The Chinese and Bulgarian Directors of the Confucius Institute in Sofia Visited the Teaching Site Foreign Language High School “Petar Bogdan” in Montana

On October 12, Mrs. Aksiniya Koleva, the Bulgarian Director of the Confucius Institute in Sofia, and Professor Liu Xiuming, the Chinese Director, visited the teaching site Foreign Language High School “Petar Bogdan” in Montana. The principal Mrs. Maria Boncheva warmly welcomed the two directors, the local teacher Larisa Lazarova and the government-sponsored Chinese teacher Wang Ruping to attend the conversation. The two directors and the principal discussed the current situation of Chinese teaching in the school, the development of cultural activities, the life of the government-sponsored teacher, the localization of Chinese teaching, the regional development of Chinese teaching, etc. The meeting included friendly discussions and in-depth exchange. The Foreign Language High School in Montana offered Chinese courses for the first time in February 2023, and the teaching is currently developing well.

Accompanied by the principal, the local teacher and the government-sponsored teacher, the directors visited the school campus, the classroom for Chinese classes, the mini-library and listened to an introduction of the school’s Chinese teaching and student learning. The two directors expressed their gratitude to the principal of the school for her active support in establishing Chinese teaching, for her warm welcome, and also expressed satisfaction with the current situation of Chinese teaching in the school, and confidence in the development of Chinese teaching in the school in the future. The directors introduced the development and history of the Confucius Institute in Sofia, emphasized the importance of the sustainable development of the curriculum and the cultural activities, and expressed their willingness to support the Chinese courses and the promotion of cultural activities in the school. In addition, Prof. Liu Xiuming introduced the Chinese and foreign exchange activities organized by the Confucius Institute in Sofia, including the summer camp "You and Me in Beijing" organized by the Beijing Foreign Studies University. He welcomed students to apply and actively participate.

The two directors were very concerned about the life and work of Confucius Institute’s government-sponsored teacher Wang Ruping in Montana. Mrs. Aksiniya Koleva asked about Ms. Wang’s housing, food and work conditions in Montana. Professor Liu told the teacher to pay attention to her physical and mental health and work seriously and responsibly, and last but not least he reminded that the Confucius Institute in Sofia provides a solid support for teachers. Finally, the two directors extended an invitation to the principal and local teachers, saying that school leaders and colleagues are always welcome to visit the Confucius Institute in Sofia and provide guidance.

Confucius Institute in Sofia

Text: Wang Ruping

Photos: Liu Xiuming

Editors: Liu Xiuming, Aksiniya Koleva

English translation: Dima Pironkova

Photo 1 A group photo of the Chinese and Bulgarian directors of Confucius Institute in Sofia, the principal of the school in Montana and some teachers

Photo 2 The Chinese and Bulgarian directors of Confucius Institute in Sofia presented the school with the Institute’s anniversary album