OPPORTUNITY FUNDS-BULGARIA 

For High School Juniors and Seniors

Rukiye Ayshe Egeli

Senior, Nancho Popovich High School of Mathematics and Science, Shumen

1.     Why did you apply for an EducationUSA Opportunity Funds-Bulgaria grant? (Do you value the opportunity to learn about American education, culture and society as part of the program?)

Prior to seeing the EducationUSA Opportunity Funds-Bulgaria grant brochure in my school’s library, I had never considered the United States as an option for higher education for obvious reasons. The average cost of tuition is far too high for the majority of U.S. and non-U.S. citizens alike. Attending an American college or university is off limits to that majority.

Even though I did not hold out any hope of being selected, I applied for the grant, since I wanted to explore further the possibility of applying to a U.S. college and knew that this was the perfect opportunity to do so. My participation in the three modules of the program this year taught me a lot about the American culture, education and society. Gaining a valuable insight into the lives of my American peers led me to discover more about myself as well.

2.     What are your primary objectives in studying in the United States?

My dream is to study Chemical and Biochemical Engineering in a college or university which offers a wide range of areas for original undergraduate research. This is a rapidly developing field with a unique potential for future discoveries. Studying in the United States will not only allow me to benefit from all the educational opportunities provided by the institution, but it will also mean that I will be living and working with hundreds of other American and international students with whom I can share ideas and experiences and build friendships.

3.     Why do you prefer the United States over other countries as a place of study?

The amazing quality of education in the tertiary U.S. institutions is universally acknowledged. As I have previously mentioned, I am planning to major in Chemical Engineering which is a highly demanding degree. I believe that American professors are one of the best in that field.

4.     What are your expectations of the US and university life?

I have not yet dared to form any specific expectations, since there are a few months left until the end of the application process but I imagine university life as bursting with new experiences combined with a rigorous workload.

5.     Have you researched US institutions to determine an appropriate placement? If so, what universities do you find most appropriate and why?

My research on a large number of U.S. colleges and universities helped me outline a list of institutions where I would like to apply. Having in mind the fact that there are not a lot of universities worldwide that offer my dream major, I was surprised to see that a relatively large number of U.S. institutions include Chemical and Biochemical Engineering in their academics list. I decided to apply to those which impressed me with the research opportunities they provide.

6.     How will the Opportunity experience (acquisition of new skills and knowledge) assist you in achieving your academic goals?

The Opportunity Funds-Bulgaria grant allowed me to prepare more extensively for applying to the United States. The program modules were structured with regard to the participants’ needs. My participation in the program has greatly enriched me in terms of academic knowledge and new friends. I feel humbled to have met such inspiring people as my fellow participants, Ms. Bozoukova, Ms. Sophia Kleinsasser, Mr. Ivan Dinkov, Mr. Vladimir Phillipov and Ms. Snezhana Teneva who have assisted me throughout the program.

I believe that the Opportunity experience will be of great importance in my path towards academic excellence.

7.     What advice would you give to future candidates applying for the EducationUSA Opportunity Funds grants?

 I would advise them to start their preparation early. And as Benjamin Franklin said: “Do not fear mistakes. You will know failure. Continue to reach out.”

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The text is published in its original and unedited version.

OPPORTUNITY FUNDS-BULGARIA 

For High School Juniors and Seniors

The EducationUSA Opportunity Funds program assists highly qualified yet economically challenged high school students who are likely to be awarded full financial aid from U.S. colleges and universities. Opportunity Funds provides financial resources to cover the up-front costs of applying to US universities, such as testing, application fees, or airfare. In addition to their impressive academic achievements, Opportunity students also bring cultural and socio-economic diversity to U.S. campuses.

Bulgaria is one of the few European countries involved in the Opportunity Funds program, joining Belarus, Bosnia, Russia, Serbia, and Ukraine. This US State Department-funded program is also available in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. Bulgaria, being the poorest member of the European Union, has many highly talented students who are deterred from applying to US universities due to cost. To encourage these bright youngsters to consider the US as their educational destination, the Bulgarian Fulbright Commission’s EducationUSA Advisor, Snezhana Teneva, in close cooperation with Regional Educational Advising Coordinator Cheryl Francisconi, has launched an Opportunity Fund program in Bulgaria beginning in February 2016. From numerous applicants, twelve eleventh-graders from all across the country were selected to take part in the first phase of the program, which covers the cost of test preparation, testing fees, and translation of application documents, and also provides support for creating CVs and writing admissions essays, and guidance in selecting universities to which to apply. If successfully admitted to US universities with full financial aid, these students will go on to the next phase of Opportunity Funds during the 2017-2018 school year, which covers visa fees as well as travel and relocation to the US.

The first module on Redesigned SAT prep took place at the National Training and Logistics Center of the Bulgarian Red Cross in the village of Lozen near Sofia  on April 3-9. It gathered eleven Opportunity Funds students and three lecturers. Official guests to the first Opportunity Funds training were Angela Rodel, Executive Director, Bulgarian-American Fulbright Commission and Tammy Paltchikov, Cultural Attaché, U.S. Embassy.

The three courses included in the event’s curriculum – Redesigned SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, Redesigned SAT Math and Researching Universities were led by Asst. Prof. Boyka Bozoukova, University of National and World Economy, Ivan Dinkov, math teacher, American College of Sofia, and Snezhana Teneva. The lectures and training addressed various exam tasks, strategies and challenges and explored ways to further strengthen students’ preparation for applying to accredited colleges and universities in the U.S.

The second module of the Opportunity Funds Program, Bulgaria, took place again at the National Training and Logistics Center of the Bulgarian Red Cross in the village of Lozen near Sofia on July 3-9. It focused on preparing the ten participating Opportunity Funds students for the TOEFL iBT test and introducing them to the U.S. undergraduate application process and documents. The three training courses were delivered by experts in their field. Asst. Prof. Vladimir Phillipov, Department of English and American Studies, Sofia University, taught iBT TOEFL – Reading and Writing. Sophia Kleinsasser, Fulbright ETA alumna and ESL teacher at the American College of Sofia, presented the listening and speaking sections of the TOEFL iBT test and the EducationUSA Adviser Snezhana Teneva led The Application Process and Pieces course.

The third one-week module of the Opportunity Funds-Bulgaria program covered important topics in college application essay writing and filling out application documents. Fulbright ETA alumnus Sophia Kleinsasser discussed with the eleven Opportunity Funds-Bulgaria program participants essay topic choice, style of writing and all stages of essay writing while EducationUSA adviser Snezhana Teneva provided students with expanded guidance on preparing their college application documents.

We strongly believe that the Opportunity Funds students will make the best use of the knowledge and know-how acquired during this unique opportunity and wish them all a very successful and rewarding application process.

OPPORTUNITY FUNDS-BULGARIA

For High School Juniors and Seniors

Aleksandra Kisova

Senior, National Trade School, Plovdiv

1.      Why did you apply for an EducationUSA Opportunity Funds-Bulgaria grant? (Do you value the opportunity to learn about American education, culture and society as part of the program?)

I applied because from the moment I understood about the program I knew that it is an amazing opportunity for me. As I was aware of the importance of the standardized tests, I knew that the preparation for them, offered from the EducationUSA Opportunity Funds-Bulgaria grant will be extremely beneficial for my great performance. The chance to learn about American education, culture and society as part of the program was really valuable for my perception of the country I dream studying in. It definitely helped me shape my vision of USA, and strengthened this early interest of mine.

2.     What are your primary objectives in studying in the United States?

My primary objectives in studying in the United States are getting a quality education, meeting new people, exploring the American culture, and living in an environment totally different from the one I live in. The quality education will be a huge step on the path for developing a successful career. For me, meeting new people will be very exciting, and will even help me expand my social skills. The American culture has always been spellbinding for me, and the chance to explore it will definitely delight me. Living in an environment totally different from the one I live in will challenge me and my adaptability, and provide me a lot of new experiences.

3.     Why do you prefer the United States over other countries as a place of study?

           

I prefer studying in the United States over in other countries because of the quality education the American universities provide. I am allured by the opportunity to be taught in my desired field of study by professionals, and gain real knowledge of the sphere of Business. Furthermore, I am interested in studying in the USA because of the diversity of people. Last but not least, I am an adventurous person, and I look forward to live in a new environment, and explore new culture.  

4.     What are your expectations of the US and university life?

I expect that the US and university life will offer me a huge amount of opportunities. Since there will be a lot of different people, I will have the chance to see the world through different perspectives. The US life as a whole will enable me to gain experience through meeting new people and visiting new places, which will help me for my personal growth. The university life will provide different activities for me to join, which will help me recognize my interests.

5.     Have you researched US institutions to determine an appropriate placement? If so, what universities do you find most appropriate and why?

Yes, I have researched US institutions to determine an appropriate placement. I find most appropriate for me universities which are medium-sized, private liberal arts, coed, and located in a suburban or urban setting. I look forward to studying in a medium-sized university or college, because there will be a lot of people, but not too much, so I will be able to find friends and make connections. For me, it is important the university to be in a suburban or urban setting, because although I love nature, I feel better when I am in a big city which I can explore.

6.     How will the Opportunity experience (acquisition of new skills and knowledge) assist you in achieving your academic goals?

I can state that my Opportunity experience is crucial to the acaccomplishment of my academic goals. The acquisition of new skills and knowledge significantly helped me in the process of applying for admission to accredited colleges and universities in the United States. Moreover, since I am in the program I have gained knowledge of the American education, culture and society, which helped me when I made the final decision to study in the USA. 

7.     What advice would you give to future candidates applying for the EducationUSA Opportunity Funds grants?

I advise the future candidates applying for the EducationUSA Opportunity Funds grants to believe in themselves, and their dreams. This program is a great opportunity for students who wish to study in the USA. It is one of the most prestigious U.S. government-funded exchange programs and is designed to support international students who need financial help to take their first steps toward studying in the United States. After all, your success depends on yourself, so you should do your best in order to achieve your academic goals.  

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The text is published in its original and unedited version.

OPPORTUNITY FUNDS-BULGARIA 

For High School Juniors and Seniors

Aleksandrina Dimova

Senior, Ivan Vazov Language High School, Plovdiv

The day when the opportunity came was cloudy. I ignored the grumpy skies and headed toward the next education fair on my list. The previous ones had not given many answers my questions but I kept going to new ones driven by optimism. I had finally found my vocation and I needed a place to gain the necessary knowledge. Unfortunately, my country does not offer the opportunity to specialize in treating eating disorders. Or at least not on a level high enough for my future aspirations.

Those aspirations seemed impossible to afford at times. As a child living with only one parent, my mother, who was diagnosed with an incurable chronic kidney disease several years ago, I have always had financial concerns. But I kept going from one education fair to another, guided by the shimmering hope that I would find an opportunity which could give me high quality education at an affordable price.

This hope made me become a part of the EducationUSA online program. Only in my wildest dreams have I imagined getting a bachelor’s degree from an American university. Studying in the USA simply seemed too expensive. The Opportunity Funds program made me change my mind.
I knew I would apply the moment I understood this program existed because it was the key that would open the door to the room where the stairway leading to my dream was. Becoming an eating disorder psychologist required a Ph.D. Getting this degree in the USA was and still is on top of my stairway. It is the ultimate goal. Getting a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from an American university would help me ascend toward this ultimate goal.

During the months that came after I was selected as one of the twelve Opportunity Funds students, I understood this program offered more than money that made applying to a college or university possible. It offered the opportunity to enrich one’s cultural knowledge. It has been an incredible privilege for me to learn more about American education, culture and society.

But why the USA? The first step toward becoming an eating disorder psychologist, a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, can be taken in many counties but the quality of education I dream of is offered in American colleges and universities. My main objective is to gain valuable knowledge and skills which will bring me closer to acquiring a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and becoming an eating disorder psychologist.

What I expect from the US and university life is high quality of education and equity. Both will help me climb steps toward my dream. What I mean by equity, is being treated individually and being given the opportunity to benefit from the high quality of education despite my family’s financial situation. I expect university life to be vibrant and diverse. It would be wonderful if it gives me the opportunity to use my creative energy both in terms of achieving academic excellence and fulfilling my potential by participating in different student activities such as debating, dancing, performing on stage, and learning new languages.

Having spent months researching colleges and universities, I can say that the proper institution for me should have a flexible curriculum that will combine all my interests. All seven universities on my list have their advantages and their uniqueness makes it hard for me to choose a single institution. The research continues.

As an Opportunity Funds-Bulgaria student, I have done a lot of research. The program has helped me develop skills of finding and evaluating huge amounts of information. The courses I have attended as part of the program have helped me prepare for exams by providing academic knowledge and they have enriched what I know about American higher education, culture and society. I believe all those will assist me in achieving my academic goals.

I hope the program will keep helping students achieve their goals.
Dear future Opportunity Funds students,
APPLY.
Be brave, work hard, ask questions, and follow your dreams.

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The text is published in its original and unedited version.

OPPORTUNITY FUNDS-BULGARIA 

For High School Juniors and Seniors

      Aleksandar Atanasov

        Senior, Geo Milev High School of Mathematics, Pleven

 Why did you apply for an EducationUSA Opportunity Funds-Bulgaria grant?

It has been my dream to continue my education in a U.S. university for a few years now. However I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to afford applying in such a university. When I learned about the EducationUSA OpportunityFunds-Bulgaria program I knew it was a great opportunity for me and I decided to apply.

 What are your primary objectives in studying in the United States?

My primary objective in studying in the U.S. is to reach the boundary in the field of physics and astronomy and continue working as a scientists, expanding the boundary of our understanding of the universe. What motivates me is the fact that pushing the boundaries in this field requires innovations that have proven to be beneficial to society in many other ways than pure scientific work.

Why do you prefer the United States over other countries as a place of study?

Institutions of higher education in the U.S. are renowned for providing the best education and working with world class professionals, which is crucial for achieving goals I have set for myself.

What are your expectations of the US and university life?

I expect to meet a lot of new people and possible future friends from many different cultures and nationalities. Studying with multicultural class of people interested in the same things as me sounds like an awesome opportunity for exploring new cultures and different ideas and opinions.

Have you researched US institutions to determine an appropriate placement? If so, what universities do you find most appropriate and why?

Yes. My goals to do valuable scientific work are compatible with research universities, especially ones which offer research for undergraduate students. I am confident in my abilities and so I will apply in leading institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Princeton University. 

How will the Opportunity experience (acquisition of new skills and knowledge) assist you in achieving your academic goals?

I gained new and beneficial insight on the American educational system in both academic and organizational aspects.

 What advice would you give to future candidates applying for the EducationUSA Opportunity Funds grants?

Don't bother thinking something is too overwhelming or impossible to complete. Also try to be ready with work (assignments, test preparation, applications) more than a day before the final deadline to avoid some unnecessary stress.

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The text is published in its original and unedited version.

OPPORTUNITY FUNDS-BULGARIA 

For High School Juniors and Seniors

Gabrield Radeva

Senior, St. Patriarch Evtimii High School, Plovdiv

1. Why did you apply for an EducationUSA Opportunity Funds-Bulgaria grant? (Do you value the opportunity to learn about American education, culture and society as part of the program?)

I applied for the EducationUSA program because my dream has always been to study and live in the US. The program gave me the unique opportunity to learn about America’s education and culture, which will be helpful when I go to study there. 

2. What are your primary objectives in studying in the United States?

The US is the land of opportunities and I believe that the US universities provide the best education with a lot of majors and minors to choose from. This is a great opportunity for someone who is interested in various areas and wants to study in a broad variety of fields.

3. Why do you prefer the United States over other countries as a place of study?

The US is the country that provides the best education in the world. I believe that what can be learnt from the US universities is unique and the knowledge acquired from them is one of a kind. A diploma from an American university is also very prestigious, because the competition for admission in US universities is the largest compared to other countries with good higher education institutions.

4. What are your expectations of the US and university life?

I expect the university life to be the same as the US’–lively. I honestly expect it to be hard at first, but I believe, that when I get used to it, it will feel like home.

5. Have you researched US institutions to determine an appropriate placement? If so, what universities do you find most appropriate and why?

I find those universities that offer financial aid to international students the most appropriate.

6. How will the Opportunity experience (acquisition of new skills and knowledge) assist you in achieving your academic goals?

In the future, I will be able to apply the new skills when searching for a university where I can acquire a master’s degree.

7. What advice would you give to future candidates applying for the EducationUSA Opportunity Funds grants?

Believe in yourself. Study hard and you will see that dreams do come true.

Disclaimer

The text is published in its original and unedited version.