Se emester Loading alienated from the things that happen on campus, and certainly when it comes to big events, we would fi nd a way to make sure that all of you, if you wish, could travel,” Mininger said. Studying in Sofi a does not change the tuition fee a student pays. According to Mininger, “Th e tuition will be the same. You pay for AUBG credits either way, and the idea is that, for the most part, the cost doesn’t change unless you want it to somehow change.” What can be slightly diff erent? A change can appear in accommodation costs. Students who live or have a place to stay in Sofi a can do so. For the rest, an option for housing is Kitchen 59, which has conditions, services, and housing fees similar to those of the AUBG Resident Halls. “Th e cost will be similar to living on campus in Blagoevgrad. A meal plan option is available for an additional fee for those who wish,” Mininger said. “Students will pay AUBG; AUBG will hold the housing contract and take care of the details. Th ere are some notable amenities available onsite, such as a rooft op café and a swimming pool.” If the group of people housed in Kitchen 59 is at least of modest size, there can even be a Resident Assistant (RA) working there. Th ey will sign a student contract with AUBG, work under the same terms and conditions as an RA in one of the three Skapto Resident Halls, and have their housing fee covered for the Sofi a Semester. Th e Sofi a Semester is not a requirement for any major off ered at AUBG. As Mininger said, “It is simply a cool opportunity!” and students can express their interest by fi lling out a form. What do students think about the Sofi a Semester off er? “Overall, I feel like this is a great opportunity for AUBG students. It provides you with numerous possibilities to intern at big companies,” Radko Mishev, a second-year student, said. “Sadly, I am not going to enroll due to it not having enough Computer Science courses.” “Right now, the Sofi a semester idea is very small-scale, meaning a very limited number of courses are actually off ered. Depending on your major, doing a semester at Sofi a might be impossible for you,” Kaloyan Dimitrov, a second-year student, said. “Also, the community aspect of the university inevitably suff ers, as you will have a lot fewer classmates studying alongside you.” “Th is 1-semester pilot project will be the bridge that connects AUBG students with opportunities for professional development. And I am hopeful that once the fi rst trial is done, the program will steadily grow in popularity,” Alexander Yordanov, a senior student, said. “However, given the short notice for this program, people could not plan their courses in advance.” “I can’t be more excited about it!” Mihaela Mihaylova, a fi rst-year student, said. “Sofi a is my hometown, which means being closer to my family and living at my home. Also, I work in Sofi a, so traveling every week will not be necessary anymore.” “Th e Sofi a Semester seems like an amazing opportunity that deserves more attention. If more students show interest in it, more professors will be willing to give lectures in Sofi a or have online sections,” Samuil Mladenov, a second-year student, said. “For now, we can’t really know what diffi culties might exist since it’s something new. But the university is willing to help with any hardships that the people enrolling may face.” Editors: Radina Shtereva and Darya Dolgopolova Ge 9 Spring 2024 | AUBG Daily T sv ie a et in rg a o v
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