Delegation Led by the Principal of 9th French Language High School Visited the Confucius Institute in Sofia

On January 16, Simona Angelova and Diana Fidanova, principal and vice-principal of 9th French Language High School “Alphonse de Lamartine” in Sofia, visited Confucius Institute in Sofia. Aksiniya Koleva and Chen Ying, Bulgarian and Chinese directors of the Institute, welcomed the delegation. The two parties exchanged views on cooperation in Chinese language teaching and cultural events.

During the meeting, Principal Simona Angelova introduced the history, educational system, and current development status of the 9th French Language High School, and expressed her hope to introduce Chinese language courses into the school curriculum, as well as her wish to establish long-term cooperation with the Confucius Institute. Vice Principal Diana Fidanova shared her experiences and takeaways from her visit to China, further emphasizing the significance and importance of introducing Chinese language and culture education at „Alphonse de Lamartine“ High School.

Bulgarian Director Aksiniya Koleva presented the Institute’s achievements in Chinese language teaching, cultural event organization, and Sino-Bulgarian cultural exchange. Chinese Director Chen Ying outlined initial plans and proposals for the upcoming Chinese teaching project, which both parties are set to launch.

After the meeting, Principal Simona Angelova, on behalf of the 9th French Language High School, presented a letter-invitation for cooperation to the Confucius Institute in Sofia. Both parties reached an agreement that, starting from the autumn semester of 2026, Chinese will be included in the school’s curriculum as a second foreign language.

The 9th French Language High School “Alphonse de Lamartine” in Sofia was established in 1961 and became a UNESCO Alliance School in 1977. It is a well-known foreign-language secondary school in Bulgaria. The school takes French as its first foreign language and provides intensified instruction, with multiple subjects taught in French. Its outstanding graduates are enrolled in well-known higher education institutions in countries around the world.

Confucius Institute in Sofia

Text: Zhang Kaiyue

Photos: Zhang Qing, Zhang Kaiyue

Editors: Chen Ying, Aksiniya Koleva, Ding Chen

English translation: Dima Pironkova