We were pleased to welcome Mr. Oliver Atanasovski, Coordinator of the American Councils for the YES Abroad Program in North Macedonia, together with exchange students from the United States currently studying in the country, for a visit that strengthened our international outlook and our culture of open academic engagement. By bringing visiting students and institutional partners to our campus, we created an environment where dialogue, curiosity, and mutual respect could flourish, reflecting our continued commitment to building a university community that values global perspectives and meaningful connections across borders.

Hosted by our Faculty of Education and the Department of English Language Teaching, our ELT students from the first to the fourth year took part in an engaging exchange with the visiting students, turning a campus meeting into a genuine learning experience grounded in interaction and shared discovery. Through open discussions on culture, language, and ways of life, both groups explored similarities and differences with sincerity and enthusiasm, while practicing communication in a natural, real-world setting that supports language development and intercultural competence. This dynamic exchange encouraged our students to think beyond textbooks, develop confidence in expressing ideas, and better understand how language functions as a bridge that connects people, experiences, and identities.

This meaningful encounter reflected our commitment to fostering international exchange, intercultural understanding, and enriching learning experiences within our academic community, while also reinforcing the educational value of student-to-student dialogue. We believe such interactions contribute directly to personal growth, academic motivation, and the development of future educators who are prepared to teach with empathy, cultural awareness, and a global mindset. We extend our sincere thanks to Mr. Atanasovski, the American Councils, and the visiting students for this valuable and inspiring visit, and we look forward to continuing partnerships that expand international engagement and create more opportunities for our students to learn through authentic global exchange.