Prishtina International Summer University (PISU)

Join students from around the world for a 2-week course in the heart of the Balkans.

Location: Prishtina, Kosovo

Language of Instruction: English

Term: Summer

Academic Disciplines: -Open to All Majors

Program Type: Direct Enroll

Open to non-KU Students: No

Fulfills KU Core 4.2: No

Fulfills KU Core 5: No

Choose from nearly 20 course options taught in English at the University of Prishtina’s summer school.
Earn 3 KU credit hours while taking a two-week multi-disciplinary course co-taught by international guest professors and local University of Prishtina faculty.
Connect with and study alongside students from all over the world.
Explore a vibrant and affordable capital city in Europe’s newest country.
Learn about Kansas’ special connection to the Republic of Kosovo.

Every July, the University of Prishtina welcomes students from around the world to its Prishtina International Summer University (PISU). PISU offers an intensive two-week academic experience with a global perspective. Students take courses alongside local and international students, with more than 200 university students from around the world participating in PISU each year. The program also includes several organized cultural events and excursions around Kosovo.

KU students can choose from choose from nearly 20 specialized courses spanning social sciences, law, economics, arts, architecture and engineering. Each course is co-taught by a visiting international expert and a local faculty member. All courses are taught in English. Students earn 3 KU credit hours after successful completion of the program.

This program is offered to KU students by the Dole Center of Politics. Former Kansas Senator Bob Dole was an advocate for democracy in the Balkans and played a pivotal role in independence for the nation of Kosovo.

Prishtina is the capital city of the Republic of Kosovo. With a population of approximately 225,000, it is the country’s largest city. The city is known for its vibrant café culture, affordability, friendly atmosphere and energetic student population. Students will enjoy exploring the lively cafes, colorful markets and arts and culture scene.

Kosovo is a small, landlocked country in Eastern Europe. It is one of Europe’s newest countries, having declared independence from Serbia in 2008. The country has a unique connection to Kansas, with the late Senator Bob Dole having been instrumental in advocating for support of the republic’s independence movement. Today, a plaque and statue commemorating the Senator’s role in helping Kosovo gain independence are on display in the capital city of Prishtina.

PISU offers 15-20 different courses each summer in a variety of topic areas. KU students will choose one course to take during the two-week program. 3 KU credit hours are granted upon successful completion of the program. KU course credit is determined by the course each student chooses. Course options for the upcoming summer will be available in January.

Link to Courses – Coming Soon!

Courses are taught by local and visiting faculty from universities in the U.S., Canada and Europe who are experts in their respective fields. The language of instruction is English. Courses take place on the University of Prishtina's campus.

The course offerings vary each summer, but typically include a wide variety of subject options in the social sciences, humanities and STEM fields. Sample courses from previous years include:

Democracy 2.0: Gender, Power & Human Rights
Law & Economics of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Mapping and Modelling Climate and Weather Using GIS and Remote Sensing Techniques
Media, Digital Communication and Public Opinion
Sports Nutrition

Students will stay in University of Prishtina residence halls. The program fee includes three meals per day in the university cafeteria. Rooms are double-occupancy and include all linens.

The student dorm facilities at the University of Prishtina are very basic. Students should be prepared for living standards that may be different than a typical student dorm in the U.S.

2027 Program Dates

Program takes place in July - specific program dates will be updated once they are announced.

Depart U.S.: TBD
Arrive in Prishtina, Kosovo: TBD
Program Ends: TBD

Students should be aware that Kosovo is a developing country and some facilities, services and infrastructure may not match standards in Western Europe and the U.S.

All students have unique things to consider when studying abroad. A Traveler Profile is a set of personal factors, characteristics or life experiences that could impact daily life abroad. Your individual Traveler Profile may include things such as your age, foreign language proficiency, gender, medical history, medication use, mental health, mobility, piercings and tattoos, travel experience, and more.

SAGE is dedicated to creating international engagement opportunities that meet the needs of all our students and providing resources to support you through the process of studying abroad. Before selecting a program, consider how your Traveler Profile may impact your experience abroad in unique ways and talk with your Program Coordinator about any program-specific concerns. Students with documented disabilities should discuss any accommodation needs with their Program Coordinator early in the planning process.

Check our Traveler Profile pages linked below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program.

Open to KU students with sophomore status or higher. A minimum GPA of 2.8 is required. Students will be required to complete an informational interview with staff from the Dole Institute of Politics.

Program Cost Coming Soon

Dole Institute of Politics PISU Program Stipend

Funding for this program is available through the KU Dole Institute of Politics. KU students can apply to receive a stipend that covers travel and participation expenses. To apply, students must first complete the program application process. Successful applicants will be provided with additional instructions to apply for the program stipend. Students must complete an informational interview with Dole Institute of Politics staff before being approved for funding.

Scholarships

Students with financial need (a FAFSA on file for the current academic year) can apply for a scholarship through KU Study Abroad here.
Students with a major in the KU College of Liberal Arts & Sciences (CLAS) are eligible for the CLAS Study Abroad Scholarship.
Students in the KU Honors Program may apply for an Honors Opportunity Award.
Pell Grant recipients are eligible to apply for the Gilman Scholarship, a nationally competitive scholarship for Pell Grant recipients. Special consideration is given to students studying in Germany, so all eligible students are encouraged to apply. Contact KU Study Abroad for more information.
Visit the KU Study Abroad Costs & Funding page for additional information.

Program Liaison: Audrey Coleman
Audrey Coleman, Director
Dole Institute of Politics
Email: amcoleman@ku.edu

Program Liaison: Mindi Pendergraft
Mindi Pendergraft, Operations and Strategic Initiatives Manager
Dole Institute of Politics
Email: mlpendergraft@ku.edu

Study Abroad Program Coordinator: Jenna Hunter-Skidmore 
Have a quick question? Email me at: jmhunter@ku.edu
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