Bulgaria

“The Land of Roses,” “The Crossroads of Europe,” “The Jewel of the Balkans” — Bulgaria is a country with many names, each capturing a different facet of its rich history and culture. Nestled in southeastern Europe, Bulgaria is bordered by Romania to the north, Serbia and North Macedonia to the west, Greece and Turkey to the south, and the Black Sea to the east. With its diverse landscapes, ancient ruins, and vibrant cities, Bulgaria offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and modern charm. A Little History Though home to just under 7 million people, Bulgaria has left an outsized mark on the world, from its Cyrillic alphabet—now used across Eastern Europe and Central Asia—to its deep traditions in folklore, music, and dance. The Bulgarian language, while challenging for some, is a Slavic tongue with its own distinct grammatical features. You’ll hear it spoken not just in Bulgaria but also in Bulgarian communities across Europe and beyond! Bulgaria’s history stretches back millennia, with traces of Thracian civilization dating as far back as 4000 BC. The Thracians, famous for their gold treasures and warrior culture, were eventually absorbed by the Roman Empire, which left behind stunning ruins still visible today in places like Plovdiv. By the 7th century, the First Bulgarian Empire was established, marking the beginning of Bulgaria’s Slavic identity. The country has since endured Ottoman rule, Soviet influence, and waves of change, emerging today as a proud and inde…

Each country has its own requirements and qualifications when it comes to teaching. Some require a bachelor’s degree in any field. In others, you’ll qualify with only a high school diploma and your TEFL certificate. Some countries have strict visa requirements that may disqualify you based on your citizenship or criminal background. Let’s take a look at the qualifications needed for teaching English in Bulgaria. Education A bachelor’s degree is required to teach in schools in Bulgaria. Citizenship European Union (EU) citizens are able to work legally in Bulgaria. There are no specific citizenship requirements to teach English in Bulgaria, and you do not need to be a native English speaker in order to find a job there. See more below regarding English fluency levels. For those without EU citizenship, it will be much harder to find a school that can hire you and sponsor you, outside of Fulbright . English Fluency As mentioned above, there are no citizenship requirements to teach in Bulgaria. That being said, if English is not your first language you’ll still need to have a high fluency in English, and you might need to be more flexible about your school and location preferences to compete with native English-speaking candidates. Background Check A 100% clean criminal record check is not generally a requirement to teach in Bulgaria. Medical Check A medical check is not required to teach in Bulgaria, though certain schools might require it. TEFL Certificate A TEFL certificat…

While Bulgaria might often be overlooked for its neighbors like Greece or Romania when it comes to tourism, many are starting to see that it is a hidden gem! With stunning Black Sea beaches, over 700 mineral springs, a rich cultural heritage, and a cost of living much lower than in Western Europe, Bulgaria is a dream destination for travelers and expats alike. Where there is a rise in tourism, there is a growing demand for English, creating plenty of teaching opportunities throughout the country. Hiring seasons are extremely important for Bulgaria. September is the first peak hiring season right after everyone is back from their summer vacations and ready to start the school year; the second being January just after the holidays. It is very hard to find a job outside of the hiring seasons and we do not typically recommend going to Bulgaria at any other time. Contracts are typically valid for 9-12 months. You can find English teaching positions in private language schools, bilingual/international schools, and occasionally public schools. Private language schools are for-profit institutions catering to students of all ages and backgrounds. In bilingual and international schools, teachers primarily work with pre-kindergarten to high school students. Most hiring occurs in September/October and January, with summer camp opportunities available in late June and July. While some jobs can be arranged in advance, most require in-person interviews. At this time, International TEFL Ac…

Congrats! You have decided between applying to a private language school, a private or international school…or maybe you haven’t yet. That’s okay! We can at least start the necessary steps for the application process in Bulgaria. Heads up! For non-European Union (EU) citizens, be sure to check out our Teaching in Bulgaria Timeline , as well as the Applying for the Visa section for more information and to make sure that you are staying on track with your documents. As most positions do not offer a work permit, you will be going over on a student visa or working holiday visa (if you qualify) which have certain timelines before going abroad. Step 1: Prepare Your Initial Application Materials Resume & Cover Letter Your resume and cover letter are the keys to connecting with schools and beginning the application process. International employers look for specific elements in the resume that may differ from what you’re used to seeing domestically. To take a deeper dive into international resumes and cover letters, visit the Resume and Cover Letter section! Once you’ve updated your resume and cover letter to meet the recommended international standards, submit your drafts to your Student Affairs Advisor for review. A quick note about photos: In Europe, it is very common to include a photo on your resume and possibly as a part of the application process. A headshot photo is typical, which you can send with your application, though some schools will also ask for a full-body shot. Don’t…

Congratulations on your job offer(s)! If you’ve applied to work at a private language school, and you’ve followed our previous advice you’re already off to a great start. But what’s next? Determining whether or not the offer is right for you. To help make this determination, follow the recommendations below. Whether you have one offer, or several, the key elements you’ll want to take note of are: salary, working hours, vacation days, sick days, medical insurance, and bonuses. Let’s take a closer look at what to expect with each of these elements. Review the Basics Salary The average starting salary for a first-year English teacher in Bulgaria is 1,200 BGN to 1,770 BGN (Bulgarian Lev) per month ( use this currency converter to determine your home currency ). Anything significantly lower or higher should make you ask a few questions. If the reason for the pay difference is obvious, like a rural location with a low cost of living or longer than average working hours, you may find that you’re okay with it. But don’t accept a contract that is paying you less for doing the same amount of work the average English teacher does, or one that doesn’t fit into your work-life-travel balance. Working Hours Teaching English in Bulgaria is typically a full-time gig. Most teachers work between 22 and 35 hours per week. However, there’s more than just the total number of working hours per week to consider. Will you have to work in the morning for a few hours and then come back for more in …

The word “visa” tends to provoke daunting images of endless red tape and paperwork but we’re here to ease your anxiety and hopefully have you zipping through this process like a pro. Below, we’ll outline the most common visa routes for foreign English teachers in Bulgaria. As is always the case with any of the visa advice we provide, please be sure to cross-check this information with your local Bulgarian consulate or embassy to ensure you are getting the most up-to-date, accurate, and personalized instruction there is! Visa Types Student Visa What is it? Those who plan to study in Bulgaria at a recognized language school, university, etc. may be eligible to legally work in Bulgaria while studying. Typically, a student visa must be processed before departing for Bulgaria. Contact a Bulgarian Consulate for more information on recognized “study abroad” programs and what is required to obtain a student visa. International TEFL Academy cannot assist TEFL students with finding language schools or processing student visas. How do you get one? You must be enrolled in a program of study, have your original “letter of invitation,” and submit the application for a Bulgarian student visa at your local Bulgarian embassy or consulate. How long is it valid? The student visa is issued for stays longer than 90 days, and is typically valid for your length of study. Tourist Visa What is it? As Bulgaria is a Schengen area country and part of the European Union, most non-EU citizens are only ab…

In the days, weeks, and months leading up to your move abroad, it’s more important than ever to stay organized and ask yourself: What are the logistics I have to consider and the loose ends I have to tie up in order to thrive in my new home? Do I have to worry about taxes? What about health insurance? And what the heck do I do about a cell phone? Fear not, TEFL teacher. In this section, you’ll find the tips, resources, and wisdom to tackle these questions and more! Review the Basics Health Insurance Although in a perfect world an apple a day would keep the doctor away, in reality, even teachers get sick. Cue health insurance/care. Regardless of the country you end up in, you should always inquire about health insurance before accepting a position. If health insurance is indeed provided by your employer, it’s imperative that the relevant details are outlined clearly in any contract you sign. More often than not in Bulgaria, basic health care is provided by the government if you are studying or working legally! Check out the Accepting the Right Offer section to learn more. Private healthcare is possible if you would like to pay for it on your own. It is also a good idea to purchase travel insurance which is separate from health insurance. This typically covers any major expenses if you are severely injured or sick in another country. ITA recommends World Nomads . Savings & Banking In Bulgaria, it may take anywhere from six to nine weeks before you receive your first paycheck…

You have finally made it to the end of the Bulgaria section, no small feat! Here is all of that wonderful information from the previous sections laid out step-by-step and month-by-month before your intended departure date for Bulgaria. This timeline is not only for the planners and check-list lovers (although you will love this too). It is strongly encouraged for anyone planning a move to Bulgaria to help keep you on track and organized as you make your way through the process. Finding a Job on the Ground Please keep in mind that the main hiring seasons for Bulgaria are September and January. Take your desired start date and subtract from there. While it may be possible to move some parts of the process along quicker, follow this timeline as closely as possible. 4 months before departure: Begin your research ___List out your preferences and priorities. ___ Chat with ITA alumni , watch alumni videos and read about alumni experiences . ___Read through ITA’s resources, watch/attend a Student Affairs webinar. ___Network with ITA Alumni and watch Instagram takeovers, etc. ___Read about Bulgaria and Hungarian culture, etc. ___Ensure your passport is valid for the entire time you plan to be in Bulgaria and six months after. ___Order a national-level background check. ___Start saving up so you have enough money in your bank for start-up costs. 2-3 months before departure: Make travel and accommodation arrangements ___Book flight to Bulgaria. ___Book short-term accommodations for you…

My first piece of advice... do it! I've been here 3+ years and in all this time I've never met somebody who said, "I really regret that time I moved and lived in a foreign country!" Even if it isn't the long-term lifestyle you want, it is a special life experience you might not get if you don't go for it soon. Tanner L. ITA Alum One thing you will notice in Sofia is that there is graffiti everywhere. It is on every available surface of almost every building. Kevin N. Sofia, Bulgaria