Fifteen years ago, with the collapse of communism, Albania opened its borders to other countries for the first time after fifty years of isolation. Every year has seen an augmentation in the number of young Albanians who have chosen to study abroad in Western nations. Albanian students are now present everywhere in Europe and North America. Today, they represent one of the biggest chances for future development in Albania. The experience and knowledge that these students are gaining from attending some of the best universities in the world, could be a strong catalyst for development in Albania if the students were to return home to implement these new tools. This conclusion can be accurately drawn because Albanian students have proved, in every place that they have studied, that they are among the best and most competitive students in the world. This impressive intellectual capital could have a positive effect on the development of our country. Unfortunately, however, after spending many years in the West, many Albanian students sever ties with their home country by losing contact with both the difficulties that the nation is undergoing, and even with the new opportunities that are offered every day to the graduates that have studied abroad.

In the context of the current situation, the International Network of Albanian Student Associations (Albstudent) and the Mjaft Foundation, have initiated a project entitled, ”Praktika 2005.” This initiative, backed by the motto “returning space,” is being made feasible by the German Embassy’s support, in the context of Stability pact, and by the Ministry of Culture and Sports. This innovative project will serve to coordinate the return of Albania’s most talented students studying abroad by offering them the chance to understand the reality of working in a public institution or in a large, private company in Albania through providing them with internships at these institutions. Here, they will be able to apply their academic knowledge to real life situations. We are successfully serving as a mediator between many Albanian institutions, both public and private, that can open the doors for the students studying abroad, and the students themselves who wish to engage in these internships. Participating in an internship will help these students establish contacts with different employers that will, in turn, aid them in successfully starting a career in their home country after graduation.

All the information regarding this project, such as the description of the internships, how to apply online, the organizers, the supporters, etc., can be found on http://www.praktika-online.com. In the upcoming weeks, this website will be updated frequently with information about new internships.