
Kosovo: Comparative Higher Education
On This Page:
Program Type
- OHIO Credit
Academic Focus
- Education
Country/Region
- Kosovo
Program Term
- Summer
Application Deadline
Early Review Deadline: October 15, 2025
Final Deadline: December 15, 2025
For additional information contact:
Nicholas Stroup
Program Director
kosovo@ohio.edu
Shawnee Chapman
Program Director
kosovo@ohio.edu
Caroline Bresnahan
Program Coordinator, Office of Global Opportunities
caroline.bresnahan@worldstrides.com
Office of Global Opportunities
global.opportunities@ohio.edu

Overview
Start your year with purpose and perspective. This one-week graduate-focused program in Kosovo invites you to explore the future of higher education through real conversations with university leaders and policymakers. Experience a new culture, grow your professional network, and gain global insight—before classes even start.
Program Highlights
- Meet with leaders in government, education, and innovation across Kosovo
- Visit a range of institutions, including universities, government ministries, and education-focused organizations
- Explore Kosovo’s evolving higher education landscape through site visits and professional conversations
- Stay in the heart of Prishtina, with opportunities to experience local culture and daily life
- Discover other parts of the country through day trips to nearby cities and scenic landmarks
Good to Know
- Physical Activity: Getting around Kosovo requires a moderate amount of walking. Be prepared for some physical activity as part of your daily routine.
- Dietary Needs: While we strive to accommodate various dietary needs, students with specific food restrictions may not always find their preferred substitutions available. It's a good idea to plan accordingly.
- Professional Focus: This program prioritizes connections with leaders in academia and government. Participants should plan for business casual attire throughout the program.
- Timing: The coursework on this program is a Fall course. As such, students should plan their course schedules and financial aid accordingly.
- Students are required to participate in two pre-departure meetings in late Spring 2026.
- Coursework will begin during the early August travel experience and continue into early September, when final assignments will be due.
- Travel: Exiting Kosovo immediately through Serbia is logistically complicated. Considerations for planning travel will be discussed at the information sessions.

Information Sessions
- Monday, September 8th at 5:00 p.m.
- Patton Hall - Room 408
- Wednesday, October 8th at 5:00 p.m.
- Patton Hall - Room 408
- Monday, October 13th at 1:00 p.m.
- Patton Hall - Room 408
Living Arrangements
Shared occupancy housing in hotels will be provided for students in each location. Breakfast will be included every day.
Program Dates
Pre-departure
- Pre-Departure Orientation Meeting 1: Wednesday, March 18th 5 p.m.
- Pre-Departure Orientation Meeting 2: Tuesday, April 21st 5 p.m.
Travel Dates
- August 8-16, 2026
- Participating students and faculty will depart the US on August 7th to ensure arrival in-country on August 8th, 2026.
Academics
This course is associated with the Fall 2026 semester.
- Students are required to participate in two pre-departure meetings in late Spring 2026.
- Coursework will begin during the early August travel experience and continue into early September, when final assignments will be due.
Students will take one of the following course offerings, for a total of 3 credit hours in Fall 2026.
- EDHE 6900: Special Topics in Higher Education and Student Affairs (Graduate Students) - 3 credit hours
- EDTE 4900: Special Topics in Education - Teacher Education (Undergraduate Students) - 3 credit hours
In this course, students will meet with education leaders to learn about current issues in comparative and international higher education. In doing so, they will develop understanding of postsecondary leadership in post-conflict countries, gain awareness of Balkan sociopolitical dynamics related to higher education development and higher education in small countries, and draw connections between their personal experiences with higher education and/or international development to strategies and challenges developing higher education opportunities in a post-conflict and globalizing setting. Throughout the program, students will reflect on their experiences with cultural difference and education policy to inform future professional decision-making.
Cost
The following information is intended to help participants understand the estimated costs associated with the program. For additional information regarding program costs, please refer to .
As of September 8, 2025, the total estimated cost for this 2026 program is:
- Undergraduate Estimate: $5,884 + 3 Credits of Undergraduate FallAthens-Campus Tuition/Fees*
- Graduate Estimate: $6,874 + 3 Credits of Graduate Fall Athens-Campus Tuition/Fees
*Tuition rates are based on participant's Tuition Guarantee or Graduate Program of Study (refer to for more information).
The credit hours offered for this August program are part of the Fall semester course load. Participants will not incur additional tuition costs for the fall semester if they are taking 12-20 (Undergraduate) or 9-18 (Graduate) credits including the credit hours associated with this program. Students taking less or more than a full course load will see their tuition adjusted accordingly.
Line Item | Undergrad Fall 2026 | Grad Fall 2026 |
---|---|---|
Fall 2026 Tuition & Fees*: Based on individual Tuition Guarantee or Graduate Program of Study (refer to for more information) These credit hours are part of the fall semester course load. Participants will not incur additional tuition costs for the fall semester if they are taking 12-20 (Undergraduate) or 9-18 (Graduate) credits including the credit hours mentioned. Students taking less or more than a full course load will see their tuition adjusted accordingly. | 3 credits Athens-Campus | 3 credits Athens-Campus |
Program Fee: Student accommodations, some meals, group excursions/cultural activities, airport transportation, and transportation to all program-related activities. | $3,499 | $4,489 |
Study Abroad Administrative Fee | $150 | $150 |
Estimated Out-of-Pocket Expenses:
| $2,235 | $2,235 |
Non-program-related entertainment, souvenirs, and additional travel are not included in the cost estimate and should be budgeted separately.
Detailed student budget worksheets will be sent to all applicants nominated on the program and are available upon request from global.opportunities@ohio.edu
Funding Opportunities
More information on financial aid and scholarships can be found on our funding pages.
Eligibility
This program is open to all µÛÍõ»áËù students (undergraduates and graduates) who are in good conduct standing. Priority will be given to students with an interest in higher education administration or declared interest in the Western Balkans.
Students who will be on probation at any point during the program for a conduct offense that took place less than a calendar year from the program start date may not study abroad. Read the entire conduct policy.
This program accepts NON-OHIO students. For more information about this process visit the Non-OHIO student page.
Participants must have a at least a high school diploma or the equivalent (e.g. GED) by the start date of the program to be considered for eligibility. Students enrolled in College Credit Plus (CC+) are not eligible for study away programs.
Application Requirements
To apply for this program, please be sure to submit the following:
- A current/updated DARS or unofficial transcript for non-OHIO students
- Personal Statement (250–300 words): Share how this study abroad experience connects with your academic interests or degree program. What do you hope to learn by exploring higher education systems in a global context? If you have personal, cultural, or academic ties to Kosovo or the Western Balkans, we’d love for you to include that as well.
- Instructor Reference: Provide the name and contact information of a recent instructor who can speak to your professionalism, academic strengths, and commitment.
- Interview with the Program Director(s):
After you submit your application, you’ll be contacted to schedule a 15–20 minute conversation with the Program Director(s). This is a chance for us to learn more about your goals and interests, and for you to ask any questions you may have. - (For non-OHIO University students only) Supplemental Statement (150 words): Briefly describe your current academic focus or your interest in participating in this program as a non-degree-seeking student.
Applications will be reviewed and nominated on a rolling basis. Students are encouraged to apply early for better chances of admission.
Entry and Exit Requirements
U.S. citizens are required to have a valid U.S. passport when traveling outside of the United States. If you plan to study or travel abroad in the next year,    now. Some countries also require a visa to legally enter or reside in the country.
U.S. citizens  will not  need a visa to enter the country for the length of this program. Please note that visa requirements may vary if you plan to stay in the country longer than the program dates or travel to other countries during or after the program. It is important you familiarize yourself with these recommendations and requirements prior to applying to this program.
For more specific visa-related information, please visit OGO’s  Visa Information Page
Information for  Non-U.S. citizens