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The first American-style, English language, liberal arts educational institution in Eastern Europe, the American University in Bulgaria (AUBG) is a unique cooperative venture established with the U.S. and Bulgarian governments' support, the Open Society Institute, and the University of Maine. AUBG is a privately funded, not-for-profit institution. Tuition and private donations, as well as grants, finance its educational activities. It opened its doors in September 1991, with a first-year class of 208 students and 16 full-time faculty members. Since then, Blagoevgrad's lively town in southwest Bulgaria has become a cradle of academic excellence, creativity, and cultural diversity. Nowadays, around 1100 curious, committed, and talented students from over 40 countries come together to live and study in a supportive and secure community and immerse themselves in our first-rate American liberal arts education. World-class faculty members come from top schools in five continents to create an innovative and real-world learning environment unique in Europe. Across arts, humanities, business, and technology, AUBG students are free to choose their study areas and set their curriculum. They develop into inquisitive and compassionate leaders, creative problem solvers, and responsible global citizens. Our students have a reputation for success in their careers and graduate studies, with many going on to the world's leading schools and employers and all being valued members of our tight-knit global network of alumni. The mission of the American University in Bulgaria is to educate students of outstanding potential in a community of academic excellence, diversity, and respect and to prepare them for democratic and ethical leadership in serving the needs of the region and the world. The values of the University do not change over time but are fundamental to our identity, to who we are. Both our vision and our mission are informed by the values shared by the University's founders and have guided the University since its inception in 1991. We believe that all of our programs and activities must be characterized by the highest standards of excellence. We are committed to the values of a diverse and inclusive campus community. We believe that all of the University's activities must be characterized by the highest standards of integrity. We embrace the values of open, democratic, and participatory governance both within the University and in the broader community. We are committed to the values of freedom of thought and expression. We understand that the most effective way to prepare students for successful and meaningful lives is through a rigorous academic program characterized by active and engaged learning within the context of the American liberal arts tradition. We are committed to the quest for new knowledge and support faculty and students in their discovery and creativity process. We believe that the University has a responsibility to contribute to the broader community's welfare and promote social responsibility among all its constituents. We envision a community of diverse and creative students of outstanding potential living and learning together in an engaging and rigorous academic environment on a campus that offers world-class academic, recreational, and residential facilities. Mentored by internationally respected faculty committed to the liberal arts tradition, graduates will be fully prepared for lives of professional achievement, personal fulfillment, and service. View full university