At KristinaProgress, we love hearing from our students about their journeys of learning Bulgarian and adapting to life in Bulgaria.
Alina, a talented travel vlogger and student of ours, shares her honest experience – from her first impressions to the real-life benefits of learning Bulgarian. If you’re a foreigner wondering how hard is Bulgarian, where to start, or why it’s worth it – this interview is for you.
1. Alina, can you introduce yourself to our readers who are thinking of moving to Bulgaria and learning Bulgarian? Where are you from originally?
Thank you, I’m very happy to be studying at Kristina Progress! I was born in Kyiv, Ukraine, but moved to Canada at the age of 5 and lived there for most of my life. While I did grow up speaking Russian, I would say that English quickly became my dominant language fairly quick. I can still speak Russian fairly well, which has helped to a certain extent now having moved to Bulgaria.
2. What inspired you, as a travel vlogger, to choose Bulgaria as your destination for relocation and to start learning Bulgarian here?
I came to Bulgaria for the first time in 2020 and right away got a really good impression of Bulgaria and the people here. In the past couple of years when I was considering of where to move to, Bulgaria definitely came to mind because I had decided that Europe was the area of the world that I wanted to be in. When I also considered other factors that were important to me like cost of living, taxes, central airport hub, beautiful nature and also a culture that was somewhat similar to my background (Ukrainian/Russian), Bulgaria was the clear choice.
3. What were your first impressions of life in Bulgaria — what surprised you in a good or not-so-good way?
When I first came here in 2020 I was definitely surprised by how diverse the country was with its cities, mountains, seaside coastline, there was a lot more to see and do than I was expecting. I think my favourite part was definitely the nature and also how welcoming the people were. Whenever anybody could tell I was a foreigner, they took the time to help me or give suggestions about what to do. My least favourite thing is probably some of the reckless driving that goes on and of course the slightly complicated immigration process as a non-EU person!
4. Were there any cultural or daily life differences in Bulgaria that were hard to adapt to as a foreigner?
The bureaucracy is of course a bit of a challenge and with the language barrier it makes it even harder. As a foreigner you definitely need a local or to hire professional support to help you with things like immigration, banking, etc.
5. Is it possible to live in Bulgaria without speaking Bulgarian, especially in cities like Sofia or Varna?
You can in some of the larger places like Sofia, Plovdiv and Varna. You will most likely have to hire help to accommodate the business side of things as I mentioned before, but it can be done. I think long term it pays to start learning the local language so you can better understand what is going on around you and also make more local friends.
6. Did you begin studying Bulgarian before your move, or only after arriving in Bulgaria? How was your first contact with the language?
No, I actually made the final decision that I was going to move to Bulgaria fairly quick before moving here, so I didn’t have a lot of free time during the paperwork process. My first impression of the language was that there were certainly a lot of similarities between Bulgarian and Russian, but I noticed them more when reading, not when being spoken to. I think the pronunciation is quite different even to words that are similar.
7. What are some of the most useful Bulgarian words or expressions every foreigner should learn first?
Definitely Blagodarya or Zdraveyte are good places to start. From there of course learning how to introduce yourself or asking where the toilet is, is helpful 🙂
8. Has learning Bulgarian made a real difference in your everyday life here in Bulgaria?
Yes, I feel a bit more confident when I go out now that I know more Bulgarian. Before I felt a little bit helpless if let’s say I’m in a situation (like the one time I got stuck in my apartment elevator lol) where the person doesn’t speak any English or Russian.
9. What did you think about your Bulgarian language lessons at KristinaProgress and your teacher, Plamena?
Plamena is a fantastic teacher and it’s so nice to be able to get immediate feedback and be able to ask questions as we go through the lessons. I had actually tried an online Bulgarian course when I first moved here, but it is so much better to study in real time with a teacher and have lessons customized to your knowledge level. As a Slavic language speaker you have a bit of a head start with knowing the alphabet and certain words being similar, so it’s great to be able to do a private class that meets you exactly where you are.
10. Which parts of the Bulgarian language are easier for you, and what do you still find challenging?
The fact I can read is definitely a big help and also the number system is quite similar to Russian. The biggest challenge is defining masculine/feminine/neutral objects, as well as certain aspects of grammar.
11. How do you feel about Bulgarian grammar? Does it start to make sense with the right teaching methods?
It is challenging for me for sure, but having Plamena guide me through has definitely been a big help.
12. Is there a Bulgarian word that makes you smile or sounds funny to you as a foreigner?
I think melon “пъпеш” is funny not only because of the way it sounds but also the fact that “диня” is watermelon in Bulgarian. In Russian диня is actually melon, so those two kind of get mixed up for me.
13. Would you recommend individual or group Bulgarian classes for expats in Bulgaria — and why?
I prefer individual because I like the personal feedback and being able to have things tailored to exactly where I am. I also have a bit of a complicated work schedule with how much I travel, so it would be difficult for me to commit to exactly the dates and times group classes take place. With individual, it is more flexible to set times that work for just you.
14. What advice would you give to a foreigner just starting to learn Bulgarian?
I think it can be very intimidating for most people learning any new language, so I would say just take your time and set easy targets to begin with. Even learning 5 new words or sentences is a great start and the more you use them, the easier it will be to keep adding on new things. Real world practice is definitely the best way to progress quickly, but everyone has to start with what feels comfortable for them.
15. What places in Bulgaria are on your travel list next? What do you want to explore more of as you continue learning Bulgarian and living here?
I would love to continue to explore more parts of the country that I haven’t been to yet. This summer I am doing some travels on the Black Sea coast that I have never been to before like Burgas, Sozopol, Nessebar and Sveti Vlas. I also would love to do more hikes in the Pirin Mountains which I haven’t done before. Many more adventures to come!
Thank you so much for giving us the time! Would you like to add something more?
Whether you’re already living in Bulgaria or planning your move, learning Bulgarian can be your gateway to a deeper, more connected life here. At KristinaProgress, we offer customized Bulgarian lessons online and in person – tailored to your goals, schedule, and experience level.
👉 Ready to start? Explore our courses here.