American University in Bulgaria (AUBG)

DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGES When the countries of Central and Southeastern Europe embarked on the transition to democratic, free-market societies, it was important that the next generation of leaders be educated according to new principles.

USAID INVOLVEMENT USAID continues more than a decade of support to AUBG through the establishment of a $20 million endowment fund and technical assistance. USAID support has helped AUBG achieve its three goals of academic excellence, promoting diversity and tolerance, and becoming financially sustainable.

GOAL USAID established the American University in Bulgaria (AUBG) and helped it develop into a recognized leader in education and a center for diversity and tolerance in Southeast Europe. Recognition of this achievement by regional leaders, educators, employers, parents and students enables AUBG to be self-sustaining through tuition, fundraising and other ‘for fee’ programs.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION AUBG is an English language university patterned after American liberal arts education practices. It is a unique institution accredited by both American and Bulgarian standards. Its many interesting features include a campus living lifestyle, several student media outlets, a student radio station, and a seventeen-year history of preparing the region’s students for exciting careers, leadership opportunities and graduate school at home and abroad.

Undergraduate Programs. AUBG’s main campus is located in Blagoevgrad, a vibrant regional economic and cultural center in the picturesque southwestern part of Bulgaria. Currently 1,100 students from more than 27 countries are enrolled full-time.

A faculty of 77 professors supports the students. The faculty is a diverse group representing four continents and providing students with a broad range of perspectives and ideas. The students study a wide variety of majors including: Business Administration; Computer Science; Economics; European Studies; History; Journalism and Mass Communications; Mathematics; Political Science and International Relations; and Southeast European Studies.

Beyond the excellent education, the residential nature of the University offers a unique opportunity for students to live with their peers from other countries. Together they participate in the many extracurricular activities that make campus living such an important part of the educational experience. Through this sharing of experiences, they build friendships and networks throughout the region that can last a lifetime.

Elieff Center Programs. The Sofia-based Elieff Center gives AUBG a presence in the capital center and access to the country’s largest market for continuing education activities.

Executive Masters of Business Administration. This 16-month weekend study program offers an adult learning opportunity focused on both theoretical and practical aspects of business management. In just five years the program has graduated 133 students from nine different countries.

Center for European Programmes. The Center provides an interdisciplinary focus on the prospects, progress, and problems of the European integration process by organizing training, information activities and consulting in EU affairs for the central and regional administrations, local authorities, NGOs, and the business community. The Center participates in different European programmes for higher education and vocational training such as PHARE, Socrates, Leonardo da Vinci, and Framework Programmes for Research and Development. Programs vary from an eight module course on EU structural funds to an annual one week program on EU program management.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS In its 17-year history, the American University in Bulgaria has demonstrated significant accomplishments, most notably as a platform for US foreign policy promoting democracy and free market economies in the former communist nations of Eastern Europe. Specific accomplishments include the following:

• 2185 graduates from 34 different countries; 133 EMBA students.
• Accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (renewed May 7, 2007 for 10 years);
• Accreditation by the Bulgarian National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency (renewed August 4, 2006 for 6 years);
• Construction of residential, academic and library facilities;
• Integration with the community – economic, cultural and educational impact;
• Leadership in information technology – computing, Internet access and library;
• Successful promotion of interethnic tolerance and multinational cooperation;
• High level of student participation in the democratic structures of the University and its operations;
• Recruitment of outstanding students from the region and a multinational faculty;
• Construction and operation of the Elieff Center for Education and Culture in Sofia.