The U.S. State Department's English Access Microscholarship Program (Access) provides high school students in predominantly Muslim communities around the world the opportunity to study English with native speakers. In addition to English language instruction, the program provides an American-style classroom experience using U.S. materials and emphasizing active learning. Access also fosters mutual understanding, strengthens teachers' and students' teaching and language skills, develops critical thinking capabilities, and conveys balanced and accurate information about the United States.

The 44 countries participating in the English Access Microscholarship Program are: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Benin, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Burkina Faso, Burma, Cambodia, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Gaza, India, Indonesia, Israel, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, West Bank, and Yemen.

The Access program was introduced in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2004, and has been administered by American Councils for International Education since 2006. It provides English instruction by native speakers to students from all 6 state-funded madrasas throughout the country: Sarajevo , Tuzla , Veliko Cajno, Travnik, Cazin and Mostar. Upon completion of the two-year program, students receive diplomas from the U.S. State Department. Since 2006, more than 160 students in BiH have participated in the Access program.

Beginning in 2007, students will participate in a summer camp as a part of their program. Students are encouraged to actively participate in classes, work on their own projects and even come up with new ideas to make classes more interesting. Scavenger hunts, field trips and pen pal programs are just some of the hands-on activities that are part of the Access program.

Quotes from Madrasa in Cazin:

"Our classes were much more free and open than in school. We were able to discuss all things with one another. "

"We can express our opinions and ideas in our Access class. We are free to have a voice."

"In normal class, we just take a book and read. Here, we work together and play together - the teacher too. We treat the teacher as our friend."

" We learn not just about one topic but also about different countries, cultures and people, and we can give our opinions about anything"

Quotes from Madrasa in Mostar:

"I think America is very interesting, and maybe I'd like to visit now."

"I think I'm better now in English conversation and in American history."