International Education Week (IEW) is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. This joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education is part of our efforts to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences. |
International Education Week (IEW), quite honestly, meant very little to me prior to my exchange program. Since coming to Bulgaria, I have learned so much about the people, food, culture, history, etc, and I have realized that a majority of this is important for people to know - not just for Bulgaria but for everywhere.
IEW started in 2000 and is now celebrated in over 100 countries. Anyone can participate in IEW by coordinating events, playing a role in events, or simply using the social media hashtags. Since I am currently in a country other than the US, though, I am not going to educate you on exactly what IEW is but instead write about Bulgaria from a fifteen year old girl's perspective. You can learn more about IEW and how to get involved at https://eca.state.gov/programs-initiatives/international-education-week. Bulgaria Bulgaria is a post-communistic country located in the Balkans. Founded in 681 AD, the country is rich with history. To name a few, there was the 500 year time span where Bulgaria was under Ottoman rule, the First Balkan War, the Second Balkan War, and the communist era.
Aside from history, I personally see Bulgaria as most well known for its flora and fauna. Even though the country is approximately the size of Tennessee, it packs a vast variety of nature. There are many, many mountains to hike - the closest to Sofia being Vitosha Mountain. A few hours from Sofia, one can find the Black Sea. I was lucky enough to go to Burgas, a beautiful, green coastal city, with my host family in September. On the train ride to Burgas, everything was green and booming with life. People have told me upon arrival that Bulgarian nature is beautiful, and I did not think much of these statements until actually viewing it for myself. Now, to say the nature is beautiful is an understatement. By culture, Bulgarians are very nurturing, welcoming people. When entering someone's household, it is a big event...and there is a 99.99% chance of food being offered to you. The people are, for the most part, friendly. For example, I have relied on strangers(who do not speak Bulgarian) for directions when lost, and they have always been very patient with me while trying to non-verbally explain how to get to a destination. In some cultures, the people tend to be reserved and secretive about everything. That is NOT the case with Bulgarians. I love how it seems as though I learn something new everyday from someone talking about country, culture, food, etc. The country of Bulgaria is a truly astonishing place, and I strongly advise visiting if ever given the chance. It's saddening to me that many people overlook such a beautiful country of Europe. There is more to the continent of Europe than London, France, and Germany! Please, visit this wonderful country if you can. Go to Vitosha, go to AUBG, go to the little cafes scattered across the cities, talk to the people, learn their stories, and explore the world. |
Exchange Programs A core goal in IEW is to promote foreign exchange programs, such as the one I am currently on. Exchange programs give a person a much deeper look on the world. There's numerous programs out there: you just have to search. High school students: there's YES Abroad, FLEX, AYLB, CBYX, NSLI-Y, and so many others! (Learn more at exchanges.state.gov/us/high-school) College/University students: there's ICEP, CIEE, and many others as well! Adults: Do not fear, you can get live abroad as well through doing Fulbright, Peacecore, etc!
|