Considering the current situation of social isolation Step to Bulgaria had to switch entirely to online lessons. It was a bit challenging in the beginning but now I am happy to say that the skype classes are quite productive and are a really good alternative of the classroom lessons. This is what some of the students of Step to Bulgaria have shared regarding the online learning:

ALEX: In lieu of in-person lessons, I find skype to be a solid alternative method of learning. Nadia is just as attentive and interactive as in her classroom, and continues to challenge me and push me to learn this great language! Ucha ce!

DANIEL: Being able to have Skype classes with Nadia gives me a great opportunity to improve my Bulgarian even if I cannot always be at her place in person. In a way I can focus much more on the topic because all of my mistakes or additional phrases are typed in the chat window so that I do not need to note them immediately. Furthermore it is even possible to practice my writing skills for the C1 test in Bulgarian as the Foreign Language and to get the feedback straight away. So it does not really matter where I am, I can get the perfect language class online all around the world!

KIRA: Since last year, I take my lessons with Nadia via Skype. For me, it’s a great way to learn the language and I (would) recommend this method for all learners who can’t come to Sofia. You could practice your language skill while discussing current topics with her, you could go through the workbook, and you could do all the things you would do if you take the lessons at her workplace. What I like is that Nadia texts me the words I don’t know or understand, so I don’t learn only how to speak Bulgarian but also how to write the words. It’s even possible to switch the keyboard to phonetic Cyrillic script so that I can write Bulgarian.

LAUREN: I was initially reluctant to have Skype lessons as I had previously found it difficult to engage with online learning, but I have had completely the opposite experience with Nadia. Once I had got over the novelty of seeing her on a tiny screen the lesson was as normal. Even without the aid of a whiteboard I was still able to learn Bulgarian just as I would within the classroom. Only downside was that I had to make my own cup of tea. J

MADELEINE: Doing our lessons online has been a great way for me to keep learning throughout this period. One thing that’s really useful about Skype is that Nadia can type things to me and I can keep the text box running alongside our conversation. After some lessons, I copy and paste parts of the text and print them off so I can collect the new vocabulary and grammar I’ve learnt. In this very strange time, it’s actually a great relief to still be learning Bulgarian – I really look forward to our lessons every week. I also teach via Skype (English literature) and it’s been an excellent way to help my students keep up with their studies.

TONY: ‘As the Managing Director of Ingram Micro in Bulgaria – company that is the largest distributor of technology in the World I am certainly a supporter of all digital applications that allow me to be easily connected with my staff and my friends. I have been using a combination of face to face and Skype for more than a year now for my Bulgarian lessons with Nadia at ‘Step to Bulgaria’. I firmly believe that my learning experience over Skype is equal to that of my face to face lessons (aside from missing my coffee and biscuit). Skype is an easy to use means of clearly listening and reading all the exercises and has contributed to the success of where I am today in my progress to speak Bulgarian in my new country of residence.