Ilir Dugolli came from a part of the world that, during a time of war, trying to study and learn was considered illegal.
"I lived in a place that was anything but normal," Dugolli said about his homeland, Kosovo.
However, he said, this did not stop his desire to learn.
During the 8-year restriction on education in his native country of Kosovo, Dugolli escaped by "keeping education alive."
"We were very limited," Dugolli said. "I had to read in private buildings and use books from my professors' private collections because we had no libraries."
Dugolli was a student at the time studying law from 1993-1994, and was extremely curious about education in other parts of the world.
He said his curiosities were slightly quenched, as he was chosen to be one of eight professors brought from the University of Prishtina in Kosovo to observe classes taught at ASU for this fall semester.
The Russian and East European Studies Consortium, REESC, brought them in an effort to further the knowledge of international educators.
"I can take back with me new experiences in the methodology of teaching and working with students," Dugolli said.
Dugolli said he does more than just observe the public administration classes he attends, and, that similar to a student, he gets involved.
"I participate in class, do the homework and take notes, like any other student," Dugolli said. "I just don't have to take the exams."
Though Dugolli said he came here to educate himself for the future, he added that it would give him a chance to evaluate himself.
"When you put yourself against neutral standards, you can see where you stand as a faculty member and as a person," he said.
This partnership between ASU and the University of Prishtina is the first of its kind coordinated by REESC, according to Carol Withers, academic associate for REESC.
The project was funded as a multi-year grant, from the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational Affairs, lasting until August 2003.
While the professors are here, they will also be perfecting their English and computer skills.
"We teach them [these things] so they go back with stronger skills," Withers said.
Matt Bourque, a graduate assistant for the Kosovo project, works one-on-one with the professors, helping them further understand the American culture.
"I deal with the run-of-the-mill, odds-and-ends questions about our culture and things that we take for granted," Bourque said. "But, the professors are catching on pretty quickly."
Since the University of Prishtina is a relatively new university with only about 30 years of existence, there is room for a lot of improvements, Dugolli said.
"Our development was interrupted because of war and other things that were happening to us [in Kosovo]," Dugolli said. "It affected our capabilities as faculty in terms of resources."
This program is giving them the opportunity to provide training for the future of their students and their university, according to Withers.
"When they return, they are enthused and teach the classes with a new perspective of public administration and business management," Withers said.
Dugolli said even though the standards for education were lowered during times of war in Kosovo, it made him realize how important education really is.
"I've learned that education is something that can't be compromised," he said.
Reach the reporter at jennifer.summers@asu.edu.
