Maria Atanasova’s Fulbright Journey: From Midwifery in Bulgaria to Public Policy at the University of Maryland

My name is Maria Atanasova, from Bulgaria. I come from a Romani background and have long been committed to advancing the rights and well-being of marginalized communities. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Midwifery from the Medical University of Varna and a Master's degree in Political Science from the Central European University, where I also earned an Advanced Certificate in Romani Studies. I just graduated from my second Master’s degree in Public Policy at the University of Maryland as a Fulbright Scholar.

Fulbright Scholarship Details

I am honored to be a recipient of the Fulbright Foreign Student Program scholarship, awarded by the Bulgarian Fulbright Committee and the U.S. Department of State. This prestigious scholarship supports my graduate studies at the University of Maryland and covers tuition, living expenses, and health insurance, with a total award amount of around $40,000 annually. The Fulbright Program has empowered me to further my education and expand my work in human rights and policy, particularly in addressing systemic discrimination against Roma communities in Europe.

Were you offered any other scholarships?

I was also a Thanks to Scandinavia scholarship recipient, they give scholarships to students from Northern countries and Bulgaria and have a partnership with Fulbright Bulgaria. Additionally, the University of Maryland offered a fellowship that partly covered my tuition fees.

Educational background

I hold a Bachelor's degree in Midwifery from the Medical University of Varna. I then pursued a Master’s degree in Political Science at Central European University, graduating with distinction and earning an Advanced Certificate in Romani Studies. My interdisciplinary academic background in healthcare and social sciences helped me understand both structural inequities and public systems, prepared me to apply for competitive programs in public policy.

How did you prepare to apply to US Institution?

I began by identifying universities with strong public policy programs that value diversity, international perspectives, and social justice. I consulted university websites, student testimonials, and spoke with alumni and current students when possible. I also worked with Fulbright advisors to choose the universities and programs to apply to.

How did you find your information and prepare for exams?

I found most of the information through official websites, and the Fulbright advisors were crucial. I attended information sessions and spoke with previous scholars. For the TOEFL, I prepared using online resources and practice exams. Fulbright Bulgaria offered support as well. I focused on improving time management and practiced regularly with speaking prompts and listening sections.

How did you prepare to apply to the Fulbright Scholarships?

I researched the values and goals of each scholarship and tailored my essays accordingly. I reflected deeply on my personal story, academic path, and long-term vision, ensuring that each application was authentic and purpose-driven. I kept it very personal and authentic, expressing my own ideas, values, and vision.

What do you think made your application stand out?

My application stood out because of my commitment to advocacy and tangible impact. I brought a unique combination of professional experience as a midwife, grassroots activism for Roma communities, and academic excellence. I believe the narrative of using education to bridge health and human rights made a strong impression.

What would you have done differently if you were going through the process again?

I would have started the application process earlier to reduce the stress of deadlines and leave more time for revision. I would have started the language preparatipn earlier as well. I also would have spoken with more alumni for tips.

What advice would you give those looking to apply for a similar scholarship?

Be authentic and clear about your goals. Scholarships like Fulbright value not just academic excellence but also your potential to contribute to your community and the world.