HIGH SCHOOL FOR FOREIGN LANGUAGES IVAN VAZOV – PLOVDIV WHERE LANGUAGES OPEN WORLDS

To learn more, we spoke with the school's principal, Vihra Eramyan, who has led the school since 2017.

What is the most important thing the school has taught its students over the years?

Since its founding, the school's faculty and staff have striven to preserve valuable traditions while embracing the challenges of the modern world. We believe that our high school is not just a place for quality education; it is also a space where students' spirits evolve, where they are encouraged to develop their talents, and where they are taught universal values. This is why Ivan Vazov Foreign Language School has become the most sought-after school in Plovdiv.

These principles are deeply rooted in our history. The school began as Bulgaria's first Russian language high school. After the democratic changes, in 1990, it became the first school in the country to teach six foreign languages: English, German, Spanish, Italian, French, and Russian.

How does your team succeed in providing top-level language education?

A key factor in the high quality of foreign language education is the professional qualification of our teachers and the integration of modern technology. We began our digital transformation in 2018 by implementing the 1:1 model (a Chromebook for every teacher and student) and adopting cloud-based technologies. In 2019, we were officially recognised as the first Google Reference School in Southeastern Europe. In 2023, we introduced an innovative curriculum with a new subject – Applied Digital Skills, taught in each student's first foreign language of choice.

Another crucial factor in the success of our language programmes is our participation in bilateral agreements for bilingual education with Spain and Italy, as well as our status as one of the 24 schools in Bulgaria that serve as centres for preparation for the German Language Diploma.

How do you help your students grow into confident and literate global citizens?

Over the past five years, we have completely renovated and remodelled our educational environment. We now have two STEM centres, high-tech classrooms, a modern dormitory, and a multifunctional gym. These amenities, combined with the use of modern technology, motivate our students to undertake sustainable development projects and create innovative solutions to global challenges.

Our participation in national and international projects, programmes, and competitions opens up broad opportunities for students to demonstrate their potential. Teachers encourage them to ask questions, voice their opinions, collaborate in teams, and take part in volunteer and charitable activities. They are also taught to be respectful and tolerant of differences. This is how we fulfil our most important mission: to educate and prepare our students to be relevant and successful globally – as responsible, knowledgeable and capable individuals.

Plovdiv, 121 Bulgaria Blvd
+359 32 951 218 
school@egiv-plovdiv.bg
egiv-plovdiv.bg