Whether a manager, a financial analyst, a political scientist, an economist, or a lawyer, whether you live in Europe or outside it, you will function in an environment where the norms, rules, and laws of the European Union (EU) impact policies, regulate transactions, and consolidate individuals’ rights.
While many talk about the EU, few have control over a field that is in perpetual movement, changing and adjusting to internal and external challenges. The major in European Studies aims to make you more competitive on the job market by providing pragmatically grounded knowledge, transferable skills and solid conceptual foundations. Through the variety of its course offerings, the European Studies Major also aims to introduce you to the atmosphere and spirit of Europe.
The European Studies curriculum is designed to enable all graduates to acquire the following conceptual and skills-based student outcomes:
*understand the complexity of current European affairs and acquire analytical skills to examine them from an interdisciplinary perspective;
*master the conceptual framework necessary for analyzing government affairs, electoral systems, party politics, public policies and political culture across Europe;
*understand both the EU’s role in the international arena and how EU policies, laws, and institutions affect national policy-making, the economic environment, and European citizens;
*examine EU policies through specific case studies within the framework of EU law, including primary and secondary legislation;
*acquire skills to critically evaluate sources of data or information and achieve mastery of the management of bibliographic material and official databases;
*pursue independent research through a range of methodologies and methods of social science research;
*articulate, in both oral and written forms, coherent arguments drawing upon academic literature, media, non-governmental and governmental/EU sources;
*demonstrate proficiency in an EU official language other than English (Spanish, German, French).
Over the years, alumni have gone on to graduate and postgraduate studies, joined the ranks of young trainees in the EU institutions in Brussels, become full-time EU technocrats, entered governmental structures and NGOs, or become journalists covering EU affairs either in Brussels or in their respective countries. These alumni have appreciated the quality of education this major provides, preparing them for further academic studies and/or job demands.
Graduates of the European Studies program have completed graduate and postgraduate programs in European Politics and related fields at prestigious universities such as Cambridge University, the College of Europe, the London School of Economics and Political Science, King’s College, Oxford University, Sciences Politiques (Paris) and Stanford University. The major also offers the opportunity of a one semester Erasmus exchange to European universities such as Bordeaux, Grenoble, Jaggelonian (Poland), Leiden (Netherlands), Limerick (Ireland) and Pecs (Hungary).
If you’ve never heard of Blagoevgrad, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. The Rough Guide to Bulgaria named the town the ‘coolest place in southwest Bulgaria,’ and with good reason.
It’s a small, vibrant university town (20,000 of the 80,000 residents are students!) within easy reach of the capital Sofia (a 1hr drive or easy bus ride away.)
There’s something for everyone in Blagoevgrad; the restored old quarter bustles with cafes and bars in a lively cultural scene set against beautiful architecture.
In town, you’ll be spoilt with 2.5km of leafy park alley for strolling, a fascinating historical museum and a rich program of events. Nightclubs, opera, restaurants and over 100 theater performances per year keep the lively population entertained.
It’s easy to get away and experience some of Bulgaria’s most stunning natural attractions too: the spa town of Sandanski, the Seven Lakes of Rila and two world-class ski resorts are close by. There are biking adventures to be had around town, and fans of hiking can take in some breathtaking views on foot.
For those seeking adventures further afield, you’ll be happy to find Macedonia on the doorstep (30km) and the delights of Greece only an hour’s drive away.
Please note that we do not book flights for our students. If you are researching airfare costs, we recommend using Kayak.com, a search engine that lets you compare flight options from your home country to Blagoevgrad based on your budget, schedule and preferences.
