A meeting of cultures and ideas – IBS and Elmhurst University
We welcomed our new friends from Elmhurst University, Illinois, to our academic home and experienced exciting, inspiring and energizing moments together!
During the meeting, we exchanged good practices in the field of education and outlined new opportunities for cooperation between the two educational institutions.
Associate Professor Dr. Stella Baltova, Vice-Rector for Research and International Cooperation, Prof. Milanka Slavova, Vice-Rector for Academic Activities and Simona Mihaylova, President of the Student Council, welcomed our colleagues who are visiting Bulgaria on the university their Global Leadership program.
Our American colleagues also presented an extremely interesting project for Bulgaria, the aim of which is to promote our country as a tourist destination to the American citizens. The project is inspired by their own experiences and the pleasure of meeting our culture, traditions, architecture and beautiful nature. They shared that they already have their favourite places in Bulgaria, among them the Tsarevets Fortress in Veliko Tarnovo, Panagyur Treasure, Rila Monastery, Varna, Nessebar, Plovdiv, Blagoevgrad and last but not least our beloved capital Sofia.
“Bulgaria is a hidden treasure in Eastern Europe, a place full of wonderful people, culture and nature,” said Melanie McEwen, a researcher at the university.
The forthcoming XIX International Scientific Conference – “Economic Growth, Business Prospects, Market Positioning in time of Crisis“, which will be held on 12-13 April, has also aroused great interest and discussion. Assoc. Baltova invited our colleagues from the University of Elmer to participate in it, stressing that for us the academic development and growth of young scientists, PhD students and students is a priority and therefore they will have the opportunity to share the results of their research in a specially created for them discussion panel.
Prof. Slavova’s presentation on the success of Bulgarian products in Japan also drew applause, the most memorable being the example of Bulgarian yogurt, which currently occupies an impressive 46% market share. “Meiji” is the name of the company that has been distributing it on the Japanese market since 1973.
Mr. Konstantin Zankov shared about his realization and the experience he has gained as a marketing and business consultant, tourism entrepreneur and researcher. He graduated in Tourism and Business Administration from the Moscow State University. During his studies, Konstantin developed a business plan, which he later implemented with the support of our teachers. He also shared that thanks to the contacts he made at IBS, he was able to develop it and turn it into a profitable company. In addition to being a successful entrepreneur, Konstantin is also a lecturer at IBS. Our students draw from his extensive practical experience in Bachelor and Master specialty in Digital Marketing.
The meeting continued with highlights of student life on both campuses. Simona Mihaylova, Alexander Lalov – Chair of the Marketing Committee and Nelina Minkova – Chair of the Research Committee at Student Council, talked about the advantages of private higher education, the student initiatives in which they actively participate, and the structure of student self-government in Bulgaria and Europe.
Thank you Vania Adams, Melanie McQeen, Lawrence Brown, Prof. Mick Savage, Ryan Coates, Robert Zita, Ian Purdom and Sirril Villikalam! It was a great pleasure to share these moments together! See you soon!
