IVGS student reflects on his time at CEES
I spent three months at the Centre for European and Eurasian Studies (CEES) in early 2025 as an International Graduate Visiting Student, conducting research for my dissertation. CEES exceeded all my expectations—both professionally and personally.
My dissertation focuses on North Macedonia’s Albanian political community and its engagement with the state’s bilateral issues, particularly with Greece and Bulgaria. The University of Toronto’s extensive collection of books on Southeast Europe and nationalism studies greatly helped me refine my analytical framework, bringing me significantly closer to completing my work.
In addition to focusing on my dissertation, I delivered a lecture on the Western Balkans’ expectations regarding the new American administration. The talk explored how the Trump administration might shift U.S. foreign policy in the region, as well as how local leaders may respond to evolving global dynamics. I was pleased to see students, staff, and even former diplomats actively engage in the event, which became a valuable exchange of ideas about the future trajectory of U.S. foreign policy in the Western Balkans and beyond.
During my research stay, I built strong connections with professors and staff, who were always approachable and generous with their support—both academically and in helping me navigate life at the University of Toronto. I also had the opportunity to interact with highly motivated and enthusiastic students who will, without a doubt, bring Canada closer to Central, Eastern, and Southeast Europe. Outside the university, I was pleased to meet members of the Canadian-Hungarian community and learn about their efforts to nurture ties across the Atlantic.
CEES was—and continues to be—a fantastic place to conduct research and draw inspiration from its vibrant academic environment. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity and will always value the immense benefits of my three-month research stay. I return to the Corvinus University of Budapest with new empirical insights, enhanced teaching skills, and the same enthusiasm I experienced at CEES.
Finally, Toronto itself is an exceptional city: from its iconic skyline featuring the CN Tower to its multicultural streets, experiencing a real Canadian winter and its citizens’ warm hospitality was truly unforgettable.
