Supporting Tedora Mihaylova: From Sofia to CEU, Vienna

We are delighted to introduce Teodora Mihaylova, our newest Bulgarian Futures Scholar. Teodora is a distinguished alumna of New Bulgarian University in Sofia and is currently based in Vienna, where she is pursuing an M.A. in Public Policy at Central European University for the 2025/2026 academic year. Read below to learn more about her journey to CEU.

Academic background and interests

Teodora Mihaylova, currently based in Vienna, is pursuing an M.A. in Public Policy at the Central European University. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Journalism at New Bulgarian University in her hometown, Sofia. During her undergraduate studies, she participated in several international projects and summer schools with a focus on European integration, inclusion, youth participation, and democracy. Teodora also completed a two-semester academic exchange at the University of Konstanz, Germany, where she gained valuable professional experience as a research assistant in the Department of Politics and Public Administration. Throughout her university years, Teodora developed a strong interest in politics and governance, which ultimately led her to CEU.

Professional experience

Teodora has always approached her education and work with an interdisciplinary mindset. For this reason, as part of her bachelor’s program in Mass Communications, she also took courses in political science. In 2022, she obtained hands-on political experience by assisting a member of the Bulgarian Parliament as an intern. In her final year of undergraduate studies, Teodora took on a teaching role, through which she further developed her organizational abilities, as well as her guidance and mentorship skills.

Teodora's Journey to Central European University

Teodora found CEU’s foundational mission of facilitating the democratic transition in Central and Eastern Europe impressive, alongside its commitment to support new critical-thinking policymakers in the region. CEU’s high academic standards and innovative approach to education confirmed that it was the right institution for her to pursue her academic and professional goals. Furthermore, the M.A. in Public Policy program perfectly combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications. When Teodora discovered the scholarship offered by the Aleksander Foundation, she was sincerely inspired by their work and she feels genuinely grateful that the opportunities aligned so well.

First weeks in Vienna

The academic year at CEU starts with a rigorous pace from day one, which makes for a dynamic and challenging beginning. What makes CEU truly special is its multicultural environment, which Teodora finds particularly enriching both academically and personally. She is highly impressed with the range of student resources CEU offers, including its career services. Moreover, Teodora truly values CEU’s engaged student community, to which she actively contributes as a student representative of her cohort.

Future plans

Following the program, Teodora may pursue further academic opportunities. In the long term, however, she aims to translate the skills she has honed into professional roles that integrate policy, communication, and social impact.