Study Abroad at RIT Kosovo
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RIT Kosovo was founded in 2003 through a partnership between RIT and the American University in Kosovo Foundation. The university has grown to over 600 students and occupies a modern campus facility near the Germia Park area of Pristina – Kosovo’s capital city.
RIT Kosovo is just outside downtown Pristina, near the beautiful Germia National Park. The university is within walking distance from most housing, restaurants, and other popular Pristina locations. Public transportation is also reliable and affordable. The RIT Kosovo campus contains smart classrooms, faculty and staff offices, a library, a cafeteria, computer labs, a radio station, and a media center.
Kosovo is known as the country of “young Europeans.” Its citizens are well-educated, multilingual, dynamic, and have an abundant entrepreneurial spirit. Kosovo’s history is both a fascinating and tragic mix of conflict, occupation, and emergence as a new country in the complicated political landscape of southeastern Europe. For over a decade, it has been the focus of international organizations as it emerges as a member of the community of nations and aspires to join the EU.
Kosovo is Europe’s newest democracy. It is a country with a population of approximately 2 million people, of which 500,000 live in the capital city of Pristina. More than 50% of the population is under the age of 30 and, as a result, the city possesses a vibrant nightlife and youthful culture. Wherever you travel throughout this historically significant country, you will see beautiful architecture that ancient European and Ottoman-era influences have shaped. Study abroad students will gain insights and outlooks on the Balkan region through relationships with new people from different backgrounds and cultures.
Academics
Semester programs offer coursework in:
- Business
- Public Policy
- Multimedia and Web Design
- Information Technology
- International Relations and Political Science
Students typically take at least 12 credits (4 courses) during their academic semester abroad. Your academic advisor can review and pre-approve the RIT courses offered to ensure that you stay on track with your individual degree program. The academic calendar follows the RIT calendar and consists of 2 semesters, each 16 weeks long.
The course descriptions for semester classes offered at RIT Croatia can be found on RIT SIS. Change the location at the bottom of the SIS Class Search page to the appropriate campus to display the course offerings. The course offerings for the Global Campuses are typically released later than the course offerings for RIT Rochester. However, the course offerings are fairly consistent from year to year, so using the previous year’s course offerings as a tentative list is appropriate.
Courses focus on critical thinking, decision-making, communication, and leadership – all the skills necessary for success in today’s global work environment. The teaching methods promote interaction and active participation between students and faculty. Study abroad students are encouraged to participate in activities outside of the classroom to immerse themselves in their new environment and provide additional cultural learning.
Dates and Deadlines
RIT Kosovo’s academic calendar closely follows Rochester’s calendar. The fall semester is from early September to mid-December; the spring semester is from late January to mid-May.
RIT Rochester students studying abroad at RIT Kosovo may need to arrive a few days before classes start for orientation. Do not book any travel arrangements until you confirm your arrival/departure dates with a study abroad advisor.
Application Deadlines:
Fall semester study abroad in Kosovo: April 15
Spring semester study abroad in Kosovo: October 1
Living in Kosovo
Living abroad is an integral part of your study abroad experience. It will help you connect with your host community and learn more about the local culture. Housing, dining and food, local attractions, student activities, and excursions will all make your study abroad experience more immersive, exciting, and memorable.
Costs and Financial Aid
Studying abroad at an RIT Global Campus may be more affordable than you think! Your program costs will typically include:
- Tuition: you pay your same RIT semester tuition (billed to your RIT eServices account)
- Program Fee: cost of your housing, cultural excursions, airport arrival and departure transportation, international health and emergency evacuation insurance (billed to your RIT eServices account)
- Out-of-pocket Costs: airfare, meals/groceries, personal expenses, books, phone SIM card, etc.
Your RIT study abroad advisor will provide an official budget worksheet that outlines all program costs. You can take the budget worksheet to a meeting with RIT financial aid to determine how your RIT and federal aid and scholarships may cover program costs. Typically on semester-long programs, you will be considered a full-time student (taking at least 12 credits) and can likely maximize your aid towards study abroad. If you are going to an RIT Global Campus on a shorter program (i.e. winter break, faculty-led, summer), you may be able to use some of your federal financial aid if you take at least six credits abroad.
Meet the Study Abroad Staff
RIT staff will assist you before and during your time abroad.
Student Visa Information
Your student visa is an official government document that temporarily authorizes you to be in the country you are traveling to, so providing the required documents needed to apply for a visa to the RIT Education Abroad office in a timely manner is an important part of your study abroad application.