Each year, the International Programs department holds a recruitment contest for alumni. This year, the alumna who recruited the most students to an international program earned a $200 gift certificate. 2010 winner Besa Rizvanolli (A 08, CSS 09) recruited 5 students and decided to donate her winnings to students from Kosovo attending AIPES and IIPES this summer. Below is an interview with Besa:
TFAS: What does being a TFAS alumna mean to you?
Besa: To me, being a TFAS alumna means being affiliated with a very prestigious and intensive, yet incredibly fun and exciting academic and professional program. It also means experiences and friendships of a lifetime.
TFAS: What are the lasting benefits of having participated in a TFAS program?
Besa: In my opinion, there are a number of excellent and lasting benefits associated with participation in a TFAS program. Through the TFAS program I was able to be involved with a three-week intensive course on American Political Systems and a semester’s worth of excellent American education and challenging work experience in Washington DC.
This combination of academics and an internship enabled me to learn a great deal about U.S. politics, policy-making and more importantly, American democratic values. I also had the once-in-a-lifetime chance to see the capital of Europe, Prague, and the capital of the world, Washington D.C.
Ultimately, this proved to be enormously beneficial to me upon my return to my home country of Kosovo, where the challenges of institution-building and democratic governance are still prevalent.
TFAS: Why is it important for you to tell other students about TFAS International Programs?
Besa: I truly enjoy talking about the TFAS International Programs, not only because of the fond memories that it brings back, but also because of my hope to encourage other students to pursue the excellent opportunities that TFAS has to offer. For anyone looking for an academic experience filled with excellent classes, memorable site visits and above all, lifetime friendship, TFAS is the way to go.