Sara Alfayez from Jordan: Bulgaria gave me wings for science

Twenty-five-year-old Sara Alfayez from Jordan chose Bulgaria to continue her academic journey at one of the country’s most prestigious educational institutions - Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski". There, she is pursuing a Master’s degree in Genetics and Genomics, focusing on cancer genetics, chromosomal disorders, molecular and reproductive medicine. Her decision was not accidental - it was inspired both by family tradition and by the opportunities Bulgaria offers.

After completing her Bachelor’s degree in Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology at the University of Jordan, Sara planned to continue her education in Europe. Bulgaria turned out to be a natural choice - the country where her father had also studied and earned his PhD.

“I was deeply inspired by my father, who always spoke of Bulgaria as a strong educational center. My decision to come to Sofia was also a way to follow in his footsteps. Here I found opportunities to develop in the fields of cancer genetics, chromosomal disorders, and reproductive medicine. Studying in an international environment is truly enriching - my colleagues and I come from different countries, but the program is conducted in English. Collaboration and scientific support are an essential part of our academic life. My thesis defense is coming up, and I look at it with confidence and excitement. During my studies, I had the privilege of working in laboratories with incredible and supportive doctors and colleagues.”

Sara emphasizes that the Master’s program in Bulgaria gives her more freedom for research and practical work.

“My Bachelor’s degree was very strict - with many exams and laboratory assignments. In Bulgaria, the education is at a different level - more focused on scientific research. We have more practical work and laboratory experience, less theory, and more opportunities for independent study.”

“This helped me grow professionally and gain confidence as a young scientist,” she says. In addition to studying, Sara works in two places - in a pediatric clinic and in a pathology laboratory - and participates in various scientific forums. She describes the practical environment as one of the most valuable advantages of her education in Bulgaria.

Life in Bulgaria has also brought her personal growth - the international university environment has helped her build independence and adaptability.

“Living in Bulgaria gave me the opportunity to form friendships with people from Bulgaria, Europe, and the Arab world - that made me feel I wasn’t alone here. It helped me build my independence, but also become more adaptable. Every day I learn more about Bulgarian culture and traditions. And we shouldn’t forget that my father, having experience in Bulgaria, helped me a lot with adapting here. At first, he accompanied me to Sofia, but soon after he said I needed to be independent and returned to Jordan.”

Sara did not experience а culture shock upon arriving in Bulgaria, perhaps because of her father’s numerous friends in the country and her familiarity with Bulgarian life. She says Bulgarian culture is extremely interesting. However, certain aspects of daily life made a strong impression on her:

“For example, birthdays. In Jordan, we celebrate them differently, while here you gather many friends on that day. In the cuisine, I find some similarities, such as moussaka with eggplant, for example.”

Sara shares that medical education in Bulgaria enjoys a strong reputation in her homeland, where many doctors who graduated in Bulgaria now work. Looking to the future, the young researcher plans to continue her development in Germany with a PhD, but emphasizes that her experience in Bulgaria is a key stage in her journey.

“I look to the future with enthusiasm. I want to continue learning, developing, and contributing to the scientific community. To my peers, I would say what I learned from my mother - discipline is the foundation of success.”

Sara Alfayez’s story gives confidence that Bulgaria continues to uphold its image as an attractive center for young people from different countries - a place where tradition in medical education meets a new generation of scientists with the ambition to change the world.

Interview: Nina Tsaneva, BNR's Hristo Botev channel

Edited by Elena Karkalanova
English version: R. Petkova