Today, we’re excited to welcome Laura – the female counterpart of a creative duo that’s all about growth, resilience, and turning ideas into action — The Phoenix Project. Known for rising from challenges and documenting their journey with honesty and passion, they’ve built a space where creativity meets purpose. Through their vlogs, they share real experiences, lessons learned, and the drive to keep evolving no matter the obstacles. In this interview, we’ll dive into the story behind Laura’s connection to the Bulgarian language, her motivation to live here, her process when it comes to studying Bulgarian, and her advice to all Bulgarian language learners.
Make sure to check her channel on Instagram, TikTok and Youtube
1. Hey dear Laura! How are you today?
I’m very well, thank you! I’m enjoying the snowy weather in Veliko Tarnovo!
2. We are so grateful to have you studying with us – can you tell everyone a little bit about yourself? Where are you from? How long have you been living in Bulgaria?
I’m super excited to be learning with Kristina Progress! Thank you for having me! I’m an English teacher, blog writer, and vlogger from the North-East of England. I’ve been living in Bulgaria for the last two years with my husband and two children.
3. At what point did you realize that you wanted or needed to learn Bulgarian?
The moment I decided to learn Bulgarian was when I booked my first flight to Bulgaria! We planned a two-week trip to visit the country and see if we enjoyed it enough to move permanently. I firmly believe in the importance of learning the basics of any language when you travel there for the first time to show respect and communicate with the locals. We visited a small market, and I was able to introduce myself and have some small talk, which was an amazing achievement!
4. Why did you choose our school in particular? (Social media, prices, values, people, reviews, etc.
I must admit, I’m a bit of a superfan of Kristina Progress and have been watching your videos on social media for quite some time. I really love the style of teaching, and it is perfect for me because I’m often very busy and don’t have time for learning. The videos have taught me some useful skills that I have been able to use in the real world (such as learning “mnogo merci” when saying thank you to waiters and waitresses!)
5. Which learning format did you choose: group classes, mini-groups, or individual lessons — and why?
I chose individual lessons because I need to focus on tailored learning with a teacher who can correct my grammar and explain where I’m going wrong. I’ve been working with Plamena, and she provided targeted feedback that really helps me improve in the moment!
6. What do you find relatively easy in Bulgarian and what do you have challenges with?
My vocabulary for real-life situations is pretty good at this point. For example, ordering an espresso or buying banitsa is second nature for me as an adopted Bulgarian! Greeting my neighbours and conducting some small talk is comfortable for me, and I have really sharpened my skills since taking lessons with Kristina Progress.
7. Was there a moment when Bulgarian felt difficult and you doubted that you could learn it? How did you overcome this, and what helped you?
Visiting the migration office made me feel like I knew zero Bulgarian. I have been studying application forms and administrative documents in my lessons, and it has allowed me to visit without a translator, which was mind-blowing for me!
8. At what moment or in which situation did you clearly notice progress in your language learning?
I suppose, whenever I order food and drinks in a restaurant with friends, they are always shocked at my language abilities! I consider my level to be quite basic, but because Bulgarian is a difficult language, many people are impressed when you can order and communicate effectively with the waiter!
9. Does knowing Bulgarian make your life in Bulgaria easier? In what way?
I don’t understand how anyone could live in this country without understanding the language a little bit. Speaking and reading Bulgarian means that I can read signs for shops and understand what is being sold. I can communicate with my neighbours and make new friends. I also sing songs in Bulgarian on my social media channels, and this activity has helped me understand the culture and nature of the Bulgarian people, who are proud and wonderful.
10. Have you had any funny or awkward situations related to not knowing or misunderstanding Bulgarian?
(For example, in supermarkets, cafés, or government offices.)
I asked my neighbour how he was last summer from across the river, and he said, “Basho, basho.” I froze. I had no idea what he said, and it sent me into an instant panic! Sometimes people in my village can use old Turkish or Russian phrases. I laughed nervously and retreated into my house. Thankfully, my neighbour knows I’m learning and doesn’t mind my awkwardness!
11. What are your three favorite Bulgarian words or expressions? Why do you like them?
There are so many amazing words in Bulgarian, and I adore the way they sound! For example, chadurrrrr (umbrella) is very fun to say. I also love the word for butterfly “peperuda” and “patladjan” which is eggplant!
12. Have you attended any events organized by our school? Which ones, and what stood out to you?
Unfortunately, there are no events near my home in Veliko Tarnovo, but I would love to try and make it to one in the future!
13. What would you tell someone who has just started learning Bulgarian?
Don’t give up, because it gets better! I promise! One day, you’ll order some coffee in a restaurant and you won’t think twice about it until your friends stare at you with open mouths at how good you sound. You can do it! 🙂
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