Kosovo American Education Fund - KAEF

Congratulations to KAEF alumnus Lulëzon Jagxhiu on his appointment as Minister of Digitalization and Public Administration of the Republic of Kosova.

A Penn State graduate through the KAEF Fellowship, Lulëzon brings extensive experience across both the public and private sectors in innovation, technology, and digital governance. We are proud to see him join Kosova’s cabinet and wish him continued success in strengthening public administration and accelerating the country’s digital transformation.

Photo credit: House of Kosova

American Councils for International Education American Councils for International Education Kosova

To close our year-end reflections from the 2025 KAEF scholarship recipients, Yll Sadiku shares highlights from his experience at Harvard Law School, where he is studying Corporate Law.

Yll notes that learning at Harvard has been shaped as much by the exchange of ideas as by the relationships formed outside the classroom. In Constitutional Law, he brought Kosovo’s experience into a broader conversation on constitutional design: “I shared Kosovo’s experience in writing its constitution,” he recalled, prompting a shift toward comparative lessons and encouraging classmates to draw on examples from their own countries.

Beyond coursework, Yll points to everyday moments, like attending a baseball game and informal gatherings with classmates, as an important part of building connections and community - reinforcing how much of the experience is shaped through conversation, perspective-sharing, and the relationships built along the way.
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Originally established with funds from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), KAEF was then primarily funded through the generous support of individuals and businesses in Kosovo, the Government of Kosovo, American donors, and U.S. universities.

Administered by the American Councils for International Education, KAEF has supported over 115 Kosovar students through fully funded graduate fellowships in attending more than 40 leading universities in the United States, since its establishment in 2004.

American Councils for International Education American Councils for International Education Kosova

As we continue our year-end reflections from the 2025 KAEF cohort, Flatra Hasimi shares highlights from her experience in the LL.M. program in International Law at The George Washington University Law School.

Flatra notes that one of the defining features of the program has been its discussion-based approach, where active engagement is central to learning. As she puts it: “Participation does not mean quietly listening, it means jumping into the debate.”

She also reflects on the value of learning alongside peers from around the world, and how those perspectives deepen classroom conversations and challenge assumptions in constructive ways.

“This journey is about growth, discovery, and finding a sense of belonging in a new community,” she writes - an experience she looks forward to carrying back to Kosovo in her future work.
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Originally established with funds from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), KAEF was then primarily funded through the generous support of individuals and businesses in Kosovo, the Government of Kosovo, American donors, and U.S. universities.

Administered by the American Councils for International Education, KAEF has supported over 115 Kosovar students through fully funded graduate fellowships in attending more than 40 leading universities in the United States, since its establishment in 2004.

American Councils for International Education American Councils for International Education Kosova

As we close out 2025, KAEF is sharing a short series of reflections from the 2025 scholarship recipients, highlighting what they’re learning, how they’re contributing to their academic communities, and how they plan to apply that experience moving forward.

Premtim Shaqiri is pursuing an online program in Applied Intelligence at Georgetown University. Reflecting on how the program is shaping his professional perspective, he shared: “Studying at Georgetown University is a unique added value to my academic and professional career.”

He noted that Georgetown’s connection to Washington, D.C.’s policy and security ecosystem has expanded his access to experts across academia, government, and business.

Premtim also emphasized the value of bringing Kosova’s perspective into the learning environment: “I bring the perspective of a U.S. ally, which highlights both the reach of American influence and the importance of strengthening defense partnerships. It adds a regional view that helps broaden class discussions on global security.”

Completing the program from Kosova, he pointed to a key takeaway about the U.S. approach to education and leadership: “It’s not just about what you learn in class, but how that knowledge can be turned into real-world action and positive change at home.”

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Originally established with funds from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), KAEF was then primarily funded through the generous support of individuals and businesses in Kosovo, the Government of Kosovo, American donors, and U.S. universities.

Administered by the American Councils for International Education, KAEF has supported over 115 Kosovar students through fully funded graduate fellowships in attending more than 40 leading universities in the United States, since its establishment in 2004.

American Councils for International Education American Councils for International Education Kosova

The Exchange & Impact Roundtable, organized by American Councils for International Education Kosova, welcomed a delegation of over 20 members from the State of Iowa on June 18 in Prishtina.

Read more below 👇

Please welcome Premtim (Security and Intelligence Studies, Online Program), Flatra (AI and International Law), and Yll (Law - Corporate Law) - the KAEF 2025 cohort!

Thanks to the continued support of the Government of Kosova and the incredible generosity shown during KAEF’s 20th Anniversary Gala, we’re proud to support this inspiring new group of fellows. This milestone wouldn’t be possible without our amazing community.

As the newest members of the KAEF community, these outstanding professionals join a network of 117 alumni who are shaping Kosova’s economic and social future.

Premtim, Flatra and Yll, we’re cheering you on and can’t wait to see where this journey leads. Here’s to a year of growth, impact and unforgettable experiences!

American Councils for International Education American Councils for International Education Kosova

On February 18th, President Vjosa Osmani conferred Presidential Honors in celebration of the 17th anniversary of Kosovo’s independence. Among the recipients was KAEF Founder, Dale Pfeiffer, who was awarded the Presidential Medal of Merits in recognition of his contributions to strengthening U.S.-Kosovo relations and advancing peace, democracy, and development in the Republic of Kosovo.

We are proud to see Dale’s impact recognized at the highest level and extend our gratitude to President Vjosa Osmani for this meaningful acknowledgment!

American Councils for International Education American Councils for International Education Kosova

Celebrating a visionary! ✨

Staff, alumni, and friends came together to honor KAEF founder Dale Pfeiffer as he received the prestigious Presidential Medal of Merit. Congratulations, Dale! Your dedication continues to shape Kosovo’s future. A heartfelt thank you to President Vjosa Osmani for this incredible recognition!

The KAEF December Newsletter is here! 🎄

This edition reflects on 2024, celebrating our 20th anniversary and the milestones that defined this remarkable year. From fellow updates to highlights of our anniversary events, it’s the perfect wrap-up to an incredible year.

Read the full edition here: kosova.americancouncils.org/news/december-2024-kaef-newsletter - and stay tuned for one more special highlight as we close out this year!

American Councils for International Education Kosova