Lessons Beyond Borders: An Erasmus at a Military Academy in Bulgaria

Veliko Tarnovo Fortress, photo taken by Sofia Tamagni on October 14^th, 2023.

When I applied for Erasmus, I never imagined that I would end up in a military academy in the hills of northern Bulgaria, but that is exactly where I spent one of the most transformative semesters of my life—at the Vasil Levski National Military University in Veliko Tarnovo. I am from Italy, and I did my bachelor’s degree in Strategic and Security Studies. That is probably why the idea of doing my Erasmus in a military academy did not scare me—actually, it made total sense. I saw it as a chance to live what I had studied, and to see up close how defense and international cooperation work in practice. Most people associate Erasmus with lively cities, artsy cafés, or student parties—and all of that exists, but Erasmus is also about going out of your comfort zone. For me, that meant stepping into a highly structured and disciplined environment far from anything I had experienced before.

What changed for me? I came back with a stronger sense of discipline, a deeper understanding of European defense cooperation...

So what was my Erasmus experience in a military academy like? It was different, eye-opening and challenging in ways I had not anticipated. There were uniforms, morning drills, and formal ceremonies. Most of my peers were Bulgarian cadets, and I was the only Erasmus student in my program. At first, it felt intimidating, but with time, I realized that this unique setting gave me access to a perspective I would not have found anywhere else. I learned how national defense is taught from within, how leadership is formed, and how strong the bond between tradition and service can be.

I learned several things that I want to share with any student considering Erasmus.

1. Keep an open mind. Your experience will not be exactly what you expect—and that is the beauty of it. You might find yourself in a city you have never heard of, doing things you have never done like learning how to march or joining international military simulations. Go with curiosity!

2. Language helps, but attitude matters more. I arrived in Bulgaria knowing zero Bulgarian. It was not easy at first, but people appreciated every small effort I made. Some cadets helped me with translations, and I picked up basic phrases pretty quickly. Being respectful and genuinely interested in local culture goes a long way.

3. Don’t isolate yourself. It was easy to stick to what is familiar, especially if you are one of the few foreign students. But joining student groups, attending campus events, or simply saying “yes” to a shared coffee or walk around town can lead to surprising friendships.

4. Take time to reflect. Erasmus goes fast. Write a journal, take photos, ask questions. I did not just learn about military strategy, I learned about Bulgaria’s history, values, and people as well—Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and quiet charm, became a second home.

5. Growth often comes from discomfort. There were moments I felt out of place or unsure, but looking back, those were the moments that shaped me the most. Erasmus is not just about academics. It is also about resilience, adaptation, and discovering how capable you really are.

   
   

What changed for me? I came back with a stronger sense of discipline, a deeper understanding of European defense cooperation, and a new appreciation for Bulgaria—a country too often overlooked. Erasmus taught me that Europe is more than its institutions; it is made up of people, routines, and experiences that stay with us long after the semester ends. If you are thinking about going on Erasmus, just do it. Do not be afraid to choose the unexpected destination as that is where the real stories begin.

Written by Sofia Tamagni

Edited by Christine Nanteza 

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Sofia Tamagni is a 1st year student in MA Human Rights and Multilevel Governance at the University of Padova. Follow on LinkedIn @Sofia Tamagni