A new adventure: My journey to teaching abroad in Bulgaria

Bulgaria is home to a small, but significant number of Irish citizens, spread throughout the country – from university students and ski holidaymakers, to digital nomads and retirees. In many ways, big and small, the Irish community has made its mark in Bulgaria.

Danielle Danaher's Story

One Irish citizen who has made her mark in Bulgaria is Danielle Danaher, of the Anglo-American School in Sofia. From her native Ireland, Danaher's sense of adventure and love of teaching has guided her path, through classrooms across four continents, to settling down along Sofia’s iconic yellow bricks.

Though perhaps not as exotic as her previous stops, which involved backpacking across Central America and safaris in Zimbabwe, Bulgaria is a happy compromise for her and her family: close enough to Ireland and conveniently connected for visiting family and friends, while still providing unique cultural (and culinary!) differences to appease their longing for adventure.

Life in Sofia

Along with Bulgaria’s general cultural treasures and traditions, Sofia, the capital, has its own unique attractions and allures.

Sofia’s appeal to nature lovers is evident from any vantage point in the city, nestling in the shade of the city’s favourite local landmark, Vitosha Mountain. For urban explorers, Sofia’s bustling coffee culture and arts scene providers endless entertainment. For Danaher, fully immersing oneself in one’s adopted country’s culture, like she is, is the only way to truly connect people and discover the bonds that link them.

In the video below, learn more about Danaher's personal and professional journey, and the series of unlikely adventures that has taken her and her family to Bulgaria.