RECIPE FOR SUCCESS

Education and the skill to learn and to transfer this knowledge to next generations are in the basis of human civilisation. Thanks to them every generation steps on what was already achieved and for its part adds to this construction, developing culture, economy and industry, creating goods and services. However, these are also a way for development of the individual. Good education allows them to unleash their potential and talents, to find their vocation, to realise their dreams, to be of benefit for the complex and important organism that we call society.

That is why it is understandable that every parent wants to provide their children with the best possible education. In different historical times this took different shapes. In the 21st century this means choosing an educational institution that gives children and young adults not only dry knowledge and facts, but allows them to develop their talents, to learn foreign languages, to obtain leadership skills, pro-active mindset and ability for teamwork, to take risks and to follow their dreams. These competences are a key necessity in the world we live in – a world of rapid transformation, need of constant learning and perfection, of balance between specialisation and flexibility. Old professions die out and new ones appear, and technologies are taking over whole fields. So, in order to prosper in such an environment one needs to be adaptive, able to discover new niches and opportunities for improvement.

The road to quality modern education starts at an early age. Modern educational methods have left to the past the notion that the child has to study like a miniature adult – in a disciplined environment that restricts their imagination and desire to play. Today specifically developed programmes allow children to learn via games and to acquire new knowledge and skills imperceptibly, with ease and pleasure. This approach and the peculiarities of age development make early childhood particularly suitable for learning one or more foreign languages.

Russian School (Sofia, 34 Shipka St, Russian Culture and Information Centre, phone: +359 882 552 685, www.russianschoolsofia.com) offers the best from the Russian and the Bulgarian educational system. The school accepts children in preschool (3-7 years of age) and primary school (7-11 years of age). Classes are small and the curriculum was carefully developed to unleash children's talents. Children in preschool make a gentle transition from games to active school activities in first grade, and learn Russian language through play, role situations, songs. Students in primary school learn after foreign language programmes with teachers who are native speakers. The curriculum includes Russian and English languages, computer education, arts. Russian School also provides a range of additional activities – group trips the year round, sports after children's choice, visits of museums, art galleries and others.

While the initial stages of modern education are focused on development of a wide spectrum of skills and competences in young children, with growing up and climbing up the educational ladder inevitably appears the question for the general direction of future specialisation for the young person. Some prefer sciences, while others are predisposed to humanities or languages – and choosing where to concentrate their efforts can predetermine their future. The question is hard to solve, but good vocational education is a sensible choice. It prepares young people for the future and is a good basis for both later higher education and career.

The Vocational School of Computer Programming and Innovations in Burgas (Zahari Stoyanov Blvd, РО 4, phone: +359 877 086 622, www.codingburgas.bg) opened in 2018 and has already proven its qualities – it was awarded by the Bulgarian Association of Information Technologies and the Bulgarian Outsourcing Association. The school offers 5-year education in software development and applied programming. The curriculum includes software development and web design, systems for management of databases and Internet design. There are also additional classes in robotics, AI, hardware design, cyber security and cloud technologies, a mentorship programme and an opportunity for students to patent their products. Teachers and also established IT professionals teach at the school applying innovative educational methods. A number of IT companies actively cooperate in the educational process. Thanks to the united efforts of the school, Burgas Municipality and the IT sector, VSCPI opens limitless opportunities for future realisation of its students and well-prepared specialists for the Bulgarian economy.

The choice of a higher education institution is as important. From it depends the professional and personal development of the young person and their future. The good modern university provides to its students not only quality academical education, but is also connected to the real needs of the labour market.

The professional of the future should be flexible, able to adapt to different circumstances and to own a wide spectrum of constantly growing skills and knowledge. The International Business School (Center for Distance Learning: Sofia, 7 Vincent van Gogh St, phone: +359 (0)2 400 16 30, Facebook: InternationalBusinessSchoolBG, www.ibsedu.bg) is aware of this global trend. The university's curriculum is  entirely built on the principle of quality education after European standards. In its regular, external and distant form of education, the IBS always applies individual approach to its students and offers courses, seminars and programmes that combine academic knowledge with practice and teach skills such as leadership, adaptability, creative thinking. The IBS partners with a constantly widening network of prestigious European educational institutions and offers to its students opportunities for specialisation abroad. Thus, following the current trends and adapting its curriculum in accordance to them, for more than 28 years the IBS has been an established leader in education in Bulgaria and Europe.

Partnerships with international educational institutions are a sign for the quality of a university. They allow young people to broaden their horizons, to create international contacts and friendships for life, to find the best application for their knowledge and skills regardless of geographical borders.

Founded in 1991, the Burgas Free University (Burgas, 62 San Stefano Blvd, phone:: 056 900 400, www.bfu.bg) has established itself through the years as an institution that is student- and market-oriented, and provides excellent education. The university offers BA, MA and PhD programmes in its Law, Business, Informatics, Computer Sciences and Engineering, and Humanities faculties, attracting students from Bulgaria and abroad. BFU has a wide network of partnerships with universities in Europe, Asia, Africa and South America. The close cooperation of the Centre for Informatics and Technical Sciences with the business guarantees that students receive valuable practical experience and perspective for future realisation. Students can also acquire research experience with participation in joint projects with faculty members and scientific research projects that are presented during the annual student scientific conference with international participation, organised by BFU. All of this explains why BFU alumni find excellent professional realisation after they finish their studies.

World quality of education is possible in Bulgaria – Varna University of Management has proven it (Varna, 13 А Oborishte St, phone: +359 885 398 663, +359 886 474 280, www.vum.bg). For yet another year U-Multirank has ranked VUM at the top position worldwide in terms of student mobility. Rankings by U-Multirank, Еduniversal Best Masters and others place Varna University of Management as a leading business school not only in Bulgaria, but also in Eastern Europe. The blend of tradition and innovation defines the quality of education at VUM. The school offers education entirely in English language. The strategic academic collaboration with Cardiff Metropolitan University gives opportunity for receiving a British degree as well, without any need for the student to study in the UK itself. VUM students have a number of options to train in Europe, Asia, South America and Africa. VUM offers BA programmes in international tourism management, business and management, software systems and technologies, innovation business systems. MA programmes at VUM concentrate on MBA and international hospitality and tourism management. Both are ranked even higher in this year's Eduniversal Best Masters Ranking compared to the last year's good positions.

Today, to create your future in a way that increases your prospects for success, professional development and personal happiness is easier than ever – the opportunities for acquiring quality education prove this.