Students of GESS Who! embarked on the association’s first international study trip outside Switzerland. Led by Hana Syla, President of the association, 23 students were welcomed to her homeland Kosova, where they learned about the country’s history, political context, and culture. The group represented a diverse international composition, with participants from Switzerland, Germany, Luxembourg, Spain, Greece, Ireland, the United States, Canada, Mexico, China, Vietnam, Pakistan, and Lebanon.
Students were received by Acting President of the Republic of Kosova, Ms. Albulena Haxhiu, Prime Minister Mr. Albin Kurti, and Minister of Defense Mr. Ejup Maqedonci. During each of these meetings, students had the opportunity to ask questions and engage in interactive discussions with the country’s leaders.
In addition, students met with former Albanian political prisoners from Yugoslavia at the “Prison of the Ideal” Museum in Pristina. Former political prisoners, Hydajet Hyseni, Shemsi Syla, Enver Dugolli, Ilmi Cakolli, Idriz Mehmeti, and Sébastien Gricourt, interpreter in Kosova from 1997 to 2002 for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) organized a panel discussion. Through it, students gained a deeper understanding of the Albanian people’s resistance and their journey toward freedom. The group then continued its visit to the University of Pristina, where students exchanged academic perspectives with professors Albert Mecini and Endrit Temaj, as well as students from the Department of Sociology.
Beyond Prishtina, students visited the city of Prizren on the 148th anniversary of the Albanian League of Prizren and explored its historical, cultural, and religious heritage. Students also visited Gjilan and Bresalc, where they were welcomed by Hana’s family and learned firsthand about the experiences of an Albanian family that had lived through the war in Kosova. Finally, on Kosova’s Liberation Day, students visited the Adem Jashari Memorial Complex in Prekaz.
The purpose of this trip was to introduce international students to a case study of post-conflict recovery and politics, state-building, democratization, and social transformation. Ultimately, the visit achieved its academic objective, as students were able to engage with the realities behind some of the concepts they encounter in their studies at ETH Zürich. As participants themselves noted, for a new generation of international scholars and future professionals who are likely to become involved in diplomacy, policymaking, academia, and public service in their respective countries and in Switzerland, the opportunity to encounter Kosovo and engage with people who have lived through these processes was invaluable. At the same time, the visit reinforced the commitment of GESS WHO! in the Department of Humanities, Social and Political Sciences at ETH Zürich to creating educational experiences that bridge classroom learning with direct engagement in the field.
We thank GESS Department for its financial support; Hana Syla, whose initiative and dedication made this visit possible; the GESS Who! Board for its continuous support throughout the entire process; and all participating students for their exceptional interest and engagement. Finally, we thank the people and institutions of Kosova for their hospitality, generosity, and the wonderful time they shared with us.
