For the past three weeks, six Bulgarian apparel company owners have been visiting Iowa State and touring apparel manufacturers around Iowa.

The Bulgarians, who arrived Sept. 26 and will be leaving Saturday, were brought to ISU by the United States Aid for Developing Countries and U.S. World Learning, an agency that promotes international understanding, education and partnerships, said Ruth Glock, adjunct assistant professor in textiles and clothing.

The group’s agenda has included spending two days with the Midwest Textile Apparel Association, touring plants and visiting clothing firms such as Younkers in Des Moines, Glock said.

“They have seen how U.S. companies have adapted the latest technology,” she said. “They have also learned ways to be more efficient in different organizational structures.”

The group is making contacts, learning about retail practices and working on an action plan to take home and develop for their own companies and others, Glock said.

“The visibility we can offer and the faculty expertise in the production area will be very valuable to their growth and development,” said Luann Gaskill, associate professor and chairwoman of textiles and clothing.

Their visit gives ISU the opportunity to learn about the Bulgarian culture, business and organization, Glock said.

“I think that Bulgaria is a country rich in history, and the people are very committed and hard-working,” she said. “They have a very good feel for quality.”

Glock said although many people are knowledgeable about Western Europe, most are not nearly as informed about Eastern Europe.

“This will bring to us an understanding of Eastern Europe that is much lacking,” she said.