The best way to understand a region’s story isn’t through its monuments — it’s through its people.
That ethos powered the 2025 American Councils Insider Tour, where 11 American travelers joined us on a weeklong journey through the Western Balkans to explore Kosova and Albania. From Prishtina to Tirana, the Balkan Insider Tour gave travelers a firsthand look at how alumni of exchange programs administered by American Councils shape their countries' progress and development. As local alumni took on the role of hosts, the tour embodied the power of international exchange: as a formative experience abroad and a lifelong investment in cross-cultural relationships.
For Sefeda Lazaj, an alumna of the U.S. Department of State’s Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program and American Councils Albania’s YES Alumni Coordinator, leading the Balkan Insider Tour was a full-circle experience.
“Years ago, I experienced the warmth and generosity of a U.S. host community during my exchange year. Now, welcoming American Councils guests to my own country was a powerful reminder of how meaningful and reciprocal these exchanges truly are.”
Kosova: Tracing History, Meeting the Future
In Prishtina, travelers experienced the juxtaposition of Kosova's ancient heritage and modern history. Landmarks included the Mother Teresa Cathedral, the 14th-century Graçanica Monastery, the Roman ruins of Ulpiana, and streets commemorating U.S. leaders who played a crucial role in supporting Kosova’s independence--symbols of enduring U.S.-Kosova ties.
Medina Billali, former alumni coordinator for American Councils Kosova, shared perspectives from Kosova’s youth: "As we reflected on Kosova’s cultural shifts, the rise of technology and social media, and how students access information today, we found a deeper understanding of the current landscape of international education.”
Continuing westward to Peja, the group met YES program alumnus Sado Musić, now serving as the YES City Representative for Peja. Sado shared stories from his high school exchange year in the United States while joining the group on a hike to the White Drin Waterfall — a landmark he had never visited before. Experiencing it alongside fellow supporters of international education, he noted, “made the experience that much better.”
Further stops included Gjakova’s cobbled streets and historic 16th-century Hadum Mosque, followed by the UNESCO-listed Deçan Monastery. The tour also visited the League of Prizren complex, central to Albanian national unity, and the Adem Jashari Complex, honoring Kosova’s fight for independence.
The visit to Kosova offered visitors a glimpse into the country's development as the youngest democracy in Europe. Tour participant Charlotte Cook reflected, "I had done some reading prior to the trip about the war but not about the country as it is today, so I really appreciated experiencing Kosova in 2025."
Albania: Illustrating the Impact of Exchange
Crossing into northern Albania, exchange program alumni stepped into the role of hosts and tour guides, offering insider perspectives on their careers and community involvement. U.S. Department of State’s Junior Faculty Development Program (JFDP) alumni at the University of Shkodra shared how their time at U.S. universities more than a decade ago still shapes their teaching methods in 2025.
Traveling south along Albania’s coast, the group explored the city of Saranda and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Butrint National Park, home to archaeological remains from Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian civilizations. In Vlora, travelers connected with YES alumni and their families, along with staff from the American Corner and Vlorë Youth Center—local hubs where alumni spearhead civic initiatives.
The tour concluded in Tirana with a visit to the Bektashi World Headquarters and a meeting with municipal leaders, who highlighted how alumni are driving youth engagement and shaping local development initiatives across the capital.
A Long-Term Investment in People and Partnerships
Carol Alim, a longtime American Councils volunteer who evaluates student applications for the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) and Youth Exchange and Study (YES) programs, noted that meeting alumni in their home communities is a standout experience. “These trips give us the chance to see the places students write about in their applications—even visiting a park an applicant mentioned as their favorite place to go with their best friend.”
“The opportunity to meet with staff, alumni, and current exchange participants brought home the impact and the need for exchange programs,” said Insider Tour traveler and American Councils Trustee, Susan Rheney.
Explore American Councils Insider Tours — and Join Our Next Adventure
American Councils Insider Tours are 10- to 12-day travel programs offering an immersive, personal introduction to the countries, cultures, and communities we’ve partnered with for decades. Led by our trusted staff and alumni who live and work in these regions, Insider Tours go beyond the typical tourist itinerary by blending iconic sites and hidden gems with local perspectives and global stories. Travelers are welcomed into a network of partners and friends who have long been part of our journey and are ready to be part of yours.
Our next Insider Tour will take place in Spring 2026, when we head to Uzbekistan!
Guided by local alumni and American Councils staff, you’ll discover breathtaking Silk Road architecture, delicious cuisine, colorful bazaars, and stunning natural landscapes — all while building connections with the people who know the country best.
Ready to go beyond the ordinary? Visit Insider Tours and join the mailing list to learn more or contact us at insidertours@americancouncils.org