This past May, participants of the American Councils Insider's Tour of the Balkans rose with the sun to bid farewell to Dubrovnik, the final stop on the 10-day, four-country trip across Southeastern Europe. Together with Executive Vice President Lisa Choate, Regional Director for Southeastern Europe Elvira Dana, and Program Officer for Secondary School Programs Slavi a Rakovi , 14 savvy travelers explored the story of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, and Serbia, with all of their intrigue, rich culture, diverse architecture, and beautiful nature.
Little introduction to our work in the region including programs like the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) and Youth Exchange and Study (YES) was needed, since the group included two members of the American Councils Board of Directors and several participants who serve as volunteer evaluators for the above-mentioned youth program applications. Meeting exchange program alumni at every stop and seeing each of the destinations from a local's perspective were highlights of the tour for many participants.
With the aim of preparing travelers to make the most of the full tour, orientation to the region was also provided in the form of briefings on the history of the Balkans, suggested books and films related to this complex region, and opportunities to encounter Balkan culture and experts before their departure.
As they traveled, participants put together pieces of the puzzle of the region and now face the challenge of assembling their own concept of the Balkans as they reflect on what they saw, felt, heard, discussed and ate! The Balkans form a complex narrative about identity and division: one must contend with the differences between people from the Balkans and those from outside the Balkans, as well as the many internal divisions among ethnic groups within the Balkans.
The Balkans are comprised of countries geographically categorized as one region, while holding conflicting ideas about it means to be part of the Balkans. These four countries speak mutually intelligible languages that many linguists would deem to be a single language, albeit with three literary traditions. They share borders and histories as a single country, of mutual collaborations, and of conflict. From the Middle Ages onwards, these political and cultural entities have been on an endless quest to distinguish similarities as well as distinct qualities among themselves.
What the Balkan Insiders are Saying
It's always special to meet those whose lives have intersected with ours, no matter how briefly, and to be reminded of the energy and talent present, emerging and continuing in those who participate in our programs. Meeting Miriana, one of our earliest participants from Moldova, was a special treat for me. I look forward to future participation in other insider tours.
Mary
This trip stands out as the most amazing trip of my life to-date.
Sudha
Thanks to all involved in this great trip: the staff in the Balkans and D.C., the wonderful alumni that we met along the way, and my super-friendly fellow travelers. I learned a lot and had a great time!
David
About the Balkan Insider Tour
The Balkan Insider Trip paired 14 Americans with American Councils experts in Southeastern Europe to travel across Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, and Serbia.
During Insider Tours, travelers meet with alumni from international exchange programs at each destination and receive local insight throughout the entire trip. These trips are real opportunities to experience the heart and soul of communities abroad and to understand firsthand how international education experiences can propel positive change.
Upcoming Insider Tours: Bulgaria and Macedonia
In May 2017, American Councils will host an Insider Tour to Bulgaria and Macedonia
On this tailored 10-day two-country Balkan Insider Tour, American Councils' field staff, current program participants, and program alumni will draw you into the intertwining stories of current-day Bulgaria and Macedonia. You will travel from the coast of the Black Sea into the heart of the Balkan Peninsula by way of Ohrid, one of Europe's deepest and oldest lakes.
Contact Elena Romanova for more information about joining us for the next Insider Tour.