Asen Nechev, COL ’28, Tromso, Norway & Sofia, Bulgaria
This summer, I had the honor of working as an intern at the Consulate General of Bulgaria in New York. Over the course of two months, I became part of a lovely team that managed consular affairs from high-level diplomatic meetings to the daily provision of services for Bulgarian citizens living abroad. My role touched on many areas of the Consulate’s work. I attended cultural events that connected the Bulgarian community in the U.S., supported meetings with representatives from our diplomatic corps, drafted memos on international conferences, and assisted in the everyday operations of the consular section.
Working at the Consulate has given me a new perspective on the way diplomacy is practiced. Consulates often go unnoticed compared to embassies; however, they play a vital role in maintaining international relations. They are the first point of contact for many citizens abroad, whether they need passports, notarial services, or emergency assistance. Simultaneously, consulates serve as important cultural bridges. They organize events and initiatives that connect citizens living abroad to their home country, while also introducing new cultures to local communities. Observing how the staff balanced these responsibilities showed me that diplomacy is built on the very interactions that build trust between citizens and their state. It is about engagement and culture, not just politics and handshakes. As such, consulates serve as both the administrative and human sides of foreign policy.
Reflecting on my summer, I am beyond grateful for the mentorship I received. Each member of the consular staff took time to explain processes, share stories, and include me in exciting projects, including drafting reports on economic cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean and observing the Society of Foreign Consuls in New York. These experiences enabled me to develop skills in professional writing and intercultural communication. Most importantly, they helped me see where I might fit into the world of international affairs in the future as someone excited to contribute to fostering dialogue and cooperation.
I leave this internship with immense appreciation for the opportunity to represent Penn and my home country, albeit in a small way. The summer has strengthened my commitment to pursuing a career in international relations and has given me a practical insight into how diplomacy operates beyond textbooks. I am thankful to Penn and the donors who make experiences like this possible. The chance to participate in the work of a diplomatic institution has been invaluable, and I look forward to carrying this experience into my academic studies and future career.
This is part of a series of posts by recipients of the 2025 Career Services Summer Funding Grant. We’ve asked funding recipients to reflect on their summer experiences and talk about the industries in which they spent their summer. You can read the entire series here
