Introducing Lilia Petrova

MAIS 30 student and RCVMT Scholarship awardee 2025-26

What brought you to the DA and why have you chosen MAIS?
I was first introduced to the Diplomatic Academy by a professor who suggested it to me. At the time, I had never heard of the DA, but when I looked into it, I realized that the program was aligned perfectly with what I was looking for academically and professionally.

MAIS has a practical approach, especially when it comes to real-world policy issues and the engagement with many prominent figures in the field, which is something I hadn’t seen to the same extent elsewhere. What really solidified my decision was a friend of mine who had just graduated the DA and strongly recommended it to me. His experience, stories and encouragement really played a key role in convincing me to apply and ultimately to come to Vienna.

What impact will/does the RCVMT Scholarship have on your academic year?
The RCVMT Scholarship has a very meaningful impact on my academic year. On one hand, it significantly reduced the financial burden  associated with my studies, which allows me to concentrate more fully on my coursework without the constant financial pressure. 

But beyond that, the scholarship to me means much more than financial support. Being supported by the Rotary Club Vienna Maria Theresa introduces me to a diverse network of professionals who are committed to international engagement and leadership. This sense of belonging and encouragement is incredibly motivating and inspires me to approach my studies and my professional life with an even stronger sense of responsibility and purpose.

What are some of the highlights of your time at the DA?
I think that one of the greatest highlights of my time at the DA has been the sense of community. While I have been impressed by the variety of courses and the opportunity to learn from fascinating and highly experienced professors, it is the people who have truly defined my experience. The DA brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds who are curious, engaged, and supportive of one another. The way we support one another academically and personally has created a strong sense of belonging, making the DA feel more like a home than a traditional university.

What are your professional aspirations?
My professional aspirations lie in the field of international relations and diplomacy. Working with people from different cultural and professional backgrounds and engaging with diverse perspectives has always been a strong personal motivation for me.

In the long term, I hope to contribute to strengthening democracy, the rule of law, and regional cooperation in the Balkans- things that the region still struggles with. Coming from Bulgaria, I have a sense of responsibility and connection to the region to contribute in one way or another to its development.

Who are the people you would like to meet and work with in the future?
To be honest, in many ways, the people I am most excited to meet and work with in the future are my current colleagues at the DA. Being surrounded by such a diverse and motivated group has been one of the most inspiring parts of my experience, and I am genuinely curious to see how each of us will apply what we have learned once we enter the professional world.

At the same time, I am always eager to engage and work with professionals, from any field, who share the commitment to international cooperation, development and understanding.

How would you want to be involved with the RCVMT network?
What I aim for the most from the RCVMT network is the active involvement in the community by both building solid and meaningful connections and learning from the experiences of its members. Rather than simply being part of the network, I want to engage with it thoughtfully through participating in various events, exchanging ideas, and gaining insight from the professionals with diverse backgrounds and career paths.

I see the RCVMT network as a valuable opportunity to learn from others’ experiences and perspectives and to better understand how what we learn can be applied in real life. Over time, I hope to give back by sharing my experiences and supporting future scholarship recipients, so the network continues to be built on mutual support.

[February 2026]