WorldTeach  
application_deadlines  
program_informationapplypredeparturevolunteersalumniaboutjobsfaq
---
---
         
         
        
        
        


Program Profile:  Bulgaria Summer
 

Program Description      
Volunteer Role     
Placement Sites, Housing, Food
Length of Program
Cost of Program
Requirements

Program Description

This will be the second summer of WorldTeach Bulgaria. It follows the pilot project STEP Bulgaria run by Harvard's Bulgarian Club in 2007.

Summer volunteers will have the chance to teach for six to eight weeks in individual orphanages across the country. Possible placements include Sofia, Bratsigovo, Dolna Banya, Dren, or Pazardjik. Volunteers can also become part of the STEP Bulgaria program, which will take place at a summer camp site in Varna.

Volunteers teaching at individual orphanages will live either at the orphanage or in a house close by. Volunteers in STEP Bulgaria will stay at the camp site with the students, and they will be able to commute to the city whenever needed.


History

In 2007, four Harvard volunteers went to Bulgaria for six weeks to teach English, computer literacy and practical life skills to thirty-eight teenage orphans from across the country.

The goal of the program organizers was to contribute to the development of the human capital of Bulgarian youth living in state supported foster homes. The program's mission is based on the belief that young people in Bulgaria have the most urgent need and would benefit the most from an intensive educational program that uses interactive approaches in order to: improve their English language fluency, teach them computer literacy and basic life skills, and stimulate them to explore new fields of interest.

In order to achieve these specific goals, the volunteers were provided with a curriculum with suggested topics to be covered and skills to be taught throughout the program.

In addition to the American volunteers, Bulgarian university and high-school students also participated in the teaching teams. Having Bulgarian speakers on board facilitated communication with the students and allowed the international volunteers to make friends with people their age from the country. Thus STEP Bulgaria served as a bridge between volunteers from abroad as well as from Bulgaria and local teenagers lacking parental care, in an effort to provide the latter with practical skills and useful information related to their professional and academic life after graduating from high school. This step should allow volunteers and students to establish lasting bonds among one another.
 

 

 

 

 
 
 

"I knew little of Bulgarian history or culture, so it seemed like every second I learned something new and wonderful about the country. I was totally unprepared for its natural and artistic beauty, not to mention the sheer age of everything!”

Carolyn Holding, Bulgaria Summer volunteer

  "I had not expected the kids to be as well-adjusted, fun-loving and independent as they were. I arrived expecting to teach them, but they ended up teaching me a great deal about myself and really put life in perspective." 

Jia Wu, Bulgaria Summer volunteer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  


Volunteer Role

Volunteers will first participate in a weeklong orientation, during which they will become acquainted with successful teaching methods as well as with Bulgarian language and culture. During orientation, volunteers will be provided with teaching materials and a general curriculum to follow in terms of class themes and educational activities. They will practice preparing class activities that not only teach the material to the students, but also stimulate them to think creatively and collaborate with their classmates.  During last year's orientation volunteers visited major natural and historic sites in Bulgaria, passing through the beautiful mountain range in the Balkans and reaching the seaside at the town of Balchik, which is known for a beautiful royal castle right on the Black Sea coast. At the end of the week STEP Bulgaria volunteers will meet with Bulgarian volunteers who will be part of their teaching teams. Volunteers at orphanages will be brought to their teaching sites. 
 
Additionally, STEP Bulgaria volunteers will lead and coordinate a volunteer team with Bulgarian volunteers that will prepare themes for weekly class plans. STEP Bulgaria volunteers will also help students prepare their final projects and assist in planning the closing event, which will celebrate a summer of learning and exchange! This is a very important event for all teenagers participating as it gives them a specific goal towards which they can work throughout the program's duration. The volunteers at the orphanages can decide how they would like to conclude their service.

The WorldTeach Bulgaria field staff is completely devoted to insuring the volunteers' well-being and fulfillment throughout the program. That is why we try to provide the volunteers with all necessary materials and other support they might need in order to conduct their classes and teaching activities in the best way possible. Last year our volunteers were provided with all consumables, painting materials, and necessary digital technology (cameras, digital projectors and screens, cd/dvd players, etc). Regardless, the success of the program and the effect it has on the students is to a huge extent due to the volunteers' creativity and self-initiative.

Back to top

 
Placement Sites, Housing, Food 

Placement sites depend on which track of WorldTeach Bulgaria Summer volunteers participate in. In all locations volunteers receive full room and board. Those involved with STEP Bulgaria will be placed at a camp site together with about 40 kids for 3 weeks. For the rest of the time they will be placed in Sofia, Dolna Banya, Dren, Bratsigovo, or Pazardjik.

Changes in location are possible, depending on availability. Placements will be finalized by the beginning of June.

For descriptions of site placements, see Sample Placements.


Back to top

 

Length of Program

The program will last for eight weeks: one week of orientation and seven weeks of teaching. Depending on the academic calendar in Bulgaria and on the availability of flights, the departure date will be in the second half of June and the program will finish in mid-August.

Back to top

 

Cost of Program

$3,990. This includes pre-departure information and preparation, roundtrip international airfare from a designated US city (most likely Boston or New York City), one week in-country orientation, meals and housing during orientation and term of service, in-country transportation, 24-hour in-country field support, and some weekend excursions to other parts of Bulgaria.

Please read more about costs and services.

Note: WorldTeach summer programs may qualify for international internship and travel funds awarded by colleges and universities. Students are encouraged to check with their schools for eligibility.

  

Requirements

WorldTeach summer programs are open to qualified individuals over the age of 18 (including undergraduates) who are looking for a meaningful, short-term volunteer teaching experience.  English language fluency is required. Prior teaching experience is helpful but not required. Interest in teaching, community participation, and development are encouraged. Successful volunteers will be flexible, mature, resourceful, and have a genuine interest in living and teaching in Bulgaria.

For more information, please read our Volunteer Stories and Sample Placements.

Back to top

...

 

 
| | | |