Every year AUBG summer camp attracts a significant number of students from different parts of the world. This year the camp took place between July 1st and 21st and brought over more than 130 students with interests ranging from photography, music and arts to physics and mathematics. Besides their diverse background, campers’ mini-world included more than 14 countries among which Ukraine, Georgia, Montenegro, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, France, Spain and Greece.
Students were taught Communication and Presentation Skills, Drama, Creative Writing, Business, Journalism, as well as Computer Skills. Campers described the learning process as conducted in an interactive, engaging and lively manner. The Peace Corps teachers promoted exercises and projects where students could practice both their technical and verbal skills, which turned out to be very useful and at the same time enjoyable for students.
“Teamwork is a valuable lesson I learned here – both in the Communication Skills class and in the Business class where you have to cooperate with the members of your team and trust them towards achieving a common goal”, shared 18-year old Stanislav Georgiev from Bulgaria, who received a full scholarship for the program based on his outstanding performance in high school.
Anja Suhih, 16, from Montenegro added: “We were applying everything we learned in practice, through activities and games so that it stays in our mind and we could see how it works in real life."
Students were attending classes in the mornings, and when the studying was over they could choose between bowling, volleyball, cooking and arts & craft activities in the afternoon.
As a traditional part of the camp experience, AUBG organized an International Night - an event at which students got to know more about each other by presenting customs and crafts typical for the country or region they came from.
“Camp gives you the opportunity to broaden your knowledge of different cultures”, said Haritini Hristopoulou 16, from Greece, who attended the camp for a second time.
At a Talent Show, gifted students demonstrated their talents in an entertaining and delightful program.
Students’ pleasant experience at AUBG was further enhanced by the safe and comfortable atmosphere the AUBG campus offers.
“The residence halls are amazing – it feels like home and you’ve got everything you need”, said Kamilla Zhalmurziyeva, 16, from Kazakhstan.
The excellent study program, professional expertise, extracurricular activities and friendship opportunities students encountered as part of the summer camp made them think about getting back to AUBG and Blagoevgrad.
“The AUBG Summer Camp was unforgettable experience for me and one that I would like to experience again” concluded Claudia Esteve, 16, from Spain.
Due to the increased interest, a second two-week session of the camp will be held between July 22nd and August 4th
Story by Venera Nikolaeva