Bulgarian Studies Initiative

The Russian, East European, and Eurasian Center and the Department of Slavic Languages & Literatures are pleased to announce a new initiative in Bulgarian Studies at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. This pilot program, made possible by the generous financial support of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Bulgaria, sponsors courses in Bulgarian language, culture, and history at Illinois, and creates new opportunities to study in Bulgaria for Illinois students and faculty.

The lineage of Bulgarian studies at Illinois is long, stretching back over a century to the first Bulgarian Illini who arrived on campus in 1911. In the decades since, the university has served as a hub for the study of Balkan history, culture, and expressive traditions, anchored by renowned faculty like historian Maria Todorova and ethnomusicologist Donna A. Buchanan, who also founded the University of Illinois Balkan Music Ensemble, Balkanalia, which has brought regional sounds to audiences near and far for over 25 years. Building on this rich legacy of scholarship and performance, Illinois continues to deepen its engagement with the region. Learn more about our current initiative to foster Bulgarian studies at Illinois below.

Bulgarian language students and instructor in LCLB

Bulgarian language students and instructor on main quad at U of I

Bulgarian language students and instructor at coffee shop

In the News

News articles:

Read more about the background of this pilot program on REEEC's website here.

The School of Literatures, Cultures & Linguistics recently highlighted Bulgarian studies at U of I on their webpage.

The Bulgarian Studies Initiative was also highlighted by BG Voice, featuring video interviews with Professor Iliyana Dimitrova, Consul General Svetoslav Stankov, and Bulgarian language students at Illinois.

Read about Professor Iliyana Dimotrova's historic work with her language courses at U of I on Borba, a Bulgarian newspaper published in Veliko Turnovo.

Selected past campus events:

Fulbright Opportunities in Central and Southeastern Europe: A Lunchtime Discussion with Angela Rodel (Executive Director, Fulbright Bulgaria) and David Schug (Director, National and International Scholarships Program, U of I) | February 6, 2024

REEEC Authors & Artists Lecture: Angela Rodel, "From Cem Sultan to Time Shelter: Strategies for Translating History in Bulgarian Literature" | February 6, 2024

Read about Angela Rodel's visit to campus in the Fall 2024 REEEC Newsletter.

Balkanalia's Annual Spring Concert: 2024, 2025, 2026

REEEC/Eastern European Illini March 1 Crafternoon: 2024, 2025, 2026

Related Academic Programs

Bachelor’s degree programs

Master’s degree programs

PhD program

Courses

BULG – Bulgarian Courses of Instruction

BULG 101 – First-Year Bulgarian I (FA 26)

BULG 102 – First-Year Bulgarian II (SP 27)

BULG 201 – Second-Year Bulgarian I (FA 26)

BULG 202 – Second-Year Bulgarian II (SP 27)

MUSC 449 – Balkanalia (Balkan Music Ensemble)

REES 296 – Intro to Bulgarian Culture (SP 27)

Reflections on Bulgarian language and culture courses:

"Taking the Bulgarian Cultures course at UIUC was profoundly useful to me. With the help of my peers and instructor, I learned more about the celebrations, history, and unique culture that my parents grew up in. Although I have spent a large part of my life in Bulgaria, this course further immersed me within the Bulgarian community, taught me about the country’s past, and provided unique knowledge that I wouldn’t have unearthed by myself. The instructor was also very attentive and personalized her teaching to each student’s needs. I would highly recommend this class to all, for this is an opportunity that’s unique compared to other courses!"

-Lia Tondeva (Integrative Biology and Chemistry, UIUC Class of ‘26)

"There are few learning opportunities I have found to be as enriching and fulfilling as my time in Prof. Dimitrova's Bulgarian language and culture courses. Not only is she a shining example of the literary legacy of Bulgaria, she is also a master of tailored instruction. Her confidence and love of the subject is not taught, but earned, and if you embark on this learning journey, you too will begin to love this ancient language."

-Dimiter Kramer (Industrial Engineering, UIUC Class of ‘26)

"This class was a great way to learn more about the beautiful Bulgarian culture because of the interactivity throughout class time. We would go over slides of information that were part of the lesson plan and could always pause to ask questions, reflect on the information present, and talk about our own personal experiences with Bulgarian culture. We also were able to discuss topics more in-depth that we had a personal interest in, which was very exciting. The class was intriguing due to the variety of information we went over, from the beginning to present-day Bulgaria. This class truly felt like my home away from home and always had me longing to learn more and more about the country. I considered this class a safe space to learn, ask questions, and just relate to a community of people who understood me to the highest extent."

-Diana Vesselinova (Advertising, UIUC Class of ‘26)

Conversation Table

Coming soon!

Study in Bulgaria

Summer Seminars in Bulgarian Language and Culture

For over sixty years, universities in the Republic of Bulgaria have hosted short (3-week) study abroad programs each summer, from mid-July to early August. These seminars are open to any student interested in the culture, language, history, and contemporary life of this beautiful corner of Europe.

One seminar is held at the University of Sofia "St. Kliment Ohridski" in Bulgaria's Capital (Sofia): Summer Seminar in Bulgarian Language and Culture for Foreign Bulgarian and Slavic Scholars

The other is held at the University of Veliko Tarnovo "St. Cyril and St. Methodius" in the historic town (and former Bulgarian capital) Veliko Tarnovo: International Summer Seminar in Bulgarian Language and Culture. Recently, the Bulgarian National Radio published an article on this program and its activities. Read about it here!

Both of these highly international seminars include courses in Bulgarian language (including for people with no background in the language), as well as presentations on literature, history, music, and dance.

Other ways to study/work in Bulgaria

Stay tuned! Other opportunities to study in Bulgaria are in the works!

People

Working Group

Mark Beirn – Director, LAS International Programs

David Cooper – Professor and Head, Department of Slavic Languages & Literatures

Iliyana Dimitrova – Adjunct Senior Lecturer, Department of Slavic Languages & Literatures

Jessica Greenberg – Professor and Associate Head, Department of Anthropology

Dana Johnson – Director, Graduate College Office of External Fellowships

Glen Layne-Worthey – Associate Director for Research Support Services, HathiTrust Research Center

Cheryl Marcelo – Associate Director, Education Abroad & International Exchanges (LAS)

Maureen Marshall – Deputy Director, Illinois Global Institute

Dani Nutting – Assistant Director, National and International Scholarships Program

John Randolph – Director, Russian, East European, and Eurasian Center; Associate Professor, History

Valleri Robinson – Associate Professor, Theatre Studies

Danielle Sekel – Interseminars Project Coordinator, Humanities Research Institute

Peter Wright – Assistant Professor and Co-Director of Undergraduate Studies, Department of Slavic Languages & Literatures

Raia Uvakova – Student representative and junior in Kinesiology

Language Instructor

Iliyana Dimitrova – Adjust Senior Lecturer, Department of Slavic Languages & Literatures

Students

Eastern European Illini (EEI) Registered Student Organization; EEI Instagram

Libary Collections

Bulgaria | Slavic, East European & Eurasian Studies | University Library | Illinois