University Viewbook 2014

UNIVERSITY VIEWBOOK

American University in Bulgaria 1 Georgi Izmirliev Sq. 2700 Blagoevgrad Bulgaria www.aubg.edu

www.aubg.edu

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CONTENTS:

PAGE

| WHY AUBG

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| AUBG AT A GLANCE

|04

| CHALLENGE YOURSELF

|06

| EXPERIENCE EXCELLENCE

|08

| LEARN FROM THE BEST

|10

| BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS

|12

| HOME AWAY FROM HOME

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Your Education Destination

| STATE-OF-THE-ART CAMPUS

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| DISCOVER THE PLACE

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| LIFE AFTER AUBG

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Discover more at www.aubg.edu

| EXECUTIVE MBA PROGRAM

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| INVEST IN YOUR FUTURE

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| FRIENDS OF AUBG

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| ARRANGE A VISIT

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WHY AUBG

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A Liberal Arts degree from AUBG is a passport to the world! You will graduate with two diplomas with dual accreditation in the US and EU

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Exchange programs with over 100 universities around the world. Study abroad in a country you've always dreamed of visiting

More than $ 5,000,000 in scholarships

High quality American education taught by outstanding international faculty from five continents

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More than 40 student clubs on campus for every interestmusic, sports, multimedia, dance, entrepreneurship.

The options are endless!

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Situated in Blagoevgrad, a student-friendly city only an hour from Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria

Close-knit global alumni network of around 4,000 successful graduates

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AUBG MILESTONES | 1991, November 1 – AUBG opens doors with 16 full-time faculty members and 208 students

1991 - 1996 | 1993, January 27 – AUBG choir is established

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| 1999, November – First visit by US President: Bill Clinton receives an honorary doctorate from AUBG

1997 - 2002 | 2001, March 28 – AUBG receives accreditation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)

| 2004, May 11 – First Executive MBA class

| 2011, March – The American University in Bulgaria

graduates

celebrates its 20th anniversary

2003 - 2007 | 2005, May 27 – First Alumni Mega Reunion bringing together more than 500 alumni from all 11 classes of AUBG

2008 - 2013 | 2013, December 11 – The newly built pearl of the Skaptopara campus – The America for Bulgaria Student Center receives “Building of the Year” award

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CHALLENGE YOURSELF

Sieun Lim ’16 South Korea

One of the most fascinating things about being a student at AUBG is the opportunity to express yourself, the feeling that your voice will be heard.

The University fosters critical and out-of-the-box thinking and encourages us to make an impact in our communities – in other words, it raises future leaders and helps you write your personal story.

At AUBG, you're in control. The rigorous liberal arts system at AUBG teaches students how to think, not what to think! The University is a melting pot for outstanding young people who are committed to the pursuit of academic excellence, expected to work hard and encouraged to be

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their best. They can plan their own program and make the choices that match their interests and their future plans.

Students can meet the requirements for their chosen major and still have space in their schedule for elective courses on a variety of fascinating topics.

AUBG boasts an environment similar to a small globe. You can have a taste of all the parts of the world represented on campus. This aspect enhances student’s living and learning experience immensely.

Timur Huseynov ‘15 Azerbaijan

We want to help you find not just a job but also a purpose in life.

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EXPERIENCE EXCELLENCE AUBG offers courses in a wide range of disciplines that encourages students to think critically, raise questions, and apply theory to practice. Through engagement with real-world problems, students develop the skills

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necessary to compete in an increasingly demanding global environment. They form networks and become experienced communicators, evolving into powerful thought leaders in work, research and the wider community.

PRIMARY MAJORS*

SECONDARY MAJORS**

▪ American Studies ▪ Business Administration ▪ Computer Science ▪ Economics ▪ European Studies ▪ History and Civilizations ▪ Information Systems ▪ Journalism and Mass Communication ▪ Mathematics ▪ Political Science and International Relations

▪ Literature ▪ Self-designed major

* Primary majors are those that are accredited in the United States and that allow students to sit for the Bulgarian State Examination upon degree completion and receive both an American and Bulgarian diploma. ** Secondary majors are those that are accredited in the United States and result in an American diploma only.

66%

OF AUBG STUDENTS GRADUATE WITH TWO MAJORS

33%

OF AUBG STUDENTS GRADUATE WITH A MAJOR AND A MINOR

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AVERAGE CLASS SIZE

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MINOR PROGRAMS

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Kristiyan Dimitrov ’15 Bulgaria

LEARN FROM THE BEST AUBG faculty come from the world's top schools (Harvard, Princeton and more) on five continents. In their capable, experienced hands, students will receive a world-class American education with a global flavor. They know how to create an atmosphere that stimulates students to work together but also to become independent thinkers. What they have in common is a passion for learning: faculty members choose to teach at AUBG because they are committed to students and interested in broadening their own perspectives. They are first and foremost here to help students explore, question, learn, and achieve.

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International experiences are woven into the fabric of everything I do at AUBG. I have led student trips to a variety of international film festivals and have introduced my students to directors, editors, producers, agents and festival programmers who make the film industry go.

Because that is what we do at AUBG – we change lives, we open new worlds, and share in the joy of discovery.

Diego Lucci Philosophy Professor Italy

Professors at AUBG are really passionate about their job. Their vast international experience and innovative approaches, combined with the small class sizes provide an excellent environment for students to grow both personally and professionally.

You get the foundation knowledge and the flexibility to react adequately in any given situation that life will face you with.

Melody Gilbert Head of Journalism and Mass Communication Department USA

One of the main tasks of liberal arts education is to enable future professionals to organize their thinking, adapt to different scenarios, and understand how specific contexts may affect the anticipated outcomes.

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BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS

Liliya Gaisina ’16 Kazakhstan

My marketing professor made me passionate about advertising while a colleague of mine showed me the magical side of making a musical.

I was happy and lucky to be able to do my two most favorite things without having to choose between them.

Nelly Ovcharova ’15 Bulgaria Learning is not just for the classroom. Regardless of interest, students are bound to find something fun to enrich their free time. From theater or journalism to sports and adventure, our students have the opportunity to perform, write, create, play and challenge themselves in a diverse environment.

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On a campus with students from over 30 countries, there is constant exposure to a university experience unlike any other.

With options to study abroad both near and far, by the time graduation comes they have gained valuable life experiences shared with their professors, peers and new lifelong friends.

AUBG Olympics lets you experience the real AUBG spirit. There is an Olympic fire burning inside each of us and this event helps bring it out.

Yan Hristov '14 Bulgaria

By participating in Model United Nations students gain invaluable experience, make lifelong friendships, and get the chance to share their enthusiasm and passion with other young leaders.

It is a life-changing experience, which enriches you both as a person and as a professional.

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HOME AWAY FROM HOME Anastasiia Hryshchenko ‘17 Ukraine

One of the greatest things about AUBG is the close-knit student community. I am surrounded by friendly people and we all live and study in the lovely Skaptopara campus. In addition to the safe and comfortable environment, we can relax and re-charge our batteries through the variety of sports and teambuilding activities offered on campus.

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Though stepping outside my comfort zone seemed scary at the beginning, here at AUBG I found my new home and connected with young people from so many countries. You can hardly ever feel homesick in such a dynamic and student-friendly city like Blagoevgrad – I especially love the stylish coffee shops and the relaxing strolls in park Bachinovo, which is a natural continuation of the town.

Connecting living and learning is an essential feature of the AUBG education. The majority of students live on campus in the Skaptopara complex, which features three residence halls, an academic building, a modern library, a spacious multifunctional student center, hosting our stateof-the-art theater, sports and dining halls, and a wonderful tree-lined footpath running alongside the Bistritsa River.

Since our students come from over 30 countries, living in halls feels like being part of a mini map of the world! In this safe, secure and comfortable environment, lifelong friendships are born and minds are opened amid diversity and mutual respect.

Daniel Penev ‘16 Bulgaria

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STATE-OF-THE-ART CAMPUS When you join our student family, you’ll find yourself in a supportive, diverse environment where you’ll discover new outlets for creativity, personal growth, friendship, challenge and relaxation. From our student accommodation to the impressive Panitza library, our facilities are world-class.

We have common areas where you can either study or rest along with your friends. If you need anything, you can go to the reception desk and ask a friendly Resident Assistant for help.

Parents can rest in the knowledge that student safety and

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comfort care on campus is our highest priority. Our trained team of Student Counselors are on hand to offer help and advice to any student who needs it.

AT AUBG YOU WILL FIND: SERVICES

A HIGH-TECH CAMPUS

PANITZA LIBRARY

FACILITIES

▪ Advising Center ▪ Career Center ▪ Counseling Center ▪ Health Center ▪ International Student Services

▪ Computer labs ▪ Multimedia labs ▪ High-speed Wi-Fi Internet ▪ Classrooms equipped as complete multimedia environments

▪ Access to top electronic databases ▪ 110,000 books ▪ 28,000 electronic journals ▪ 125,000 electronic books

▪ Cutting-edge sports hall with a unique running track circling above the gym ▪ Elegant theater hall ▪ Self-service restaurant ▪ Trendy coffee shop ▪ Aerobics room ▪ Music practice rooms ▪ Study and social lounges

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DISCOVER THE PLACE If you’ve never heard of Blagoevgrad, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. The Rough Guide to Bulgaria named the town the ‘coolest place in Southwest Bulgaria,’ and with good reason. There’s something for everyone in this small and vibrant university town; cafes and bars in a lively cultural scene set against beautiful architecture, 2.5 km of leafy park alley for strolling, a fascinating historical museum and a rich program of

events. Nightclubs, opera, restaurants and over 100 theater performances per year keep the lively population entertained.

It’s easy to get away and experience some of Bulgaria’s most stunning natural attractions too: the spa town of Sandanski, the Seven Lakes of Rila and two world class ski resorts are close by. For those seeking adventures further afield, you’ll be happy to find Macedonia on the doorstep and the delights of Greece only an hour drive away.

1,300 2.5 40

YEARS OF HISTORY

HOUR FLIGHT TO ANY CITY IN EUROPE MOUNTAINS TO EXPLORE

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Bulgaria is located in Southeast Europe, in the northeast part of the Balkan Peninsula at the crossroads of civilizations both modern and ancient. Bordered by the Black Sea to the east and the Danube to the north, Bulgaria shares borders with Turkey, Greece, Macedonia, Serbia and Romania. It is a modern, forward-thinking country with a strong culture of innovation in its expanding business centres.

Bulgaria is one of the most diverse countries in Europe, and its relatively compact size and accessible highway system means you can travel from seaside to ski slope in a single day. With many hiking trails, protected sites of historic interest, spas, vineyards and opportunities for eco-tourism and adventure sports, Bulgaria is one of Europe’s most exciting, hospitable (and affordable) destinations!

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LIFE AFTER AUBG AUBG alumni are widely recognized for making a difference in the region and in the world. The majority of our graduates start their career almost immediately after graduation in a variety of economic, social, and political spheres including media, banking, IT, telecommunications, human resources, accounting, advertising, market

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research, and the NGO sector. Employers tell us that AUBG alumni stand out with their professionalism, discipline, and expertise developed through a skills-oriented AUBG education.

OUR GRADUATES WORK AT

OR CONTINUE THEIR STUDIES AT

▪ Google ▪ Microsoft ▪ United Nations ▪ IBM ▪ World Bank ▪ Goldman Sachs ▪ Deloitte ▪ JP Morgan ▪ Credit Suisse ▪ ING ▪ General Electric ▪ Nestle ▪ Citigroup ▪ JCDecaux, Sweden ▪ Open Society Institute ▪ along with other top employers

▪ Princeton University ▪ University of Cambridge ▪ Harvard University ▪ London School of Economics ▪ The John Hopkins University ▪ Stanford University ▪ Yale University ▪ Massachussets Institute of Technology ▪ Central European University ▪ University of Notre Dame ▪ other institutions in US, UK, Italy, Germany, and elsewhere

Ana Milicevic ’01 Digital Media and Advertising Technology Consultant at SAS Lead Industry, New York, US Serbia

AUBG taught me critical thinking, responsibility and open-mindedness. It helped me understand what I wanted to do with my life and gave me friendships and connections that will last for a lifetime. AUBG showed me a world of possibilities and a path to reaching those possibilities.

Tanya Kosseva-Boshova ’96 CEO of the European Trade Center Bulgaria

AUBG is a truly unique place and with its diverse student body, inspiring faculty and worldclass education, and academic philosophy it serves as a bridge between cultures. I feel privileged to have been and continue to be a part of its journey.

Ilya Firman ’02 Software Engineer at Google, California, US Belarus

AUBG has a special place in my life. It helped me grow both professionally and as a person, empowering me to be ambitious, daring and quite successful in my career.

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EXECUTIVE MBA PROGRAM AUBG's Executive MBA, the first Executive MBA program in Bulgaria established in 2003, is highly selective and has successfully educated the business leaders of the country for more than a decade. It is recognized worldwide for its practical curriculum that provides up-to-date skills for high performance in a complex global business environment.

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AVERAGE AGE

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AVERAGE CLASS SIZE

47%

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It is designed for professionals and individuals who seek additional skills to help them move up within their organizations or set up their own enterprise, willing to become part of the new executive leader's society.

Irina Alexieva Executive Director of Bulgarian School of Politics “Dimitry Panitza” Bulgaria

World class education, career advancement and excellent network – just a few of AUBG advantages.

The Executive MBA at AUBG gives you the opportunity to see the world through the eyes of the others and to inspire you to follow and reach your dreams.

Mihail Georgiev Managing Director of SKF Bearing Bulgaria

AVERAGE SALARY INCREASE

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INVEST IN YOUR FUTURE The University gives a significant amount of financial aid each year. You can compete for a number of scholarships that AUBG offers. You can take a student loan, or earn your tuition at a job on campus or through a summer work and travel program.

CONSIDER THE OPTIONS FINANCIAL AID Financial aid is based on both academic achievement and financial need, but the most important consideration is academic merit as reflected in the SAT scores.

SCHOLARSHIPS There are many scholarship opportunities for entering and current students, ranging from a few hundred dollars to full tuition. A unique scholarship will even support your graduate studies.

STUDENT ASSISTANTS On-campus jobs are a great way to help pay your tuition and gain practical experience. Positions are available in a wide variety of areas including computing, research support, tutoring, and photography.

SCHOLARSHIP FOR GRADUATE STUDY The Tchaprachikoff scholarship fund allows Bulgarian AUBG students to pursue graduate degrees at prestigious US universities.

The fund was created through the estate of Anna Tchaprachikoff, a patriotic Bulgarian who was a firm believer that education is the best investment in the future, and that the best way to help Bulgaria is to provide its youth with first-class education.

Violeta Petkova ‘15 Bulgaria

STUDENT LOANS For students who prefer not to work while studying, a student loan is often the best option. AUBG has student loan agreements with Unicredit Bulbank and SG Expressbank.

We are committed to making it possible for every qualified student to attend AUBG. 24

WORK AND TRAVEL After your first year at AUBG you are able to participate in summer work and travel programs in the US or Europe. Many students use this as an opportunity to fund their education.

I am immensely thankful to the America for Bulgaria Foundation for giving me the opportunity to obtain a solid, high-quality American-style liberal-arts education that is recognized all over the globe.

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Bogdan Cosmaciuc ‘99 Partner and Director of Research at Senator Investment Group

FRIENDS OF AUBG AUBG is a true example of what can be accomplished with the support of established partners and devoted friends. It has achieved international recognition for the quality of its programs and the success of its graduates. AUBG would not be the high level institution it is today without the generosity of key organizations and dedicated individuals, and the support of those who believe in the mission and future of the university.

A quarter of a century after the AUBG dream was born, the institution has an alumni body of over 4,000 people, spread all over the world; AUBG is the proud owner of five buildings; its students come from over 30 countries; and its endowment fund amounts over $24,000,000.

Certainly, there is much more to aspire to. There are three major areas on which we plan to focus in the near future and for which support is critical: ▪ Student scholarships – to support the best and brightest students ▪ Academic excellence – to attract and retain world class scholars ▪ Campus development - to preserve the authentic liberal arts college spirit that only the best schools in the United States can offer

the elite, modern, and successful educational institution that our founders dreamt AUBG to be.

To find out more about how to support AUBG, please go to www.aubg.edu/support or contact the Development team at development@aubg.edu “We received the gift of education from people we never met – and we want to give back. We are extremely impressed by the high quality of the education at AUBG, the students and the teachers as well as the international environment on campus. Supporting education allows us to invest in the future of the world.”

Patrick Bracken President of America for Bulgaria Foundation

Investing in education in general is a good thing, but investing in AUBG is a great thing.

What is special about AUBG is its ability to focus its resources on a group of highly intelligent, highly motivated individuals at precisely the time in their lives when their future path is wide open.

Nellie and Bob Gipson Friends of AUBG

The America for Bulgaria Foundation is proud to be supporting AUBG in building world-class higher education in Bulgaria thus helping the country to realize its full potential as a successful, modern European nation. In AUBG, we see a successful model for providing high quality education in an international setting that not only educates the future business and political leaders of Bulgaria and the region but also develops socially responsible and civically engaged citizens of the world.

We cordially thank all of our supporters for allowing us to be 26

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ARRANGE A VISIT Wonder what it feels like to be part of AUBG? Come see for yourself! Contact the Admissions Office to plan a visit or come to an Open House. You will be able to meet faculty and students, attend classes and gain a better understanding of AUBG’s academic and extracurricular opportunities.

Asia Europe North America

Africa

South America

America for Bulgaria Student Center 12 Svoboda Bachvarova St. Skaptopara Campus Blagoevgrad phone: (+359 73) 888 111 e-mail: admissions@aubg.edu

Australia

www.aubg.edu/admissions 28

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VIEWBOOK