USKEB Study Visit - The Bulgarian-American Commission for Educational Exchange (Bulgarian Fulbright Commission)

Kosovo delegation with Fulbright Bulgaria team and board members

April 26-27, 2023 - The United States-Kosovo Educational Exchange Board (USKEB), U.S. Embassy in Kosovo and American Councils Kosovo representatives, attended a study visit at the Bulgarian-American Commission for Educational Exchange (Bulgarian Fulbright Commission) in Sofia, Bulgaria. The purpose of the study visit was knowledge-exchange, experience-sharing and fostering regional partnerships. 

The visit started with the Kosovo delegation being welcomed by the Bulgarian Fulbright Commission team, led by its Executive Director, Angela Rodel, and board members. The meeting commenced with a comprehensive discussion on the organizational structure of the Bulgarian Fulbright Commission, followed by an overview of its multifaceted activities and initiatives. Furthermore, the Bulgarian Fulbright Commision board members expanded on their responsibilities in steering the Commission's vision towards achieving its strategic objectives. 

Subsequently, USKEB had a chance to share their experiences as board members of this innovative model, along with elaborating their role vis-a-vis USKEB’s multiple programs. The discussion delved into the sharing of best practices regarding the various programs, and critical factors that are considered during the selection processes, emphasizing the common goal of unwavering commitment to transparency, fairness, and equity in selection processes. 

In the afternoon, the Kosovo delegation participated in a reception at the American Corner in Sofia, where they had a chance to network with Fulbright Bulgaria board members, a group of prominent alumni from different fields, and Kosovo Ambassador to Bulgaria, his excellency, Delfin Pllana.  

Kosovo delegation with Fulbright Bulgaria team, board members, alumni, and Kosovo Ambassador to Bulgaria at the American Corner in Sofia

The first day of the visit ended with a convivial dinner hosted by the prominent Albanian-Bulgarian businessman, Elvin Guri, with Ambassador Pllana, and Albanian Ambassador to Bulgaria, her excellency Donika Hoxha as guests. This was an opportunity for the USKEB members to engage in a conversation about promoting economic growth and development in the region through educational exchange opportunities.  

The second day of the visit started with a trip to Rila Monastery, a symbol of the 19th Century Bulgarian Renaissance. The visit resumed at the American University in Bulgaria, where the Kosovo delegation was warmly welcomed by the deans, faculty and students. The guests engaged in enriching conversations with the university community, gaining insights into the academic and cultural experiences offered by the institution. The highlight of the day was a roundtable discussion on "Challenges and Opportunities for International Educational Exchange in Southeast Europe," which featured the USKEB members, Dajana Berisha and Prof. Dr. Kreshnik Hoti.  

This two-day study trip concluded with a visit to the Kosovan Embassy in Bulgaria, where the Kosovo delegation discussed the importance of nurturing regional initiatives through various educational and cultural activities.  

The United States-Kosovo Educational Exchange Board (USKEB) is a non-legal advisory board, founded for the purpose of increasing mutual understanding and advancing relations between the people of the United States and Kosovo through educational exchange programming.