Around 190 high-school students that are a part of the Access – Microscholarship Program for increasing the access to English language, supported by the U.S. Embassy in Skopje, got together in a summer camp at the end of August. The camp took place in the Scout Centre in Ohrid and it represented an opportunity to celebrate their two years of participation in the program.

During the camp, the students practiced their English language skills, built teams, and gained confidence through numerous innovative activities. They attended workshops and learned about human rights, diversity, the importance of a clean environment, communication, mental health, and leadership and strengthened their team-work skills. Moreover, they prepared American dinner burgers and hot dogs. During the evenings, the whole group gathered on the beach by the campfire to participate in fun activities for personal development and sing songs together.


One of the highlights for the students was the visit of the U.S. Ambassador to North Macedonia Kate Marie Byrnes. She came to the camp to greet them and enjoyed a productive talk about their experience in the Access program. She also discussed her career as a diplomat and Ambassador and answered the students’ questions.


Access is a two-year program for bright, underprivileged high-school students from different ethnic backgrounds, with the goals of improving their command of English, developing IT and project management skills, and learning about U.S. culture. Opportunities like this summer camp enable students and teachers to take learning outside of the classroom while making wonderful memories and forging strong friendships.

This activity is part of the English Access Microscholarship Program, supported by the United States Embassy in North Macedonia.