Learning Bulgarian with Preply: My Honest Review

Living in Bulgaria and Deciding to Learn the Language

After four years of living in Bulgaria, I finally decided to learn Bulgarian. Although we've only been here for about six months, there's no excuse for not picking up the local language. Relying solely on English in a country where only 30% of the population speaks it is simply not enough. It was time for me to learn and better integrate into life here.

Why Language Learning is Important

When living abroad, speaking the local language is crucial. Not only does it make communication easier, but it also helps you build stronger relationships with the locals. Knowing even a little of the local language can save you from “tourist pricing” when shopping and make everyday tasks like grocery shopping or visiting the doctor much smoother.

Why I Chose Preply

I had tried various language learning apps in the past, but I found that learning with a real person is far more effective. Preply is a platform I had long been aware of, known for its positive reviews. They have a team of quality tutors, and when they invited me to give it a try, I jumped at the opportunity.

How Preply Works

Getting started with Preply is easy. You simply select the language you want to learn, set your goals, and choose your preferred learning style. I opted to focus on culture and travel. The profile setup was straightforward. After completing my profile with my email, name, and a photo, I was ready to find a tutor.

Choosing the Right Tutor

Finding the right tutor took longer than I anticipated because I wanted someone who had good reviews and fit my learning style. Fortunately, there aren’t many Bulgarian tutors, and I ended up choosing Tanya. Preply also offers a trial lesson at a discounted rate, which is very helpful for assessing the compatibility between student and tutor.

Expectations for the First Lesson

My first lesson with Tanya took place via video call without needing to download any software. She started by asking about my life in Bulgaria and why I wanted to learn the language. After assessing my level, she presented a basic study plan, beginning with the Cyrillic alphabet—a significant challenge for me.

Challenges of Learning Bulgarian

Bulgarian is not easy for English speakers. The grammar, sounds, and especially the alphabet are completely different. Interestingly, I have some experience with Russian, yet I still found learning Bulgarian to be quite challenging.

Structure of the Lessons

Each lesson with Tanya follows a consistent structure: warm-up, new material, practice, and small exercises. She also encourages me to contribute to the lesson structure, which helps me feel more confident and engaged in my learning.

Useful Information for Vietnamese Travelers

If you're planning a trip to Bulgaria, be sure to prepare your tourist visa in advance. Vietnamese citizens need a visa for entry, costing around 1,400,000 VND. To reach Bulgaria, you can fly from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, with round-trip ticket prices ranging from 20 to 30 million VND, depending on the season and when you book. The summer months from June to September are the ideal time to explore this beautiful country.

Sharing Language Learning Experiences

Don’t hesitate to experiment with different learning methods. You might enjoy learning through an app, but finding an online tutor like I did can be immensely beneficial. Be patient, as learning a new language is a long and rewarding journey.

Article adapted and edited from source: Goats On The Road