Washington, D.C. – IREX and the Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF) are launching a new partnership to support the AADF Master’s & Internship Program (MIP), a flagship professional exchange initiative that helps talented young and mid-career Albanian professionals gain six months of practical experience with U.S. host organizations and return to Albania prepared to contribute to the country’s continued development.

Through the relationship, IREX will serve as implementing partner for the U.S.-based components of MIP, supporting host placements, J-1 visa sponsorship and compliance, travel and logistics, participant support, pre-departure preparation, enrichment activities, monitoring, and reporting. Together, IREX and AADF will help open new professional pathways for Albanian fellows while creating meaningful value for the U.S. organizations that host them.

Established by AADF in 2017, MIP provides Albanian young professionals and future leaders with opportunities to build management and technical skills, deepen cross-cultural understanding, expand professional networks, and apply their experience in ways that support Albania’s advancement and global integration. The program has selected 14 cohorts and placed approximately 125 fellows to date, with the new partnership supporting four additional cohorts during 2026–2028.

 “IREX is honored to partner with AADF to invest in Albania’s next generation of leaders,” said Aleksander Dardeli, President and CEO of IREX. “As an Albanian American, this partnership is personal to me and reflects a core belief that has shaped my own leadership: investing in people is the most enduring investment any nation can make. I have seen firsthand how transformative international learning and professional experiences can be. When talented young people gain new skills, broaden their perspectives, and build global networks, the impact extends far beyond the individual, strengthening communities, institutions, and future generations of leaders. At the same time, U.S. host organizations benefit from the talent, fresh perspectives, and ambition these fellows bring, making this a partnership that creates value on both sides.”

MIP fellows are placed with U.S. companies and organizations across sectors such as education, technology and innovation, business and entrepreneurship, tourism, culture, law, health, journalism, architecture, engineering, agriculture, and IT. The program is designed to advance professional growth, strengthen leadership capacity, and promote cross-cultural exchange that benefits both fellows and the institutions that welcome them.

“The Master’s & Internship Program is one of AADF’s most important investments in Albania’s next generation of professionals,” said Martin Mata, Co-CEO of AADF. “By connecting talented Albanian fellows with U.S. organizations, MIP helps shift mindsets, strengthen professional confidence, and build bridges between Albania and the global workplace. Our partnership with IREX will help us expand the program’s reach and ensure fellows have the support, preparation, and meaningful placements they need to grow—and to return ready to contribute to Albania’s future.”

IREX brings decades of experience managing international exchange and professional development programs, including thousands of customized placements and exchange participants from more than 100 countries. As a designated sponsor of the U.S. Department of State’s BridgeUSA Exchange Visitor Program, IREX supports structured professional exchange and cross-cultural engagement at U.S. host organizations while providing the systems, compliance, and participant support needed for a smooth and meaningful experience.

For host organizations, MIP offers an opportunity to engage motivated Albanian professionals who bring international perspective, sector knowledge, and a strong commitment to learning and contribution. For fellows, the program creates a structured pathway to gain U.S. workplace experience, expand networks, strengthen leadership skills, and translate new insight into practical action upon return to Albania.

About IREX

IREX: International Research & Exchanges Board is a forward-looking global solutions provider that partners with communities, governments, institutions, funders, donors, and businesses to empower people to learn, lead, and thrive. Building upon decades of trusted experience, IREX delivers world-class, evidence-informed approaches that help leaders bridge divides, learners succeed in the world of work, and people thrive in a technology-, AI-, and data-driven world. With a commitment to continuous improvement, IREX strengthens performance, supports responsible innovation, expands opportunity, and creates lasting value with partners.

About AADF

AADF: Albanian American Development Foundation is the legacy organization of the Albanian American Enterprise Fund, a foreign assistance initiative of the United States government created to support the development of a strong private sector in post-communist Albania. Established in 2009, AADF is the largest nonprofit organization in Albania. As an American institution operating in the country, AADF follows advanced philanthropic approaches while focusing on building, supporting, and developing models with national scale and impact.

IREX J-1 Visa Sponsorship Services

As a designated sponsor of the U.S. Department of State’s BridgeUSA Exchange Visitor Program, IREX champions meaningful exchange by helping hosts, advisors, and exchange visitors move from opportunity to action with trusted guidance, practical support, and a partner-centered service experience. Learn more about how to engage and partner with IREX.