Program Site
The University of Veliko Turnovo is one of the major universities in Bulgaria, reestablished in 1963. It has 11 colleges: Business Education, Fine Arts, History, Law, Math and Computer Science, Philology, public Health, theology and a center for Physical Education and Sports. The university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in 64 fields of study. It is fully accredited by the ministry of Higher Education in Bulgaria. Veliko Turnovo is in northern Bulgaria 160 miles east of Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria.

Academic Program Highlights
The program is designed for students interested in teaching English to speakers of Other Languages, and to students interested in Balkan studies, Experience has shown that this offers excellent preparation for students interested in pursuing a graduate degree in ESL, in applying to the peace Corps, or in seeking employment in the fields of international education. The academic program provides an immersion in Bulgarian cultural and language, as well as the opportunity to gain hands-on experience as an English instructor.

Program Duration
Fall: Mid October-Mid January
Spring: Early February- Early June

Application Deadlines*
Fall: August 24
Spring: December 14
*Note: Contact Rio Salado College for exact dates.

Recommended Credits
12 credits

Transcripts
For all classes taken at University of Veliko Turnovo where there are equivalent courses in the MCCCD, the official record for those credits will be posted on the MCCCD, Rio Salado College, transcripts

Student Life
Students are housed on-campus in a dorm, or in an off-campus room. There is an on-site orientation during the first week of the program and during the semester there are also guided tours of surrounding cities. Additional travel possibilities throughout Bulgaria are readily available.

Costs
The cost of a semester may vary as changes occur in the economies and currencies of the U.S. and Bulgaria. The factors listed below are used to calculate program costs.

  • Tuition at Rio Salado College (assessed according to the student's residency status).
  • Program costs in Bulgaria, including instruction, housing, application and orientation fees, insurance, books and field trips.
  • Transportation to Bulgaria.

Financial Aid
Any financial aid for which students are eligible during the course of their study at Rio Salado College, including Pell Grants, can be used toward the cost of the program in Bulgaria.

For More Information
Office of International Education Rio Salado College 2323 W. 14th St. Tempe, AZ 85281 (480) 517-8416 (480) 517-8849 Fax Contact: Erma Abeyta, Director of International Programs OIE@riomail.maricopa.edu