Check out this story about the American Exchange to Serbia!

The 2011 American Exchange to Serbia concluded with a synthesis workshop, focusing on reflecting on the participants’ two weeks in Serbia and how that translates and can be applied to their lives back in the US.  A conference with the US Ambassador to Serbia and the Serbian Minister of Youth and Sport echoed the responsibility of all of the program participants, both Serbians and Americans, to learn from their experiences and take action.

This program really opened my eyes to an entire world I knew nothing about. I feel that with all the knowledge I’ve gained, I can create understanding in my community and about Serbia and the Balkans. ~Brady

From my experiences I have learned a new sense of unity; watching and joining the Serbians in their quest for a cause has led me to want to take action within my own community. ~Bethany

Through the knowledge I have gained on this trip I will have been able to enrich my life, community, and one day, nation. This program has helped me grow as a leader, activist and person. ~Anthony

The unimaginable gap created by cultural and political differences should never be a hindrance to imagine a peaceful interrelated world, it is pretty hard to make chance but there’s always a way and it is possible. ~Mernard

With contributions by Anthony Perry

As the weather warmed in Belgrade and flowers started to bloom, participants spent the day learning about local activism in Serbia and making music.  The morning was spent at a drop-in center for local youth, most of whom are Roma.  Through a series of thought-provoking questions, the participants were able to gain knowledge about the issues that the Roma population face in Serbia and throughout Eastern Europe.  Through afternoon dialogue sessions, participants were able, as Anthony explained, “to use what we learned in Serbia and relate it back to issues we face in the United States.”

An engaging visit to the Ministry of Youth and Sport found the youth asking probing questions to officials about the role of the government in youth activities.  They again were able to bridge their experiences in Serbia with their lives in the United States, applying some of what they have seen in Serbia to issues back home in their local communities.  Dinner was an experience in itself, as pork loin and cheese dishes were eaten in a restaurant overlooking the wonder that is Belgrade.  As the night came to an end, Menard strummed familiar songs on his guitar, vowing to learn a Serbian song within the next few months.

With contributions by Mernard Landicho & Bianca Martin

Saying goodbye is always difficult, regardless of circumstances.  Saying goodbye to a new home-new family, new community-even one lived in for just a week, is always bittersweet as the nineteen US participants experienced today.  “We had meshed really well as a group,” says Bethany, who was in Kikinda.  Families took participants to the bus stations in the six cities across Serbia, with hugging and many tears being shed.  Menard, who found a second family in Obrenovac, was unsure of what to expect in Serbia at first, until he met Grandma.  According to Mernard, “I received a heartfelt kiss from my Grandmother…that made me feel at home.” Regardless of location, all the participants know they have another family, and another group of friends in a country half way across the world.  Bianca, who was in Sokobanja, is excited to see her Serbian friends in just a few days, even for a brief time.  “It’s so nice I can start my friendship right back where we left,” said Bianca.

Despite the bitter sweetness of the day, all the participants are excited about the final few days in Belgrade.  And those last few palacinkes too!

With Contributions by Renee Field, Bethany Folk & Serena Gobbi

Kikinda Group at Museum

Food, food and more food!  This is the common thread linking the six host cities in Serbia.  And meat.  Lots of meat!  The Serbian tradition calls for many courses during breakfast and lunch, with dinner being a smaller meal.  The American students have been enjoying sampling local cuisine, from stuffed peppers and fried cheese to pickled cabbage and pies of all sorts.  Serena says, “I finally learned that you have to take three helpings before they believe you like the food!”

Other than food, the Serbian alums have been implementing their action plans with the American participants.  In Blace, Connect Festival was held to raise money for local families.  Students enjoyed a variety of musical talent in both Serbian and English.  Students were entertained with a play put on by local students in English and some original Serbian poetry in Sokobanja, which was simultaneously translated by a SYLP alum.  In Kikinda, participants met Kika the Mammoth and assisted with a street action bringing awareness to the new local strategy for youth that passed on the day of their arrival.  According to Bethany, it’s “interesting to see how all of the Serbians here, though seemingly different because they are in a different part of the world and living in different conditions, are really just like us.”

An immersion in Serbian language was felt throughout the country.  Renee, who is with her host family in Blace, is determined to learn the Cyrillic alphabet before she leaves.

All participants, American and Serbian, are looking forward to a weekend of dancing, excursions, and assisting in volunteer activities.

Contributions by Serena Gobbi, Alex Liljenquist & Zoe Schaver

Serbian history and identity were the themes of today’s program, with a visit to the Yugoslav History Museum starting the day.  The group learned about Yugoslavia and the role Josip Tito played.  The role of identity came into discussion as “we learned about Serbian history and the way it affects just everyday life in Serbia and in former Yugoslavia as a whole and the conflicts and tensions and changes Serbia has been through,” noted Zoe.

After a very filling meal at Mala Fabrica!

Afterwards, the group went to Mala Fabrica, a traditional Serbian restaurant, for lunch.  According to Serena, it was “a huge fantastic lunch with at least 5 courses.  I tried some of everything, and I felt like I would split in two (but it’s part of the experience, right?!).”  Additionally, Alex found that “lunch was probably the most amazing meal I have ever had in my entire life.  I made a point to try everything and nothing disappointed; it was all amazing.”  He further stated that the atmosphere of the room was an experience in and of itself…”everyone was laughing and having a wonderful time, the way I think most meals should behave.  In America the idea of sitting down for a meal and spending three hours with friends, just eating and talking, is completely lost, meals are no longer a social event.”

After lunch, a short visit to Sveti Sava Temple, or the Cathedral of Saint Sava, allowed the group to learn about the Serbian Orthodox faith.

The group concluded the day with a discussion about national identity with SYLP alums from 2007, 2009, and 2010 regarding how people function in terms of how they identify and how that plays into national conflict.  A stimulating conversation about national identity, focusing on what it means to be Serbian and what it means to be American, were discussed at length with many diverse opinions.  According to Alex, “the conclusion that the Serbians found was that they had no idea what it meant to be “Serbian” other than to be born in Serbia.  The U.S. students outlined the freedom that exists in America and the opportunity that is allowed for everyone.”  As these were the general takeaways, it was important to understand what identity meant to individuals and society as the participants noted the importance it has played historically.

Sveti Sava Temple

The day was a great learning opportunity, providing the group with opportunities to critically think about identity, and in particular what it means to them.  Upon reflecting on the day, Serena stated, “I learned a lot more about the national identity of Serbia. I loved today.”  Zoe added, “I think the most notable thing I learned/experienced today is that people around the world really are incredibly similar. The reason people fight is because they develop a common enemy, who has also developed their own common enemy, and so on.”  Personal growth and development is also being occurring, with Alex concluding, “All in all I would say my day was fantastic.  I love Serbia, at least what I have seen (although I doubt my opinion will change).  This experience has already changed the way I think about life and my plans after graduation.”