Q. What is the selection process like?
A. The selection process for each of the four BYLP components is rigorous and highly competitive. In general, the selection process consists of several rounds:
- Following the application submission deadline, IIE reviews all of the received application and ensures that they meet the BYLP eligibility requirements and that all of the required essays, transcripts, letters of recommendations and other pertinent information is complete and accurate. (Incomplete applications will not be read and considered by the selection committee)
- Once IIE has thoroughly checked the applications for completeness, it passes them to an independent selection committee. The committee, which is overseen by IIE, reviews and scores all the applications.
- After all of the applications have been scored, the top 25% of applicants are invited for in person interviews with the selection committee.
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After all interviews have been completed and scored, the selection committee has a final discussion to determine the BYLP participants.
Q. What does the Selection Committee look for?
A. The selection committee looks for exceptional candidates who are smart, driven, open- minded and committed to building a better future for Bulgaria.
Q. If selected, must I attend all program-related events?
A. Yes, if selected you are expected to participate in all program related events such as pre-departure orientation, program related meetings and post-program alumni gatherings.
Q. Is there a waiting list?
A. There is no official waiting list. However, when and if some of the selected participants are unable to join the program, we may invite the applicants with the highest score to participate.
Q. If I am not selected this year, can I reapply for BYLP the following year?
A. Yes. As long as you continue to meet the BYLP eligibility criteria you can certainly reapply.
Q. Can I apply to both the SEP and the USAIP programs, and if so, will I need to submit multiple applications?
A. You are more than welcome to apply to both programs. However, please be advised that you will need to follow the distinct program-specific application guidelines, as well as submit separate applications for each program.
Q. If I get accepted to both the SEP and USAIP programs, can I participate in both?
A. If accepted to both programs, you need to choose whether you prefer to participate in the SEP or the USAIP program, but you can not partake in both programs. This is because we want to make sure that as many Bulgarian students as possible have the opportunity to study in the United States.
Q. If I have already participated in one of the BYLP programs in the past, am I eligilbe to apply for the other BYLP programs?
A. No. In order, to ensure that as many young Bulgarians as possible have the unique opportunity to study and train in the United States, individuals who have already participated in one of the BYLP programs are not eligible to apply for the other BYLP programs.
Q. Who can translate my recommendation letters if they are not in English?
A. Most of the respective BYLP selection committee members speak Bulgarian. Therefore, although we prefer that your letters of recommendations are in English, this is not a requirement.
Summer Entrepreneurship Program (SEP)
Q: Can I apply if I am in my second year?
A. Yes, the program requires two years of study in Bulgaria. If you are already in your second year, you can still apply as long as you will have completed two years by the time the program begins.
Q. What qualifies as a "strong interest in business or entrepreneurship ?"
A. The Summer Entrepreneurship Program is designed to teach individuals from different educational backgrounds how to become entrepreneurs and develop and write business plans. Therefore, while applicants to the program are not required to come from business and economic backgrounds, they are expected to be extremely interested in learning how to start their own business.
Q. What expenses will be covered?
A. Thanks to the generosity of the America for Bulgaria Foundation (ABF) all of your SEP-related expenses, including international and domestic airfare and ground transportation, accommodations, meals, visa fees, as well as tuition at leading U.S. business schools.
Q. Will I have the chance to travel on my own while in the program?
A. No! The SEP program is extremely intensive and busy group experience. Therefore, there will be no opportunities for independent travel during the program.
Q. Can I apply to both the SEP and the USAIP programs, and if so, will I need to submit multiple applications?
A. You are more than welcome to apply to both programs. However, please be advised that you will need to follow the distinct program-specific application guidelines, as well as submit separate applications for each program.
Q. If I get accepted to both the SEP and USAIP programs, can I participate in both?
A. If accepted to both programs, you need to choose whether you prefer to participate in the SEP or the USAIP program, but you can not partake in both programs. This is because we want to make sure that as many Bulgarian students as possible have the opportunity to study in the United States.
Q. If I have already participated in one of the BYLP programs in the past, am I eligilbe to apply for the other BYLP programs?
A. No. In order, to ensure that as many young Bulgarians as possible have the unique opportunity to study and train in the United States, individuals who have already participated in one of the BYLP programs are not eligible to apply for the other BYLP programs.
IMPORTANT:Please note that the U.S. Academic Immersion Program (USAIP) will not be offered for the 2013-2014 academic year.
US Academic Immersion Program (USAIP)
Q. What schools will the USAIP partner with?
A. IIE partners with an extensive network of public and private colleges and universities around the U.S. The list may change from year to year and it is possible you will not know which schools are on the list until after you have submitted your application.
Q. If I get selected as a USAIP participant, will I get to choose what university I go to?
A. Based on the number of schools that express interest in you, you may or may not be given the option to choose a school.
Q. What kind of classes can I take?
A. Since this is a non-degree program, you can take any classes as long as they are related to your area of study.
Q. What will I have to pay for?
A. As a USAIP participant, your living and study-related expenses are fully covered by the generosity of ABF. In addition, all travel, accommodations and meals related to attending IIE organized USAIP seminars and gatherings will be covered, as well. The only expenses you may need to cover yourself will be related to travel and/or living expenses during your winter or spring vacation.
Q. I plan to participate in the Work and Travel USA program during the summer, can I still apply for the USAIP program?
A. Yes! However, please keep in mind that if selected as a USAIP participant, you will have to attend the mandatory Pre-departure Orientation Workshop in Sofia, which will take place in mid-May, 2012. In addition, during the summer you will have to end your participation in Work and Travel USA and return to Bulgaria by July 31, 2012 the latest in order to apply for your student visa at the US Embassy.
Q. I am currently enrolled in Erasmus program can I still apply for the USAIP program?
A. No! As the USAIP eligibility criteria stipulate: Applicants must be Bulgarian citizens who currently reside and study in Bulgaria.
Q. Can I apply to both the SEP and the USAIP programs, and if so, will I need to submit multiple applications?
A. You are more than welcome to apply to both programs. However, please be advised that you will need to follow the distinct program-specific application guidelines, as well as submit separate applications for each program.
Q. If I get accepted to both the SEP and USAIP programs, can I participate in both?
A. If accepted to both programs, you need to choose whether you prefer to participate in the SEP or the USAIP program, but you can not partake in both programs. This is because we want to make sure that as many Bulgarian students as possible have the opportunity to study in the United States.
Q. If I have already participated in one of the BYLP programs in the past, am I eligilbe to apply for the other BYLP programs?
A. No. In order, to ensure that as many young Bulgarians as possible have the unique opportunity to study and train in the United States, individuals who have already participated in one of the BYLP programs are not eligible to apply for the other BYLP programs.