Meet Rafet Bojaj: Recent Transfer to CMS from the American University in Kosovo

The Center for Multidisciplinary Studies is known for having a diverse student body. Our students come from many backgrounds ranging from traditional age students to adults coming back to finish a degree or complete a new program of study. Some work full time, some work part time, and some are in between careers. CMS has seen students come to RIT from across the country to study with our department.

A new student in CMS has come to RIT a much further distance. Rafet Bojaj has transferred to RIT for his senior year from the American University in Kosovo, which is run in partnership with RIT. Rafet studied at AUK for 2 years, then spent a year on Co-Op in Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. During his time at Disney, Rafet decided that finishing his education at RIT would best fit his career goals and ambitions. RIT will allow Rafet to choose from a wider variety of classes to help him finish his degree in Business Management and Development.

Rafet is the first student from the American University in Kosovo to come to RIT as a transfer student. Previously, students have come to the US for a Co-Op or to study for one quarter. Rafet will be a full-time student with CMS and is working with his advisor, Dewey Lawrence to create a program that will allow him to finish his degree this academic year. “RIT has a wider variety of class options for me. I’m not told when to take a class and what it has to be, I can decide what I want to take here.” Rafet said, “I’m not limited here.”

Rafet started his Co-Op with Disney in June of 2007 and was there through May of 2008. During the time he spent there, he worked for nearly all of the resorts in Disney World as part of his training. He started off working at the front desk and ended up being the concierge for the Port Orleans Hotel by the time he left Disney. “The experience was very helpful and I learned a lot in Disney.” Rafet earned his promotions through the training provided by the hotels, worked full time and took eight classes – 3 online with RIT and AUK and the rest on location in Disney as part of their program.

Rafet spent his summer back home in Kline, Kosovo after completing his Disney Co-Op. Since arriving at RIT at the end of August, he has toured RIT, met with his advisor, started a search for an on-campus job and worked with Lyndsey McGrath to make sure everything is in order for him to start classes on September 1. “Everyone who is new looks confused, I’m glad to have someone helping me get oriented.”

Throughout the school year, Rafet will also be writing in a blog about his experiences at RIT. The blog can be found at: http://cmsyear.blogspot.com