Diverse Learning Environment in Macedonia

Zdravo! (hello in Macedonian)

The trip has been a whirlwind of generous hospitality, delicious food, breathtaking scenery, and enriching class discussions.

As soon as we arrived, we were welcomed in our apartments with a care package of food and drinks from the local supporters of the LEADER program in Macedonia. We have become addicted to ajvar, a traditional spread made of roasted eggplant, roasted peppers and hot peppers, and are currently strategizing a means to import this to Canada.

We have a large class of 40 participants, with a strong and diverse set of experience - including international experience spanning North America, Australia, Asia, and Europe and diverse industry expertise across sectors that include IT, financial services, healthcare, fashion, food and beverage, just to name a few! As you can imagine, this leads to some lively (and often heated) debates... staying true to Ivey style.

Work hard and play hard is a motto that has been adopted here as well - this has given us a chance to experience a taste of Macedonia's culture. This has ranged from making 'skara' which is a traditional Macedonian BBQ, drinking the local 'rakija' which is enjoyed alongside a 'shopska' salad, dancing to traditional folk music accompanied by karaoke and enjoying the beautiful scenery of Mount Vodno, Matka Canyon and Lake Ohrid.