The PhD Trap in Bulgaria: My Story

By Dr. Alain Dupet

The PhD Trap in Bulgaria: My Story is a personal account of how the author, an international applicant to a PhD program at the reputed "St. Boris" University in Bulgaria, was cheated. Despite meeting all requirements and paying all application fees and translation costs, the author never received an admission or rejection letter. The author's research showed that corruption in Bulgaria is a problem, especially at universities, and that international students are particularly at risk of falling into this PhD trap.

 

The author tells their story in a clear and concise manner, highlighting the key events and challenges they faced. They also provide insights into the broader issue of corruption in Bulgarian universities and the risks that international students face. The author's goal is to raise awareness of this type of fraud and to help other students avoid falling into the same trap.

 

The book is a valuable resource for international students considering applying to PhD programs in Bulgaria. It is also a cautionary tale for anyone considering doing business in Bulgaria. The author's story is a reminder that corruption is a real problem in the country and that international visitors are particularly vulnerable to exploitation.

 

The PhD Trap in Bulgaria: My Story is a well-written and informative book that sheds light on an important issue. It is a must-read for anyone considering applying to a PhD program in Bulgaria or doing business in the country.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dr. Alain Dupet
• Release date: Nov 13, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223272687

Dr. Alain Dupet

Welcome to my author's website! I'm Alain, and I'm the author of "The PhD Trap in Bulgaria: My Story." This book is a memoir about my experiences as an international applicant to a philosophy PhD program in Bulgaria. I hope it will inspire and inform other PhD students who are struggling to find their way in the academic world. I'm passionate about education and about helping others achieve their dreams. I believe that everyone deserves access to quality education, and I'm committed to using my writing to make a difference in the world. I'm also a fan of snooker. In my free time, I enjoy reading and writing. I hope you enjoy my website and YouTube channel! https://youtube.com/@AlainDupet?feature=shared   

Book preview

Preface

"T he only way to avoid being cheated is to be honest with yourself." (John Stuart Mill)

The subject for my PhD thesis in philosophy had been on my mind for a long time. In a few years, I'm going to celebrate my 40th birthday. April 2023 seemed to be the right time to start such a research project. I was quick to find a suitable PhD program. The University of St. Boris in the Bulgarian capital of Sofia promised, and still promises today, to bring down the blue from the sky on its website. The list of advantages was long: tuition fee waivers, scholarships, no age limit, no letter of recommendation, no compulsory English language test, and last but not least, extramurals (a fancy word for distance learning) were too tempting. The only prerequisite is a master’s degree from a university in each subject. I was aware from the outset that the University of St. Boris is therefore interesting compared to other universities. I have gained confidence in the internationally recognized PhD program in English, especially because St. Boris University is the most respected and largest university in Bulgaria. A country that is, after all, a member of the European Union (EU) and has thus committed itself to core values such as fairness and justice. In other European countries, such as Finland, Germany, and Austria, it is not uncommon for a PhD program to be cost-effective. 

On my application with the application form of the PhD program, I received the pleasant news from the program director, Mr. Boris Borisov, a senior philosophy professor in his early 60s, personally after two days that I would be happy to be considered. In the annex was a detailed reading list with philosophically basic works to prepare for the entrance examination. There has also been talk of an application fee and the requirement to have a notarially certified copy of the certificate translated. After a few months, the dream of a PhD had already been fulfilled. Costs of almost $1,000 without receiving remuneration and being trapped in a PhD trap leave a faint taste.

In the following chapters, I would like to tell my story in turn and also explore the reasons for this scam.

Chapter 1

The Idea of My Research Project

The topic of my planned PhD thesis concerns each of us and is more relevant than ever. Most people take part in road traffic in different and changing ways, be it as pedestrians, cyclists, or motorists. Road safety is the top priority for everyone. An effective and cost-effective means of significantly increasing traffic safety in cities is to reduce the general speed limit in cities to 30 km/h (20 mph). In a research proposal, I illustrated how I wanted to examine this topic from an ethical perspective. I found an example of a research proposal on the website of the University of St. Boris. I submitted the research proposal below to the University of St. Boris, which is based on this example. ______________________________________________________________________________

Proposal

Title

General 30 km/h speed limit in cities from an ethical perspective

Author

Dupet Dr., Alain

Keywords: ethical analysis, general speed limit, road safety

Background of the study

Traffic fatalities in cities are particularly common among vulnerable road users: pedestrians,

cyclists, and motorcyclists. Changing this situation by improving road safety in cities has been

recognized as a top priority. Whether the implementation of a general 30 km/h speed limit in

cities