Tia Kaisheva: ‘AUBG is a proof that you can stay in Bulgaria and receive high-quality education’
Going abroad or staying home? That’s a question many high-school seniors face when deciding on their bachelor’s degree. We spoke to Tia Kaisheva, an AUBG freshman who has already experienced the post-graduation uncertainty. Read more about Tia’s initial plans to study in the Netherlands and why she feels confident that she made the right choice by applying to AUBG.
Can you tell us more about your personal journey to higher education? How did you first come across AUBG?
I first heard about AUBG when I was in high school. My English teacher knew a girl who back then was a senior at AUBG. The girl told us more about her AUBG experience. Overall, in my high school in Stara Zagora, AUBG is especially famous because a lot of our students continue their education in the university.
You were considering moving to the Netherlands and pursuing a bachelor degree there. What made you choose AUBG? Are you happy with your choice?
I started thinking about my further education when I was eleventh grade. That’s when I attended a meeting about higher education abroad. Many people were discussing the option of studying in the Netherlands. At first, it seemed really interesting to me. It seemed that the Dutch universities are of higher quality. After receiving the approval of my parents, I started preparing to apply and study in the Netherlands. The turning point came when I shared my education plans with an AUBG alumna who moved to the Netherlands after graduating. She advised me to think twice and explained to me in detail the Dutch system of higher education. Thanks to her, I got to learn that the university I had chosen is not as high in the rankings as AUBG. Since I had already missed the deadline for applying to other universities in the Netherlands, I decided that this was the sign I needed. I started working on my AUBG application.
Many young people are biased about the level of education in Bulgaria. What was your reason for considering leaving Bulgaria? How did your perception change after two semesters at AUBG?
My parents have always encouraged me to go abroad. They are of the opinion that the level of education in Bulgaria is not high enough. They don’t believe that the average Bulgarian university can prepare you for the highly competitive international world. I used to think in the same way until I found AUBG, an innovative university situated in Bulgaria; a university that offers two diplomas, many opportunities and plenty of extracurricular activities. After spending two semesters at AUBG, I realized that everything said about the university is absolutely true. What I get to experience as an AUBG student is much different from what my friends experience in the traditional Bulgarian universities. It’s all so different here.
You are a really active and innovative young person who loves science. Can you tell us more about this passion of yours? Do you plan to continue it while at AUBG?
When I was preparing to apply to AUBG, I decided to put my passion for science into a project that would possibly improve my university application. My project aimed at showing to others that science can be interesting and fun. I really wanted to spread my love for science around. Even if I am not sure whether I would further develop my passion while at AUBG, I still read books connected to science and chemistry every day.
What is one thing that makes you proud to name yourself an AUBG-er?
Even if I’ve spent just two semesters at AUBG, I may say that I am most proud of the friends I made here. The community is what keeps impressing me.
As a young person who has achieved great success in Bulgaria, including winning the Rising Impactors Scholarship, what will you tell to all people your age who still think that going abroad is the only key to success? What’s your advice?
I would advise them to keep their faith in Bulgaria. AUBG is a proof that you can stay in Bulgaria, be part of an international community and receive high-quality education.