- Editor's note: Hana Bacaj completed her master's degree in economic development at Vanderbilt University through the Kosovo American Education Fund. She also completed a graduate certificate in women's and gender studies. During her studies, she was the recipient of numerous awards, including the William Edward Ferguson, Jr. Award and the Outstanding Student Award. Why did you choose to study economic development and what made you want to apply to KAEF? I have always dreamt of being… Read More
- Nearly ten years after her high school exchange year in Tennessee, Tamara Kotevska is returning to America. Only this time, her destination isn't her host family's home; it's the Academy Awards. Her documentary film "Honeyland" is the first film ever to be nominated for both best international feature film and best documentary feature at the Oscars. It is only the second Macedonian film to earn a nomination at the Academy Awards. It was also the most awarded film at the 2019… Read More
- Nearly two dozen Open World alumni were elected or reelected to serve as members of parliament in Ukraine's snap parliamentary elections last month, according to a press release from the Open World Leadership Center. Representing a diverse political scope, including both single-mandate delegates and party lists, these Open World alumni have demonstrated key leadership roles within their government and communities. Among the newly elected Open World alumni are single-mandate delegates:… Read More
- An American friend recently sent me a message about how proud she is of me. She said that I have come a long way, overcoming my obstacles and challenges. She watched me struggle on my first day learning English and adapting to the [American] culture. She praised my hard work on events on campus at Saint Michael’s College. She said I made a powerful impact and will leave a legacy that will stay forever in this school. She said that I am her biggest inspiration. I receive that compliment almost… Read More
- Editor's note: Hana Sahatqija has been the program manager of UNICEF’s Innovations Lab in Kosovo for the past three years. She believes that opportunities like her current role have been made possible through the Kosovo American Education Fund (KAEF). Through KAEF, Hana studied at Georgetown University, specializing in international development policy. She also holds an advanced project management degree from Stanford University. This month, KAEF is celebrating awarding its… Read More
- Editor's note: Egzon Halili is one of the newest fellows to complete a degree through the Kosovo American Education Fund (KAEF), but when he returned to Kosovo after graduation last year, he hit the ground running. He launched a company, Monego, that is already operating in cities around Kosovo. Now a CEO, he hopes to continue supporting young entrepreneurs, the same way he was supported through KAEF. This month, KAEF is celebrating awarding its 100th scholarship. You… Read More
- Exchange years are formative for many high school students, and Andriy Shevchenko was no exception. A native of Ukraine’s rugged and tradition-steeped western region of Ivano-Frankivsk, he traveled to Alameda, California in 1993 through the Future Leaders Exchange program, which was founded by US Senator Bill Bradley. Today, the Ukrainian ambassador to Canada credits Senator Bradley for inspiring his own political career.Speaking during the 20th anniversary celebration of the FLEX program… Read More
- Growing up in the capital city of Macedonia, Emir Hasanovic learned about America through pop culture and Hollywood. When he applied for the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program in 2008, social media did not have the same level of prominence that it does today. After he was accepted, he imagined how his American story would unfold. He assumed he would be placed in a big city, like he had seen in movies – New York City or Chicago. He was placed in Lyle, Minnesota. In… Read More
- Editor's Note: August Thomas traveled from Massachusetts to Turkey in 2009, through the Critical Language Scholarship program. She knew the program would help her improve her Turkish language abilities and her understanding of the country. She had no idea that nine years later, the experience would inspire her first novel. Tell us a story about your program experience.Before my summer in Ankara with the Critical Language Scholarship program, I had visited Turkey once,… Read More
- Editor's note: Zana was part of the inaugural group of Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program students from Kosovo in 2009. She spent her academic year abroad in Minnesota. Today, she works with the United Nations Development Programme in Istanbul, where she continues to apply the lessons she learned during her YES year. Tell us a story about your program experience. I have many good experiences and great memories from my time on the program. If I had to choose… Read More
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