I can’t believe how fast these past two years have gone by! Extremely grateful for this process and proud of myself for seeing it through. This achievement is not only mine; I share it with the wonderful staff of AADF and the American Councils, who have put in their time, efforts, passion, and companionship in making this not only a memorable and fulfilling experience for me and my peers but also a less scary and lonely one. Here’s to many more celebrations!

These past two years have been an enlightening experience. Not only I was able to study cutting-edge approaches to urban planning, but I was able to do so in New York City which has been historically the center of important movements in the field. Some of my favorite memories are hanging around in the city and experiencing first-hand how different time periods, schools of thought, and civic engagement movements reshaped the urban fabric. In the radius of only a few neighborhoods, I was able to experience the juxtaposition of highways vs pedestrian-oriented roads, skyscrapers vs low-rise buildings, and mixed-use vs single-use-oriented districts which I consider an important practical component of education as a planner. In addition, as a member of the MIP network of alumni, I was able to share and get inspired by ideas in other disciplines which furtherly contributed to my growth. I consider myself extremely lucky to have been given the opportunity to study in the U.S. and would strongly suggest becoming part of the MIP program to anyone looking to broaden their horizon.

My experience as an MBA candidate at Bentley University so far has been amazing. The program focuses on real-life business problems and how we can implement what we learn in the real world. I am gaining different business skills that are transferable to many fields. The university is very diverse, and I am meeting people from all over the world. I am making new friends and I am learning about their cultures. We also discuss business ideas and how we can implement them in different countries. My involvement in student organizations has had a great impact on my communication and leadership skills.

MIP will provide an opportunity not only to expand my knowledge, as well as to convey the experience gained in the USA to KESH and therefore also in Albania.

If offered a development program to improve your professional skills and your language skills, to travel in another country, to experience another culture – don’t be afraid! Jump in and enjoy the trip. You will be changed, developed, improved.

The AADF Professional Internship Program gave me a willingness to get out of my comfort zone and explore the project management field in greater detail as well as develop new transferable skills.

I strongly believe that the impact of this program is great. It provides you with extra capabilities and necessary skill to become a leader and effect future change.

Conducting extensive research on international development furthered my knowledge and widened my areas of interest. A profound leap in my professional career.