Globalization, liberalization, migration, regionalization, integration, revolution, digitalization, climate change, demographic change, interdependence… We may hear these words and may find it difficult to make sense of them. Yet, they affect us.
In our world of continuous change, we need to understand the forces and actors that affect how we think, how we work, how we live and how we live with others. The major in Political Science and International Relations prepares and encourages you to recognize, analyze, evaluate the role of major actors, structures and processes in our world.
A more developed understanding of the world allows you, the citizen, to choose and advocate better public policies on the local, national, and global levels. It allows you, the person, to approach problems from other viewpoints and develop different solutions that others may not see.
The POS program seeks to help you achieve the following learning outcomes over the course of your studies:
*understand political processes and institutions at the local, national, regional and global levels;
*appreciate other viewpoints, cultures and identities;
*consider the ethical implications of political issues, institutions and processes;
*research political issues and policy problems using appropriate methodologies;
*identify relevant information gathered from reliable sources;
*communicate clearly in a variety of formats;
*interact with others effectively to organize and complete projects.
The Political Science and International Relations major is traditionally considered excellent training for careers in government and diplomatic service, law, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and businesses that work with the public sector as well as for further education in graduate programs.
Graduates of the Political Science and International Relations program have gone on to complete graduate programs in Politics and other fields at prestigious universities such as the College of Europe, Harvard University, the London School of Economics and Political Science, Oxford University, Princeton University, Stanford University, and the University of Pennsylvania. Graduates have gone on to careers in European and North American universities, non-governmental organizations, national ministries, European Union institutions, corporations and private companies.
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.
