2025-2026 Fulbright U.S. Students Arrival Orientation in Kosovo
On September 24-26, 2025, the United States-Kosovo Educational Exchange Board (USKEB) hosted an Arrival Orientation to welcome the 2025-2026 Fulbright U.S. grantees to Kosovo.
On the first day of the arrival, Joshua Peterson, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S. Embassy in Kosovo, greeted the Fulbrighters and wished them an enriching year that would strengthen cross-cultural understanding and deepen collaboration between the two countries. Throughout the day, the grantees heard tips and best practices from the U.S. Embassy and the USKEB team to support a smooth adjustment to life in Kosovo. They also had the chance to connect with USKEB members.
The second day of the orientation gave Fulbrighters an overview of Kosovo’s higher education system, opportunities to engage with civil society, and discussions on being a Fulbrighter in Kosovo and the use of AI in the classroom. The day concluded with a warm reception, where Fulbrighters connected with representatives of their host institutions, the U.S. Embassy in Kosovo, the USKEB members and team, and other stakeholders they will collaborate with throughout the program.
Student Researcher Rohini Mandal from Brooklyn, NY, said the Arrival Orientation was immensely helpful in helping her settle into Prishtina and refine her research project.
“Meeting the USKEB team and fellow Fulbrighters gave me an immediate community and helpful network in Prishtina. Particularly helpful was Dr. Iliriana Gashi's session on civil society engagement. As a health researcher, I am interested in community-led initiatives for women from low-income communities,” says Rohini.
For Rohini, learning about the impactful work of Women for Women Kosova and Dr. Gashi’s role as a field expert helped her understand the programs that both local and international organizations are implementing to improve economic and health outcomes for women throughout Kosova.
Scholar Megan Chawansky, Assistant Professor of Sport Management at Otterbein University in Ohio, also found the event valuable.
“The Arrival Orientation allowed this year’s Fulbright group to connect with leaders from USKEB, the U.S. Embassy in Kosovo, civil society, and higher education. The range of sessions positioned us to move into our various roles and projects with confidence,” says Megan.
“Most importantly, it made me feel very welcomed and supported in Kosovo,” she adds.
On the final day of the Arrival Orientation, Fulbrighters were introduced to resources for learning Albanian, explored Kosovan culture and history, and took part in a city tour of Prishtina.
During the 2025-2026 academic year, several institutions, including the University of Prishtina, American Corners, and the American Advising Center, will benefit from the contributions of 6 English Teaching Assistants (ETAs), 2 Student Researchers, and 3 Scholars.
Click here to view the full photo albums from the three days!