Founder of Kosovo American Education Fund Receives President's Award for Bolstering U.S.-Kosovo Relations

Last month, President Vjosa Osmani honored distinguished individuals in celebration of Kosovo’s 17th Independence Day. Among them was Dale Pfeiffer, founder of the Kosovo American Education Fund (KAEF), who received the Presidential Medal of Merits for his role in strengthening U.S.-Kosovo ties and advancing peace, democracy, and economic resilience in the Western Balkans. 

American Councils and the KAEF community are honored to see Dale’s dedication and innovation recognized at the highest level. We are grateful to President Osmani for this meaningful acknowledgment of KAEF’s contributions to the U.S.-Kosovo strategic relationship.

In the past 20 years, KAEF has supported over 115 Kosovar leaders with world-class education at leading U.S. institutions such as Duke University, Georgetown University, and Harvard University. KAEF graduates have played vital roles in shaping Kosovo’s growth as Europe’s youngest democracy and deepening U.S.-Kosovo partnerships. KAEF fellows now lead as trailblazers across Kosovo’s government, business, civil society, and higher education sectors.

The Language of Leadership: The Transformative Power of Foreign Language Learning

Hyunbean Park, an alumnus of U.S. Department of State’s Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is an Army Officer and a graduate of University of North Georgia. Through the CLS Program he enriched his understanding of how language proficiency and cultural adaptability are essential to national security. “Knowing a foreign language is critical for military leaders. It expands our perspectives, makes us more adaptable, and strengthens our resilience through intensive language courses and cultural immersion,” Hyunbean shared. 

While choosing Russian from several critical languages offered by the military was not an obvious choice for Hyunbean, he later realized it was the right decision. His language skills opened new opportunities, including training in Eastern Europe alongside NATO partners. This experience – gained through study abroad opportunities and foreign language learning– proved invaluable, or as Hyunbean put it himself “these skills are not just assets – they are essential.” 

Effective communication in the languages of our allies and adversaries enhances America’s ability to advance its interest, build trust, and establish strategic partnerships worldwide. By bridging linguistic and cultural divides, international education programming reinforces the foundation for a safer, stronger, and more prosperous nation.  

Read more about Hyunbean’s experience applying his critical language skills to his advancement in the military.

Build a Stronger, More

Prosperous Future:

Support Study Abroad

When students go abroad to study and engage with the world, everyone benefits. On American Councils study abroad programs, American students gain the skills, knowledge, and global perspectives needed to contribute meaningfully to their academic fields and professional careers. At the same time, the people they meet and communities they join abroad benefit from opportunities to learn about America, open avenues for collaboration, and create lasting personal and professional connections. 

Unlike many government-funded exchange programs, American Councils’ Study and Research Abroad Programs rely largely on private funding and student contributions. Our programs offer immersive language training and deep cross-cultural learning that shape careers and build essential competencies for today’s globally competitive world. 

For our Summer 2025 programs, American Councils received 264 applications from outstanding students from all corners of the U.S. But here’s the challenge: many of them cannot afford the full cost of study. Without additional funding for scholarships, many exceptional American students will be unable to participate. 

Why Does This Matter?

Because study abroad isn’t just about students—it’s about the impact they have on the world we live in.

American Councils’ study and research abroad programs: 

• Transform individual lives by advancing academic goals and open doors to meaningful international careers 

•  Produce research that addresses global challenges and benefits both the United States and its international partners

• Strengthen bilateral relationships through sustained people-to-people connections and long-term collaboration

• Develop a U.S. workforce with the cultural fluency, language skills, and international insight needed to drive innovation and cooperation 

• Prepare the next generation of professionals to create new opportunities—economic, diplomatic, and academic—that benefit the U.S. and its global partners alike 

Your Support Makes This Possible

Every dollar donated goes directly toward scholarships that open doors for promising students—ensuring that financial barriers do not block access to life-changing global experiences.

The Importance of International Education & Exchange

In March, nine American Councils’ senior staff and directors joined more than 160 international exchange professionals on Capitol Hill for Advocacy Day, an annual event organized by the Alliance for International Exchange. We met with the offices of 27 U.S. Senators and Representatives illustrating the critical role that international education and exchange programs play in promoting and strengthening the U.S. and its international partners, supporting academic collaboration, creating new personal and professional ties between Americans and international participants, and expanding economic opportunities. 

We were encouraged by the strong bipartisan support expressed in our meetings. Policymakers across the political spectrum recognize international exchange as a powerful tool for advancing U.S. interests—strengthening bilateral relationships, cultivating the next generation of leaders, and preparing young people to thrive in a competitive global economy. These programs are also a smart domestic investment: more than 90% of U.S. Department of State exchange funding is spent within the United States, directly benefiting American communities, businesses, and institutions.

At American Councils, we see every day how international education develops trusting relationships, increases the academic and professional goals of our participants, and creates new opportunities for the United States and its citizens. With over five decades of experience and a network of over 100,000 alumni, we remain committed to fostering international exchange and education as a key pathway to a prosperous future for America.

Upcoming Application Deadlines

Ongoing: Host an International Exchange Student. Welcome a high school scholarship student (aged 15-18) into your home for an academic year (August to June). Students from more than 50 countries spend the year at local high schools, eagerly sharing their cultures, contributing to their new communities, and joining school activities. This initiative is a program of the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

Thanks for being part of our world.