American University in Bulgaria

American University in Bulgaria

When it was founded in 1991, the American University in Bulgaria (AUBG) became the first educational institution to offer a liberal arts, American-style education in Southeast Europe. Situated in the vibrant town of Blagoevgrad, the school has grown into a haven for those seeking an educational experience that offers great student life, diversity and an opportunity to explore another culture while pursuing a wide range of classes that are taught entirely in English.

World-class faculty, high-quality American education

AUBG prides itself on its top faculty. Professors come here from renowned universities on five continents to share their unique knowledge and perspectives with the school’s similarly diverse group of international students. Students can earn both an American and a European diploma in such areas as:

• Business Administration
• Computer Science
• Economics
• European Studies
• History and Civilizations
• Information Systems
• Journalism and Mass Communication
• Literature*
• Mathematics
• Political Science and International Relations
• Psychology*
• Self-designed major*
  
  * Accredited in the United States and result in an American diploma only.

Among these, the Business Administration and Political Science programs were ranked as the best in the country in the 2017 Bulgarian National University Rankings. Out of the 51 schools evaluated, the Computer Science, Journalism and Mass Communication, and Economics programs ranked second. So whichever direction students choose to go, they are guaranteed to get a top class education at a school that is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, the same body that accredits such schools as Harvard, Yale and MIT.

A comfortable, supportive learning environment

As a residential university with many study abroad students, AUBG has worked hard since its inception to create an atmosphere that is comfortable for everyone and conducive to a productive learning experience. The residence halls provide cozy living spaces and a plethora of activity areas where students can interact with their peers in informal settings that will allow them to bond. These include aerobic rooms, music practice rooms, television lounges, billiard and ping pong areas, kitchens, cafes, outside decks, and common areas. To help ensure safety at all times, every residence hall has 24-hour onsite security.

To complement the education that its students receive in the classroom, AUBG also offers a number of student clubs and activities for virtually every area of interest. Whether it’s practicing leadership in the Student Government, enhancing communication skills in student media, bettering the world through environmental efforts, broadening cultural perspectives by putting on plays and musicals or honing competitiveness through sports, students have limitless opportunities to pursue their passions and discover new ones.

Invigorating off-campus life

While the beautiful campus of AUBG has plenty to keep students busy, there is much to explore in the town of Blagoevgrad and its surrounding areas. The old quarter is the social hub, with vibrant cafes and bars nestled in an architecturally beautiful setting. For those seeking more serene environs, the town also offers a lovely 2.5km park alley.

Outside of town are the spa town of Sandanski, the Seven Lakes of Rila and two world class ski resorts. And only a short bus or car ride away are the capital city of Sofia as well as the countries of Macedonia and Greece.

Great education at a great value

With such impressive educational and cultural offerings, one might think that the cost of attending AUBG would be prohibitive, but in reality the school offers tremendous value for money. The tuition is only a fraction of colleges in the US that provide a comparable educational experience. AUBG also boasts a number of financial aid packages and need-based or merit-based scholarships to those who qualify, helping to defray the types of student debt that students at other universities often incur. In fact, almost 75% of students receive financial aid in one form or another. To further ease the financial burden, AUBG allows its students to pick more than one major or minor free of additional charge.

After graduation, AUBG students have seen remarkable returns on their educational investment. The school’s highly successful alumni boast an impressive 99.8% employment rate, with more than 20% earning more than $100,000 per year. Such professional success is no accident – both the school’s diverse curriculum and highly motivated students are career-focused.

An impressive global network

Although many students leave Bulgaria after graduating from AUBG, their ties to the school remain remarkably strong. Helping in this effort is the Alumni Affairs Office, which works tirelessly to maintain and enhance the connections between the school and its graduates. The tight-knit global network consists of approximately 4,000 alumni spanning more than 40 countries and many of the world’s most prominent and successful businesses and educational institutions, creating an invaluable resource for both current students and alumni alike.