About – Nationalism and the Formation of New States in the Balkans

This course series was designed and initiated by Professor Jan Knippers Black. Professor Black’s goal at the time was to demystify the misconceptions around the region that gave rise to the term “balkanized” and debunk the myth of primordial hatreds that too many people still assume to be the cause of the many rifts in this region. Since that time, the course has undergone multiple iterations, each time focusing on a different aspect of this theme. This iteration will take place in the southernmost of the former Yugoslav republics: Kosovo and North Macedonia.

Kosovo and North Macedonia each have two majority populations: one slavic and one Albanian. Both countries gained their independence within the last four decades, and tensions between the two populations have figured heavily in how each of the countries has developed. Keep in mind that before its collapse, Yugoslavia was an example of what a well functioning multinational state can be. As you will discover, very little of what shapes each country’s growth and development is clear and straightforward–and much has to do with its relationship with its neighbors and other powerful countries in the region (i.e., Turkiye or Greece). We will be exploring the roles of policy, education, language, and culture to unpack some of the drivers of tensions within each country.

The course is customizable, to fit better with your individual concentration. You will be presented with a set of brief readings that correspond with the history of the region or one of the themes we will be covering. Each student will select four readings – or more if they prefer. We will use the information within those readings to set our initial expectations in the weeks prior to the trip. Once on the ground in Kosovo and North Macedonia, the class will meet with a series of local speakers and experts to discuss their thoughts and experiences. Throughout the trip, we will take time to periodically discuss and unpack how what we have learned tracks with what we initially thought.

After the trip, you will have time to reflect on what you have learned and experienced. Everyone will be asked to produce a deliverable after they return from the trip. The requirements for this deliverable are somewhat flexible. Our goal is for you to make it possible for others to learn some of what you have learned and experienced.

This page provides logistical information helpful for traveling from abroad to the Balkan countries: North Macedonia and Kosovo.

Local time in the Balkans:

All towns that we will visit are in Central European Time Zone – GMT + 1 hour. From the end of March to the end of October, the time is GMT + 2.

Time difference with California/ San Francisco: UTC – 8

7 am in San Francisco = 4 pm in the Balkans

Languages spoken in the Southern Balkans:

Macedonian in North Macedonia; only the Cyrillic alphabet is in use;

Albanian is spoken in Kosovo and North Macedonia. It uses the Latin alphabet;

Serbian in some portions of Kosovo (Cyrillic and Latin alphabet in use); most of the road signs that were in Serbian have been removed throughout Kosovo. So, you are only likely to see Serbian language if we are able to visit a Serbian enclave in Kosovo;

Minority languages spoken include Turkish, Bosnian and Romani.

Electricity: 220 ~ 230V, 50 Hz

You will need both Converter and Adapter in order to use electric appliances.

Tap water in Skopje, Pristina and most other places in NMK and Kosovo is fit for drinking.

Climate in March

PRISTINA

Daily average high temperature of 55°F (13°C) with an average low temperature of 35°F (2°C).

PRIZREN

Daily average high temperature of 48°F (9°C) with an average low temperature of 26°F (-3.0°C).

SKOPJE

Daily average high temperature of 52°F (11.3°C) with an average low temperature of 38°F (3.1°C).

TETOVO

Daily average high temperature of 52°F (11.3°C) with an average ow temperature of 41°F (5°C).

OHRID

Daily average high temperature of 52°F (11.3°C) with an average low temperature of 34°F (1.2°C).

VISA INFORMATION

Holders of US/Australia/UK and EU member states passports do not require an entry visa to either country that will be visited. As of 8 November 2014, holders of foreign passports who possess valid Schengen visa, the UK, other EU member states, and USA visa as well as holders of foreign passports who have legal residence in the above-mentioned countries, do not require prior obtaining of entry visa and stay up to 90 days in Kosovo. As of January 2023, holders of foreign passports who possess valid Schengen visa, the UK, other EU member states, and USA visa as well as holders of foreign passports who have legal residence in the above-mentioned countries, do not require an entry visa, but the length of the stay at one entrance should not exceed 15 (fifteen) days in North Macedonia.

Currency Exchange

All visitors are advised to exchange currency only in accredited official exchange offices (Menuvacnica/ Менувачница in Macedonian – Këmbimore in Albanian), which are numerous and clearly labelled. Rates do not vary considerably from place to place, and you will not be charged commission for exchanging money. However, rates offered at official exchange offices are generally better than those available in banks, hotels or at the Airport.

Exchange offices are usually opened Monday-Friday from 8 am until 4 pm (closing times vary), Saturdays from 8 am until 1 pm and are closed on Sundays and public holidays. You can exchange money in money exchange machines located at the Arrivals Hall of the Airport and throughout Skopje 24 hours a day.

Many banks have 24-hour ATM’s some of which can also exchange foreign currency. Your credit cards (AMEX, Diners Club, MasterCard, VISA) will enable you to withdraw cash in denars 24 hours a day at the automatic cashpoints in the city. Also, credit cards can be used for purchases in hotels, restaurants and shops. Signs are displayed at the entrance showing which cards are acceptable.

North Macedonia

1 EUR = 61.47 MKD

1 USD = 57.43 MKD

Kosovo

1 EUR = 1.07 USD

Macedonian Denars

The monetary unit is the Macedonian DENAR, abbreviated MKD. Banknotes: 2000 MKD, 1000 MKD, 500 MKD, 200 MKD, 100 MKD, 50 MKD and 10 MKD Coins: 1 MKD, 2 MKD, 5 MKD, 10 MKD, 50 MKD

Basic courtesies in Albanian

Përshëndetje (formal) – Hello

Faleminderit – Thank you

Mirupafshim (formal) / ditën e mirë – Goodbye

Mirëmëngjes – Good morning

Mirëdita – Good day

Natën e mirë – Good night

Ju bëftë mirë! – Bon appetite, Enjoy your meal!

Basic courtesies in Macedonian

Zdravo – Hello

Blagodaram or Fala (informal) – Thank you

Dobro Utro – Good morning