Meet our Bulgarian Teachers and read more about the teaching methods which will make you love learning Bulgarian

Iliyana Dimitrova

My name is Iliyana Dimitrova and I live in the beautiful old capital of Bulgaria - Veliko Tarnovo. In 2008 and 2010 Veliko Tarnovo was voted 'The Most Beautiful City in Bulgaria' and in 2011 the city won the prize of 'The Most Cultural City in Bulgaria'.

I have a Bachelors and Masters degree in Slavonic studies from St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Turnovo (2004). I have a PhD in 'Teaching Bulgarian as a second Language' and have written several academic papers on the subject. I am lucky enough to be invited to international seminars and universities to deliver lectures on issues and topics focusing on teaching Bulgarian as a second language. I have also taught Bulgarian to Bulgarian students in the university here in Veliko Tarnovo 'St. Cyril and St. Methodius'. I believe learning Bulgarian should be an enjoyeable process and can be learnt best by also developing a deep understanding and appreciation of Bulgarian culture, customs and traditions.

My academical interests are the theory and practice of teaching Bulgarian as a second language, Second Language Acquisition, Cognitive Linguistics, Psycholinguistics, Intercultural Education, Linguistic Culturology.

Kiril Tanev

My name is Kiril Tanev and I am from the capital of Bulgaria - Sofia, but have been living in Veliko Tarnovo for over 20 years.

I have always been involved in teaching. My university education was in Bulgarian Philology and i have been teaching ever since. I started off teaching English to Bulgarian students in the 1990s but as more and more foreign students came to Bulgaria and the popularity of Bulgaria increased there was more people wanting to learn our language. It is a real pleasure for me to teach Bulgarian - which is such a rich and beautiful language.

I have taught people from all over the world to speak Bulgarian and like to see that people enjoy the experience of learning. It is important to learn not only the language but also the culture and the people - that way you will learn Bulgarian much quicker and easier.

Andy Richards

Andy is invaluable to us as he has gone through the process of learning Bulgarian from scratch and now holds the maximum Bulgarian proficiency certificates from the two respected universites of Sofia and Veliko Tarnovo.

Andy first came to Bulgaria in 2005 not knowing a word of Bulgarian. In 2005 and 2006 he studied Bulgarian at the Department of Foreign Languages in Sofia University. He then went on to be employed by a number of Bulgarian firms and organistions with roles ranging from interpreting to I.T. Andy first started teaching Bulgarian to groups of UK volunteers in Bulgaria on European Union projects. He believes the key to learning Bulgarian is strong motivation, not being afraid to make mistakes and to immerse yourself in the Bulgarian language and culture.

Andy has put his Bulgarian to good use and has made several appearances on a popular Bulgarian chat show (see him in action here), a guest appearance in a comedy sitcom and various interviews on radio and for newspapers. Far away from his native Wales he loves mountain hiking and tries his best to learn Bulgarian dances - although the biggest compliment from the Bulgarians he has received for his dance efforts so far is 'he's very enthusiastic'. Never mind Andy keep on trying!

Andy often runs a Free introductory Bulgarian course via Skype

In what language do we teach?

Most people starting to learn Bulgarian feel more comfortable having instruction in their native language. This means that the correct meaning of words can be quickly understood and explanation can be more easily sought. We can deliver the lessons in English, Polish and Russian. However, teaching solely in Bulgarian even from the outset does have its advantages. The learner is free to choose the language of the above mentioned with which they feel most comfortable.

Is it very hard to speak Bulgarian?

Every one of us has learnt our own language without even trying to. Admittedly it won't be as easy as when you began to pick up your first language but there is no reason why you can't do it - and have fun doing it too! Our lessons are not just centred around a desk and a blackboard. Apart from all lessons being conducted in a relaxed environment we often conduct lessons out in the real world - we sometimes go out and practice buying some bread, ordering some coffee, negotiating the public transport system or even just walking and having a chat (in Bulgarian!:))

One week Bulgarian course - mastering the basics

Our 1 week Bulgarian course consists of 5 Bulgarian lessons of an hour duration. Learn how to read Bulgarian, the Bulgarian numbers, introduce yourself, be able to order a beer for you and your Bulgarian teacher :) Although the recommended course duration is 1 week you can choose to take the 5 lessons in a shorter or longer time frame.

Two week Bulgarian course - impressing the locals

A 2 week course of ten one hour lessons. Learn a bit more than the bare essentials. Useful Bulgarian phrases that will make conversation with Bulgarians more interesting and fun. Make sure you leave a good impression on the Bulgarian locals and they may even treat you a beer. This course consists of 10 lessons and you can take the lessons to suit your timetable.

One month Bulgarian course - a platform for the future

Ideal if you are planning on staying in Bulgaria for any significant period of time. This course gives you a good foundation in the Bulgarian language. You will learn how to express yourself in Bulgarian, give opinions, ask questions and be able to communicate in a wide range of everyday situations. A course of 20 lessons that can be taken over whatever period best suits you.

Nine month course - fluency

The aim of this course is to reach fluency in the Bulgarian language. Express yourself freely in any situation, be able to work in a Bulgarian professional environment and capable of immersing yourself completely in the Bulgarian way of life. 300 lessons make up the standard 9 month course - but programmes are student flexible meaning you can take more or less, depending on your chosen pace of study.

Student Feedback

"I have been learning the Bulgarian language with Iliyana since June 2016 and will continue to do so in 2017. Iliyana has proved to be a most reliable and friendly teacher who injects enthusiasm and interest into the lessons. Iliyana knows just when to push you a little bit harder and when to ease back a little in the lessons which makes for a good learning environment. I would without doubt recommend Iliyana to anyone wanting to learn the language either face to face or via Skype..."

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"The lessons that I took from Iliyana for one week was my first comprehensive start learning Bulgarian. After having lessons in the mornings and trying to communicate with local people of Veliko Tarnovo in the afternoons, I have decided to invest more time in the future. Iliyana was another important factor with her unique way of teaching that encouraged me to keep learning! I would like to thank you Iliyana in order to help me to make a correct start learning everything about Bulgaria and Bulgarian language..."

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"Having bought a house in Bulgaria, I felt it was going to be vital to be able to communicate in Bulgarian. It is a tricky language to take on but I have found an excellent teacher in Iliyana. She is guiding me through the process with immense patience, teaching me not only the language but the culture and history, this has made it, easier to understand some of the quirks of the language and much more interesting. She is dedicated and so enthusiastic, you can't help enjoying the process of learning this language. She structures the lessons, to work at a pace that I'm comfortable with and is always on hand to help and advise if I'm struggling with something. I have found that life in Bulgaria is so much better being able to speak and understand a little of the language..."

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Listen to Bulgarian Pronounciation