In November, 2004, American Councils for International Education organized a regional conference entitled, "Education Leadership in a Global Society" for Junior Faculty Development Program (JFDP) alumni and their colleagues from around SE Europe. JFDP alumni from Macedonia, Serbia & Montenegro, and Bosnia & Herzegovina convened November 18-21 in Skopje to discuss the state of higher education in SE Europe, share initiatives, present ideas, and forge new partnerships across borders in an effort to promote education leadership in an increasingly global society.

American Councils' Vice-President for Field Operations, Dr. David Patton, and Dr. Michael Orlansky, Public Affairs Officer at the Embassy of the United States in Skopje, welcomed participants to the conference and then turned the conference over to alumni and their colleagues, whose presentations and group work projects comprised the bulk of conference activities. JFDP alumni and their colleagues were required to apply to the conference, and propose a topic for presentation and discussion.

Among the highlights were presentations from throughout the region about the Bologna Process and its impact on implementing changes at universities, and affecting change at the national level. JFDP Alumnus Dr. Dmitar Mircev, Director for the Center for Graduate and Doctoral Studies, School of Social Sciences in Skopje, provided a comparative context with his discussion entitled "American Higher Education and Challenges for Macedonia and the Neighborhood". American educators in the region participated in the discourse, including visiting professor Dr. Henry Dixon at SE European University in Tetovo and Dr. Clarisse Molad, Fulbright Scholar. Dr. Dixon discussed language policy in the Bologna Declaration and Dr. Molad provided a small group seminar on E-Learning & distance learning, and led a simulation entitled, "Using Creative Teaching Methods in the Classroom". Dr. Mark Zelman, a consultant for American Councils, discussed national testing reform efforts currently underway in the Kyrgyz Republic by American Councils, and the impact that such testing reform can provide on developing or reforming education systems.

Presentations were broken up into small group discussions according to the individual interested indicated on the conference application, and daily networking was made possible by an evening cocktail hour at local cultural establishments. Group presentation results were summarized to the overall group in a daily wrap-up speech, and regional universities presented their opportunities and resources in a conference-closing mini-education fair. At the conclusion of the conference, participants retreated to an area restaurant for authentic Macedonian cuisine and an evening of Macedonian music from a local band.

In total, approximately fifty teachers and presenters participated in this conference, and the outcome had lasting impact. Many participants commented that it was a great opportunity to network and meet new friends and colleagues with whom they could share ideas and collaborate on future projects. A booklet with conference information was sent with all participants so that many of the presentation results and conference activities could be duplicated for others in the region who could not attend.