American University in Bulgaria1 Georgi Izmirliev Sq.2700 BlagoevgradBulgaria

www.aubg.eduwww.aubg.edu

UNIVERSITY VIEWBOOK

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CONTENTS:| WHY AUBG

| AUBG AT A GLANCE

| CHALLENGE YOURSELF

| EXPERIENCE EXCELLENCE

| LEARN FROM THE BEST

| BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS

| HOME AWAY FROM HOME

| STATE-OF-THE-ART CAMPUS

| DISCOVER THE PLACE

| LIFE AFTER AUBG

| EXECUTIVE MBA PROGRAM

| INVEST IN YOUR FUTURE

| FRIENDS OF AUBG

| ARRANGE A VISIT

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Discover more at www.aubg.edu

YourEducationDestination

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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

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

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

More than 40 student clubs on campus for every interest- music, sports, multimedia, dance, entrepreneurship. The options are endless!

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

More than $ 5,000,000 in scholarships

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

WHY AUBG

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

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

| 2011, March – The American University in Bulgaria celebrates its 20th anniversary

| 2004, May 11 – First Executive MBA class graduates

| 1993, January 27 – AUBG choir is established | 2001, March 28 – AUBG receives accreditation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)

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

1991 - 1996 1997 - 2002 2003 - 2007 2008 - 2013| 2005, May 27 – First Alumni Mega Reunion bringing together more than 500 alumni from all 11 classes of AUBG

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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

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.

CHALLENGE YOURSELF 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.

Sieun Lim ’16South Korea

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

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.

Timur Huseynov ‘15Azerbaijan

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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

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*

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

SECONDARY MAJORS**

▪ 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.

OF AUBG STUDENTS GRADUATE WITH TWO MAJORS

OF AUBG STUDENTS GRADUATE WITH A MAJOR AND A MINOR

AVERAGE CLASS SIZE

MINOR PROGRAMS

66%

33%

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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.

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.

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.

Kristiyan Dimitrov ’15

Bulgaria

Diego LucciPhilosophy Professor

Italy

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.

Melody Gilbert Head of Journalism and Mass Communication DepartmentUSA

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BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS

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.

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.

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.

Liliya Gaisina ’16Kazakhstan

Nelly Ovcharova ’15 Bulgaria

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.

Yan Hristov '14 Bulgaria

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HOME AWAY FROM HOME 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 state-of-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.

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.

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.

Daniel Penev ‘16Bulgaria

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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

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.

SERVICES

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

A HIGH-TECH CAMPUS

▪ Computer labs▪ Multimedia labs▪ High-speed Wi-Fi

Internet▪ Classrooms equipped as complete multimedia environments

PANITZA LIBRARY

▪ Access to top electronic databases

▪ 110,000 books▪ 28,000 electronic

journals▪ 125,000 electronic

books

FACILITIES

▪ 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

AT AUBG YOU WILL FIND:

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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.

DISCOVER THE PLACE

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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YEARS OF HISTORY1,300

HOUR FLIGHT TO ANY CITY IN EUROPE2.5

MOUNTAINS TO EXPLORE40

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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

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

▪ 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

OR CONTINUE THEIR STUDIES AT

▪ 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

AUBG is a truly unique place and with its diverse student body, inspiring faculty and world-class 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.

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.

Ana Milicevic ’01Digital Media and Advertising Technology Consultant at SAS

Lead Industry, New York, USSerbia

Tanya Kosseva-Boshova ’96CEO of the European

Trade CenterBulgaria

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.

Ilya Firman ’02Software Engineerat Google,California, USBelarus

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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.

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.

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AVERAGE CLASS SIZE20

AVERAGE SALARY INCREASE47%

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.

Irina AlexievaExecutive Director of

Bulgarian School of Politics “Dimitry Panitza”

Bulgaria

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

Mihail GeorgievManaging Director of SKF BearingBulgaria

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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.

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.

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.

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.

CONSIDER THE OPTIONS 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.

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

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.

Violeta Petkova ‘15Bulgaria

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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

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

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

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.

Bogdan Cosmaciuc ‘99Partner and Director

of Research at Senator Investment Group

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.

Patrick BrackenPresident of America

for Bulgaria Foundation

“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.”

Nellie andBob GipsonFriends of AUBG

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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.

America for Bulgaria Student Center12 Svoboda Bachvarova St.Skaptopara CampusBlagoevgradphone: (+359 73) 888 111e-mail: admissions@aubg.edu

www.aubg.edu/admissions

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