Bulgaria is a country in transition, multicultural, embracing the European idea with open arms. Internationalisation is moving fast and one of the students shaping this development is Lia Yoveva. She proves that big change starts with small steps. Her story shows how one student’s determination is turning European cooperation into everyday reality.

In Sofia, on the campus of the University of National and World Economy (UNWE), the European idea is not just a political concept — it’s lived by students every day. Bulgaria, a country shaped by transition and multicultural traditions, has embraced its role as a bridge between Eastern and Western Europe. Within ENGAGE.EU, UNWE plays a pioneering role in this exchange. As a founding member of ENGAGE.EU, UNWE carries this spirit into the European university landscape.

At the forefront of driving this development is Lia Yoveva, a Bachelor’s student in Finance and recently enrolled Master’s in International Project Management. She is open-minded, motivated, and determined to connect cultures while strengthening the university’s international outlook.

Persistence pays off

Many students hesitate to apply for international programmes while at the same time feeling disadvantaged compared to others who do. “The biggest hurdle is taking the first step,” Lia says. She knows this from experience. In the beginning, her applications for exchange programmes were repeatedly rejected. But she kept trying. “At some point, the topics and opportunities finally matched with my interests — sustainability, artificial intelligence, European cooperation.”

Since then, her calendar has been packed: Study Tours in Barcelona and Toulouse, an Expedition Week in Tilburg, Online Student Competition “The Role of AI in Shaping the Future of Society”, the Winter School in Mannheim, volunteer in the Summer School in Sofia, and a trip to the European Student Assembly in Strasbourg. “In just nine months, I’ve participated in almost every opportunity ENGAGE.EU offers for students,” she says with a smile.

Taking responsibility with dedication

For Lia, these programmes aren’t just about participation – they’re about contributing. For the Student Conference that took place at UNWE in Spring 2025, she managed stakeholder relations with her university, ensured access to facilities, handled technical support, coordinated catering, and organised city tours. “My main goal is always to make sure participants – whether students or tutors – feel well-treated and that their expectations are met. I want to represent my university and my country well”, she explains.

Through her commitment, she is not only a participant but has also become a mediator and ambassador. With her expertise, she ensures that others can benefit just as much as she does.

Promoting the European idea

Lia’s story shows how European cooperation is transforming UNWE from within. Since her second year at university, she is outgoing exchange coordinator in the Erasmus office, helping students to find their own paths abroad and making sure lessons from these experiences feed back into the university. “We always highlight what could be transferred to UNWE – it’s about closing gaps and making these experiences useful for everyone,” she says.

This ripple effect is what makes ENGAGE.EU powerful: individual learning experiences transform into institutional progress.

Making internationalisation visible

What Lia values most are the long-term collaborations and friendships that emerge. “I’m grateful for the opportunities ENGAGE.EU provides. I believe in the initiatives, the long-lasting collaborations, and the friendships that develop. I think we’re now seeing the results of building this alliance, with every partner contributing so much.”

Through her experiences, Lia is not only shaping her own future but also contributing to the internationalisation of UNWE in European exchange. Students like her bring fresh perspectives, strengthen the university’s international profile, and embody the European spirit in everyday life.

Her story proves that sometimes, the only real requirement is the courage to try.