Take advice

1. Learn some Bulgarian phrases! Some Bulgarians, especially elderly people, do not speak English so some useful phrases like "Hello" ("Zdrasti"), "Bye" ("Dovizhdane"), "Thank you" ("Blagodarya") can always be useful! Also, local people are always glad to see when foreigners are open towards their culture and language!

2. Try out the local cuisine! There are many fast food chains, however, the Bulgarian cuisine is marked by various delicious ingredients and traditional meals. Food that you should definitely try includes banitsa, lyutenitsa, musaka, yogurt, tarator and Shopska salad which was even recognized by the European Parliament as the best dish in Europe! 

3. Be open to new practices! Traditions in Bulgaria are very interesting and unusual so make sure you don't leave Bulgaria without having at least once worn a martenitsa or danced a traditional Bulgarian horo!

4. Check out social media channels! Organizing a Facebook page/event for each festival or event in every city is quite common, so make sure you check out social media channels for interesting happenings in your area. Follow our Facebook page "Creative & Young -The agency of the future "

5. Think outside, work outside. There are plenty of free wireless Internet hotspots as well as parks in every city so you can enjoy reading your lecture notes or write your papers outside while enjoying the sunny weather. 

6. Plan a trip around the country. Public transportation in Bulgaria is quite cheap and renting a car is also affordable. There are plenty of winter and summer resorts as well as world heritage sites around the country. The movement "100 Tourist Sites of Bulgaria" offers many ideas when you have a some time off and you are interested in travelling around the country.

7. Challenge yourself! The geography of Bulgaria is very diverse, so are the sports! Some activities might not be available in your home country, so make sure you give bungee jumping, sky diving, hiking, scuba diving or rafting a chance!

8. Make friends with locals! Bulgarians are famous for being very welcoming and friendly, so this "tip" won't take much of your time! Bulgarian friends can also help you enjoy your stay here by inviting you to great events or teaching you useful phrases in the local language.