Burgas University "Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov" has welcomed a new group of foreign medical students, the university says. It's the fourth year running the school has admitted foreign students to the programme. They study entirely in English, and the university now has close to 200 of them in Burgas, from Europe, Asia, Africa, North America and Australia.
At the ceremony, rector Prof. Dr. Sotir Sotirov told the first-year students that their trust is a responsibility the university takes very seriously. University life, he added, isn't just lectures, exams and diplomas — it's people, friendships, ideas and chances. "I hope Burgas will soon feel like home to you," he said.
Regional governor Diko Dikov called the university a symbol of higher education for both the city and the country. He wished the students well in getting to know Bulgaria and Burgas, making the most of what the university offers them, and making new friends.
"Choosing to study medicine means choosing to take responsibility for people's lives," said Burgas deputy mayor Mihail Nenov. He told the new students he hoped they would sharpen their skills and — whether they go back home or stay in Bulgaria — become the backbone of a healthy, thriving society.
The ceremony was also attended by MP Prof. Rumyana Yankova, who teaches at the university, deputy regional governor Veselin Anestiev, Turkey's honorary consul in Burgas Tolga Orkun, and representatives of local hospitals.
Two senior students also spoke to the newcomers: a first-year student with dual Bulgarian and German citizenship, and a second-year student from Greece. The university's student folklore ensemble, led by maestro Dora Bareva, performed Bulgarian folk music — the guests' first taste of it.
At the end of the ceremony, the rector and the dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Daniel Petkov, handed out student record books in person. Every first-year student also got a personal keepsake made by Burgas council's social enterprise "Morski Znatsi" (Sea Signs).