Summertime is the moment for teachers and students to have a rest from the intense learning throughout the academic year and enjoy the unscheduled sunny days.
Though, not always.
The English Language Institute at AUBG has its classrooms packed with curious students from all ages who want to improve their English language skills. During the 1-month-long courses, students improve their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills with the help of experienced instructors from Bulgaria and the United States.
Language Courses
The courses are divided into four categories:
- Adapted for children 7-13 years old
- Adapted for adults 14+ years old
- Adapted for preparation for TOEFL/IELTS
- Customized classes based on the needs of a specific group
Students have classes 3 to 5 days a week, based on the intensity of the course, for 4 hours per day. With the prepared schedule, they have classes in the morning and time for homework, and leisure time in the afternoon.
Diversity
The ELI summer school is part of the AUBG diverse community. Every summer students from diverse backgrounds gather in the classrooms to learn together but also to exchange perspectives.
“The staff is always responsive, and participation is motivated,” said Dimitar who took Pre-intermediate 2 level. He said he was happy to have the help and understanding from the instructors when it comes to his special needs. “It is adjusted to my needs as I do not have all of the skills that people who are able to see have. So, I need to work in a slightly different way using [digital documents] on word. But everything is done in such a way that it could be convenient for the student.”
The program is happy to gather people from Europe and beyond who contribute to the perspectives in learning
“In order to complete my Engineering degree, I had to enroll for a summer school,” said Gabin who was one of the 10 French university students, part of the 2022 summer group. “I thought that this course was the best option as becoming more fluent in English could help me when I travel.”
Cultural exchange
The summer camp is designed to help students improve their English language skills while also having fun and experiencing Bulgarian culture. The weekdays afternoons are time for studying for the following class, however, the weekend is time for exploration. Damien, who also came from France, said that he was happy to get to know the AUBG campus but the travels around added to his experience in Bulgaria.
“I liked the visit of Sofia and the Seven Rila Lakes,” he said. “I will come again to see the Rila monastery as I didn’t have time to see it this time.”
And of course, if students do not have the chance to drive away, they can always explore the Blagoevgrad surroundings, walk in the Bachinovo park or chill around the buzzing water fountains in the heart of Blagoevgrad.
Professor Taner Karakuzu who teaches history at Trakiya University in Erdine, Turkey, decided to join the summer program to improve his English skills as part of his academic development. He enjoyed exploring the Blagoevgrad region and social life in addition to his classes.
“I would definitely recommend you to come and experience it.”
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