PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

• Experience the community-oriented and quaint college town of Blagoevgrad, surrounded by the majestic lakes of Rile and Pirin mountains 

• ABUG offers a coursework in English in a wide variety of subjects including music, theatre, physics, psychology, and business 

• Connect with local and international students through arranged activities and benefit from hands-on support from the ABUG international team 

• Contribute to a sustainable future while living in town that is known for its walkability and accessible public transportation  

LIFE ABROAD 

Enjoy the laidback lifestyle of Blagoevgrad, a town filled with remnants of ancient civilizations and Ottoman influences, uniquely shaped by university culture at ABUG.  

LIVE 

Stay in a double room in an on-campus dorm while living in a hall that houses both international and local students. Dorms include access to common spaces, study rooms, and affordable laundry services.  

DINE 

Connect with other students while preparing a meal in kitchen facilities shared with other hall residents. Exchange students will have a meal stipend loaded onto a card that can be used at nearby dining halls and cafes on campus. In Bulgaria, sample local specialties including Banitsa (egg and cheese pastry), Tarator (cold yogurt soup), Shopska Salata (traditional salad), and Moussaka (a traditional casserole dish with meat, eggs, and vegetables). 

EXPERIENCE 

Explore the city of Blagoevgrad during orientation with a guided downtown tour led by an ABUG staff member. Integrate further into campus life through the university’s buddy program that matches international students with a local degree-seeking student available to help and answer any questions. Past semester activities include a welcome fair to showcase opportunities to get involved on campus and a Bulgarian cooking class. 

EXPLORE 

After class, head downtown to experience local Bulgarian traditions, music, and dances at one of the various cultural events and festivals that take place throughout the year. Blagoevgrad offers quick access to stunning hiking trails that end in picturesque views of the entire city. During the weekend, travel to bucket list destinations such as Greece, Sandanski, Macedonia, and Istanbul, which are a quick train or plain ride away. 

THRIVE  

Navigate life in a new host culture with support available for students’ physical, mental, and academic wellbeing. ABUG offers on campus counseling services, health centers, writing centers, and gym access for anybody looking to start or maintain a wellness routine. 

What We Love About American University of Bulgaria 

ABUG offers American-style classes taught in English at a campus that is known for its hands-on support and tight-knit community in a city that feels accessible and safe. 

Course Description

There is a wide variety of course offerings at AUBG based on a Liberal Arts style of education. Select classes from one department or spread out your studies across varius departments. Students are encourage to enroll in the Bulgarian Language and Culture course to help them immerse themselves in the local Bulgarian culture. 

AUBG courses can be found on the Degrees page here. Select the department and then scroll halfway down the page where it says Program Details to see the courses offered in that department. Click on the link attached to the courses to see the description.

Credits Earned

The American University in Bulgaria uses a US style academic structure. Students should expect to earn 12-15 Credits which is 4-5 courses per semester. All courses are taught entirely in English. 

Sample Classes Available:

Please review the course catalog here.

European Studies 

Political Science 

Business 

Modern Europe 

Introduction to Global Politics 

Principles of Microeconomics 

Communication, Media and Society 

Mathematical Statistics 

Topics in Southeast European History 

EU Politics 

Principles of Macroeconomic 

Visual Communication 

Software Engineering 

History, Memory, and Narrative in Balkan Cinema 

Conflict and Conflict Resolution 

 

Strategic Management 

Digital Storytelling 

Information Security 

Civilizations at the Crossroads: The Bulgarian Case 

Comparative Politics 

Entrepreneurship 

Media Law and Ethics 

Artificial Intelligence and AI Programming 

The Modern Balkans 

International Law and Organizations 

Tourism and Hospitality Marketing 

Intercultural Communication 

Big Data Analytics

Website for Course Availability

ISEP STUDENT SERVICES OFFICER Grace Glancy 703-504-9975 | GGlancy@isep.org Thank you for your interest in ISEP Study Abroad! I’m your Student Services Officer and main point of contact here at ISEP. As you search for programs, I’ll be available to answer any questions you might have. Feel free to contact me at any point in your search process for help, tips or advice.

Academics

Undergraduate
(in English)

*This program is OK for Sophomores

Fields of Study

  • Area Studies Recommended!

    European Studies

  • Business: Recommended!

    Accounting Business Communications Business Management Business Statistics Economics Entrepreneurship Finance Human Resources Management International Business/Trade/Commerce Labor and Industrial Relations Management Information Systems Marketing Organizational Behavior Studies

  • Communication: Recommended!

    Advertising Digital Communication and Media Intercultural Communication Journalism Mass Communication/Media Studies Photojournalism Public Relations Radio and Television Speech Communication and Rhetoric

  • Computer and Information Sciences: Recommended!

    Artificial Intelligence Computer and IT Support Services Computer Applications Programming Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications Informatics Modeling, Virtual Environments and Simulation Web Page/Multimedia Design

  • English Language and Literature:

    American Literature (United States) English Literature (British and Commonwealth) General Literature Writing

  • Foreign Languages and Literatures:

    Bulgarian Language and Literature Comparative Literature French Language and Literature German Language and Literature Spanish Language and Literature

  • History:

    American History (United States) Ancient Studies/Civilizations European History

  • International/Global Studies: Recommended!

    International Relations and Affairs Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution

  • Liberal Arts and Sciences

    Humanities

  • Mathematics:

    Statistics Topology and Foundations

  • Philosophy and Religious Studies:

    Biblical Studies Philosophy

  • Physical Sciences:

    Astronomy Physics

  • Social Sciences:

    Anthropology Political Science and Government

  • Visual and Performing Arts:

    Acting Art History Cinematography and Film Production Design and Visual Communications Directing and Theatrical Production Drama and Theatre Arts Drawing Musicology and Ethnomusicology Voice and Opera

Academic Requirements

  • U.S. GPA: 3 or higher
  • LPR Required
  • LPR accepted as alternate to TOEFL or IELTS
  • LPR Writing Score: B2 - Intermediate High-Advanced
  • LPR Reading Score: B2 - Intermediate High-Advanced
  • LPR Listening Score: B2 - Intermediate High-Advanced
  • LPR Speaking Score: B2 - Intermediate High-Advanced
LPR = ISEP Language Proficiency Report

Special Application Instructions

Due to lengthy visa processing times, students are advised to begin applying for their visa immediately after receiving confirmation from the host university. 

PASSPORT: All students must have a valid passport to participate in this program. If you do not have a valid passport, we suggest you start the application process as soon as possible. 

VISA/RESIDENCE PERMIT: Most students attending this program will be required to obtain a visa/residence permit. For more information on the process and estimated cost, please review the ISEP Country Handbook here. Please note that, at this time, an in-person interview at one's local Bulgarian consulate/embassy is required to obtain a visa. 

Special Needs Support

  • Mental Health
  • Mobility
  • Hearing
  • Visual
  • Speech
  • Learning

Other Academic Conditions

Academic Calendar

Fall 

Arrival and Orientation: normally last week of August 

First day of classes: First week of September 

Exams: Normally end one week before Christmas so early departures usually not necessary 

Spring 

Arrival and Orientation: the third week of January 

First day of classes: Usually the last full week of January 

Exams: Normally end second week in May 

Semester & Prices (based on your filters)

Select a semester to calculate the price. Semesters are named according to host university's calendar.


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ISEP Application Fee US$100

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