A Second Home In New Zealand.
Unique guide reveals insider secrets on how to migrate, live, work or invest in New Zealand the smart way.

Author: Susan Pedalino

Article source: http://www.articlecity.com/. Used with author's permission.

Although, the majority of Brits buying in Bulgaria are looking for holiday homes/buy to let and investment opportunities, there are people relocating permanently. It is not just retired Brits who are planning to move to Bulgaria but also families with young children.

Despite the natural adaptability of children, the younger the better, any major change in their life will have some impact. One of the most influential factors which worry most parents is changing schools. In this case, it is not just a simple change in schools but a change to an educational system that is not yet European.

If you intend to live in Bulgaria permanently, you will want to look at the state education system. On the other hand, those who plan to spend a short period of time or are not yet convinced about their move may wish to consider private, international schooling.

State education in Bulgaria is free. Compulsory education is from the ages of 7 to 16 but many begin earlier attending kindergarten or preschool from the age of 5. Primary school begins for children aged 7 and continues for 4 years before pupils graduate to middle school where they remain for a further 3 years. Secondary school or high school is for between 3 and 5 years. Almost one third of students go onto further education.

In an attempt to move it away from communist rhetoric, the entire education structure has been undergoing major reforms which began back in 1989. Today the government spends around 3% of the country's GDP directly on education as it aligns itself for joining the EU in 2007. It should continue to improve as children will need to learn the skills and gain the knowledge to compete with their European counterparts in the future.

However, despite these attempts, according to Maria Antova's report "Education for Human Rights, Peace, Stability, And Democracy status…….."(www.gewi.kfunigraz.ac.at/csbsc/country_reports/Education_Bulgaria.htm) there are still numerous problems with the system including inflexibility, centralisation and lack of guarantee of equal opportunities for young people.

If you want to educate your child through the medium of the English language in Bulgaria, most of the private schools tend to be located in the country's capital of Sofia as opposed to the coastal areas and ski resorts where people are buying. Nevertheless, as we have seen in the Costa del Sol, as more and more British families move in the demand for International Schools will increase and consequently so will the supply.

List of Private Schools in Bulgaria

Rovel "The best private school in Bulgaria"
Address: 1393 Sofia,r.a. Bankia Ivaniane 66 Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii str.
Tel. 359 2 9977454