FLEX Global Launches in Kosova: Applications Now Open

A new chapter in youth exchange is beginning in Kosova! Applications are now open for FLEX Global 2027–2028, a new U.S. Department of State program offering high school students the opportunity to spend an academic year in the United States. Participants will live with an American host family, attend a U.S. high school, and become part of their local community.

Building on the legacy of the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) and Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) programs, FLEX Global continues a tradition of connecting young people through educational and cultural exchange. The program is funded and administered by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

Applicants must be citizens of Kosova attending a secondary school in the country, be in grades 9-11 when applying, and have been born between July 15, 2009, and July 15, 2012, inclusive. Students must also meet the academic, English-language, visa, and other eligibility requirements outlined on the program website.

Application deadline: October 22, 2026

YES Alumni Welcome Returning Students

Newly returned Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program  students gathered at American Corner Prizren on July 9-10 for their 2026 Re-entry Training, where YES Alumni City and University Representatives welcomed them home. Discussions focused on the students’ exchange year in the United States and their adjustment to life back home. They also learned about the alumni network and opportunities to get involved in their communities. 



As part of the training and the celebrations of the United States’ 250th anniversary, the returning students organized an activity at a local preschool. Around 40 children joined them for games, creative activities, and conversations about the United States. The visit gave the new alumni a chance to share some of what they had experienced during their year abroad.

Following the Re-entry Training, on July 14, the U.S. Embassy in Pristina hosted YES alumni to welcome the newest returnees to the alumni network. The gathering also recognized the work of the YES Alumni Coordinator, City Representatives, and University Representatives.

Alumni met with the Embassy’s Public Diplomacy team and fellow participants to discuss leadership and continued involvement in the YES community after their exchange year.

YES Alumni Conclude their

Freedom 250 Internship Program

This summer, Rrita and Flokarta, two alumni from the 2025 YES cohort, completed internships through the Freedom 250 YES Alumni Internship Program. Designed for YES and YES Abroad alumni in the early stages of their careers, the program provided hands-on professional experience, mentorship, and opportunities to expand professional networks through internships with American host organizations.

They interned with the American Councils office in Kosova, contributing to educational exchange and alumni engagement initiatives while developing valuable professional skills.



We thank Rrita and Flokarta for their contributions and wish them continued success as they take the next steps in their careers.

New Fulbright Program Opens

U.S. Research Opportunities for

Kosovar Doctoral Students

Doctoral students from Kosova have a unique opportunity to advance their research in the United States. Applications are now open for the Fulbright Non-degree Visiting Researcher Program for Doctoral Students for the 2027–2028 academic year, offering grants of three to seven months to conduct dissertation research at a U.S. university.

Jointly funded by the U.S. Department of State and the Government of Kosovo, the program welcomes applicants across a broad range of academic disciplines. Grantees are chosen through a competitive, merit-based selection process and receive support for university tuition and fees, living expenses, health insurance, and international airfare.

Applicants must be citizens of Kosova actively enrolled in a PhD program, with priority given to those studying at universities in Kosova. Applicants enrolled outside Kosova must demonstrate a clear commitment to return home after completing their degree and contribute to their field. Full eligibility requirements and application instructions are available through the link below.

Application deadline: October 31, 2026

Marking 250 Years of the United States at the University of Prishtina

On July 10, the University of Prishtina, the Government of the Republic of Kosovo, and United States-Kosovo Educational Exchange Board (USKEB) marked the 250th anniversary of the United States with an event at the Prishtina International Summer University. Titled “The United States Semiquincentennial: 250 Years as a Beacon of Democracy for the World,” the event brought government and diplomatic representatives together with academics, exchange alumni, and visiting American students and professors.

Speakers included University of Prishtina Rector Arben Hajrullahu, Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti, and Wylita Bell, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Kosovo. Audrey Coleman, Director of the Dole Institute of Politics, contributed a recorded message.

Fulbright alumnus Ilir Hajraj moderated a discussion on American democracy, education, and U.S.-Kosova relations. The panel featured Avni Spahiu, Kosova’s first Ambassador to the United States; Luljeta Plakolli-Kasumi of the University of Prishtina, who represents academia on USKEB; and Melanie Shoffner of James Madison University.

The event concluded with an Exchange & Impact Roundtable, where exchange alumni, visiting American students and professors, and representatives of academia and government shared their experiences and discussed the role of educational exchange in their lives and work. Click here to read the full article. 

Welcoming Fulbright and Humphrey Alumni Home

On August 4, USKEB hosted a debrief session at the U.S. Embassy in Pristina for alumni returning from academic and professional exchanges in the United States. Participants represented the Fulbright Foreign Student Program (Master’s Degree), the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program, and the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program.

Alumni shared experiences from their U.S. universities and host institutions, reflecting on what they had learned and how their time abroad had shaped their studies and work. Embassy colleagues and Kosovo United States Alumni (KUSA) representatives welcomed them to the alumni community and introduced opportunities to stay involved and collaborate with fellow alumni in Kosova.

Welcoming the 2026-2027

U.S. Fulbrighters to Kosova

On September 28-30, in Prishtina, USKEB hosted a Welcome Gathering, followed by a two-day Arrival Orientation for the 2026-2027 Fulbright U.S. Students and Scholars in Kosova.

The new cohort kicked off their time in the country with a gathering bringing together Fulbrighters, the U.S. Embassy Pristina, USKEB members, and partners for an evening of introductions, conversations, and connections.

Over the next two days, the Fulbrighters took part in the Arrival Orientation, with sessions led by U.S. Embassy representatives, the USKEB team and members, and a U.S. Fulbrighter. The program also included sessions on Kosova’s higher education system, English language teaching, and community engagement.

The orientation concluded with a city tour, giving the Fulbrighters an opportunity to explore Prishtina and get to know their new surroundings.

Throughout the academic year, Fulbright English Teaching Assistants (ETAs), Student Researchers, and Scholars will contribute to institutions and communities across Kosova, including the universities of Prishtina, Prizren, Mitrovica, Gjilan, and Gjakova, as well as Heimerer College and American Corners. 

American Councils Kosova proudly implements USKEB with the support of the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Embassy Pristina, Kosovo, and Kosovo’s Ministry of Education and Science.

American Councils Kosova Joins National Roundtable on Workforce Development

Upcoming Application Deadlines

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