As part of academic and practical engagement, the Department of Geography successfully carried out a two-day study expedition with students, offering a direct field experience and a concrete connection between theory and practice.
The itinerary of this expedition included the routes Tetovo – Struga – Pogradec (Lake Ohrid) – Korçë Basin, where students had the opportunity to closely explore the geographical features, urban development, as well as the cultural elements of these areas. Visits to natural and cultural monuments served as an “open laboratory,” helping students gain a deeper understanding of geographical processes and the interaction between humans and the environment.
The second day of the expedition continued with visits to Voskopoja and its monuments of particular historical and cultural value, as well as to the region of Lake Prespa. Stops were made at the border crossing in Stenje, then in the city of Resen and in Bitola, where students analyzed the regional characteristics and their importance in a broader geographical and socio-economic context. As part of this visit, a meeting was also held at the “Fan S. Noli” University in Korçë, where students and academic staff had the opportunity to become closely acquainted with the Faculty of Human Sciences, specifically the Department of History and Geography. This experience provided a clear overview of the study programs, study conditions, and opportunities for academic and professional development in the field of geography. As part of the academic activities, on April 20, 2026, the students of the Department of Geography also attended open lectures delivered by visiting professors from the Republic of Albania, which focused on topics directly related to the areas visited during the expedition.
The lecture “Discovering Southeastern Albania: an overview of nature and economy” was delivered by Asst. Prof. Dr. Rudina Uruçi, while the lecture “Cross-border regions and opportunities for integration: the Gollobordë–Struga case” was presented by Asst. Prof. Dr. Artan Lila. Through these lectures, students had the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and to analyze geographical phenomena and regional developments in a more structured manner.
The visiting professors were received by the Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Prof. Dr. Florim Idrizi, the Vice-Dean for Science, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Jashari, as well as the Head of the Department of Geography, Prof. Dr. Resul Hamiti.
These activities represent an important component of students’ academic formation, contributing to the development of practical skills, the expansion of scientific horizons, and the strengthening of institutional cooperation.
