Author: Stefan Alievikj

Nowadays the society is hungry for innovation. Innovations are needed in each field and circle of the society and they are crucial for our movement towards smarter and sustainable future. At the university St Cyril and Methodius in Skopje, Macedonia, two teachers had come up with few ideas how to bring innovations in the educational system.

Elena Oncevska-Ager and Rumena Buzarovska, teachers at the Department of English Language and Literature had come up with innovation at the verge, combining social networking with the usual curriculum. They have opened up Google groups for each group which they lecture and the Google groups have become a platform where students can post information, news or book reviews. The students are able to discuss about world issues and problems, stereotypes and prejudges or simply share their favourite bits of music on this platform. Of course, all the activities on these social network groups can bring the students additional points. This sparkling idea is much promising, since it has the potential to grow into a platform where stereotypes for instance can be disregarded.

Additional activities which are made are the Otstapka sessions, meaning something “out of the norm”. On these sessions, the two teachers are hosting the students in another out of classroom activity with a special guest. The sessions are again thought provoking and give insight in many contemporary issues, thus a true discussion is enabled.

The last Otstapka session was held just few weeks ago and the special guest was an Englishman who had been teaching inMongolia for almost thirty year, so the students were able to have insight and compare two different educational systems in the world.

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Author: Emilija Georgievska

If you look up the word “intern” in the dictionary, you will be given the following explanation:

“A student or trainee who works, sometimes without pay, in order to gain work experience or satisfy requirements for a qualification.”

Although I am quite sure that all of you are familiar with this term, I feel obliged to define it and give it an appropriate introduction. The first association with the word (if you are a fan of “Grey’s Anatomy”) is the assistant physician or surgeon in a hospital, at least in an American context. The more broad usage of it refers to any kind of pre-work experience, usually connected to the particular field of study of the student, which takes place during the ongoing university attendance. In the past, doing an internship was seen as something optional, an experience that would have a positive influence on a person’s professional prosperity and probably something that not many people were able to gain access to. Nowadays, on the contrary, the experience of being an intern has become even obligatory (for those universities using the Bologna System). Nonetheless, this valuable experience also paves the path to finding a proper job that will certainly lead students to at least two internships. Students undertake the role of an intern not because they are confused or they do not know what to work in the future, but because the companies themselves require their new employees to have gone through the process of gaining the work ethics during their course of studies.

With the ‘constant instability’ of the global economy and millions people being left jobless, alternative solutions to the problem must be found. That is why internships have become so popular and omnipresent – they represent a chance to enter the professional world and to hopefully stay there. Being a pressing issue, countless discussions on the topic of youth unemployment are held. Almost a month ago, this issue was brought up on the EU Summit in Brussels, where EU leaders discussed a plan to guarantee all young people either the work, training or further education within four months of leaving school. What came out of that we still do not know, but at least we know that there are plans to improve the current situation.

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Author: Challenge Future Team

Bled (Slovenia), 16 March 2012 – A group of 80 exceptional young, innovative and socially responsible individuals from 38 countries will come together for the second Challenge:Future (C:F) Summit held at IEDC-Bled School of Management from 16-21 March 2012 under the patronage of UNESCO. The Summit serves as the pinnacle of all activities and projects of the C:F global youth think-tank in 2011-12, whereby more than 23,500 youth from 213 countries and territories created 1,469 innovative ideas, invested 210,000 volunteering hours into their implementation, and improved lives of 270,000 children, youth, and adults worldwide.

Under the central topic of the Summit »Towards Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive Future«, youth under the age of 30 will come together with educators, business and political leaders to consider pressing challenges facing the world today, including the global youth unemployment crisis, social entrepreneurship, challenges in education and the role of business in society and to share their solutions. Besides the honorary speaker, President of the Republic of Slovenia Dr. Danilo Türk, the C:F Summit program will feature a number of world-respected speakers, including futurist Joel A. Barker, business strategist Deepa Prahalad, former OECD Secretary General Donald Johnston, entrepreneurs Riccardo Illy, Sandi Češko and other.

Challenge:Future is a global platform (with more than a million views), established to promote innovative and future- and nature-oriented responsible attitude and creativity of young people. In 2011, nine competitions and 94 sustainability projects were organized by Third Millennium Knowledge Lab in partnership with international management association CEEMAN and IEDC-Bled School of Management and with the support of numerous other partners, which will be presented at the five-day global youth Challenge:Future Summit 2012.

»Challenge:Future is a visionary project, based on the values that will create the future of societies, organizations and individuals. In this cycle, we managed to attract almost 24.000 youth from over 200 countries, who contributed 1.469 innovative ideas and improved lives of 270.000 people”, set out Ms. Andreja Kodrin, Founder and President of Challenge:Future.

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My EVS Story

To be young brings many challenges: trying new things, meeting new people, learning new cultures, and in a way building your individuality and finding your place in this global society. Being young also means a desire to travel. I think by traveling and living abroad we are becoming more open for new horizons and perspectives in our lives.

To be young means to be a volunteer too. I think the best feeling in life is when we are giving something from the heart without asking anything in return. Actually, that’s the biggest reason why I decided to become a volunteer and in my own way contribute to a better tomorrow in this global society.

Many people ask me: ”Why EVS in Poland?”

Curiosity, discovering new cultures and the need to search for something new are some of the reasons that made me go to Poland. I think any country on Earth has its own beauty and has something unique to be seen.

Wrocław – the city where I live now is the fourth largest city in Poland. I can say it is the most beautiful city in Poland. It is a historic city of Silesia, and today is the capital of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship. Over the centuries, the city was part of Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Prussia and Germany, but in 1945 it became again part of Poland as a result of redrawing the borders after the Second World War. Wroclaw was also chosen as European Capital of Culture for 2016. Different styles of art, such as Baroque, Gothic and Flemish renaissance can be seen in the architecture of this city. You don’t need much to fall in love with Wroclaw.

Daily activities in “Multicultural Language Cafe”

I have been in Poland for 7 months now. My coordination and host organization is Semer Avanti and I work on a project called “Multicultural Language Cafe”. I create and run workshops in the area of human rights, intercultural dialogue and tolerance.

Through organizing various activities like: watching short films directed by Youth for Human Rights International, making discussions and presentations, I am trying to give and clarify what human rights actually are and why they are so important to all of us. The concept of my workshop is based on the idea of human rights, a look at the background of Human Rights, a brief history of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Universal Declaration and the people who promoted human rights.

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Building the Sino-European Future

China drives world business. As the world’s fastest-growing major economy, the largest exporter and the second largest importer, all roads lead to the Middle Kingdom. Today’s business leaders understand the global role of China. The opportunities to grasp the global trends and immerse oneself in the fascinating world of growing Chinese economy seem to be limited for European students. The frequent question,Do you know any summer programmes in China that combine business courses, internship experience, and fun?, can be finally answered. Europe-China Strategic Alliance with partnership of the prestigious Shanghai University of Finance and Economics offers a unique summer business programme in Shanghai from July 12th to August 24th 2012.

Academics, internship, and pleasure

Many European students want to connect pleasure with work experience and not squander a whole summer on frivolous travels. The Business in China Summer Programme will be held in Shanghai and offers a combination of academics, work experience, and pleasure. This intensive six-week programme aims to help European students gain a deep understanding of Chinese culture through courses at the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, a month-long internship, as well as networking and cultural events. The programme is designed for all undergraduates, postgraduates, and MBA students passionate about emerging countries.Transcripts with ECTS credits will be granted by the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics.

Insights about China for European students – Want to Do Business in China?

Lin, a young Chinese girl traveling through Europe confessed that this programme is a great opportunity for European students who want to take advantage of the growing economy in China. Take for example Starbucks, she says, if this Western company did not understand the Chinese culture and the country’s dynamics they would not have been so successful with their aggressive growth in this emerging market. “Now, I am able to sip my Green Tea Latte and enjoy my favorite leaf teas from Starbucks in China,” her eyes spark and she sinks into Starbucks oblivion. She still looks forward to seeing more of European premium products whether food or clothing in the Chinese stores. Might you be their future exporter to the Chinese market?

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Author: Vasko Talevski

New York City, also known as the Big Apple, is one of the major metropolises of the world. In addition, it is a tourist’s dream destination with a number of must see places that are simply breathtaking. The Big Apple astonishes people with an abundance of sightseeing tours and shopping places, and it also features a well-known transportation system, an amazing cuisine, as well as an incredible nightlife and district theatre.

One of the most popular places to visit in New York are the Empire State Building, the Rockefeller Center, Times Square, the American Museum of National History, Little Italy, Chinatown, along with New York’s trademark, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island among many others. The Empire State Building and the Rockefeller Center are one of New York’s tallest skyscrapers whose observatories offer spectacular views over the entire city. Furthermore, Times Square is one of the most popular squares in the world. It is surrounded by remarkable massive buildings, captivating commercials, and swanky architecture that make you feel like you are in a high-tech fairy world. The American Museum of National History serves as a window onto the world and the universe that takes you on an unforgettable journey of discovery. Moreover, it is one of the best family attractions in New York and offers great educational lessons with its fascinating exhibitions. Little Italy and Chinatown are unique places situated in Lower Manhattan that make you feel as if you are really in Italy and China. Furthermore, these two neighbourhoods are very popular among tourists because of their history, culture, and traditions. The Statue of Liberty is New York’s greatest symbol. This feat of engineering so widely portrayed in movies is located on Liberty Island, drawing limitless numbers of tourists each and every year. In visiting this engineering marvel, you also get the chance to explore the famous Ellis Island, where many people have passed through with the same hope: to become Americans.

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Author: Ruzica Despotovska

First of all, this is the only private theatre in the country, possessing its own premises completely focused on the independent theatre forms of any kind (regarding plays selection, elaboration of subjects and ideas, composing and deduction of conflicts, ideas processing etc). In terms of the artistic development, Theatra strives to raise the standards of the theatre production and to bring back the audience in the theatres.

Theatra is a recently formed, independent theatre, formed by a group of young people. Through this short interview, with the producer, Maria Zafirova, we present its formation, members and the main ideas.

Theatra was born as a result of the necessity for free and, at the same time, unique artistic expression. The main initiator was Marija Zafirova, a producer, and the idea was spread to Biljana Radinoska, the director of Theatra. Moreover, the initiative was accepted by Natasa Petrovic, an actress, and Magdalena Dilevska, a graphic designer. It was planned for the new theatre to be opened with Biljana`s diploma work, the play Misanthrope by Moliere. The entire project was led by Marija, who succeeded to obtain a performance space and to form a team of co-workers (a costume designer, graphic designer, marketing manager and dramatist). The premiere of Misanthrope took place in April, 2011, and so, Theatra was opened. Later, the team expanded with three more members: a web designer, a programmer, and a writer. The credit for this successful assembly of creative people goes to Marija, in addition to the entire team`s will for revival of a new theatre collective as well as a brand new theatre.

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Author: Ruzica Despotovska

The development of the latest technology in addition to the social media development gives opportunities for presenting certain event at the exact time and from the exact place where the journalist is located. Moreover, it gives opportunities to the ordinary people to share true and first-hand information (mostly video recording or photo-taking). In that manner, the investigation of information has become more impartial (having the opportunity to go through several sources) and, when it comes to reporting, there is also a possibility to break geography borders.

From 27-30 October, 2011, the first conference for young European reporters Young Press.eu took place in Antwerp, Belgium. Organised by Stamp Media, a Belgian youth press agency, for the period of three days, as it lasted, the young people had a chance to investigate the current situation in the fields of journalism and reporting, as well as their perspective in future, through discussions, workshops and other interactive methods. There were 84 participants at the conference, all young reporters from Europe, working in various spheres of reporting (from classical reporting to completely alternative journalism). The event was launched the night of October 27th and the opening night was located at Arendbergschouwburg in Antwerp. The ceremony was original, not being overburdened by glamour and spectacles, but rather filled with fresh and young energy. The opening night finished with the inspirational speech of Paul Lewis, investigative editor of The Guardian, who presented a quite positive outlook for the future of journalism. The two following days were the core of the conference. The Friday (October 28) was a rather busy day, when all the discussions and workshops were held. There were four major questions, divided into four workshops:

· The omnipresence of the media

· The spread of biased information

· New models and experimentation

· The future of high-quality investigative journalism

However these workshops and questions raised many others, consequently, provoking various answers, predictions and expectations, seen through the prism of the young people coming from completely different backgrounds, from all over Europe, united in the idea to create high quality stories.

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Author: Angela Velkova

I often dreamt of reaching new horizons, stretching myself to the limit, throwing myself into new challenges, of some organized society with innumerable opportunities for every young person calling upon me…hence, when the opportunity came, I couldn’t resist it. For one academic year I was diligently studying in the USA. The new world I saw and experienced did not let me enter into an emotional crisis. I avow that I did not have time to feel homesick. However, deep down, I harbored a desire to return home, back in my Macedonia. A Country most commonly seen by its citizens as a temporary place of residence where they were “doomed” to be born and witness the harsh implications of a transition era. Country where young people are triggered by the same drive to pursue their happiness abroad; however, the drive to return back in their country of origin never overrides their motives to stay in a foreign land.

Yes, I find the perpetual drain of young brains, or the so-called brain drain process, as the main cause for the poor economic and social progress of my country. Attesting the 20th independence anniversary of Macedonia, I contemplate about the brief but turbulent history of a country close to my age, country that was maturing along with entire generation of young enthusiasts who are now on the threshold of undertaking their future roles in society. In reality though, what this generation has withstood during its development years are massive job layoffs, high unemployment rate, large-scale corruption, stagnation in the economic growth, low standards of living, ubiquitous poverty, and ethnic conflicts. So I ask myself a question: Should I or anyone else, be surprised about the current situation with lack of competent and motivated young people to stay and create in Macedonia? Should we only blame it on the “relentlessly” ambitious young people who use every single opportunity to “wander around”, or maybe we should first look closely at the myriad of reasons underlying their decisions to depart and never return back?

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Author: Vasko Talevski

My first thought when I started writing this article was how to combine a simple and useful guide to accompany travellers in their exploration of the biggest state in America- Texas. The Lone Star State, as many people call it, is the American proudest and friendliest state. This giant desert is home to 25 million people: a diversity of communities living under the same blistering sun by the motto “friendship”. Travellers going to Texas need to know few things about the state’s weather, transportation, the beautiful national parks and nature, the manner of conduct, and the tasteful cuisine.

The weather in Texas varies a lot due to the state’s large size, but it is mostly hot, and when I say hot, I mean REALLY hot! The Texas desert is so hot and dry that there are many fires throughout the year. In fact, it is so hot that there are not many trees to offer shade. Texas also has the highest number of tornados in America. People that want to travel across Texas need to take necessary precautions, avoid direct sunlight, wear a hat, and use sunscreen. Furthermore, if you decide to walk and explore the countryside make sure you have lots of liquids with you.

Due to the extreme weather in Texas many people use transportation. The most used vehicles in Texas are the trucks. Texans use trucks for all sorts of stuff but mostly because they are good work vehicles, and go hand in hand with cowboy hats and rough terrain. If you want to explore the countryside, to save some time, and to avoid the scorching sun you better take your car with you or have some other type of transportation.

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