From Seasonal Migration to Three Master’s Degrees in Switzerland: the Journey of the Begzati Family from Gostivar

The story of the Begzati family from Gostivar began more than three decades ago, when a young man set off for Switzerland on a seasonal contract lasting several months, without imagining that the journey would shape his life.

After his temporary job ended, Lirim Begzati was expected to return to his hometown. However, the course of events took a different turn and, nearly thirty-five years later, he continues to live in Switzerland.

He later chose to dedicate himself to university studies, a decision that at the time was rarely made by foreigners. At the University of Neuchâtel, he completed his studies and earned a Master’s degree in Law, becoming one of the first Albanian jurists to graduate from a Swiss university during the 1990s.

His two sons followed the same path. Fisnik completed his studies at the University of Geneva, where he earned a Master’s degree in International Economics, and today he is employed by an American company in Geneva. Meanwhile, Dorian has recently earned a Master’s degree in Law at the University of Neuchâtel.

Thus, from a start as a seasonal worker, within a single generation the family achieved three university Master’s degrees, a story that the Begzati family from Gostivar simply shares as part of its history.

Lirim, meanwhile, is the son of Begzat Begzati, an advocate of education and a publicist.