American University in Bulgaria

Overview

The American University in Bulgaria (AUBG) is a private, nonprofit university located in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria. It is the first American-style, liberal arts undergraduate institution in Eastern Europe. Established in 1991 as a cooperative venture between the U.S. and Bulgarian governments, the Open Society Institute, the City of Blagoevgrad, and the University of Maine, AUBG offers an American-style liberal arts education with English as the primary language of instruction.

History

Founded in September 1991, AUBG's inception was a significant step in promoting American-style education in Europe. The university's establishment marked a collaborative effort to provide high-quality education, aligning with the democratization processes in Bulgaria following the communist era. Initially, the university had about 208 students and 16 full-time faculty members. As of recent years, AUBG has grown to enroll around 1,000 students from over 40 countries.

Academics

AUBG follows a traditional American-style liberal arts curriculum, offering students a range of academic disciplines including business, computer science, economics, English, history, journalism, political science, and more. The university provides both majors and minors across these fields, with over 60% of students graduating with double majors or a major and a minor. AUBG students can also participate in the Erasmus Programme or the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP), allowing them to study abroad in the U.S. or Europe.

Campus and Student Life

The AUBG campus is situated in the heart of Blagoevgrad, a vibrant university town known for its cultural and economic significance. The campus includes residential halls, the Balkanski Academic Center, the America for Bulgaria Student Center, and the Panitza Library, which is one of the largest English-language libraries in Southeast Europe. Students engage in various extracurricular activities and sports, fostering a diverse and inclusive community.

Accreditation and Recognition

AUBG holds unique dual accreditation from both the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) in the United States and the National Agency for Evaluation and Accreditation in Bulgaria. This dual accreditation ensures that academic credits are fully transferable to institutions in the U.S.

Research and Community Engagement

AUBG encourages student participation in international research conferences and competitions. The university hosts its own annual research conference where students and faculty present their research projects. Additionally, AUBG supports community engagement and provides services to promote student health and career development.

Impact

AUBG's mission to foster academic excellence and intellectual growth has contributed significantly to the educational landscape in Eastern Europe. By providing a multicultural environment, AUBG prepares students for global challenges, enhancing their intercultural understanding and academic prowess.

References

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External Links

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See Also

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