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.  

Disclaimer

The text is published in its original and unedited version.