Alumni testimonial Kalina Dimitrova, BA Arts and Culture

Could you tell more about which minor/internship/exchange/field study you did?
The idea of pursuing an internship during my studies was born out of a small talk with a university friend. It felt like a distant possibility, something inspiring, yet clouded by doubts and question marks. Eventually, I gained confidence, took that first step and started looking into my options, and from there, things naturally fell into place.

My internship took place at the Bulgarian Cultural Institute in Rome, Italy. The Institute serves as Bulgaria’s cultural bridge to Italy and Europe and is a member of EUNIC, the network of European national cultural institutions. Being part of its work, through exhibitions, concerts, educational initiatives, and international collaborations, allowed me to see firsthand how it fosters cultural exchange, artistic mobility, and intercultural dialogue across Europe.

This experience was a great opportunity for me to transfer my academic knowledge and skills into the dynamic world of the arts. I was fortunate to learn how to discover and engage with new ideas, and, more importantly, with the artists behind them. The driving force behind the broad concept of “culture.” I also learned how to support, organize, and promote artistic production, as well as how to translate artistic expression into successful projects.

Looking back, what are the things you learned during your studies that truly help you in your current career/experiences/personal life? 
The impact of these three years of my bachelor’s programme has been tremendous. It’s difficult to single out just one or two courses that shaped my understanding of the world. More importantly, the skills I gained gave me the confidence to “face the world“ and search for the right place for myself professionally.

I always remember courses like Research & Writing, Interviewing, and Doing Ethnography (among others) with particular fondness. These courses provided me with a toolbox of skills, both academic and personal. Academically, I developed critical thinking, learned how to do a thought-provoking research and write objectively; and on the personal note,  they inspired me to seek different perspectives and approach challenges with confidence and curiosity.

A recent milestone in my academic journey was graduating with my master’s degree in Digital Culture and Emerging Media at Pompeu Fabra University, Spain. This programme allowed me to build on the knowledge and skills I developed during my Bachelor’s studies. In particular, I applied a methodology I had explored in depth in the Arts and Culture programme – Discourse Analysis, which I used in my Master’s thesis — earning the highest grade.

Could you tell us more about your current career?
Currently, I work as a Journal Specialist at Frontiers, whose mission is to democratize the dissemination of high-quality, open-access research by empowering researchers to share and advance scientific knowledge globally.

My responsibilities entail curating and editing article collections for our journals, ensuring each collection is cohesive, relevant, and high-quality. Beyond editorial work, I develop creative projects to engage with the academic community, fostering collaboration and discussion among researchers. I also support authors and editors throughout the publication process, helping to guide submissions and maintain smooth workflows. Overall, my role combines hands-on editorial responsibilities with building connections and initiatives that help bring research to a wider, global audience.

At the moment, I am exploring the publishing world and am curious to see where this path might lead. That said, I have always been passionate about cultural and artistic expression, as well as the power of media as a force and a platform for representation and I look forward to seeing where this curiosity might lead me in the years to come.

What is your fondest memory from your time here in Maastricht as a student at FASoS?
The small secret garden at FASoS, leading to the almost hidden café, Bandito Espresso. The memory is so vivid that I can almost smell the coffee and cinnamon and see myself there, writing yet another assignment with my friend Nina while the rain pours outside.

Spending time at FASoS was a very meaningful experience. I met many curious and intelligent students from diverse backgrounds, whose perspectives and experiences broadened my own. This environment carried over into our tutorials, where discussions of relevant global issues made the sessions dynamic and engaging.

These interactions not only enriched my understanding but also left me with lasting memories that continue to influence me today.

Is there anything else you would like to share about your time in Maastricht?
One thing I haven’t mentioned enough is the incredible tutors and lecturers at FASoS. They are the people who made studying Arts and Culture not just a great academic experience, but one full of meaning and passion. Their enthusiasm for the subjects they teach, combined with the constant support and guidance they offer, truly shaped my time at FASoS and made every course inspiring. It’s hard to overstate how much their dedication influenced both my learning and my perspective.

February 2026