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Skopje is the capital of the Republic of Macedonia. As largest
city in the country, it is a political, economic, and cultural
center of Macedonia. For more
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Where is Macedonia?
The complete official name is the Former Yugoslavian Republic of Macedonia
(FYROM). It is a small landlocked country that shares a border with Greece
and gained its independence from Yugoslavia in 1992. There is a dispute
with Greece over the name Macedonia and they have been using the FYROM
temporarily until that issue is resolved.
Is it safe to live in Macedonia?
That is, "Is there anything to worry about in terms of the wars of
Yugoslavia (with Bosnia, Croatia etc.)? " Macedonia separated peacefully
from Yugoslavia in 1992. With the separation, the military went to Serbia
in the bargain. While they are developing their own military, the United
Nations has a protection force UNPREDEP (United Nations PREventive
DEPloyment force) in place here. They are scheduled to be here until their
current mandate expires this summer. There is speculation that their
mandate may be extended by the UN. Recently, there have been some problems
(demonstrations, crackdowns, fighting, raids etc.) in the Serbian province
of Kosovo (20 km from here). The problems are between the Serbian police
and the Albanian majority in the region (90% of the total population) who
want the return of their autonomy, which was revoked by Serbia in 1989.
There is speculation that if there are no measures to stop the conflict
soon that there could be another Balkan war. As Kosovo is just over the
mountains from Skopje (the capital), some people believe that any war
would eventually involve Macedonia as well, especially as the population
here is 20% Albanian also. Other people believe that the situation will
not escalate any further and that if it does, Macedonia will stay out of
it. At the moment, there has been no fighting or conflict on the
Macedonian side of the border, other than an Albanian demonstration to
show solidarity with their Kosovo counterparts. You will have to determine
for yourself whether the risks are worth taking or not, based on your own
feelings and the status of the situation at the time that you are making
the decision about whether or not to go.
How do I get to Macedonia?
Unless you work for a private school, you will probably have to pay your
own airfare, in whole or in part. Connections to Skopje can be difficult
to find as it is a small city with only a very recently opened airport,
unless you are flying from major U.S. hubs such as New York or L.A.. You
may find you need two or three different connecting flights to land in
Skopje. As well, you cannot fly in through or from Greece. (As a result of
the dispute between the two countries over the name, there are no flights
to or from Macedonia allowed in Greek airspace.) Sofia, Bulgaria is a good
place to connect and then take the bus (a half day ride) from there. The
cost of a one way ticket from the U.S. is approximately $750 USD (last
fall).
What is the exchange rate?
As with anywhere, the rate fluctuates daily. However, it is usually 53 to
56 Macedonian denars to one American dollar. Money changers are everywhere
so check for the best rate before you change.
How much money can I make if I teach English in Macedonia?
If you work for a language company the rate is about $10 to $15 USD per
hour. Soros hires teachers also but, because they are a non-profit
foundation, the pay is less (though they do provide housing, which most
language companies will not). You can make a decent salary if you work in
a private school (some start at about $20,000 USD). It is also fairly easy
to supplement your income through private lessons on your own time if you
wish.
Will I be able to save any money there?
Rent is fairly cheap in Macedonia (around $200 to $300 dollars/month).
Other things, however, can be fairly expensive (fresh produce, meat,
personal products). Transportation (bus or taxi) is quite cheap. If you do
not live extravagantly, you can save a good portion of your salary.
What are the employment opportunities, job requirements, etc. for
people who want to teach English in Macedonia?
Macedonia is a mecca for language companies and more and more are opening
all the time. Private schools are more rare but a few are slowly starting
to open up, particularly in the capital (Skopje). Many language companies
will hire you simply because you are a native speaker. Others (and private
schools) want a degree of some kind, though not necessarily a teaching
degree or an English degree.
Do I need to be able to speak Greek or Macedonian?
Macedonia has no formal ties with Greece so nobody speaks Greek. You can
manage easily without speaking any Macedonian. Many people, especially
younger ones, speak at least a little English. Many of the older
generation speak German or French. Macedonian is from the Serbo-Croatian
Bulgarian family of languages and you will need to learn the Cyrrilic
alphabet. Once you have done so, you can read everything, even if you
don't understand it, as Macedonian is a phonetic language. It shares many
words in common with both Serbian and Bulgarian.
What is the school calendar?
Classes begin in late August and run until late June, for a total of 180
teaching days. There are three weeks off for Christmas and one week off at
Easter. Both American and Macedonian holidays are celebrated.
What are students like?
In language companies, there will be students off all ages but most will
be adults and many will be business people. In private schools, many of
the students will be the children of foreign businessmen and diplomats.
Many (though not all) are excellent, well behaved students. From grade one
to grade eight, Macedonian children MUST attend Macedonian schools so you
will likely not be working with them. Macedonian high school students
(grades 9 to 12) are allowed to attend private schools. Many of them are
somewhat on the lazy and inattentive side. Cheating seems to be the norm
so they will need to be taught the Western standards as far as that is
concerned.
What about curriculum?
All schools and companies will have their own curriculum for you to use
but how well developed it will be depends on the school/company and its
resources. You may find yourself doing a great deal of curriculum
development on your own as well as making up your own assignments,
visuals, props etc. Most private schools will have a Western curriculum
with Western books etc. This may not be true of locally run schools.
What about getting a visa?
When you arrive, you will need to get a 3 month tourist visa, free of
charge at the border. Afterwards, depending on many factors, you will
either get a work visa (which your employer should pay for, at least
partially) or you may have to go to the nearest border, cross over and
cross back to get another tourist visa every three months. In most places,
there will be little problem getting a work permit.
Would I get housing/insurance through the school?
Many private schools will supply or at least help pay for housing. Most
language companies will not. Insurance plans are rare. Most apartments are
furnished, which generally means just the basics, though some places are
very well stocked, you just have to find them. Be careful that you are
very clear about your privacy if renting from a private individual rather
than a leasing company. Be sure that you can change the locks so that they
do not have a key.
What is the lifestyle/standard of living like?
Macedonia is a former communist country and the standard of living and
lifestyle is accordingly different. There is not great poverty (except
among the gypsies) but few people are very wealthy either. The lifestyle
of the foreigner will be better than that of a local because of the
differences in salary. Pollution is a problem here, though not to the
degree that is often found in Asia. Environmental awareness is only just
beginning.
How easy or hard is it to get along with the people (especially, with
my employer)?
As with anywhere, it depends on the employer and the people you meet.
Macedonians do tend to keep to themselves, unless they have had some kind
of previous contact with Western Influence. (For example, many have been
on exchange programs with foreign colleges.)
What about weather/food/recreation?
Summer is very warm. Humidity is low because Macedonia is landlocked and
mountainous. Winter is grey and misty. It can be cool but it is not
generally bitterly cold (minus 10 Celcius) and there is a moderate amount
of snow. Food is very much like Greek food and there are many preserves
made in the fall to eat through the winter. Produce in winter is limited
but plentiful in summer. You can buy many groceries to cook your own
Western style meals. There are some imported American or Greek products
available, but they are costly. Outdoor pursuits are the main recreation:
hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter. There are café/bars all
over in the summer and plenty of dessert places too. There are also movies
available in English but they are about 6 months behind what is on in
theaters in North America and have Macedonian subtitles.
What should I bring with me?
Some suggestions:
English reading material, tapes of movies, TV
etc, and music for yourself
Any teaching resources you think would be useful
Things to entertain yourself (games, cards, puzzle books etc)
A laptop computer if you have it
Any prescription drugs you need for the course of the year
Any over the counter pain relievers/cold medicine etc. you might use
(nothing is available here)
Any favorite dry food products you like (granola bars, oatmeal, dried
fruit etc.)
What about communication with the outside world?
Post is slow and expensive, especially overseas. They will not send
anything airmail that weighs more than 20 grams. You will have to send it
registered, which is costly. It take can 2 or 3 weeks for your post to
arrive from or get to home (if at all). Parcels take a minimum of 3 months
or so. Sometimes, you will have to pay when you pick up a parcel, even
though postage was paid in the country of origin.
Telephone is cheap locally but quite expensive long distance. It is
relatively easy to get a good connection though.
Internet (and therefore e-mail) is available through some carriers but it
is very slow, sometimes difficult to get a connection and then the
connection is easily broken.
English newspapers are available only in the centers of the large cities
and only some of the time. English TV is limited and the news you do get
is very Europe-centered, so there is very little about North American
news.
Any other suggestions?
If you can, get in touch with somebody who has worked or is working at the
school or company you are interested in and ask them some questions. Then
take everything with a grain if salt. |
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