By Filip Lyapov
Could you introduce yourself in a few words?
As a Bulgarian-American (shoutout Ruse!) and francophone, having attended a French immersion school for seven years and studied abroad twice in high school, my decision to move across the Atlantic for college was an intuitive one. Through the Dual BA Program betweenColumbia University and Sciences Po, I spent the first two years of my undergraduate studies in Reims, France, focusing on transatlantic relations within a comprehensive social science curriculum. In August 2025, I moved to New York City to complete the final two years of my program, majoring in political science with a minor in human rights. Upon graduating, I will earn two bachelor’s degrees—one from each institution.
What does interning for EducationUSA Bulgaria mean to you?
I am interning at EducationUSA Bulgaria through the Virtual Student Federal Service (VSFS) program, a remote internship initiative by the U.S. Department of State that allows students to support U.S. government agencies worldwide. In this role, I help facilitate virtual advising sessions and provide personalized guidance to Bulgarian students applying to U.S. universities.
What are your impressions from Bulgarian students so far?
I’ve had the opportunity to read many essays, conduct mock interviews, and offer strategic application advice. What stands out most is the students’ ambition—they lead with courage rather than fear. One student even worked directly with the Bulgarian government to make textbooks free across the country. Their determination to create change, both locally and globally, is truly inspiring.
What would be your main advice to Bulgarian applicants to US universities?
A dream can only be achieved if you’re bold enough to imagine it—so you’re already halfway there. I commend you for taking the first (and most crucial) step: dreaming big. Stay curious, proactively seek out mentors, and let your authenticity and individuality shine in your applications. Above all, keep your ambition as fearless and boundless as a child’s.
How do you plan to continue your career after graduation?
This summer, I’m excited to stay in New York, where I’ll be interning with NBC Nightly News at the iconic Rockefeller Center! I look forward to seeing where that journey will lead me. After graduating from the Dual BA, I hope to earn a Fulbright award to teach English abroad. Long-term, I aspire to work at the intersection of media and international affairs, using storytelling to bridge cultural and political divides.