Why Bulgaria, Out of All Places, Should Be Your Study Abroad Destination

Last summer, I decided to intern abroad in Europe. For my country of destination, I chose…. Bulgaria.

              Yes, it sounds strange. Bulgaria is not Italy, France or England. And yet Bulgaria has a charm of its own. On the southern end of the Balkans, Bulgaria offers far more than just beaches. Backpacking adventures across desolate mountain ranges, a hip clubbing scene spawning out of communist apartment blocs, and a unique history will cater to all tastes. And since it is a less conventional destination, your time abroad will truly be a unique experience.

            I study in NYC, where everything is big and glitzy. As expected, when I arrived to Sofia, the mid-size capital set within a mountainous valley, I had to take some time to adjust. My first night at my hostel, Caffeto Moreto (highly suggested), a fellow backpacker laid it all out: “Sofia may seem small, but it’ll grow on you,” They were right. Hidden within the hodge-podge of Byzantine churches and Soviet monoliths is a hip, cosmopolitan city tailored for ages 16-30. Innovative bars, performance venues and street shows melt into one long-summer of memories. A resolutely European city, Sofia also blends elements of Turkic and Slavic influence in its historic architecture. 

            It might be hard to pit Sofia against, say, Paris. What makes Bulgaria truly unique, however, is what you’ll find outside the capital. Tucked within the mountains of a country hardy the size of Tennessee are some of the most stunning views and towns in Europe. A couple of months will not be not enough. 

            First, we must consider Bulgaria’s unique architectural history. In ancient times Bulgaria (called Thrace) was a key Greek colony, making it the third most excavated country in Europe. Colorful Hellenistic basilicas are a common sight on the Black Sea coast (check Nessebar). Sofia itself sports a 2500-year-old ancient city, still intact. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the area was ruled by a mysterious Turko-Slavic people, the Bulgars. Vast stone cities, attesting to a powerful medieval state, still stand in almost perfect form. Take Veliko Tarnovo. The quiet city, whose slim cottages snake around the perimeter of a gorge, sports a massive citadel whose massive stone-bridge functions this day. After a long period of Ottoman occupation, Bulgaria took on yet another face. The city of Plovdiv is saturated with bright cottages with a unique Ottoman-Bulgarian look. Finally, for those interested in Soviet history, monuments to an idealized communist future are found in strangest of places. The most famous of these is an abandoned “flying saucer” on Buzludzha peak. Though you officially can’t climb inside, many people take the risk. 

            When you get tired of cities, nature will provide. Bulgarian is a country not just of beaches but also of mountains, much of which blend fluidly with towns and cities. Sofia juts right into one of the country’s tallest peaks, Vitoshka, which glistens over the city at sunset. A 20-minute drive will get you to one of the most stunning views over the city. Up North the Belogradchik rocks resemble the Arizona Desert mesa. My personal favorite was a ride through the Rhodopes, where tiny Turkish villages hide in the gorges of massive peaks, which serve as ski resorts in the winter. And, while we are on the subject, take note: Bulgaria is undisputably the nation of roses. They are everywhere. You will never see so many roses in your life.

            Why Bulgaria now? Why not in ten years, when France and Italy are covered? Because Bulgaria’s meant to be visited when we’re young. At this moment, Bulgarian youth are remodeling their nation to cater to our generation. Educational opportunities abound, with a growing demographic of foreign students taking advantage of its EU education system. Local youth quickly introduce visitors to Sofia’s informal nightlife and in the summer, trips to the beach are a given. I also highly encourage internship programs, which are expanding as the country develops. I worked with the Atlantic Club of Bulgaria, where I immediately got an inside view on how a nation’s top politicians do their job. Bulgaria is also a backpacker’s haven with fun youth hostels, flexible travel options, and free city-tours abounding.

             Bulgaria may be on the lesser known end of Europe’s countries, but that only makes the trip the more exciting. Tucked within such a small area is an up and coming country, packed with captivating places, all tailored for an undergrad.