Erasmus Experience in Sofia, Bulgaria by Caro

Why did you choose to go to Sofia, Bulgaria?

I chose to study in Sofia by luck. I met with an Italian organism helping students to do their medical studies in Sofia, Switzerland and other countries. Sofia was the best alternative for me because of the low cost of living and because I wanted to travel in a different country than mine (France) to discover other things and meet other people... I don't regret my decision at all, for 2 months I have been here and I met so many people from everywhere. The exchanges are really rich and it is an amazing experience to live!

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How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

The medical studies last 6 years. The cost of the studies is more than in France, cause the state is paying for us, but is less than other countries in Eastern Europe according to my friend that came here precisely because of that.

As I am not Bulgarian I cannot pretend to a scholarship.

What is the student lifestyle like in Sofia?

The student life is very animated. There are parties in every place of the city along the week and during the weekend.

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Some bars and nightclubs organize special Greek, Turkish... nights.

Sofia's centre is really nice and relatively small and condensed. You can reach everything very easily. The main Boulevard is Vitosha Blvd. This pedestrian street was recently remade, it is brand new and here you'll find everything you need, from clothes to cafes, restaurants to eat in the terrace during hot summers.

Would you recommend the city and the University of Sofia to other students?

In my university people are very nice, the teachers too. During practice lectures, we are in small groups so we can receive more attention from the teachers and a better education.

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Nevertheless... Lazy students are numerous which oblige the university to take special dispositions to prevent that.

The organization is kind off messed up. If you are transferred from another university and you want to have your previous years recognized it is an assault court.

At the administrative level, everything is complicated and without sense. But it is the Bulgarian system, you'll get used to it as I did.

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