It's never late to study

 

Prosper Goering is one of AUBG's students that stand out. Despite being older than his peers, he is ready for new experiences and adventures at AUBG.

What are you majoring in?

My major is Political Science and International Relations. I am thinking about taking Economy as a minor and [maybe] a double major. I don't know if I want to do it yet just because of the work load. It's not actually a question of a work load, it is a question of time. Right now it looks like I'll be here for only five semesters. I am a transfer student and I am trying to get everything finished within these five semesters.

Did you spend a lot of time choosing a major, or was it an immediate decision?

I actually picked this university because of what I wanted to study. I wanted to [study] International Relations in Garmisch, Germany, where I have spent most of my life. There's the [George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies]. Just being around there and working with those people gave me drive and interest to do this. I was looking for the right school for about a year, and I found AUBG.

But why have you chosen exactly AUBG?

Because of the diversity of the student [body], that's one of the reasons. [Classes are] in English. It's in Europe. I thought [that] studying International Relations and going back to the States [didn't] make sense. [...]It is the same as planning to become an auto mechanic and going to dance school. If you have [the] desire to learn mechanics, you go to a mechanic school; if you want to learn International Relations, you come here [to AUBG].

Did you know anything about Bulgaria before coming here?

I've been to Bulgaria many times before. I visited Sofia, Burgas, Sarafovo, Varna, Sunny Beach [and] Nesebar. Coming here was not a shock, as I had already had Bulgarian friends.

...and AUBG?

With AUBG I did a lot of online research. I contacted a couple of people that are students now, and asked them several questions about their experience: Do you feel that the University prepares you for life? Do you feel academically challenged? Do you enjoy your time? I didn't have any negative responses. That's also one of the reasons why I picked it.

What about your previous education?

I'm a little older than most of the students here. I was in the U.S. Army on active duty. So, most of my schooling was actually military. I also went to a University in the States. Later on, I worked as a telecommunications consultant for Siemens. I didn't like it. I don't want to work with computers anymore. That's why I'm at AUBG.

What about your experience studying and getting along with people who are younger than you?

I'm used to people talking first without knowing, but it doesn't happen here. I expect later on with International Relations courses that my experience might lead to [ideological conflicts] with other students. But now, not yet. I haven't [had] any incidents [...].

Are you looking forward to your graduation, or do you want this experience prolonged?

I'm ready to graduate and move on. If I could finish it in four semesters, I would do that.

Having seen quite a number of educational institutions in the United States and Europe, can you mention any striking differences between them and AUBG?

My view might be a bit subjective. It's practically the same here. I'm speaking about being able to pick your courses and choose your degree courses. But here is a smaller campus. I like that as well as the quality of classes. I would be very proud to say in the future that I was attending AUBG.

What about your future plans?

Speaking about my studying plans, I'd probably go to graduate school. I've already done a Master's program [at the] Jagiellonski University in Poland. However, I couldn't get a job perhaps with a U.S. phone service or a diplomatic chore as I didn't have an undergraduate degree to support that. In two years, I'll get it. In the future I see myself finished graduate school, either joining work force again or continuing with a doctor's program, but I don't think I've found my area of interest to think that far.