BulgariaBulgariaNational Military University National Military University

Foreign Language Department - Shumen Foreign Language Department - Shumen

FIRST STEPS, DEVELOPMENT AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES OF SHUMEN FOREIGN LANGUAGE

DEPARTMENT

LTC Petko Petkov LTC Petko PetkovDirector of the FLDDirector of the FLD

October 2010 October 2010

Briefing StructureBriefing Structure

EstablishmentEstablishmentLocationLocationAims and objectivesAims and objectivesTraineesTraineesInternational studentsInternational studentsTraining staffTraining staffCourse designCourse designTypes of coursesTypes of coursesTextbooks, supplementary and teaching materialsTextbooks, supplementary and teaching materialsAssessments proceduresAssessments proceduresFacilitiesFacilities

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 – 16.10.2007

Bulgarian MOD invest more than 1million euro.

USA (FMF and IMET programs) invest more than 1 million USD (books, labs, training).

Location of Location of

Foreign Language DepartmentForeign 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

MISSION and GOALS

from all branches of armed forces:from all branches of armed forces:Career officers, NCOs, Enlisted, Career officers, NCOs, Enlisted,

Civilian staff Civilian staff Until now – more than 1200 Until now – more than 1200

studentsstudents

Trainees

International 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 yearsaverage experience in English Language training – more than 10 years

Training staff

6 academic hours per day from 08.00 to 13.206 academic hours per day from 08.00 to 13.205 days per week5 days per week

Afternoons are free for self preparationAfternoons are free for self preparationTeachers are available for extra work with the students in the afternoonsTeachers are available for extra work with the students in the afternoons

Course design

Level I - 18 weeks - book 1-12Level I - 18 weeks - book 1-12Level II -18 weeks - book 13-24Level II -18 weeks - book 13-24

Level III - 15 weeks - book 25-30Level III - 15 weeks - book 25-30All of them based on American All of them based on American

Language Course and additional Language Course and additional materials as Campaign and Headwaymaterials as Campaign and Headway

Types of courses

There is more than 18000 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 Entry level control – for level II – 50 points ALCPT Current control- Book Quiz – every week – must have at least Current control- Book Quiz – every week – must have at least

70% (35 points)70% (35 points) Progress test – 8th weeks – ALCPTProgress test – 8th weeks – ALCPT

Final control- course final examination, ALCPT and an oral examFinal control- course final examination, ALCPT and an oral examFrom 2009 every course ends with STANAG exams.From 2009 every course ends with STANAG exams.

Assessments procedures

Language laboratoriesLanguage laboratories:: upgraded June 2008 upgraded June 20083 level II labs – total 75 positions3 level II labs – total 75 positions2 level IV labs – total 25 positions2 level IV labs – total 25 positions

Facilities

Self access center – 12 Self access center – 12 seatsseats

Video roomVideo roomLibraryLibrary

Others:Others:Dining facilityDining facility

Dormitory – 128 roomsDormitory – 128 roomsOutdoor sport facilitiesOutdoor sport facilitiesGym/ Swimming poolGym/ Swimming pool

Facilities cont.

Questions?