Bulgaria National Military University Foreign Language Department - Shumen LTC Petko Petkov Director of the FLD October 2010 National Military University Foreign Language Department - Shumen FIRST STEPS, DEVELOPMENT AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES OF SHUMEN FOREIGN LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT LTC Petko Petkov Director of the FLD October 2010

Briefing Structure EstablishmentLocation Aims and objectives Trainees International students Training staff Course design Types of courses Textbooks, supplementary and teaching materials Assessments procedures Facilities

Establishment  Created as a structure of National Military University – September 2005  Renovation of study building – 2006  Pilot courses – April – August 2006  First courses – September 2006  Official opening – Bulgarian MOD invest more than 1million euro. USA (FMF and IMET programs) invest more than 1 million USD (books, labs, training).

Location of Foreign Language Department

Mission: To prepare personnel of the Bulgarian Military Forces for 21st century challenges, NATO membership and operation in coalition forces, by providing high-quality teaching in English language Goals: 1. Maintain a staff of well-trained and motivated teachers. 2. Establish a system for permanent control of the students’ knowledge as well as for teachers’ assessment. 3. Provide the necessary equipment, meeting the modern requirements for language and computer training. 4. Provide equally good conditions for accommodation, catering and sports

from all branches of armed forces: Career officers, NCOs, Enlisted, Civilian staff Until now – more than 1200 students

International students – 2008, 2009 – 39 students from 7 countries – Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Georgia and FYROM.

MA degrees in English Philology;MA degrees in English Philology; appointed after a contest; appointed after a contest; most of them have passed various levels of training abroad; most of them have passed various levels of training abroad; average experience in English Language training – more than 10 years average experience in English Language training – more than 10 years

6 academic hours per day from to days per week Afternoons are free for self preparation Teachers are available for extra work with the students in the afternoons

Level I - 18 weeks - book 1-12 Level II -18 weeks - book Level III - 15 weeks - book All of them based on American Language Course and additional materials as Campaign and Headway

There is more than printed books, supported by appropriate audio and multimedia These materials are sufficient for conducting simultaneous training of 100 students I level 100 students II level and 30 students level III Textbooks, supplementary and teaching materials

Entry level control – for level II – 50 points ALCPT Current control- Book Quiz – every week – must have at least 70% (35 points) Progress test – 8th weeks – ALCPT Progress test – 8th weeks – ALCPT Final control- course final examination, ALCPT and an oral exam From 2009 every course ends with STANAG exams.

Language laboratories: upgraded June level II labs – total 75 positions 2 level IV labs – total 25 positions

Self access center – 12 seats Video room LibraryOthers: Dining facility Dormitory – 128 rooms Outdoor sport facilities Gym/ Swimming pool Facilities cont.

Questions?