34 reviews
3.58 / 5 based on 34 reviews
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1
Edward A
Housing
Type of housing: On campus
Arranged by: Home university
If returning, I would choose: Save money
Why?
Personal comments
The accomodations were excellent. It was great to share rooms with international students. Living in the dorm allowed me to form bonds of friendship with a diverse group of people.
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0
Edward A
Student life
Describe host city:
Students equally interact with the local and student community
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Travel, Activities: Takes place mostly within the university/student environment
Nightlife: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment
Personal social experience
Personal comments
Most nights either started or ended in a local pub called, "Drum." Another good pub is called, "UnderGround."
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6
Edward A
Overall
I wish I had known...
It was a pleasure to "learn as I went."
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In my opinion:
I loved it but I'm not sure everybody would.
Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important
Personal recommendation
If at all possible avoid the summer excavation program. However, the curriculum at the American University is very strong, more challenging than many I have encountered in the States. I strongly recomend persuance of a undergraduate degree at this institution.
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During my experience abroad, I ...
(1) Never – (4) A lot
Became familiar with another culture
Met people from other countries
Experienced a change in life
Advanced my studies & career
Final comments
In conclusion, my study abroad program in Bulgaria changed my life. I can use it as a measuring tool in my life. For instance, events in my life happened either "before Bulgaria," or after. I returned to Bulgaria the following summer ('97), and additionally five more times. I have a new Bulgarian family vis a vis my wife. I would encourage any student to study at the American University. Moreover, I encourage them to leave their egosentric tendencies behind, and spend a lot of time with Bulgarians.
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1
Edward A
Academic
Course recommendations
I was in the region to study one course, so I did not have the pleasure to study at the University. The excavation there is lacking an educational structure. The professor in charge was more interested in "working" the students, but not educating them.
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My academic experiences
Interaction with teachers
Interaction with international students
Interaction with local students
Personal comments
Yes. It would be more advantageous if the professors and coordinators were more willing to teach the students, and make the excavation more interesting. For example, it was exciting to uncover artifacts from the Byzantine era, but without a historical perspective, the finds lacked relevence.
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My opinion of the university assessment
Exams throughout the course
Essays and/or projects at the end of course
Essays and/or projects throughout the course
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Edward A
Languages
Language of instruction: English
Local language was: Different than language of instruction
Was learning English a key decision factor?
No, it wasn't.
Was learning the local language a key decision factor?
Yes, I wanted to improve my the local language
How much did you improve your the local language?
My level before: Did not speak it
My level after: Basic phrases
Language difficulties
Administrative / Institutional
Personal comments
Since my study abroad program, I have married a woman from Sofia, and have learned the Bulgarian language to a modest level.
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0
Edward A
Expenses
Main source of funding:
Family
Other sources of funding:
none
Work opportunities:
I didn't want/need to work
Personal spending habits
American dollar was very strong, while the local currency in Bulgaria (Leva) was struggling.
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Housing, Food, Nightlife, Travel, Telephone, Overall:
was less expensive than at home.
Accessibility of student needs
Second-hand household items
Personal comments
I had a lot of difficulty cashing travellers checks in the small town of Blagoevgrad. Tip: take cash (no more than 1,000 USD allowed to be taken through customs).
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