Bulgaria:
Understanding the Eurasian Frontier
June 22 to July 23, 2008

Funding awarded by the the U.S. Department of Education.

This program is a Fulbrright-Hays Group Project Abroad (GPA) for K-12 Educators, sponsored by the Center for Advanced Study of International Development (CASID) at Michigan State University and Linking All Types of Teachers to International Cross-Cultural Education (LATTICE). The goals of this four week program are to expand the participants knowledge and understanding of Bulgarian history, and promote understanding of the many civilizations, populations, and cultures that have impacted Bulgaria.

The area that was to become Bulgaria has historically been at the crossroads of a number of empires and populations. This has resulted in a particularly rich and vibrant history which is etched on the country in the form of archaeological and historical sites, cultural customs, artistic and musical traditions, and also in the memories and identities of the population. It is this legacy the proposed GPA aims to explore.

Predeparture Workshops and Orientation

Beginning in early April 4 workshops will be held at MSU’s campus. These will consist of a general introduction to Balkan history as well as contemporary Bulgarian culture, politics, and society. Participants will be introduced to the Cyrillic alphabet and useful Bulgarian words and phrases. Basic trip logistics, including travel requirements, finances, health concerns, and so forth will be covered.

 

4 Weeks in Bulgaria

The majority of the program will take place in and around Blagoevgrad, a major hub of Southwestern Bulgaria and home of the American University in Bulgaria (AUBG). Professors from AUBG will provide more in-depth information on the scope of Balkan history, as well as current economic, social, and political issues in Bulgaria. Afternoons will be spent at the many cultural sites nearby.

The program also includes overnight and weekend trips to important cities such as Varna on the Black Sea and the historic city of Plovdiv, with its many impressive archaeological sites. We will also visit the religious and cultural sites around Rila and Melnik, including the famous Rila Monastery and Rila National Park. The final phase of the program will be spent in the capitol city of Sofia.

Costs

The cost of the program is $1,000.00 per participant. The program will include all travel and lodging expenses, a daily per diem, entrance to all program events and activities, and a small stipend to purchase curricular materials.

Application Materials
Applications are due by March 28, 2008.

If you have any questions please contact project co-directors Pamela Galbraith at galbrai3@msu.edu or Margaret Holtschlag at holtsch2@msu.edu.