Bulgaria’s adoption of the Euro currency and that the country is going to “lose its charm” as the cheap one in Europe. Mark Supanat, a junior student from Th ailand, said the partial entry would be very benefi cial for many students. Until now, he had to go to Vietnam in order to receive a visa for other EU countries. He said: “Future students from Th ailand won’t need to go through the same process I did.” When asked whether more international students would be willing to come to AUBG aft er the changes, he said that “only students who have already accepted and wanted to go [to AUBG]” will be aff ected. He mentioned a related problem - there is a limited number of Bulgarian embassies in Southeast Asia. Mark fi nished by saying: “I don’t think we will see the results during our time at AUBG,” meaning an increased diversity due to the partial entry to Schengen. AUBG senior Mohamad Hachem from Lebanon said: “For now, this [the partial Schengen entry] is a step in the right direction.” He continued by sharing that it would have been great if the decision had been made earlier than his senior year. In that case, he would have been able to travel to conferences and professional events in Schengen area countries easier. “It is really going to improve the quality of education for international students who are going to come here [AUBG],” Mohamad said. He added that the university must be selective regarding students right now and this is going to alter aft er the changes are implemented. 5 Spring 2024 | AUBG Daily Th e Lebanese student added that another way students would benefi t is if Bulgaria’s land borders entered the Schengen area. Currently, some of them limit their travel because they cannot aff ord fl ight tickets. “If we are talking politics, this is going to be great for the economy,” Mohamad said. Similarly to Prof. Bernaciak, he mentioned the current problem with trucks and cargo vessels which wait for hours and days at Bulgaria’s land borders. “AUBG students who are coming next year as Freshmen and Sophomores, and Juniors this year should fully utilize this opportunity,” Mohamad highlighted. Editors: Vasil Paskov and Radina Shtereva Ha r y D i k o v
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