The Public International Business College Mitrovica (IBCM) had the honor of welcoming Mr. Olivier Guérot, the French Ambassador to Kosovo, for a strategic meeting aimed at enhancing collaboration in higher education between France and Kosovo. The meeting included IBCM Rector Prof. Dr. Mihone Kerolli, Vice Rector for International Cooperation, Projects, Innovation, and Scientific Research, Prof. Dr. Ekrem Gjoka, and Head of Division for Communication and Public Relations, Ms. Dea Gaxha. The ambassador was accompanied by representatives from the French Embassy, including Mr. Frédéric Deshayes, Attaché for Cooperation, and Mrs. Fikrije Pllashniku-Tetaj, General Secretary of the Department for Cooperation and Cultural Activities.
During the meeting, Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Ekrem Gjokaj highlighted IBCM’s ongoing
partnerships with French institutions, including the collaboration with Bordeaux University.
The upcoming Wine Festival “Winitech Sifel” in Bordeaux, scheduled for November, was a
focal point, along with discussions about establishing double-degree programs in areas such
as wine, environmental, and agricultural management. Additionally, the meeting addressed
strengthening the existing agreement with Burgundy University, which has supported a Ph.D.
scholarship financed by the French Embassy.
A significant topic introduced by IBCM Rector Prof. Dr. Mihone Kerolli was the
establishment of “French Corners” within Kosovo’s higher education institutions. These
corners will facilitate information and promotional days to enhance cultural and academic
exchanges between France and Kosovo.
The ambassador elaborated on various scholarship opportunities available through the French Embassy, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness among students to apply for these scholarships, particularly those in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and French companies in the ICT sector. The discussions also encompassed future internship opportunities for IBCM students, allowing them to work in France for a semester before returning to Kosovo to complete their degrees. Furthermore, the potential for institutional cooperation and the exchange of student and staff mobility was explored, alongside the possibility of IBCM joining the Alliance of Francophone Universities.
Ambassador Guérot introduced the establishment of the Institut Français du Kosovo, which
aims to strengthen outreach to higher education institutions in Kosovo, supporting academic
and cultural initiatives across the country.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to deepening French-Kosovo academic
and cultural ties, positioning IBCM as a pivotal institution in fostering these partnerships.
