Turkish, and Albanian are also widely spoken. Since the
constitution was amended in 2001, the language of any ethnic
group that constitutes more than 20 percent of the residents
in any given community is treated as an official language.
Environment
The country has a total area of 25,740 square kilometers

(9,900 square miles). Sometimes called Vardar Macedonia
(after the Vardar River that flows southeast through the
country into Greece), Macedonia consists mostly of highlands
and mountains, with elevations reaching 2,751 meters
(9,078 feet) in the Korab range on the Albanian border. The

mountains are separated by the Vardar River Valley and by
a number of lakes, the largest of which are Ohrid, Prespa,
and Dojran. The mountain slopes are covered by mixed
forest and shrubs to an elevation of 2,000 meters (6,600
feet) and by steppe meadows above that level. Earthquakes
occur frequently in Macedonia. The climate in Macedonia is
influenced by the Mediterranean and Continental climates, and
is characterized by hot and dry summers and cold winters with
rain or snow.
22 PEACE CORPS

NOTES

R E S O U R C E S FO R
FU RTH E R I N FO R MATI O N
A list of websites for additional information about the
Peace Corps and Macedonia, or to connect you to returned
Volunteers, is provided below. Please keep in mind that
although we try to make sure all these links are active and
current, we cannot guarantee it.
A note of caution: As you surf these sites, be aware that you

will find bulletin boards and chat rooms in which people
are free to give opinions and advice based on their own
experiences. The opinions expressed are not those of the
Peace Corps or the U.S. government. You may find opinions
of people who were unhappy with their choice to serve in the
Peace Corps. As you read these comments, we hope you will
keep in mind that the Peace Corps is not for everyone, and no
two people experience their service in the same way.
General Information About Macedonia
www.countrywatch.com
On this site, you can learn anything from what time it is in
Skopje to how to convert from the dollar to the denar. Just
click on Macedonia and go from there.
www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations
Visit this site for general travel advice about almost any
country in the world.
www.state.gov
The State Department’s website issues background notes
periodically about countries around the world. Find
Macedonia and learn more about its social and political history.

www.psr.keele.ac.uk/official.htm
This site includes links to all the official sites for governments
worldwide.
www.geography.about.com/library/maps/blindex.htm
This online world atlas includes maps and geographical
information about countries around the world. Each country
page contains links to other sites, such as the Library of
Congress, which contain comprehensive historical, social, and
political background.
www.cyberschoolbus.un.org/infonation/info.asp
This United Nations site allows you to search for statistical
information for member states of the U.N.
www.worldinformation.com
This site provides an additional source of current and
historical information about countries around the world.
Connect With Returned Volunteers and Other Invitees
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/peacecorps2
This Yahoo site hosts a bulletin board where prospective
Volunteers and returned Volunteers can come together.
www.rpcv.org
This is the site of the National Peace Corps Association, a
membership organization for returned Volunteers. On this
site you can find links to all the Web pages of the “friends of ”
groups for most countries of service. The groups include former
Volunteers who served in those countries. There are also
regional groups which frequently get together for social events
and local Volunteer activities.
www.peacecorpswriters.org
This site is hosted by a group of returned Volunteer writers.
26 PEACE CORPS

It is a monthly online publication of essays and Volunteer
accounts of their Peace Corps service.
Online Articles/Current News Sites About Macedonia
www.maknews.com
Current events in Macedonia from many sources
www.mia.com.mk
The site of Macedonia’s official information agency, in English,
German, and Macedonian
www.antiwar.com/maknews/macedonia.html
Unconventional news about Macedonia
www.macedonianamerican.org
A site hosted by the Macedonian American Friendship
Association
www.realitymacedonia.org.mk
Current issues with some emotional overtones
www.macedonia.org
Well-rounded site about all aspects of Macedonia
www.ajvar.com
A site (in Macedonian) with some entertainment value
www.blesok.com.mk
A site featuring electronic literature and other arts
International Development Sites About Macedonia
www.usaid.gov/regions/europe_eurasia/countries/mk
Information about the U.S. Agency for International
Development’s work in Macedonia

www.undp.org.mk
The United Nations Development Programme in Macedonia
www.iscvt.org
Site of the Institute for Sustainable Communities, which runs
the USAID-funded Democracy Network Program in Macedonia
www.dai.com
Site of Development Alternatives, Inc., which operates a
USAID-funded local government reform project in Macedonia
www.iom.int
Site of the International Organization for Migration
Recommended Books
It can be difficult to find texts specifically about Macedonia,

but because its history and culture are intrinsically bound
with Balkans history, other books about the Balkans will
provide insight into Macedonia.
1. Andric, Ivo. The Bridge on the Drina. Chicago:

University of Chicago Press, 1959.
2. Danforth, Loring M. The Macedonian Conflict: Ethnic

Nationalism in a Transnational World. Princeton,
N.J.: Princeton University Press, 1997.
3. Evans, Thammy. Macedonia: Bradt Travel Guide,

London: Bradt Travel Guides, 2004.
4. Fonseca, Isabel. Bury Me Standing: The Gypsies and

Their Journey. New York: Vintage Books, 1996.
5. Kaplan, Robert D. Balkan Ghosts: A Journey Through

History. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 1993.
6. Kita, Sapurma, and Petrovska Pandora. Children of the

Bird Goddess. VAE Enterprises, 1997.
28 PEACE CORPS

7. Pettifer, James (ed.). The New Macedonian Question.
New York: St. Martin’s Press, 1999.
8. Phillips, John. Macedonia. Connecticut: Yale University

Press, 2004.
9. Silber, Laura, and Allan Little. Yugoslavia: Death of a

Nation. New York: Penguin Books, 1996.
10. Townson, Annabelle. We Wait for You: Unheard

Voices from Post-Communist Romania. Lanham,
Maryland: Hamilton Books, 2005 (paperback).
11. West, Rebecca. Black Lamb and Grey Falcon: A

Journey Through Yugoslavia. New York: Penguin
Books, 1995 (originally published in 1941).
Books About the History of the Peace Corps

1. Hoffman, Elizabeth Cobbs. All You Need is Love: The
Peace Corps and the Spirit of the 1960’s. Cambridge,
Mass.: Harvard University Press, 2000.
2. Rice, Gerald T. The Bold Experiment: JFK’s Peace

Corps. Notre Dame, Ind.: University of Notre Dame
Press, 1985.
3. Stossel, Scott. Sarge: The Life and Times of Sargent

Shriver. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution
Press, 2004.
Books on the Volunteer Experience

1. Dirlam, Sharon. Beyond Siberia: Two Years in
a Forgotten Place. Santa Barbara, Calif.: McSeas
Books, 2004.
2. Casebolt, Marjorie DeMoss. Margarita: A Guatemalan

Peace Corps Experience. Gig Harbor, Wash.: Red
Apple Publishing, 2000.

3. Erdman, Sarah. Nine Hills to Nambonkaha: Two
Years in the Heart of an African Village. New York,
N.Y.: Picador, 2003.
4. Hessler, Peter. River Town: Two Years on the Yangtze.

New York, N.Y.: Perennial, 2001.
5. Kennedy, Geraldine ed. From the Center of the Earth:

Stories out of the Peace Corps. Santa Monica, Calif.:
Clover Park Press, 1991.
6. Thompsen, Moritz. Living Poor: A Peace Corps

Chronicle. Seattle, Wash.: University of Washington
Press, 1997 (reprint).
30 PEACE CORPS

NOTES

LI V I N G C O N D ITI O N S AN D
V O LU NTE E R LI FE STYLE
Communications
Mail
Few countries in the world offer the level of mail service

expected in the United States. If you expect U.S. standards
for mail service, you will be in for some frustration. Mail
takes a minimum of 10 days to arrive in Macedonia if sent by
airmail. Packages sent by surface mail can take up to three
or four months. Some mail may simply not arrive (fortunately
this is not a frequent occurrence, but it does happen). Letters
may arrive with clipped edges because someone has tried to
see if any money was inside (again, this is rare, but it does
happen). Tell your correspondents to number their letters and
to include “Airmail” on their envelopes.
We encourage you to write to your family regularly and to

number your letters. Family members typically become
worried when they do not hear from you, so it is a good idea
to advise them that mail service is sporadic and that they
should not worry if they do not receive your letters regularly.
If a serious problem were to occur, Peace Corps/Macedonia
would notify the Office of Special Services at the Peace Corps
headquarters in Washington, which would then contact your
family.
Your address during training will be:

[Your Name]
Miroven Korpus
Oslo 6
1000 Skopje
MACEDONIA

Telephones
Telephone service in Macedonia is generally good. If your
residence does not have a phone and you would like one,
the Peace Corps will have one installed for safety and
security purposes and will cover the basic monthly service
fee; any additional calls will be the Volunteer’s responsibility.
Alternatively, you may choose to purchase a cellphone.
Service is good and most Volunteers opt to purchase “prepaid”
service. The monthly phone allowance from Peace Corps may
be used to pay for cellphone time.
Long-distance calls outside Macedonia can be quite expensive.

Services such as AT&T permit collect calls to be made from
Macedonia to America. The AT&T access number when calling
from Macedonia is 00.800.4288. AT&T calling cards can also
be used, and it may be possible to connect to a call-back
service.
Almost all communities of reasonable size have post offices

(look for the yellow signs that say “PTT”) that provide
telephone services as well as postal services.
Computer, Internet, and E-mail Access

If you choose to bring a laptop computer and related
equipment, note that the Peace Corps does not provide e-mail
accounts or technical and repair support for Volunteers. While
many Volunteers find computers useful, especially laptops,
the Peace Corps does not consider them to be essential and
cannot replace them in the case of loss or theft. If you do
bring computer equipment, insurance is recommended.
Some, but not all, Volunteers have access to computers at

their work sites, which may or may not have Internet and e-
mail capabilities. Such equipment, however, is intended to be
used primarily for work-related activities, and you should not
assume that it can be used for personal purposes. Internet,
34 PEACE CORPS

including wireless, and e-mail access is available throughout
Macedonia, and Internet cafes can be found in most major
cities and towns.
Housing and Site Location

Housing must adhere to Peace Corps-defined standards and
the Peace Corps staff visits all proposed living arrangements
to evaluate their suitability. Most Volunteers live in small,
modest apartments, either a studio or a one-bedroom with a
kitchen, with basic furniture and provisions for security.
Volunteers should be prepared to serve in any region of

Macedonia.
Living Allowance and Money Management
You will receive a monthly living allowance that is designed

to enable you to maintain a modest lifestyle. This allowance
is deposited in your bank account in denars every month
and is intended to cover food, household supplies, local
transportation, recreation, entertainment, and incidental
expenses such as postage, film, reading material, stationery,
15 hours of Internet use per month, and toiletries. Rent and
basic utilities are paid for by Peace Corps.
Lifestyles are different here than in the States, but most

Volunteers who adopt a Macedonian lifestyle find their living
allowance to be sufficient for their needs. In other words, the
lifestyle you adopt while serving in Macedonia will largely
determine the adequacy of the living allowance. If you
choose to eat in restaurants daily, make long and numerous
phone calls to friends and family in the United States, spend
weekends visiting other Volunteers around the country, and
insist on imported toiletries, foods, and other consumables,
you are not likely to be able to survive very well on your
living allowance. You may also have a harder time becoming a

part of your community. If, instead, you adopt a more typical
Macedonian lifestyle, your living allowance should be more
than adequate.
The Peace Corps also provides a one-time settling-in

allowance (approximately equivalent to $110 in denars) that
will help you set up your home. It is meant to cover basic
household items such as dishes, towels, sheets, and the like.
The exchange rate at the time of this writing is 48 denars

to the U.S. dollar. Traveler’s checks and credit cards can
be used in some locations in Skopje, particularly those that
cater to tourists. ATMs are currently available in Skopje and
Ohrid, and many larger cities. However, Volunteers who live
in communities outside Skopje will make almost all of their
financial transactions in Macedonia through bank transfers
or in cash. A few large banks exist throughout Macedonia
where Volunteers can open accounts into which their living
allowance will be deposited. All Volunteer accounts are non-
resident accounts and can maintain separate balances for
local currency, U.S. dollars, euros, etc. Some Volunteers have
found it useful to retain their checking accounts in the United
States to pay bills in the U.S. or to access U.S. funds. Hard
currencies such as dollars and euros should only be changed
at banks and legal change bureaus; changing money on the
street is illegal.
Food and Diet
You will not find many frozen or prepared foods in Macedonia,

but a wide variety of delicious fresh food is always available
if you know how to cook. “Homemade” is the best word to
describe the fare on a Macedonian dining table. Peppers,
tomatoes, potatoes, cabbages, onions, garlic, meat (pork,
chicken, lamb, beef) and oil are staples in Macedonian
cooking. The meat most often found in restaurants and shops
36 PEACE CORPS

is pork, though chicken and fresh fish are also available.
Sirenje and kashkaval (two types of cheese), eggs, milk, and
yogurt (not the typical U.S. supermarket-style yogurt) are
also a regular part of the Macedonian diet.
Vegetarians will not have difficulty maintaining a healthy diet

if they cook at home. Lentils, processed tofu, beans, and rice
are widely available, as are peanuts and other kinds of nuts.
Eating out in a restaurant may be a little more difficult, since
most of the menu will consist of meat dishes. You will never
go wrong ordering a salad, gravche tavche (the traditional
bean dish), and bread. In the larger cities you will even find
vegetarian pizza.
Along with a wide variety of vegetables, fruits are plentiful

in season. Southeastern Macedonia is widely known for the
production of fruits and vegetables. If you are not inclined to
make your own juice and jam from these, these products are
always available in local stores. It might be a good idea to learn
to make a few of your favorite dishes before you move to your
site, and you might want to bring the recipe for your favorite
spaghetti sauce from home. Spaghetti can be purchased easily
here, but you will have to make your own sauce.
Transportation
Macedonia has a large network of bus and train routes, which

makes it possible to travel to practically all destinations
by public transportation. A few previous Volunteers have
experienced thefts while traveling. As you would anywhere
else, you must be vigilant in protecting your valuables while
using public transportation.

Geography and Climate
Macedonia is influenced by a Mediterranean and Continental

climate with four distinct seasons. As in the United States,
weather patterns have been changing in recent years, so it is
difficult to describe a “typical” year. July and August can be
very hot and dry, with temperatures staying in the 90- to 100-
degree Fahrenheit range for a two-week period or longer. In
the winter, the whole country can be blanketed in snow, with
more snow in the north than in the south. Long underwear,
winter boots, and a warm coat are necessities because of
the inconsistency of heating. Because of the scarcity of air
conditioning, comfortable, lightweight clothing is important
for the summer months.
Social Activities
You will find no shortage of entertainment opportunities

during your stay in Macedonia. There are museums,
concerts, theaters, athletic events, hot springs, outdoor
markets, historical and ethnographic centers, coffee shops,
bars, discos, and cinemas for you to enjoy. Most recently
released American films are shown in theaters in English with
Macedonian subtitles.
Macedonia boasts some of the most magnificent natural areas

in eastern Europe, with a great diversity of flora and fauna.
Opportunities for outdoor recreation include hiking, camping,
rock climbing, and bird-watching. During the summer,
Macedonians flock to Lake Ohrid to enjoy its pristine waters
and beautiful scenery. During the winter, Macedonia’s several
ski resorts attract skiers from all over Europe.
38 PEACE CORPS

Professionalism, Dress, and Behavior
One of the difficulties of finding your place as a Peace Corps

Volunteer is fitting into the local culture while maintaining
your own cultural identity and working as a professional. It
is not an easy situation to resolve, and we can only provide
you with general guidelines. While there is no hard-and-
fast rule, a foreigner who wears ragged or dirty clothing is
likely to be considered disrespectful and possibly unreliable.
Improper attire creates difficulties in gaining the respect and
acceptance of your Macedonian and Albanian colleagues. You
will have occasions to dress up regularly, so bring some more
formal attire in addition to professional clothes appropriate for
everyday wear in the office or classroom. Think business casual.
Personal Safety
More detailed information about the Peace Corps’ approach

to safety is contained in the Health Care and Safety chapter,
but it is an important issue and cannot be overemphasized. As
stated in the Volunteer Handbook, becoming a Peace Corps
Volunteer entails certain safety risks. Living and traveling
in an unfamiliar environment (oftentimes alone), having a
limited understanding of local language and culture, and being
perceived as well-off are some of the factors that can put a
Volunteer at risk. Many Volunteers experience varying degrees
of unwanted attention and harassment. Petty thefts and
burglaries are not uncommon, and incidents of physical and
sexual assault do occur, although most Macedonia Volunteers
complete their two years of service without personal security
incidents. The Peace Corps has established procedures and

policies designed to help you reduce your risks and enhance
your safety and security. These procedures and policies, in
addition to safety training, will be provided once you arrive
in Macedonia. At the same time, you are expected to take
responsibility for your safety and well-being.
Rewards and Frustrations
Although the potential for job satisfaction in Macedonia is

quite high, like all Volunteers, you will encounter numerous
frustrations. Because of financial or other challenges,
collaborating agencies may not always provide the support they
have agreed to. The pace of work and life here is slower than
what most Americans are accustomed to, and the local people
may be hesitant to change long-held practices and traditions.
Volunteers are often given a high degree of responsibility and

independence in their work, perhaps more than they have
experienced in other jobs. Volunteers often find themselves
in situations that require an ability to be self-motivated with
little guidance from supervisors. You might work for months
without seeing any visible impact from, or without receiving any
feedback on, your work. Development is a slow process. Positive
progress more often comes after the combined efforts of several
Volunteers over the course of many years. You must possess the
self-confidence, patience, and vision to continue working toward
long-term goals without seeing immediate results.
To overcome these difficulties you will need maturity,

flexibility, open-mindedness, and resourcefulness.
Macedonians are warm, friendly, hospitable people, and the
Peace Corps staff, your co-workers, and fellow Volunteers
will support you during times of challenge as well as in
moments of success. Judging by the experience of former
Volunteers, the peaks are well worth the difficult times, and
40 PEACE CORPS

most Volunteers leave Macedonia feeling that they have
gained much more than they sacrificed during their service. If
you are able to make the commitment to integrate into your
community and work hard, you will be a successful Volunteer.

PEACE CORPS
TRAI N I N G
Overview of Pre-Service Training
Before you are sworn in as a Peace Corps Volunteer, you will

participate in an intensive 12-week training program. The
training uses a community-based approach, which means that
you will live in small to mid-size communities surrounding
a larger hub town. The training focuses on studying the
Macedonian and, for some, Albanian language, in addition
to cross-cultural adaptation, health and personal safety, and
technical skills development. This period is a time for you to
reexamine your commitment to be a Volunteer in Macedonia.
It is also a time for the Peace Corps staff members to get to
know you and be assured that your skills and attitude are a
good match for the program in Macedonia. Throughout the
training period, self-assessment as well as assessment by the
Peace Corps staff will measure your progress toward meeting
training objectives.
Technical Training
Technical training will prepare you to work in Macedonia

by building on the skills you already have and helping you
develop new skills in a manner appropriate to the needs of
the country. The Peace Corps staff and Macedonian trainers
will conduct the training program. Training places great
emphasis on learning how to transfer the skills you have to
the community in which you will serve as a Volunteer.
Technical training will include sessions on project design

and management; networking; organizational development;
function and structure of the nongovernmental organization

(NGO) sector and local government sector; theories, methods,
and techniques for teaching English as a foreign language
(TEFL); and community and workplace entry skills. You will
also meet with the Macedonian agencies and organizations
that invited the Peace Corps to assist them.
Language Training
As a Peace Corps Volunteer, you will find that language skills
are the key to personal and professional satisfaction during
your service. These skills are critical to your job performance,
they help you integrate into your host community, and they
can ease your personal adaptation to the new surroundings.
Therefore, language training is the heart of the training
program. You must successfully meet minimum language
requirements to complete training and become a Volunteer.
Experienced Macedonian and Albanian language instructors
teach formal language classes five days a week in small groups
of five to seven people. Language is also incorporated into the
health, culture, and technical components of training.
Your language training will incorporate a community-based

approach. In addition to classroom time, you will be given
assignments to work on outside of the classroom and with
your host family. The goal is to get you to a point of basic
social communication skills so that you can practice and
develop language skills further on your own. Prior to being
sworn in as a Volunteer, you will work on strategies to
continue language studies during your two years of service.
Cross-Cultural Training
Depending upon your work site assignment, as part of your
pre-service training, you will live with a Macedonian or
Albanian host family. This experience is designed to ease your
transition to life at your site. Families have gone through an
44 PEACE CORPS

orientation conducted by Peace Corps staff to explain the
purpose of the pre-service training program and to assist them
in helping you adapt to living in Macedonia. Many Volunteers
form strong and lasting friendships with their host families.
Cross-cultural training will help you to understand and adapt

to life and work in Macedonia, to develop personal strategies
to cope with cultural challenges, and to improve your
communication skills and understand your role as a facilitator
of development. You will be exposed to historical and political
topics, socio-economic overview, gender and diversity issues,
culture at the workplace, and the multiethnic identity of the
country. This training is integrated into all components of the
training and is reinforced by your homestay experience and
discussions with the training staff.
Health Training
During pre-service training, you will be given basic medical
training and information. You will be expected to practice
preventive healthcare and to take responsibility for your
own health by adhering to all medical policies. Trainees are
required to attend all medical sessions. The topics include
preventive health measures and major and minor medical
issues that you might encounter while in Macedonia. Sexual
health, alcohol issues, nutrition, mental health, and safety
issues are also covered.
Safety Training
During the safety training sessions, you will learn how to adopt
a lifestyle that reduces risk in your home, at work, and during
your travels. You will also learn appropriate, effective strategies
for coping with unwanted attention and about your individual
responsibility for promoting safety throughout your service.

Additional Training During Volunteer Service
In its commitment to quality training, the Peace Corps has

implemented a training system that provides Volunteers with
continual opportunities to increase their technical, language
and cross-cultural skills. During your service, there are usually
three training events. The titles and objectives for those
trainings are as follows:
• In-service training: provides an opportunity for
Volunteers to upgrade their technical, language, cross-
cultural, personal safety, and project development skills,
share their experiences, and reaffirm their commitment
after having served for three to six months.
• Mid service conference: assists Volunteers in
reviewing their first year, reassessing their personal and
project objectives, and planning for their second year
of service. Additional technical, language, safety and
security, and cross-cultural training is also part of the
mid-service conference.
• Close of service conference: prepares Volunteers for
the future after Peace Corps service and reviews their
respective projects and personal experiences.
The number, length, and design of these trainings are adapted

to country-specific needs and conditions. The key to the
training system is that training events are integrated and
interrelated, from the pre-departure orientation through
the end of your service, and are planned, implemented, and
evaluated cooperatively by the training staff, Peace Corps
staff, and Volunteers.
46 PEACE CORPS

NOTES

Y O U R H E A LTH C A R E A N D
SAFETY IN MACEDONIA
The Peace Corps’ highest priority is maintaining the good
health and safety of every Volunteer. Peace Corps medical
programs emphasize the preventive, rather than the curative
approach to disease. The Peace Corps in Macedonia maintains
a clinic with one full-time Peace Corps medical officer
(PCMO) and one part-time medical officer, who take care of
Volunteers’ primary healthcare needs.
Additional medical services, such as testing and some

treatment, are also available in Macedonia at local hospitals.
If a Volunteer becomes seriously ill, he or she will be
transported to either a more advanced medical facility in the
region or to the United States.
Health Issues in Macedonia
Major health problems among Volunteers in Macedonia are

rare and are often the result of a Volunteer’s not taking
preventive measures to stay healthy. The most common health
problems are ones that also exist in the United States, that is,
colds, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, constipation, sinus infections,
skin infections, headaches, dental problems, minor injuries,
sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), adjustment disorders,
emotional problems, and alcohol abuse. These problems
may be more frequent or compounded by life in Macedonia
because environmental factors here raise the risk of or
exacerbate the severity of certain illness and injuries.

Helping You Stay Healthy
The Peace Corps will provide you with all the necessary
inoculations, medications, and information you need to stay
healthy. Upon your arrival in Macedonia, you will receive a
medical handbook. You will also receive a medical kit with
supplies to take care of minor illnesses and first-aid needs.
The contents of the kit are listed later in this chapter.
During pre-service training, you will have access to medical

supplies through the medical office. However, you will be
responsible for your own supply of any prescription drugs you
currently use (including birth control pills) for the first three
months of service, and any other specific medical supplies
you require, as we will not order these items during training.
Please bring a three-month supply of these prescription drugs
with you to Macedonia, since they may not be available here
and it may take several months for new shipments to arrive.
You will have physicals at midservice and at the end of your

service. If you develop a serious medical problem during
your service, the medical officer in Macedonia will consult
with the Office of Medical Services in Washington, D.C. If
it is determined that your condition cannot be cared for in
Macedonia, you may be sent out of the country for further
evaluation and care.
Maintaining Your Health
As a Volunteer, you must accept a certain amount of

responsibility for your own health. Proper precautions will
significantly reduce your risk of serious illness or injury. The
old adage, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,”
becomes extremely important in areas where diagnostic and
treatment facilities are not up to the standards of the United
States. It is critical to your health that you promptly report to
50 PEACE CORPS

the medical office or other designated facility for scheduled
immunizations, and that you let your medical officer know
immediately of significant illness and injuries.
Many diseases that afflict Volunteers in Macedonia are entirely

preventable if proper food and water precautions are taken.
These diseases include food poisoning, amebiasis, giardiasis,
hepatitis A, dysentery, and typhoid fever. Your medical officer
will discuss specific standards for water and food preparation
in Macedonia during pre-service training.
Abstinence is the only certain choice for preventing infection

with HIV and other STDs. You are taking risks if you choose
to be sexually active. To lessen risk, use a condom every time
you have sex. Whether your partner is a host country citizen,
a fellow Volunteer, or anyone else, do not assume this person
is free of HIV/AIDS or other STDs. You will receive more
information from your medical officer about this important issue.
Volunteers are expected to adhere to an effective means of

birth control to prevent unplanned pregnancies. Your medical
officer can help you decide on the most appropriate method
to suit your individual needs. Contraceptive methods are
available without charge from the medical officer.
Women’s Health Information
Pregnancy is treated in the same manner as other Volunteer

health conditions that require medical attention. The Peace
Corps is responsible for determining the medical risk and
the availability of appropriate medical care if the Volunteer
remains in-country. Given the circumstances under which
Volunteers live and work in Macedonia, the Peace Corps’
medical standards for continued service during pregnancy
cannot be met. Volunteers who become pregnant and wish to
continue their pregnancies will be medically separated.

Feminine hygiene products are available for you to purchase
on the local market. The Peace Corps medical office in
Macedonia will not provide them. If you require a specific
feminine hygiene product, please bring a supply with you.
Your Peace Corps Medical Kit
The Peace Corps medical officer provides Volunteers with a

medical kit that contains basic items necessary to prevent and
treat illnesses that may occur during service. Kit items can be
periodically restocked at the medical office.
Medical Kit Contents

Ace bandages
Adhesive tape
American Red Cross First Aid & Safety Handbook
Antacid tablets (Tums)
Antibiotic ointment (Bacitracin/Neomycin/Polymycin B)
Antiseptic antimicrobial skin cleaner (Hibiclens)
Band-Aids
Butterfly closures
Calamine lotion
Cepacol lozenges
Condoms
Dental floss
Diphenhydramine HCL 25 mg (Benadryl)
Insect repellent stick (Cutter’s)
Lip balm (Chapstick)
Oral rehydration salts and Gatorade
Oral thermometer (Fahrenheit)
Pseudoephedrine HCL 30 mg (Sudafed)
Robitussin-DM lozenges (for cough)
Scissors
Sterile gauze pads
Tetrahydrozaline eyedrops (Visine)
Tinactin (antifungal cream)
Tweezers
52 PEACE CORPS

Before You Leave: A Medical Checklist
If there has been any change in your health—physical, mental,

or dental—since the time you submitted your examination
reports to the Peace Corps, you must immediately notify the
Office of Medical Services. Failure to disclose new illnesses,
injuries, allergies, or pregnancy can endanger your health and
may jeopardize your eligibility to serve.
If your dental exam was done more than a year ago, or if your
physical exam is more than two years old, contact the Office
of Medical Services to find out whether you need to update
your records. If your dentist or Peace Corps dental consultant
has recommended that you undergo dental treatment or
repair, you must complete that work and make sure your
dentist sends requested confirmation reports or X-rays to the
Office of Medical Services.
If you wish to avoid having duplicate vaccinations, you

should contact your physician’s office, obtain a copy of your
immunization record, and bring it with you to Macedonia. If
you have any immunizations prior to Peace Corps service, the
Peace Corps cannot reimburse you for the cost. The Peace
Corps will provide all the immunizations necessary for your
overseas assignment shortly after you arrive in Macedonia.
Bring a three-month supply of any prescription or over-the-

counter medication you use on a regular basis, including
birth control pills. Although the Peace Corps cannot
reimburse you for this three-month supply, we will order
refills during your service. While awaiting shipment—which
can take several months—you will be dependent on your
own medication supply. The Peace Corps will not pay for
herbal or nonprescribed medications, such as St. John’s wort,
glucosamine, selenium, or antioxidant supplements.

You are encouraged to bring copies of medical prescriptions
signed by your physician. This is not a requirement, but they
might come in handy if you are questioned in transit about
carrying a three-month supply of prescription drugs.
If you wear eyeglasses, bring two pairs with you—a pair

and a spare. If one pair breaks, the Peace Corps will replace
it, using the information your doctor in the United States
provided on the eyeglasses form during your examination.
We discourage you from using contact lenses during your
service to reduce your risk of developing a serious infection
or other eye disease. Most Peace Corps countries do not have
appropriate water and sanitation to support eye care with
the use of contact lenses. The Peace Corps will not supply or
replace contact lenses or associated solutions unless their use
has been recommended by an ophthalmologist for a specific
medical condition and the Peace Corps’ Office of Medical
Services has given approval.
If you are eligible for Medicare, are over 50 years of age,

or have a health condition that may restrict your future
participation in healthcare plans, you may wish to consult
an insurance specialist about unique coverage needs before
your departure. The Peace Corps will provide all necessary
healthcare from the time you leave for your pre-departure
orientation until you complete your service. When you finish,
you will be entitled to the post-service healthcare benefits
described in the Peace Corps Volunteer Handbook. You
may wish to consider keeping an existing health plan in
effect during your service if you think age and/or preexisting
conditions might prevent you from reenrolling in your current
plan when you return home.
Safety and Security—Our Partnership
Serving as a Volunteer overseas entails certain safety

and security risks. Living and traveling in an unfamiliar
54 PEACE CORPS

environment, a limited understanding of the local language
and culture, and the perception of being a wealthy American
are some of the factors that can put a Volunteer at risk.
Property thefts and burglaries are not uncommon. Incidents
of physical and sexual assault do occur, although almost all
Volunteers complete their two years of service without serious
personal safety problems. In addition, more than 84 percent
of Volunteers surveyed in the 2004 Peace Corps Volunteer
Survey say they would join the Peace Corps again.
The Peace Corps approaches safety and security as a

partnership with you. This Welcome Book contains sections
on: Living Conditions and Volunteer Lifestyle; Peace Corps
Training; and Your Health Care and Safety. All of these
sections include important safety and security information.
The Peace Corps makes every effort to give Volunteers the

tools they need to function in the safest and most secure way
possible, because working to maximize the safety and security
of Volunteers is our highest priority. Not only do we provide you
with training and tools to prepare for the unexpected, but we
teach you to identify and manage the risks you may encounter.
Factors that Contribute to Volunteer Risk

There are several factors that can heighten a Volunteer’s
risk, many of which are within the Volunteer’s control.
Based on information gathered from incident reports
worldwide in 2004, the following factors stand out as risk
characteristics for assaults. Assaults consist of personal
crimes committed against Volunteers, and do not include
property crimes (such as vandalism or theft).
• Location: Most crimes occurred when Volunteers
were in public areas (e.g., street, park, beach, public
buildings). Specifically, 43 percent of assaults took
place when Volunteers were away from their sites.

• Time of day: Assaults usually took place on the
weekend during the evening between 5:00 p.m. and
2:00 a.m.—with most assaults occurring around 1:00 a.m.
• Absence of others: Assaults usually occurred when the
Volunteer was unaccompanied. In 82 percent of the
sexual assaults the Volunteer was unaccompanied and
in 55 percent of physical assaults the Volunteer was
unaccompanied.
• Relationship to assailant: In most assaults, the
Volunteer did not know the assailant.
• Consumption of alcohol: Forty percent of all assaults
involved alcohol consumption by Volunteers and/or
assailants.
Summary Strategies to Reduce Risk

Before and during service, your training will address these
areas of concern so that you can reduce the risks you face.
For example, here are some strategies Volunteers employ:
Strategies to reduce the risk/impact of theft:

• Know the environment and choose safe routes/times
for travel
• Avoid high-crime areas per Peace Corps guidance
• Know the vocabulary to get help in an emergency
• Carry valuables in different pockets/places
• Carry a "dummy" wallet as a decoy
Strategies to reduce the risk/impact of burglary:

• Live with a local family or on a family compound
• Put strong locks on doors and keep valuables in a lock
box or trunk
• Leave irreplaceable objects at home in the U.S.
• Follow Peace Corps guidelines on maintaining home
security
56 PEACE CORPS

Strategies to reduce the risk/impact of assault:
• Make local friends
• Make sure your appearance is respectful of local
customs; don’t draw negative attention to yourself by
wearing inappropriate clothing
• Get to know local officials, police, and neighbors
• Travel with someone whenever possible
• Avoid known high crime areas
• Limit alcohol consumption
Support from Staff
In March 2003, the Peace Corps created the Office of

Safety and Security with its mission to “foster improved
communication, coordination, oversight, and accountability
of all Peace Corps’ safety and security efforts.” The new
office is led by an Associate Director for Safety and Security
who reports to the Peace Corps Director and includes
the following divisions: Volunteer Safety and Overseas
Security; Information and Personnel Security; Emergency
Preparedness, Plans, Training and Exercise; and Crime
Statistics and Analysis.
The major responsibilities of the Volunteer Safety and

Overseas Security Division are to coordinate the office’s
overseas operations and direct the Peace Corps’ safety and
security officers who are located in various regions around
the world that have Peace Corps programs. The safety and
security officers conduct security assessments; review safety
trainings; train trainers and managers; train Volunteer safety
wardens, local guards, and staff; develop security incident
response procedures; and provide crisis management support.
If a trainee or Volunteer is the victim of a safety incident,

Peace Corps staff is prepared to provide support. All Peace

Corps posts have procedures in place to respond to incidents
of crime committed against Volunteers. The first priority for
all posts in the aftermath of an incident is to ensure that the
Volunteer is safe and receiving medical treatment as needed.
After assuring the safety of the Volunteer, Peace Corps staff
provides support by reassessing the Volunteer’s work site
and housing arrangements and making any adjustments,
as needed. In some cases, the nature of the incident may
necessitate a site or housing transfer. Peace Corps staff will
also assist Volunteers with preserving their rights to pursue
legal sanctions against the perpetrators of the crime. It is very
important that Volunteers report incidents as they occur, not
only to protect their peer Volunteers, but also to preserve the
future right to prosecute. Should Volunteers decide later in
the process that they want to proceed with the prosecution
of their assailant, this option may no longer exist if the
evidence of the event has not been preserved at the time of
the incident.
The country-specific data chart below shows the incidence

rates and the average number of incidents of the major types
of safety incidents reported by Peace Corps Volunteers/
trainees in Macedonia as compared to all other Europe,
Mediterranean, and Asia (EMA) region programs as a whole,
from 2001–2005. It is presented to you in a somewhat
technical manner for statistical accuracy.
To fully appreciate the collected data below, an explanation of

the graph is provided as follows:
The incidence rate for each type of crime is the number of

crime events relative to the Volunteer/trainee population.
It is expressed on the chart as a ratio of crime to Volunteer
and trainee years (or V/T years, which is a measure of 12 full
months of V/T service) to allow for a statistically valid way
to compare crime data across countries. An “incident” is a
specific offense, per Peace Corps' classification of offenses,
58 PEACE CORPS

and may involve one or more Volunteer/trainee victims. For
example, if two Volunteers are robbed at the same time and
place, this is classified as one robbery incident.
1The average numbers of incidents are in parenthesis and equal the average
reported assaults for each year between 2001–2005.
2Incident rates equal the number of assaults per 100 Volunteers and trainees
per year (V/T years). Since most sexual assaults occur against females, only
female V/Ts are calculated in rapes and minor sexual assaults. Numbers of
incidents are approximate due to rounding.
3Data collection for Macedonia began as of 2001
Source data on incidents are drawn from Assault Notification Surveillance

System (ANSS) and Epidemiologic Surveillance System (ESS); the
information is accurate as of 12/13/06.
The chart is separated into eight crime categories. These

include vandalism (malicious defacement or damage of
property); theft (taking without force or illegal entry);
burglary (forcible entry of a residence); robbery (taking
something by force); minor physical assault (attacking without
a weapon with minor injuries); minor sexual assault (fondling,
groping, etc.); aggravated assault (attacking with a weapon,
and/or without a weapon when serious injury results); and
rape (sexual intercourse without consent).
When anticipating Peace Corps Volunteer service, you should

review all of the safety and security information provided

to you, including the strategies to reduce risk. Throughout
your training and Volunteer service, you will be expected to
successfully complete all training competencies in a variety of
areas including safety and security. Once in-country, use the
tools and information shared with you to remain as safe and
secure as possible.
What if you become a victim of a violent crime?
Few Peace Corps Volunteers are victims of violent crimes.

The Peace Corps will give you information and training in
how to be safe. But, just as in the U.S., crime happens, and
Volunteers can become victims. When this happens, the
investigative team of the Office of Inspector General (OIG)
is charged with helping pursue prosecution of those who
perpetrate a violent crime against a Volunteer. If you become
a victim of a violent crime, the decision to prosecute or not
to prosecute is entirely yours, and one of the tasks of the OIG
is to make sure that you are fully informed of your options
and help you through the process and procedures involved
in going forward with prosecution should you wish to do so.
If you decide to prosecute, we are here to assist you in every
way we can.
Crimes that occur overseas, of course, are investigated and

prosecuted by local authorities in local courts. Our role is
to coordinate the investigation and evidence collection with
the regional security officers (RSOs) at the U.S. embassy,
local police, and local prosecutors and others to ensure that
your rights are protected to the fullest extent possible under
the laws of the country. OIG investigative staff has extensive
experience in criminal investigation, in working sensitively
with victims, and as advocates for victims. We also, may, in
certain limited circumstances, arrange for the retention of a
local lawyer to assist the local public prosecutor in making the
case against the individual who perpetrated the violent crime.
60 PEACE CORPS

If you do become a victim of a violent crime, first, make sure
you are in a safe place and with people you trust and second,
contact the country director or the Peace Corps medical
officer. Immediate reporting is important to the preservation
of evidence and the chances of apprehending the suspect.
Country directors and medical officers are required to report
all violent crimes to the Inspector General and the RSO. This
information is protected from unauthorized further disclosure
by the Privacy Act. Reporting the crime also helps prevent
your further victimization and protects your fellow Volunteers.
In conjunction with the RSO, the OIG does a preliminary

investigation of all violent crimes against Volunteers regardless
of whether the crime has been reported to local authorities or
of the decision you may ultimately make to prosecute. If you
are a victim of a crime, our staff will work with you through
final disposition of the case. OIG staff is available 24 hours-a-
day, 7 days-a-week. We may be contacted through our 24-hour
violent crime hotline via telephone at 202.692.2911, or by e-
mail at violentcrimehotline@peacecorps.gov.
Security Issues in Macedonia
When it comes to your safety and security in the Peace

Corps, you have to be willing to adapt your behavior and
lifestyle to minimize the potential for being a target of crime.
Macedonia is a relatively safe place to live from the standpoint
of personal security. However, like anywhere in the world, it
is not without petty crimes and assaults. You can reduce your
risk by avoiding situations that make you feel uncomfortable
and by taking precautions. Crime at the village or town level is
less frequent than in the large cities; people know each other
and generally will not steal from their neighbors. But because
you are a foreigner and will probably be considered rich, your
home may be more prone to break-ins than those of your

neighbors. Tourist attractions and public transport, especially
in large towns, are favorite work sites for pickpockets.
Fortunately, violent crime is relatively rare. If you follow a few
simple guidelines, you will reduce most risks.
Macedonia is a collectivistic society where people exist in a

socio-cultural environment characterized by strong family
relationships and a strong idea of being part of the group.
Adjust to the culture, make local friends, and become part
of the socio-cultural collective and you will reduce safety
risks. Once you are accepted by the locals and you have local
friends, you will no longer be perceived as a lone stranger that
is an easy target in the eyes of criminals.
Carry valuables close to your body or under your clothing.

Undergarment money pouches, the kind that hang around
your neck and stay hidden under your shirt or inside your
coat, are highly recommended. Do not keep money in outside
pockets of backpacks, in coat pockets, or in fanny packs.
Never keep your backpack on your back while on public
transportation; place your arm across the zippers of your
backpack and hold it in front of you. Hold small bags tightly
under your arm. While in restaurants, place your pack or bag
in your lap or next to you, not on the floor.
Be wary of overly friendly strangers, particularly near bus

and train stations, and curious groups of kids near banks or
ATM machines. Do not accept food or drink from persons
you do not know. If you choose to accept an offer to share
refreshments, go with the person to purchase the food and
drink. This will prevent someone from attempting to drug you
and rob you and avoid the danger of an adverse drug reaction.
Avoid dangerous places. Make inquiries before you wander

off somewhere alone. Develop local friends and contacts; they
are the best source of this kind of information. Try to stay
out of underpasses, and do not linger in train stations. Do not
62 PEACE CORPS

carry any valuables or important documents in your backpack.
Always secure your valuables while you are away from home:
lock your apartment and bicycle if you have one. Use safety
deposit boxes in hotels, and consider purchasing personal
property insurance so you can replace valuable items if a theft
does occur.
Women should not walk alone after dark. Suggestive

comments made to women from men in the streets are
common. While annoying, this is unfortunately part of
Macedonian culture. You may have to adjust some recreational
activities to daytime hours.
Staying Safe: Don’t Be a Target for Crime
You must be prepared to take on a large degree of

responsibility for your own safety. Only you can make
yourself less of a target, ensure that your house is secure,
and develop relations in your community that will make
you an unlikely victim of crime. In coming to Macedonia,
do what you would do if you moved to a large city in the
United States: be cautious, check things out, ask questions,
learn about your neighborhood, build a friendly relationship
with your neighbors, know where the more risky locations
are, use common sense, and be aware. You can reduce your
vulnerability to crime by integrating into your community,
learning the local language, acting responsibly, and abiding
by Peace Corps policies and procedures. Serving safely and
effectively in Macedonia may require that you accept some
restrictions on your current lifestyle.
Volunteers attract a lot of attention both in large cities and

at their sites, but they receive far more negative attention in
highly populated centers than they do in smaller towns, where
“family,” friends, and colleagues will look out for them. While
whistles and exclamations are fairly common on the street,

this behavior can be reduced if you dress conser¬vatively,
avoid eye contact, and do not respond to such negative and
unwanted attention.
Politics is something that Macedonians often discuss over

everyday conversations. Volunteers should try to avoid any
political conversations and political gatherings. If you feel
you need to participate in a discussion on politics, please
remember to express that this is your personal opinion and
that you are not representing the official policy of the U.S.
government or the Peace Corps.
Macedonia experienced an armed conflict in 2001. The

Macedonian government and international community have made
efforts in clearing the country of landmines, and from 2003-2006
there haven’t been any incidents reported related to landmines.
There is still a considerable amount of illegal weapons left over
from the conflict in 2001, particularly in the northwest area of
the country. The Macedonian government continues its efforts to
collect these illegal weapons by carrying out national collection
campaigns.
Peace Corps/Macedonia also has an out-of-site policy that is

strictly enforced. The Volunteer commitment is for 24-hours
a day and seven days a week and Volunteer service requires
a commitment to the community served. Thus, Volunteers
are strongly encouraged to spend as much time at their sites
as possible to enable them to meet the three goals of Peace
Corps service. This includes working on community-based
projects during school breaks, especially during the summer.
Volunteers who are frequently away from site quickly lose the
confidence of counterparts and community members. Also,
excessive absenteeism from site has an adverse impact on the
Volunteer’s effectiveness and job satisfaction.
64 PEACE CORPS

Second, occasional trips from site are encouraged so that
Volunteers can learn more about Macedonia, visit friends and
colleagues, conduct business and participate in the projects of
other Volunteers.
Third, Peace Corps is charged with the serious responsibility

of ensuring Volunteer safety at all times. Thus, it is imperative
that Peace Corps be able to reach every Volunteer in a timely
manner for a variety of reasons such as:
• Emergencies in the U.S. or elsewhere
• Internal emergencies such as civil unrest, terrorism,
natural disasters, etc.
• Country evacuation
• To aid other Volunteers in trouble
In order to be able to reach every Volunteer in a timely

manner, the following general policy is in effect:
Anytime a Volunteer is away from site overnight, the Volunteer

must notify the duty officer or program manager of specific travel
plans, including contact information. Failure to do so may result
in administrative separation.
Preparing for the Unexpected: Safety Training and Volunteer

Safety Support in Macedonia
The Peace Corps’ approach to safety is a five-pronged plan to

help you stay safe during your two-year service and includes
the following: information sharing, Volunteer training, site
selection criteria, a detailed emergency action plan, and
protocols for addressing safety and security incidents.
Macedonia’s in-country safety program is outlined below.

The Peace Corps/Macedonia office will keep Volunteers
informed of any issues that may impact Volunteer safety
through information sharing. Regular updates will be
provided in Volunteer newsletters and in memoranda from
the country director. In the event of a critical situation
or emergency, Volunteers will be contacted through the
emergency communication network. Therefore, it is crucial
that the personal contact information of every Volunteer be up
to date at any given moment.
Volunteer training will include sessions to prepare you for

specific safety and security issues in Macedonia. This training
will prepare you to adopt a culturally appropriate lifestyle
and exercise judgment that promotes safety and reduces
risk in your home, at work, and while traveling. Safety
training is offered throughout your two-year service and is
integrated into the language, cross-cultural, health, and other
components of training.
Certain site selection criteria are used to determine safe

housing for Volunteers before their arrival. The Peace Corps
staff works closely with host communities and counterpart
agencies to help prepare them for a Volunteer’s arrival and to
establish expectations of their respective roles in supporting
the Volunteer. Each site is inspected before the Volunteer’s
arrival to ensure placement in appropriate, safe, and secure
housing and work sites. Site selection criteria are based in part
on any relevant site history; access to medical, banking, postal,
and other essential services; availability of communications,
transportation, and markets; different housing options and
living arrangements; and other support needs.
You will also learn about the country’s detailed emergency

action plan in the event of civil or political unrest or a natural
disaster. When you arrive at your site, you will complete
and submit a site locator form with your address, contact
information, and a map to your house. If there is a security
66 PEACE CORPS

threat, Volunteers in Macedonia will gather at predetermined
locations until the situation resolves itself or the Peace Corps
decides to evacuate.
Finally, in order for the Peace Corps to be fully responsive

to the needs of Volunteers, it is imperative that Volunteers
immediately report any security incident to the Peace Corps
medical officer. The Peace Corps has established protocols
for addressing safety and security incidents in a timely and
appropriate manner, and it collects and evaluates safety
and security data to track trends and develop strategies to
minimize risks to future Volunteers.

D I V E R S IT Y A N D C R O S S-
C U LT U R A L I S S U E S
In fulfilling the Peace Corps’ mandate to share the face of
America with our host countries, we are making special
efforts to see that all of America’s richness is reflected in
the Volunteer corps. More Americans of color are serving
in today’s Peace Corps than at any time in recent years.
Differences in race, ethnic background, age, religion, and
sexual orientation are expected and welcomed among our
Volunteers. Part of the Peace Corps’ mission is to help dispel
any notion that Americans are all of one origin or race and
to establish that each of us is as thoroughly American as the
other despite our many differences.
Our diversity helps us accomplish that goal. In other ways,

however, it poses challenges. In Macedonia, as in other Peace
Corps host countries, Volunteers’ behavior, lifestyle, background,
and beliefs will be judged in a cultural context very different
from our own. Certain personal perspectives or characteristics
commonly accepted in the United States may be quite
uncommon, unacceptable, or even repressed in Macedonia.
Outside of Macedonia’s capital, residents of rural communities

have had relatively little direct exposure to other cultures,
races, religions, and lifestyles. What people view as typical
American behavior or norms may be misconception, such
as the belief that all Americans are rich and have blond hair
and blue eyes. The people of Macedonia are justly known for
their generous hospitality to foreigners; however, members of
the community in which you will live may display a range of
reactions to cultural differences that you present.

To ease the transition and adapt to life in Macedonia, you may
need to make some temporary, yet fundamental, compromises
in how you present yourself as an American and as an
individual. For example, female trainees and Volunteers may
not be able to exercise the independence available to them in
the United States; political discussions need to be handled with
great care; and some of your personal beliefs may best remain
undisclosed. You will need to develop techniques and personal
strategies for coping with these and other limitations. The
Peace Corps staff will lead diversity and sensitivity discussions
during your pre-service training and will be on call to provide
support, but the challenge ultimately will be your own.
Overview of Diversity in Macedonia
The Peace Corps staff in Macedonia recognizes adjustment

issues that come with diversity and will endeavor to
provide support and guidance. During pre-service training,
several sessions will be held to discuss diversity and coping
mechanisms. We look forward to having male and female
Volunteers from a variety of races, ethnic groups, ages,
religions, and sexual orientations and hope that you will
become part of a diverse group of Americans who take pride
in supporting one another and demonstrating the richness of
American culture. You will also quickly learn that Macedonia
is a country of rich diversity with various ethnic groups
and religions represented. They, too, are coping with the
challenges of diversity and learning to live with one another.
What Might a Volunteer Face?
Possible Issues for Female Volunteers

Macedonian women have historically been a vital part of the
country’s workforce, taking on both managerial and supervisory
roles and working as school administrators, business owners,
70 PEACE CORPS

doctors, local government officials, and members of Parliament.
Nevertheless, gender stereotypes are more evident and
accepted in Macedonia than in the United States.
Female Volunteers should not expect to be able to maintain

all of their American habits in Macedonia. Adapting to local
norms and customs is a necessity wherever Volunteers serve.
Macedonians, especially women, generally lead more

restricted lifestyles than Americans do. Women do not go
out alone at night, and jogging or walking alone for exercise
is uncommon. In addition, women in villages do not usually
smoke in public. While these activities are not forbidden for
female Volunteers, they may have to make some compromises.
For example, Macedonians tend to speak more quietly and do
not smile as much in public. Groups of Americans may seem
too loud to locals. Female Volunteers should avoid eye contact
with strange men, especially on buses and in the street. In
addition, gender roles and acceptable behavior between
the sexes may also change within the various ethnic groups
represented in the country, which includes Macedonian,
Albanian, Turkish, Roma, and other ethnic groups.
Possible Issues for Volunteers of Color

You may be the only trainee or Volunteer within a particular
project who is a member of a minority group. You may not
receive, or be able to receive, the necessary personal support
from other Volunteers, and there may be no minority role models.
Once you move to your site, you may work and live with
individuals who have no experience or understanding of
a non-Caucasian-American culture. Because of ignorance,
stereotyped cultural perceptions, or Macedonia’s historical
involvement with certain countries, you may encounter
varying degrees of attention in your day-to-day life. You may
not be perceived as being North American, in some instances,

for those Volunteers who are of Asian American background,
you may even be referred to as “Japanese” or “Chinese.”
These comments are not derogatory, but derive from people
in Macedonia focusing attention on the ethnicity of any
individual. This might lead people here to think that you
are really not an American but of the country of your ethnic
background. In any community where you are not known,
you need to be prepared for staring, pointing, and comments.
Finally, you should be prepared to encounter comments that
would be considered completely inappropriate in the United
States. Such offensive terms, however, usually are uttered
because people are not aware of acceptable terms in English
and not because they are meant to be offensive. Macedonia is
a country of ethnicities whereas the United States is a country
of many nationalities. This emphasis on ethnicity will lead
many in Macedonia to question Volunteers who may represent
an ethnic group about their background and history.
Possible Issues for Senior Volunteers

Respect comes with age in Macedonia. Younger Volunteers
may have to work harder than their older colleagues to be
accepted as professionals. It is not uncommon for younger
Volunteers to look to older ones for advice and support. Some
seniors find this a very enjoyable part of their experience,
while others choose not to fill this role. Overall, senior
Volunteers are highly valued for the wealth of experience they
bring to their communities and counterparts. Yet you may
sometimes feel isolated within the Peace Corps community
because the majority of Volunteers are in their 20s; they may
have little understanding of the lives and experiences of seniors.
Training may present its own special challenges. Older

trainees have encountered a lack of attention to their needs
for a particular learning environment, including timing,
presentation of materials, comfort level, and health. You
72 PEACE CORPS

may need to be assertive to develop an effective individual
approach to language learning.
Before leaving for Macedonia, you should consider how you

will deal with issues such as possible family emergencies,
maintaining lifelong friendships, and deciding who will have
power of attorney for attending to your financial matters.
Possible Issues for Gay, Lesbian, or Bisexual Volunteers

In Macedonia, any discussion of American sexual mores
should proceed cautiously. Macedonian culture is not as open
about issues of sexuality as is American culture. Although
it is not against the law in Macedonia, homosexuality is
not culturally accepted. Homosexuals certainly exist in the
country, but hardly with the same level of acceptance as in
the United States. Most are likely to have migrated to larger
cities. Because of cultural norms, homosexual Volunteers
may discover that they cannot be open about their sexual
preference in their assigned community. Dress, particular
hairstyles, or earrings on men which appear in communities
in the United States, may be looked upon with question and
suspicion in your community.
While staff and your fellow Volunteers will do their very best
to support you, there may not be current Volunteers or staff
role models who can personally relate to your experiences.
Relationships with host country nationals can develop, but as
with all cross-cultural relationships, they may not be easy. AIDS
(SIDA in Macedonian) is a serious issue in the country, and
though condoms are widely available, they are not widely used.
Lesbians, like all American women, are likely to have to deal

with constant questions about boyfriends, marriage, and sex.
Gay men may have to deal with machismo: questions about
girlfriends, talk of sexual conquests, marriage, girl-watching,
and dirty jokes.

Possible Religious Issues for Volunteers
You are free to exercise your religious beliefs but you may not
engage in proselytizing or other activities that are against the
law or would impair your effectiveness as a Volunteer. Most
Macedonians belong to the Eastern Orthodox Church. The
second largest religion is Islam, but you will also find small
numbers of Roman Catholics, and Protestants.
Possible Issues for Volunteers With Disabilities

As a disabled Volunteer in Macedonia, you may face a special
set of challenges. Macedonia has an old, poorly maintained
infrastructure that does not always accommodate individuals
with disabilities. Few public places, for example, have been
made accessible to wheelchairs. Because sidewalks are
uneven and cars frequently park in pedestrian areas, visually-
impaired Volunteers may have a harder time walking around
on their own.
Nevertheless, the Peace Corps’ Office of Medical Services

determined that you were physically and emotionally
capable, with or without reasonable accommodations, of
performing a full tour of Volunteer service in Macedonia
without unreasonable risk to yourself or interruption of your
service. Peace Corps/Macedonia staff will work with disabled
Volunteers to make reasonable accommodations in training,
housing, job sites, and other areas to enable them to serve
safely and effectively.
74 PEACE CORPS

NOTES

FR E Q U E NTLY AS KE D Q U E STI O N S
How much luggage am I allowed to bring to Macedonia?
Most airlines have baggage size and weight limits and assess
charges for transport of baggage that exceeds this allowance.
There are no uniform standards so the amount differs from
airline to airline. The Peace Corps has its own size and weight
limits and will pay any excess baggage charges providing the
baggage does not exceed these limits. The authorized baggage
allowance is two checked pieces of luggage with combined
dimensions of both pieces not to exceed 107 inches (length
+ width + height) and no single piece to exceed 62 linear
inches. One carry-on bag is permitted with dimensions of
no more than 45 linear inches. Checked baggage should not
exceed 100 pounds total with a maximum weight allowance of
50 pounds for any one bag. Most airlines allow one personal
item such as a purse or laptop computer. If you exceed an
airline’s baggage limits, you may be assessed a fee. However, if
your baggage conforms to the parameters stated above, Peace
Corps will reimburse you provided you have a valid receipt.
Please check the Transportation Security Administration

(TSA) Website for a detailed list of permitted and prohibited
items at http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/
permitted-prohibited-items.shtm.
Peace Corps Volunteers are not allowed to take pets,

weapons, explosives, radio transmitters (shortwave radios
are permitted), automobiles, or motorcycles to their overseas
assignments. Do not pack flammable materials or liquids such
as lighter fluid, fireworks, cleaning solvents, hair spray, or
aerosol containers. This is an important safety precaution.

What is the electric current in Macedonia?
It is 220 volts, 50 hertz. If you plan to bring electronics with
you, check with a good store to purchase the appropriate
voltage transformers or plug adapters. There are two types
of transformers—one for small appliances and the other for
larger items. Electrical sockets in Macedonia fit standard
European plugs, so if you bring an adapter shaped like a
square, it may not fit into the socket. It is better to wait and
buy 220-volt appliances when you arrive in Macedonia.
How much money should I bring?

Volunteers are expected to live modestly and at the same level
as the citizens in their community. They are given a settling-in
allowance and a monthly living allowance, which should cover
their expenses. Often Volunteers wish to bring additional
money for vacation travel to other countries. Credit cards and
traveler’s checks are preferable to cash. If you choose to bring
extra money, bring the amount that will suit your own travel
plans and needs.
When can I take vacation and have people visit me?

Each Volunteer accrues two vacation days per month of
service (excluding training). Leave may not be taken during
training, the first three months of service, or the last three
months of service, except in conjunction with an authorized
emergency leave. (Note: annual leave may be taken during the
last three months of service if it is within Macedonia.) Family
and friends are welcome to visit you after pre-service training
and the first three months of service as long as their stay does
not interfere with your work. Extended stays at your site
are not encouraged and may require permission from your
country director. The Peace Corps is not able to provide your
visitors with visa, medical, or travel assistance.
78 PEACE CORPS

Will my belongings be covered by insurance?
The Peace Corps does not provide insurance coverage for
personal effects; Volunteers are ultimately responsible for
the safekeeping of their personal belongings. However, you
can purchase personal property insurance before you leave.
If you wish, you may contact your own insurance company;
additionally, insurance is available from various sources
and we encourage you to consider it carefully. Volunteers
are cautioned not to ship or take valuable items overseas.
Jewelry, watches, radios, cameras, and expensive appliances
are subject to loss, theft, and breakage, and in many places,
satisfactory maintenance and repair services are not available.
Do I need an international driver’s license?

Volunteers in Macedonia do not need an international driver’s
license because they are prohibited from operating privately
owned motorized vehicles. Most urban travel is by bus or
taxi. Rural travel ranges from buses and minibuses to trucks,
bicycles, and lots of walking.
What should I bring as gifts for Macedonian friends and my

host family?
This is not a requirement. A token of friendship is sufficient.
Some gift suggestions include knickknacks for the house;
pictures, books, or calendars of American scenes; souvenirs
from your area; hard candies that will not melt or spoil; or
photos to give away.
Where will my site assignment be when I finish training and

how isolated will I be?
Peace Corps trainees are officially assigned to individual sites
during pre-service training. This gives Peace Corps staff the
opportunity to assess each trainee’s technical and language

skills prior to assigning sites. If feasible, you may have the
opportunity to provide input on your site preferences,
including geographical location, distance from other
Volunteers, or living conditions. However, keep in mind that
many factors influence the site selection process and that the
Peace Corps cannot guarantee placement where you might
ideally like to be. Most Volunteers will live in small towns or
in rural villages, but will usually be within one hour from the
nearest Volunteer.
How can my family contact me in an emergency?

The Peace Corps’ Office of Special Services provides
assistance in handling emergencies affecting trainees and
Volunteers or their families. Before leaving the United States,
you should instruct your family to notify the Office of Special
Services immediately if an emergency arises, such as a
serious illness or death of a family member. During normal
business hours, the number for the Office of Special Services
is 800.424.8580, extension 1470. After normal business hours
and on weekends and holidays, the Special Services duty
officer can be reached at 202.638.2574. For non-emergency
questions, your family can get information from your country
desk staff at the Peace Corps by calling 800.424.8580,
extension 2421 or 2422.
Can I call home from Macedonia?

International phone service to and from Macedonia is
reasonably good throughout the country, but can be rather
expensive. Calling cards can be used from some telephones;
check with an international long-distance company to see
if it provides services in Macedonia. AT&T permits collect
calls from Macedonia to America. The AT&T access number
when calling from Macedonia is 00.800.4288. You are likely
to have ready access to a telephone while living with a host
family during training and may be able to receive calls from
80 PEACE CORPS

home. Trainees are discouraged from making international
phone calls from the host family telephone. Most Volunteers
also have phones at their site. Volunteers with laptops have
successfully used an Internet phone service available locally
called Dial Pad.
Will there be e-mail and Internet access? Should I bring my

computer?
Internet, including wireless, and e-mail access is available
throughout Macedonia and Internet cafes can be found in
most major cities. If you already have a laptop and do not
bring it with you, you will probably wish you had. As with any
valuables, you should seriously consider purchasing personal
property insurance for a computer before you leave; it is not
that expensive and well worth the price. If you choose to
bring valuable items such as a laptop, or musical instrument,
bring a sales receipt or other documentation of ownership.
In the event that we have to send your belongings home as
unaccompanied baggage, proof of ownership prior to your
arrival in Macedonia must be presented to Macedonian
customs officials to avoid excessive customs fees and/or
export restrictions.

W E L C O M E L E T TE R S
FROM MACEDONIA
V O LU NTE E R S
Zdravo
There is an extreme sense of pride in representing this

culture. As a guest from America, people will want to take
you places and see new things that depict their world. You
can experience events like crashing a Macedonian wedding,
attending a sheep-shearing celebration, distilling rakija (a
highly potent liquor essential for most visits here; fortunately,
they sip it with food), making ajvar, hiking the charming
mountains, attending a funeral service, going to an oro (a
traditional dance that becomes rhythmic and magnetic), and
celebrating the many holidays, sometimes more than once in a
day. I don’t believe any traveler will find a land as overflowing
with generosity and hospitality as is Macedonia. A simple stop
at a neighbor’s house to relay a short message can turn into a
three-hour visit complete with juice, baked goods, homemade
sheep cheese, rakija, potatoes, sausages, and finally ending
with a cup of coffee over slatko (a sweet and addictively
delicious fruit dish).
You may have read up on the recent history of Macedonia.
After some difficulties during the past few decades,
Macedonia has steadily emerged as a stable democracy and
a functioning multi-ethnic state. The country is currently
working toward membership into NATO and has just received
candidacy status for the EU. Macedonia is more developed
than most Peace Corps countries you may have read about
and is an example of just how dynamic Peace Corps is. Still,
there is work to do and there are responsibilities to be taken.
The needs here are perhaps a bit more multifaceted and
complex. You will learn that not all forms of development are
visible, but rather in the minds of its people.

As a community development Volunteer, you may help
your organization or community adjust and adapt to required
environmental standards set by the EU. You may also run
ecological camps, teach English, or write grants. There is
definitely a strong need for better management of waste. Plus,
dialogue on environmental consciousness will be invaluable
for both you and your fellow Macedonians. Impacting just one
person is perhaps the biggest impact you may make.
Social relations dominate life here. Our formal business
culture of objectiveness and directness doesn’t really go over
here. At your place of work, you will discover that most jobs
get done over coffee and conversations. To an American
volunteering in Macedonia, this may seem slow and hindering
at first. You must realize you are a Peace Corps Volunteer
now. Work has different meaning now that you are a so-called
“mini-ambassador.”
Should you feel nostalgic for the life you’ve left behind,
there are plenty of things to remind you of home. In most
cities, there are new coffee bars, Internet cafes, and big
grocery stores. Skopje and some of the larger cities even
have movie theatres that play recent flicks. As for music,
there is everything from traditional to punk rock to pop to
jazz in Macedonian or Albanian for your studying or listening
pleasure. And yes, they sell all sorts of Western music.
Ok, now what you really need to bring. The first things
I’d pack would be those things that represent your version
of America: pictures, maps, recipes, hobby supplies, a
book on your city or state, and an American gift for your
homestay family. America is a difficult place for people here
to comprehend and they will ask you all sorts of questions
about it. Thus, be ready to present your perceptions. Second,
I’d make sure you have a good-sized backpack, a sleeping bag
for visits to other Volunteers, boots for those long hikes up
mountains or to the local store during the winter, a camera, a
tape recorder (nice for studying the sounds of the language),
and an MP3/CD player with headphones. A laptop and one
of those USB sticks will make life a lot simpler and more
professional at work; remember you are in a country with
84 PEACE CORPS

candidacy status to the EU. Clothing is up to you, but be sure
to bring stuff you’d wear to work in the States and do note
that Macedonia experiences every season.
What to do before you come. I’d recommend touching up
on the alphabet and introductory phrases with the CD Peace
Corps will give you. I purchased Macedonian: A Course for
Beginning and Intermediate Students by Grace E. Felder
and now wish I hadn’t. The Peace Corps office will give you a
better textbook and more. I’d recommend seeing the movies
Balkankan or Before the Rain. As for reading, I suggest Bridge
on the Drina. As fiction, it depicts the cultural history of the
Balkans better than any other form and most Macedonians are
delighted to hear that an American has read it.
Se gladame vo Makedonija
—Douglas Urquhart
..............................................
Mirëdita miq!
Gëzohem që vini në Maqedoni! I am glad that you are

coming to Macedonia, and I am sure that once you arrive you
will be very happy here.
Many other Volunteers have said to bring lots of pictures
from home to show your friends and host family. I haven’t
pulled mine out too often, but they are good for your own
morale and to show people when they are interested. Bringing
small gifts is a nice gesture. I brought a couple of things
for my host family to give them a sense of my home, and I
brought some picture postcards to give other friends. I have
maintained a subscription to The Economist while I’ve been
here, so I have plenty of reading material. The Peace Corps
office has a nice-sized library.
I have had the good fortune to have lived with a Macedonian
host family and to have been assigned to a predominantly
Albanian community, which has allowed me to see both parts
of life in Macedonia. Macedonia’s recent history revolves
around ethnic tensions and the conflict in 2001. Though the

tensions are real, other issues are more important: primarily
jobs and education. I have found both Macedonians and
Albanians to be equally friendly and open to Americans and
interested to hear about life in the U.S.
One of the biggest differences you will find is the relaxed
attitude toward getting things done at work. Long coffee
breaks and delays in getting things done are quite common
here, and you must be prepared to find ways of overcoming
it while maintaining productive relationships with your co-
workers. You will also find people truly engaged in making a
difference, and helping them to achieve their potential will be
tremendously fulfilling.
I wish you all the best in your planning and packing, and I
am sure you will enjoy your experience here in Macedonia.
Do të shihemi!
—Dennis Wesner
..............................................
Macedonia looks Western, it looks modern, it looks even
progressive at times, but it is not. We have laptops and high-
speed Internet, discos, turbo folk, great coffee bars, and the latest
designer knock-off fashions. We have oranges in winter, bananas
all year, pineapples and kiwis and just about any vegetable in
season. We have pasta, brown rice and all kinds of meat, even
low-fat milk and Coke Lite. True, peanut butter is hard to come
by, so is ranch dressing, brownie mix, and a variety of spices.
So why is the Peace Corps in Macedonia? When you do
“scratch the surface,” you find a country where being an
emerging democracy is a daily struggle. A country stuck
between its nostalgia for the former Yugoslavia and its
growing ambivalence about joining the EU. The challenges
are historic, cultural, and spiritual. They are intellectually and
mentally challenging—for you and for the people who live
here. Finding where and how to have an effect is truly difficult
and the greatest challenge. Sometimes I long to dig a latrine,
plant a garden, or build a school instead of struggling to
determine where I fit in, find a teachable moment, and plant a
seed of change.
86 PEACE CORPS

The people are wonderful. They are welcoming, interested
and will share their lives with you if you open your heart to
them. The families are close, and you have an opportunity to
become a member.
Some thoughts on what to bring:
1. The Macedonians don’t wear shoes in the house—ever.

So, bring slip-on slippers; and winter shoes that come
on and off fairly easily. You will do a lot of walking, and
walking here, even in the cities, is uneven at best and
usually slippery. It is hard to buy shoes here if you wear
a women’s size 10 or above. I also recommend some
thick quick-dry socks.
2. I should have brought one pair of really warm p.j.s.

Houses and apartments can be really cold in winter and
so are public buildings, buses, and offices. Bring dark-
colored long underwear to wear under your dressier
pants and skirts. I brought fleece-lined jeans and khakis
from L.L. Bean that were fabulous.
3. Macedonians dress up. You definitely need some

“business casual” and several semi-dressy clothes. Your
clothes will be hand-washed or machine-washed and
hung to dry.
4. Don’t waste your weight restriction on shampoo,

conditioner, lotion and deodorant, or toothpaste. You
can buy these here.
5. I brought a warm pea coat, a zip fleece, a light

windproof/waterproof jacket, and a jean jacket. Bring a
scarf and hat, although you can buy these here too, and
gloves or mittens, if you plan to ski…
6. It gets very hot here too! Summer clothes are cheaper

to buy. I don’t see women over 25 ever wearing shorts
and wearing capris is fine. Women wear all lengths of
skirts. Look for quick drying, non-wrinkle fabrics.

7. I brought a head lamp for reading and used it a lot
during the first three months and for power outages. I
also really use my Nalgene water bottle. Don’t forget a
little sewing kit.
8. A vegetable peeler and wine opener, measuring cup in

milliliters (ml) and cups are good to bring. I brought a
Leatherman (a multi-purpose tool).
9. A sleeping bag is nice to have for visiting Volunteers,

good for warmth on your bed, and essential for
camping. I didn’t bring a sleeping bag pad.
10. If you use washcloths, bring some.
11. The Peace Corps will help you find adapters that work
in Macedonia. Buy hairdryers that work on 125 and 250
volts. They are easy to find in the States. A small surge
protector for your laptop is a good idea.
Welcome to Macedonia!
—Nancy O. Wilson
..............................................
Hello! Zdravo! Mirëdita!
My town (Kichevo, in western Macedonia) is just about

exactly half ethnic Macedonian and half ethnic Albanian,
and that fact pervades every aspect of my life. At least 20
percent of the population in Macedonia is ethnic Albanian.
The exact percentage depends on who is counting. There are
also small percentages of Turks, Roma, Serbs, and Vlachs,
but the conflicts and tensions you hear about here tend to
be Macedonian-Albanian. Most towns and villages, especially
in the eastern part of the country, are almost entirely ethnic
Macedonian, and many towns and villages in the west are
almost entirely Albanian. Very few have the demographics
that my town does.
88 PEACE CORPS

It is not violent or dangerous in Kichevo (Kërçovë in
Albanian). In fact, this is one of the few areas in this part of
Macedonia that saw almost no action in the 2001 conflict.
Macedonians and Albanians coexist here quite peacefully,
but also quite separately, and there is plenty of tension and
prejudice under the surface. I try very hard not to give anyone
grounds to suspect that my sympathies lie more with one
group than the other, which means I have to constantly be
vigilant about whom I talk to, in which language, where I shop,
whom I visit, etc. It's a small town, and not many foreigners
come here, so everyone watches what I do. I always have to
think about the balancing act.
To me, this situation is a fascinating challenge. I love it! I
love trying to learn two new languages at the same time, even
though it is very, very difficult. I love having to switch rapidly
among three languages every day (English, Macedonian,
Albanian) even though I get confused sometimes and make
mistakes. I especially love the fact that my situation—being an
American and a native English speaker—allows me to provide
opportunities for Macedonians and Albanians here to try to
bridge the gap between them, opportunities they would not
otherwise have.
I work at the only high school in Kichevo. Like the town,
it is just about half Macedonian and half Albanian, and it
is segregated. The Macedonian students have Macedonian
teachers, and the Albanian students have Albanian teachers.
There are two school pedagogists (one of each) and two
school psychologists (also one of each). The director is
Macedonian and the assistant director is Albanian. There are
some teachers, and many students, who are interested in being
somewhat less segregated. Sometimes, with the help of grants
from international agencies, they have short-term projects, like
art or sports activities, that are integrated, but there is always
the language issue to contend with. (Will they speak just
Macedonian? Will they translate every sentence someone says
back and forth?) They always have to have an equal number of
students and an equal number of teachers involved.

I am officially here as a TEFL Volunteer but don't actually
have any English classes. Occasionally, I appear as a guest
teacher in a class or two, but primarily I do extracurricular
English language activities. We have an English club, a film
club, and an English language newspaper. Everyone wants to
improve their English, so I never have a shortage of interested
participants. Since I conduct all these activities entirely in
English, we don't worry about translating everything into
Macedonian and Albanian. I still have to worry about the
ethnic balance of my groups, because if a group leaned too
far in either direction, people would say I liked one ethnicity
better and there could be endless ramifications. Because
students can interact in English this removes one of the
barriers between them. It is very exciting to see in action.
Everyone at school, and lots of people I've never even met,
know me as Erika from America. (It rhymes in Macedonian
and Albanian too: Erika od Amerika, Erikë nga Amerikë.)
They ask me, "Why would you come to Macedonia if you could
be in America? How could you possibly enjoy life in Kichevo?",
but they are happy I am helping them with their English, and
that I am trying to bring more opportunities to the students at
the high school.
The culture (both Macedonian and Albanian) is all
about hospitality and the importance of family, and religion
(Macedonians are almost all Eastern Orthodox Christian and
Albanians are almost all Muslim) is generally a part of culture,
meaning that the people celebrate particular holidays and
keep customs primarily from tradition, rather than because of
philosophy or theology. All of these are important and part of my
experience, but foremost in my mind is the inter-ethnic situation.
Good luck, and I hope to see you here! Goodbye! Ciao!

Mirupafshim!
—Erika M. Steiger
90 PEACE CORPS

Study how you learn best. If it’s by talking to others, make
a game out of it. Talk to your host family about the topic
you learned that day in class. Pay attention when your host
mother or baba says “ajde” (come). Learn the names of
everyday things. Keep a small notebook with you so you can
write down new words when you have conversations.
If grammar is your strong suit, spend more time learning the
alphabet so you can read. Take a look at the newspaper every
day. Start with the simple ads, and then look at the articles.
Notice how the sentence structure and the word order look.
Don’t expect to literally translate from English to Macedonian.
Rarely are the word orders exactly the same. I brought the
ever-acclaimed big red book, Macedonia Language by
Kristina Kramer. I didn’t even open it until I was at my site,
but I found it useful as a supplement and review; it had more
extensive grammar exercises, and was something to use with
a tutor in case one is needed after training. Also, talking to
kids is a great way to relieve stress. They are more at your
level of basic language skills, more forgiving of not speaking
correctly, and have an uncanny way to understand your
broken Macedonian, even when the adults don’t.
Go visit people, especially your neighbors. They’ll invite
you for coffee and snacks. If you’re a guy, it will be rakija
and salad. When the weather was warmer, I started taking
walks. It is very unusual for a man to do this, and even more
unusual to walk alone. I started by talking to a few of the kids
who were playing a game I wanted to understand. Eventually,
the parents came to meet me and invited me for coffee.
Afterwards, I walked some more and randomly spoke to the
next family I met. It’s fun, builds your language, relationships,
and is a great way to feel a part of the community. You’ll be
the center of attention many times.
You will notice definable gender roles in each community.
Because there are many different cultures, traditions can
vary from city to city and village to village. I live in a very
Macedonian town with a few other nationalities living here. Over
the mountain, there is a Turkish/Muslim village, in which most

people speak Turkish and whose women have very definable
roles in the family that begin at a very young age. In such a
small country, you will find more a mix of culture at a shorter
distance than anywhere in the span of 120 miles in the U.S.
Be aware that the guys are constantly looking at the girls.
Going out alone is rare, so you can expect a company of two
or more to greet you. If you are alone and invited into the
house of the opposite sex alone, it could be taken suggestively
if you accept, or invite an opposite sex peer to your place
alone. Don’t invite kids/students in at all unless you want
them bugging you every day thereafter. If you are in western
Macedonia, where there are more ethnic Albanians, be
sensitive to the roles of men and women. Out of respect, it
doesn’t hurt to think conservatively in appearance and activity.
Make friends and get to know the people you will be with
for the next two years. Also, visit people who’ve offered
to help you. The people at the U.S. embassy, international
organizations, and USAID are there to assist you. Take a day
and meet these people, one on one. It worked to my benefit in
amazing ways. I wish you all a pleasant journey.
Blessings,
—David Fox
92 PEACE CORPS

NOTES

P A C K I N G L I ST
This list has been compiled by Volunteers
serving in Macedonia and is based on their experience. Use it
as an informal guide in making your own list, bearing in mind
that each experience is individual. There is no perfect list! You
obviously cannot bring everything we mention, so consider
those items that make the most sense to you personally and
professionally. You can always have things sent to you later. As
you decide what to bring, keep in mind that you have an 102-
pound weight restriction on baggage. And remember, you can
get almost everything you need in Macedonia.
General Clothing
All Volunteers will need an assortment of clothing for work,

play, and socializing. Suitable attire for male teachers includes
slacks with a nice shirt and an optional tie. Community
development Volunteers working in a municipal or NGO
office may find a suit and tie de rigueur for everyday wear,
but wearing nice slacks with a sport coat or blazer is fairly
common. Community development Volunteers working with
an environmental NGO fall somewhere in between, depending
on the organization they’re placed with. Suits, dresses, and
skirts that are not too short, or nice slacks with blouses are
all suitable work attire for women. For both men and women,
nice jeans (but not the grunge look), dressed up with a nice
shirt and jacket, are also acceptable in many situations,
especially social ones. For most places outside of Skopje, a
more conservative approach to dressing is appropriate for
women. Clothing is expensive because most of it is imported,
so it is best to bring most of what you will need. Shipping
clothes from the States is also possible but expensive. See
further suggestions below:

• Two or three pairs of fleece or silk long underwear
(available locally but not of great quality), in colors
other than white (which is harder to clean)
• Several sweaters
• Scarves, hats, and gloves (Gore-Tex if possible)
• Winter socks
• Windproof and waterproof coat or warm jacket
• Jeans
• Clothing for warmer weather
Shoes
• Hiking boots made of leather, waterproof, and
lightweight (good-quality ones are available in
Macedonia but expensive); winters are cold and very
wet
• Work shoes
Personal Hygiene and Toiletry Items
A wide variety is available in Macedonia, so do not pack extra

toothpaste, toilet paper, dental floss, and shampoo.
Kitchen
Note that most items can be bought in Macedonia and many
dried spices and herbs can be found here, especially in Skopje.
• Favorite recipes
• Plastic measuring cups and spoons
Miscellaneous
• Travel alarm clock
• The Peace Corps discourages you from wearing contact
lenses and does not provide contact lens cleaning
supplies. You may bring your own supplies or buy them
96 PEACE CORPS

here. Contact lens maintenance supplies can be found in
Skopje, but are somewhat expensive (around $15 to $30).
• Backpack, small, durable, lightweight, and of good
quality for overnight trips (suitcases are a nuisance and
large packs may be cumbersome for short trips)
• Money pouch or belt (to hide your passport and other
valuables when traveling)
• Cash (for vacation travel and long-distance phone calls)
• Personal checks from a U.S. checking account (handy if
you plan to apply to graduate school; can be cashed at a
bank in Skopje)
• Credit card (accepted in a few places in Skopje and other
large cities, also useful for wiring money to Macedonia)
• Laptop computer (not required but could be useful;
please see prior sections for tips and other advice on
transporting this item)
• Flashlight (small and durable), an absolute necessity
• Compact sewing and tool kits
• Compact sleeping bag
• CDs (also available in Macedonia, except for country music)
• Colored chalk (if you will be working in a school)
• Family pictures or postcards to share with your host
family and friends

P R E- D E P A R TU R E
C H E C K L I ST
The following list consists of suggestions for you to consider
as you prepare to live outside the United States for two years.
Not all items will be relevant to everyone, and the list does
not include everything you should make arrangements for.
Family
❒ Notify family that they can call the Peace Corps’ Office
of Special Services at any time if there is a critical
illness or death of a family member (telephone number:
800.424.8580, extension 1470; after-hours duty officer:
202.638.2574).
❒ Give the Peace Corps’ On the Home Front booklet to
family and friends.
Passport/Travel
❒ Forward all paperwork for the Peace Corps passport
and visas to the Peace Corps travel office.
❒ Verify that luggage meets the size and weight limits for
international travel.
❒ Obtain a personal passport if you plan to travel after
your service ends. (Your Peace Corps passport will
expire three months after you finish your service, so
if you plan on traveling longer, you will need a regular
passport.)
Medical/Health
❒ Complete any needed dental and medical work.
❒ If you wear glasses, bring two pairs.

❒ Arrange to bring a three-month supply of all
medications (including birth control pills) that you are
currently taking.
❒ Bring copies of your immunization record to Macedonia.
❒ Report any changes in your health—physical, mental, or
dental—from the time you submitted your examination
reports to the Peace Corps, to your screening nurse at
the Office of Medical Services.
Insurance
❒ Make arrangements to maintain life insurance coverage.
❒ Arrange to maintain supplemental health coverage
while you are away. (Even though the Peace Corps is
responsible for your healthcare during Peace Corps
service overseas, it is advisable for people who have
preexisting conditions to arrange for the continuation
of their supplemental health coverage. If there is a
lapse in coverage, it is often difficult and expensive to
be reinstated.)
❒ Purchase short-term traveler’s or health insurance
to cover yourself while traveling to, and during, Pre-
Service Training events. The Peace Corps will cover
any service-related injuries while you are in the United
States, but will not cover further complications from
such injuries or non-service-related injuries (such as
while jogging).
❒ Arrange to continue Medicare coverage if applicable.
Personal Papers
❒ Bring a copy of your certificate of marriage or divorce.
Voting
❒ Register to vote in the state of your home of record.
(Many state universities consider voting and payment
of state taxes as evidence of residence in that state.)
100 PEACE CORPS

❒ Obtain a voter registration card and take it with you
overseas.
❒ Arrange to have an absentee ballot forwarded to you
overseas.
Personal Effects
❒ Purchase personal property insurance to extend from
the time you leave your home for service overseas until
the time you complete your service and return to the
United States.
Financial Management
❒ Obtain student loan deferment forms from the lender or
loan service.
❒ Execute a power of attorney for the management of
your property and business. (Peace Corps suggests
that you obtain a power of attorney signed over to your
parents or a relative so that they can receive financial
documents such as your W-2 form in order to submit
your U.S. income tax forms.)
❒ Arrange for deductions from your readjustment
allowance to pay alimony, child support, and other
debts through Volunteer Financial Operations at
800.424.8580, extension 1770.
❒ Place all important papers—mortgages, deeds, stocks,
and bonds—in a safe deposit box or with an attorney or
other caretaker.

C O NTA CT I N G P E A C E
C O R P S H E A D Q U A R TE R S
The following list of numbers will help you contact the appropriate
office at Peace Corps headquarters with various questions. You may
use the toll-free number and extension or dial directly using the
local numbers provided. Be sure to leave the Peace Corps’ toll-free
number and extensions with your family so they have them in the
event of an emergency during your service overseas.
Peace Corps Headquarters

Toll-free Number: 800.424.8580, Press 2, then
Ext. # (see below)
Peace Corps’ Mailing Address: Peace Corps

Paul D. Coverdell Peace Corps Headquarters
1111 20th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20526
For Direct/
Questions Toll-free Local
About: Staff Extension Number
Responding to Office of
an Invitation Placement
Europe Ext. 1875 202.692.1875
Mediterranean,
and Asia
Programming or Desk Officer Ext. 2421 202.692.2421

Country Information E-mail:
macedonia@
peacecorps.gov
Desk Assistant Ext. 2422 202.692.2422

E-mail:
macedonia@
peacecorps.gov

For Direct/
Questions Toll-free Local
About: Staff Extension Number
Plane Tickets, Travel Officer Ext. 1170 202.692.1170

Passports, (Sato Travel)
Visas, or Other
Travel Matters
Legal Clearance Office of Ext. 1845 202.692.1845

Placement
Medical Clearance Screening Nurse Ext. 1500 202.692.1500

and Forms Processing
(including dental)
Medical Handled by a
Reimbursements Subcontractor 800.818.8772
Loan Deferments, Volunteer Ext. 1770 202.692.1770

Taxes, Readjustment Financial
Allowance Withdrawals, Operations
Power of Attorney
Staging (Pre-departure Office of Staging Ext. 1865 202.692.1865

Orientation) and
Reporting Instructions
Note: You will receive
comprehensive information
(hotel and flight arrange
ments) three to five weeks
before departure. This in
formation is not available
sooner).
Family Emergencies Office of Special Ext. 1470 202.692.1470

(to get information to Services 9–5 EST
a Volunteer overseas)
202.638.2574
(after-hours
answering service)
104 PEACE CORPS

PEACE CORPS
Paul D. Coverdell Peace Corps Headquarters
1111 20th Street NW · Washington, DC 20526 · www.peacecorps.gov · 1-800-424-8580

Peace Corps Macedonia Welcome Book - February 2007

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Peace Corps Macedonia Welcome Book - February 2007

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THE PEACE CORPS WELCOMES YOU TO

As with Peace Corps experiences worldwide, your intellectual

Macedonia has a rich and complex history, and you are

Macedonia has been struggling with the growing pains

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One of the key cultural differences trainees and Volunteers

Volunteers receive excellent medical care, training, program

The Peace Corps is committed to the safety and security of

If you are confident that you have the commitment,

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Peace Corps/Macedonia History and Programs 7

Country Overview: Macedonia at a Glance 15

Resources for Further Information 21

Living Conditions and Volunteer Lifestyle 33

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Your Health Care and Safety in Macedonia 49

Diversity and Cross-Cultural Issues 69

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Welcome Letters From Macedonia Volunteers 83

Contacting Peace Corps Headquarters 103

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The Peace Corps received an invitation from the government

Because of the political unrest in neighboring Kosovo, the

Long-standing ethnic tensions, however, began to flare up in

A WELCOME BOOK · MACEDONIA 7

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The Framework Agreement was confirmed by the Macedonian

After a rigorous safety and security assessment of the

The security situation has improved so much that in January

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The peaceful municipal elections of 2005 and the

History and Future of Peace Corps Programming in Macedonia

Macedonia’s objectives are to develop a multiethnic

A WELCOME BOOK · MACEDONIA 9

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A number of different tasks are listed in each project plan, and

English language teaching was the original Peace Corps

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Peace Corps Volunteers in the community development

In organizations focused on local business development,

A WELCOME BOOK · MACEDONIA 11

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In organizations focused on environmental activities,

In organizations focused on youth development, Volunteers

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A WELCOME BOOK · MACEDONIA 13

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The Republic of Macedonia is a small, landlocked country in

Although a small country today, Macedonia was once the

In 1990 a coalition of reformist Communists and Macedonian

A WELCOME BOOK · MACEDONIA 15

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In 1993 Kiro Gligorov of the Social Democratic Alliance

In early 2001, internal tensions resulted in an armed

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Overall, there is a greater awareness of the need to accelerate

Macedonia was hoping to receive NATO membership by the

A WELCOME BOOK · MACEDONIA 17

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Macedonia commenced its way toward the EU by submitting

A pending issue remains the solution of Macedonia’s

The final status of Kosovo will also impact Macedonia. The

The executive branch of the government is composed of

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The legislative branch is composed of a unicameral National

The judicial branch is composed of a supreme court chairman