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ERASMUSGUIDEFOR INCOM ING STUD ENTS
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Dear students, colleagues and friends,
We tried to compile all the information you will need duringyour stay at Konstantin Preslavsky University of Shumen.
We thought of Erasmus students needs, of their fears,uncertainties, desires and mostly of their curiosity.
We are sure that we could have included more details about the
beauty of nature, the generosity and kindness of the people, therich historical heritage and a lot more, but we know thatBulgaria and Shumen cannot be described with words, theyhave to be lived.
This guide will provide you with all sorts of useful information. It will make your Erasmus period of education
easier and will guide you through the initial steps you will make.
Thank you for choosing Konstantin Preslavsky University of Shumen for your Erasmus mobility. Thank you for sharing yourexperience with us. We wish you all the best in your stay here.
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Erasmus CoordinatorsInstitutional Erasmus Coordinator:
Assoc. Prof. Rumyana Todorova, PhDOffice 113, building 1
Tel.: + 359 54 830 360
e-mail: r_todorova@yahoo.com
r_todorova@shu-bg.net
Administrative Erasmus Coordinator:
Irina StoyanovaOffice 106, building 1
Tel.: + 359 54 832 101
e-mail: erasmus@shu-bg.net
Postal Address:
Konstantin Preslavsky University of Shumen
115 Universitetska Street
9712 ShumenBULGARIA
Fax: +359 54830371
This project has been funded with support from theEuropean Commission.This publication [communication] reflects the views only ofthe author, and the Commission cannot be heldresponsible for any use which may be made of theinformation contained therein.
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CONTENTSWELCOME TO BULGARIABrief information about Bulgaria 7
Brief description of Bulgarian history 7
Climate 8
Politics 9
Ethnic groups 9
Religion 10
Language 10Famous Bulgarians 11
UNESCO protected monuments 12
KON STA NTIN PRE SLA VSKY U NIV ERSITY OFSHUMENHistory of the University 17
Shumen University degree system 18
Faculties 19
Essential Erasmus information 22
Registration at the Police Station 26
Accommodation 27
Students cafeterias 29
Library facilities 29
Sports facilities and activities 30
STAY IN BULGARIA AND IN SHUMENArriving in Shumen 31
Welcome to the world of levs 34
Will my savings be enough to live in Shumen 35
Making a phone call 36
Internet 36
Health 37
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Is it safe to live in Shumen 38
Several words about Bulgarians 38
Concise Bulgarian Phrase Book 40
Food, typical Bulgarian meals 45Customs and traditions 47
LEISURE TIMECafs, restaurants, clubs 50
Shopping, shopping, shopping 50
Means of transport 51Cultural and historical heritage 51
Shumen is one of the greenest cities 56
Emergency phone line 57
Notes
Appendix
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W ELCOME TOBULGARIA
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BRIEF INFORMATION ABOUT BULGARIAThe Republic of Bulgaria
Motto: Saedinenieto pravi silata (Unity makes strength)Anthem: Mila Rodino (Dear Homeland)Capital: SofiaOfficial language: BulgarianEthnic groups: 83,9% Bulgarians, 9,4% Turks, 4,7% Roma, 2%other groups
Government: Parliamentary Democracy
President: Georgi ParvanovPrime Minister: Boyko BorissovChairperson of the National Assembly: Tsetska TsachevaFormation: Medieval Balkan state 681First Bulgarian State: 681-1018
Second Bulgarian State: 1185 - 1396
Independence lost: 1396Self-government re-established: 3 March 1878
Bulgarian unification: 6 September 1885Independence: 22 September 1908 from Ottoman EmpireEU accession: 1 January 2007Area: 110,910km2
Population: 2011: 7 351 234 peopleCurrency: LEV (BGN)Time zone: EET (UTC+2); Summer (DST) EEST (UTC+3)Dialling code: +359Electricity: 220 Volts; AC/50 Hz; 2 pin plug
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF BULG ARIAN HISTORYThe establishment of the First Bulgarian State dates back to the
Early Middle Ages (7th
c.). All Bulgarian political entities that
emerged subsequently kept the traditions (in ethnic name,language and alphabet) of the First Bulgarian Kingdom (681-
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1018), which in specific moments of the Bulgarian history
covered most of the Balkans and spread its alphabet, literature
and culture among the Slavic people and other peoples of
Eastern Europe. During the reign of Tsar Simeon and Tsar IvanAssen II Bulgarias territory covered all the land from the Black
Sea in the east, to the Aegean Sea in the south and the Adriatic
Sea in the west. In the north, the land of the Bulgarian rulers
covered great parts of todays territory of Romania and Serbia.
But several centuries later, due to the expansion of the Ottoman
Empire and the decline of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom
(1185-1396), Bulgaria fell under Ottoman rule for nearly five
centuries. The Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878 led to the re-
establishment of a Bulgarian state as a constitutional monarchy
in 1878. The birth of the new Bulgarian State was marked by the
Treaty of San Stefano. In 1908 the government headed by
Aleksandar Malinov and Prince Ferdinand of Bulgaria formally
proclaimed the full sovereignty of the Bulgarian State at the
ancient capital of Veliko Turnovo. After World War II, in 1945
Bulgaria became a communist state and part of the Eastern Bloc.Todor Zhivkov was the Bulgarian political leader for 33 years
(from 1956 to 1989). In 1990, after the Revolutions of 1989
Bulgaria became a democratic republic.
Bulgaria functions as a parliamentary democracy within a
unitary constitutional republic. It is a member of the European
Union, NATO and the World Trade Organization.
CLIMATEBulgaria is a country situated in south-eastern Europe. Its
northern border with Romania follows the Danube river. The
country is situated on the west coast of the Black Sea, with
Romania to the north, Greece and Turkey to the south, andSerbia and Macedonia to the west. Considering its small size,
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Bulgaria has a great variety of topographical features: plains,
plateaus, hills, mountains, gorges, and deep river valleys.
The country has moderate climate, cold winters and hotsummers. Situated in the middle of the country, the Balkan
Range influences the climate in Bulgaria and the northern part
of the country, experiences colder temperatures and receives
more rain than the southern low lands.
Shumen is situated in the Danubian Plain; it is at the foot of the
Shumen Plateau, at an altitude of 300 metres. It lies 80 km west
of Varna and is built within a cluster of hills.
The winters are cold here; the average temperature for January is
-0,5C, while the temperature for July is about 32C. It rains
mostly in May and June and the least in September.
POLITICSBulgaria is a democratic, unitary parliamentary republic. It
became a member of the United Nations in 1955. The National
Assembly consists of 240 deputies, each elected for four-year
period by popular vote.
The President is the head of state and commander-in-chief of the
armed forces. The country joined NATO on 29 March 2004 and
became a full member of the European Union on 1 January
2007.
ETHNIC GROUPSBulgaria is an excellent example for a tolerant and ethnicallypeaceful community. Its population consists of 83.9%
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Bulgarians, 9.4% Turks, 4.7% Roma, 2% other groups who live
together without conflicts and serious problems. That is the
reason why Bulgaria has been given a very high appraisal for its
well balanced political and social environment.
RELIGIONBulgaira is a secular nation and its Constitution guarantees free
exercise of religion but appoints Orthodoxy as the official
religion.
In fact most Bulgarians (82.6%) belong to the Bulgarian
Orthodox Church, founded in 870 AD under the Patriarchate of
Constantinople. The other religious denominations confessed in
the country are Islam (12.2%), Protestant denominations (0.8%),
Roman Catholicism (0.5%), and others totalling approximately
4.1%.
LANGUAGEBulgarian is an Indo-European language, member
of the Slavic linguistic
group. Bulgarian
demonstrates several
linguistic innovations that set it apart from all other Slavic
languages except Macedonian, such as the elimination of the
case system, development of a suffixed definite article, lack of a
verb infinitive, and retention and further development of the
proto-Slavic verb system. The number of people in the world
speaking Bulgarian fluently ranges from about 9 million to 12
million.
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The Bulgarian alphabet was devised in 862 by two Byzantine
Greek brothers Cyril and Methodius. The Bulgarian nation was
so thankful to them that they were proclaimed for saints and
their deed is celebrated every year on 24 May.
FAMOUS BULGARIANSSaint Paisius of Hilendar or Paisiy Hilendarski (1722-1773)was a Bulgarian clergyman and a key Bulgarian National
Revival figure. He is most famous for being the author of theSlavonic Bulgarian History, the second modern Bulgarian
history. Most Bulgarians think of him as the forefather of the
Bulgarian National Revival.
Ivan Vazov (1850-1921) was a poet, novelist and playwright.He was Minister of Education, author of the first Bulgarian
novel, written in 1893, Pod Igoto (Under the Yoke), which
depicts the Ottoman oppression of Bulgaria. It is the mostfamous piece of classic Bulgarian literature and has been
translated into over 30 languages.
John Atanasoff (1903-1995) was an American physicist fromBulgarian background. He was the inventor of the first
automatic electronic digital computer. In late 1930s and early
1940s Atanasoff was also a teaching professor, a governmental
wartime research director, and a corporate research executive.
Valya Balkanska is a Bulgarian folk music singer from theRhodope Mountains. Bulgarian people respect her for her wide
repertoire of Balkan folksongs but she is also world famous for
her song "Izlel e Delyu Haydutin", part of the Voyager Golden
Record selection of music was included in the two Voyager
spacecrafts launched in 1977.
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Kristalina Georgieva is a Bulgarian economist and politiciancurrently working as European Commissioner for International
Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response in the
second college of the Barroso Commission.
Vasko Vasilev is a world famous violinist. He was born inSofia. In 1994 he became the youngest concert master of the
Royal Opera Orchestra in London.
Jordan Jovtchev is a world champion and five-time Olympicgymnast.
Veselin Topalov is a Bulgarian chess grandmaster and formerworld chess champion. He is currently ranked as one of the top
chess players in the world.
Dimitar Berbatov is a Bulgarian footballer who plays asa forward for Manchester United. He was captain of the
Bulgarian national team from 2006 to 2010, and is its all-timeleading goalscorer. He has also won the Bulgarian Footballer of
the Year record seven times.
UNESCO PROTECTED MONUM ENTSM adara HorsemanIt is in the north-eastern part
of Bulgaria, located 20 km
away from Shumen, near the
village of Madara. The relief
was cut in a vertical rock at
23 m height in 8th
century. It
measures 2.6 m in height and is 3.1 m wide at the base. Therelief comprises a life-size horseman, a lion, a dog, and Greek
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inscriptions. The image is believed to show the victorious Khan
Tervel. Madara Horseman is part of Madara national history and
archaeology reserve. It was once connected with the large
worship complex of heathen temples, palaces and houses, andother premises built by Khan Omurtag on the Madara rock
terrace. At the rock base, there is also a large cave called the
Nymphs Cave, where the Thracians worshiped their deities in
ancient times. Madara Horseman is the only rock relief in
Europe dated back to the early Middle Ages.
Madara Horseman was included in the World Cultural and
Natural Heritage List at the World Cultural and Natural Heritage
Committee session of 1979 in Luxor, Egypt.
Rila MonasteryThe monastery is situated at 1147 m above sea level, 117 km
south-west of Sofia. It was
founded by the hermit-monkIoan of Rila and his disciples
around 930 AD. It has survived
many fires and raids. It
comprises several other chapels,
churches and sacred ground.
Tracian Tomb of KazanlakThe tomb, situated in a mound
near the town of Kazanluk,
was discovered by accident in
1944.
The tomb, dated late 4th
century BC, is believed to have beenconstructed for a Thracian nobleman. It comprises three
chambers: a rectangular antechamber connected via a long,
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narrow passage, with a round burial chamber. The chamber is
covered with a conical dome and is decorated with ornamental
and figural frescoes.
The Ancient City of NessebarThe old town of Nessebar is
situated on a small Black Sea
peninsula, and is connected to
the land via a narrow isthmus.
It was first inhabited in the
Bronze Age. The first Thracian
settlement, Messembria, was
built there around 2000 BC. The town started to decline after its
seizure by a Roman garrison in 72 BC. It was an important
commercial port.
Srebarna Nature ReserveThe biosphere reserve is
situated near the village of
Sreburna, 18 km west of
Silistra and 2 km south of the
Danube. It consists of LakeSrebarna and its surrounding
territory covering an area of
600 ha.
The depth of the lake varies between 1 and 3 m. The whole lake
is covered with rushes and other plants such as water lilies,
swamp snowdrops, swamp violets, and reeds.
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Pirin National ParkThe natural reserve encompasses
the largest part of the Pyrinmountain in the south-west of
Bulgaria. The protected territory
covers 26000 ha. The Thracians
called the mountain Orbellus
(Snow Mountain), and the Slavs
associated it with their god of
storm and thunder, Perun, hencethe present-day name.
Boyana ChurchIt is situated in Boyana,
a suburb of Sofia. It
consists of three partsbuilt in three stages: the
end of 10th
century and
beginning of 11th
c, 13th
c, and mid-19th
c.
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W ELCOME ATKON STANTIN PRESLAVSKYUNIVERSITY OF SHUM EN
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HISTORY OF THE UNIVER SITYKonstantin Preslavsky University of Shumen is one of the five
classical universities in Bulgaria. It has more than 7000 studentsstudying in 53 Bachelor degree programmes and as many again
Master degree programmes. They are divided in specialties
taught in 5 faculties (Faculty of Humanities; Faculty of
Mathematics and Informatics; Faculty of Natural Sciences;
Faculty of Technical Sciences and Faculty of Education),
College in Dobrich and Department for Information and In-
service Teacher Training in Varna.
The University is a certified higher education institution and has
a good reputation in Bulgaria and abroad. It has modern
conditions of education, research and music and arts activities.
Students education is
carried out by more than
500 full-time lecturers.
Some of these teachersare professors, associate
professors, Dr. Habils,
and Ph.Ds. The academia
has great contributions in
different fields of science
and is an honoured
partner in a number of international educational and scientific
projects and programmes.
The Library of the University has a rich book-stock and modern
devices for their usage. Konstantin Preslavsky University Press
amounts to hundreds of volumes of specialized educational and
scientific literature. The University has one of the two
astronomical observatories for education in the country. In 2010
the astronomical centre celebrated its 10th
anniversary.
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Konstantin Preslavsky University has 5 educational corpuses, 4
halls of residence with more than 1000 beds, playgrounds, a
swimming pool, fitness centres, and places for recreation and
entertainment. Students are given the chance not only to study inthe major they have chosen, but to participate in various
initiatives and programmes. These programmes give them the
chance to show their worth, according to their preferences and
skills in the field of science, arts and sport.
In 2009 Konstantin Preslavsky University of Shumen was
accredited by the Bulgarian National Evaluation and
Accreditation Agency with the highest possible mark, given for
a period of six years.
SHUMEN UNIVERSITY DEGREE SYSTEMKonstantin Preslavsky University of Shumen offers three levels
of education Bachelors degree;
Masters degree;
PhD degree.
Bachelors degree requires a 4-year course of instruction during
which graduates acquire a minimum of 240 ECTS. There are
two forms of education offered by the University - full-time and
part-time. Bachelors degree diploma provides comprehensive
training in the respective professional field and specialty.
Students graduate with a BA thesis or a state exam.
Masters degree requires a 2-to-4 semester courses of instruction
after a successful completion of the Bachelors degree. Students
get a minimum of 60 ECTS. Training provided to students is in-
depth and professionally oriented. Students graduate with anMA thesis or a state exam.
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The PhD degree requires at least a 3-year course of instruction
after a successful completion of the MA degree. After the
successful completion students are awarded the educational and
scientific PhD degree.
FACULTIESFACULY OF HUM ANITIESBachelor Degree ProgrammesBulgarian Studies, Russian Studies, English Studies, German
Studies, Turkish Studies, Applied Linguistics (Russian and
Turkish; English and Russian; English and German), Bulgarian
and Russian Studies, Bulgarian Studies and History, History
and Geography, History, Archaeology, Journalism, Public
Relations, Theology
Master Degree ProgrammesLinguistics and Mass Communications, Cultural Semiotics,
Linguistics and Translation, Linguistic Administration of
Tourism and Business, Archaeology, Conservation and
Restoration, Theology, Turkey and Russia: Intercultural
Relations and Tourism, History of Southeastern Europe
Cultural and Historical Heritage and Tourism, PR of Public
Administration, PR of Crisis Management, Library and
Information Activities
FACUTY OF N ATURAL SCIENCESBachelor Degree ProgrammesTourism, Physics, Chemistry and Environmental Protection,Chemistry, Plant Protection, Ecology and Environmental
Protection, Astronomy; Biology and Physics, Biology andChemistry, Geography and Biology
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Master Degree Programmes
Organic Chemistry
FACULTY OF EDU CATIONBachelor Degree ProgrammesEducation, Pre-School Education, Primary School Education,
Primary School and Foreign Language Education, Special
Education, Social Activities, Social Education, Music, Technics
and Technologies, Physical Education
Master Degree ProgrammesEducational Management, Civic and Intercultural Education,
Innovations in Technological Education, Educational School
Consulting, School Education, Innovative Technology in Pre-
school and Primary
School Education,Primary School Education
and Information
Technology, Organisation
and Management of
Social and Educational
Activities, Competence
and Skills in Time of
Disasters and Failures,Diagnostics and
Correction of Communicative Disorders, Educational
Rehabilitation of Mental Retardation, Music Education,
Methods of Teaching Plastic Arts Graphic Design, Art of
Paining/Jewelry Design and Miniature Plastics, Physical
Education and Sports, Methods of Teaching Mathematics and
Informatics, Regulation and Control in Social Activities System,
Art Management
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FACULTY OF MA THEMATICS AND INFORMATICSBachelor Degree Programmes
Economics, Mathematics, Economics Informatics, Mathematicsand Informatics, Computer and Information Technologies,
Informatics
Master Degree Programmes
Mathematics and Informatics Education, Marketing, Economics
and Business Management, System Administration, Business
Informatics, Economics Informatics, Software Engineering,
Multimedia Technologies;Business Mathematics
FACULTY OF TECHN ICAL SCIENCESBachelor Degree ProgrammesCommunication and Information Systems, Logistics
Engineering, Geodesy, Security Systems, Signal SecuritySystems and Technology, Radio-locating Technics and
Technologies
Master Degree ProgrammesCommunication and Information Systems, Radio-location andRadionavigation, Signal Security Systems and Technology,Geomatics, Logistics Engineering
COLLEGE DOBRICHProfessional Bachelor Degree ProgrammesPrimary School Education and Foreign Language, Primary
School Education and Information Technologies, Preschool
Education and Foreign Language, Information Technologies,
Plant Protection
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ESSENTIAL ERASMUS INFORM ATIONInternational Relations and Projects Centre offers and
coordinates services for incoming and outgoing Erasmusstudents, national and international students.
Language of instruction
The official language of instruction at Konstantin Preslavsky
University is Bulgarian. But there are majors where most of the
subjects are taught in English, German, Russian, and Turkish,and the exchange students can attend those courses (for more
information please check erasmus.shu.bg). There is a
requirement for a good command of Bulgarian only for those
exchange students who apply for education in Bulgarian Studies
Academic calendar
The academic year at SHU has two semesters (winter and
summer semester) each of which
consisting of 14 study weeks and
an examination period.
Winter term: mid-September end
of December; exam period: mid-
January beginning of February.
Summer term: beginning of March
beginning of June; exam period: mid-June beginning of July.
Please check for detailed information on:
http://erasmus.shu.bg/en/bcvbx/academic-calendar-2010-2011
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Grading
Konstantin Preslavsky Unversity of Shumen
evaluates students progress by a six pointgrading scale.
Lowest possible mark: Poor (2.00);
Lowest positive mark: Average / Satisfactory
(3.00);
Highest mark: Excellent (6.00).
You can easily compare the following information so that youcan get a complete picture of the grading scale
GRADE DISTRIBUTION GUIDANCENATIONAL GRADE ECTS GRADE
5.75 6.00 A (10%) 95% 100%Excellent 5.50 6.00
5.00 5.70 B (25%) 80% 94%Very good 4.50 5.494.05 4.95 C (30%) 61% 79 %
Good 3.50 4.493.30 4.00 D (25%) 46% 60%
Average / Satisfactory 3.00 3.493.00 3.25 E (10%) 40% 45%
Poor 2.00 Fx, F 0% 40 %
Each course has specific evaluation criteria. Some courses finish
with an exam, others with a course project. All the information
concerning evaluation criteria can be found on erasmus.shu.bg
or from the departmental coordinator.
The European Credit Transfer System
ECTS applies to all students of the University.
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Students yearly workload is equivalent to 60 ECTS and the
semester workload is 30 ECTS.
Essential data about Konstantin Preslavsky University of Shumen.
Full legal name of theinstitution (in English andin Bulgarian)
Konstantin Preslavsky
University of Shumen
Acronym SHUErasmus Code BG SHOUMEN01Address (main building) 115 Universitetska Stret
9712 ShumenBulgaria
Vice Rector ofInternational Relations
Assoc. Prof. RumyanaTodorova, PhD
International Relations andProjects Centre
1st floor, room 106e-mail: erasmus@shu-bg.netTel.: +359 54 832 101Fax: +359 54 830 371
International Relations andProjects Centre office hours
Monday Friday8:00-16:30
Requirements for acceptance at Konstantin PreslavskyUniversity
The applicant must be registered at their home university and
also be recommended for admission by the home university. The
applicant must have studied for at least one academic year at a
home university in a related study filed. The applicant must have
a good command of spoken and written English.
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Here are some easy steps that will guide you through your
application procedure forKonstantin Preslavsky University.
All you need is:
1. To be nominated by your LLP Erasmus coordinator.
2. To fill in an Application form, Learning
agreement, Transcript of records and Accommodation
application form.
3. To print all the forms (please print two identical
Learning agrements) and get them signed and stamped
by your Erasmus coordinator (where applicable).
4. To send the documents to International Relations and
Projects Centre plus 2 photos of you.
Deadline for applications: for the following winter semester:July 15, for the summer semester: November 15.
After your application is approved we will inform you and send
you an acceptance letter.
Study during the Erasmus exchange
Once your Learning Agreement is signed, you have a full access
to all the courses you have chosen. If you want to change any
courses, you just have to fill in Changes in Learning
Agreement form in your first month in Shumen.
Please note that it is your obligation to attend all the lecturesand seminars you have subscribed for. If you happen to misssome classes please inform your teacher. Your absence fromclasses may turn into be a serious problem in the examperiod.
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REGISTRATION AT THE POLIC STATIONOne of the first things you have to do when in Bulgaria is to get
registered at the police station. It is extremely important forErasmus students who are not EU citizens. They have to get
registered up to 48 hours from
their entrance in Bulgaria. EU
citizens staying in Bulgaria for
less than 90 days do not need
to get registered at the police
station. If they want to staylonger they need to get a
certificate for a prolongation of
their stay. The certificate is issued by the police station. In order
to get it, the student has to provide an application form; ID card
or passport; documents proving the study period of the student
at Konstantin Preslavsky University of Shumen. The complete
set of documents has to be handed in up to 3 months from the
date of their first entrance in Bulgaria.
Registering of non-EU citizens is very simple and quick. Youonly need to have your Health Insurance Policy with you, a
translation of the above mentioned document in Bulgarian, to
pay a fee of 7 leva (3,5 EUR). It is also necessary to have a bank
account in a Bulgarian bank, and some money transferred to it
and a bank statement which verifies it. If you are staying at the
University Halls of Residence you will get a document verifying
your address. Please note that all the students that are not EU
citizens need to inform the authorities in case of change of their
address.
Location. The Police Station is situated very close to the mainbuilding of the university, so you wont have problems reaching
it. It is located in the building of Traffic Police; the address is 28
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Universitetska Street, desks 5 or 6. Opening hours: Monday to
Friday 8:30-17:30.
ACCOMMODATIONAs Erasmus students of Konstantin
Preslavsky University of Shumen you are
provided with a place in the halls of
residence.
You have to keep in mind that the halls ofresidence are not University property. They
are managed by a unit which is completely
independent of the University authorities.Konstantin Preslavsky
University of Shumen has a hostel which houses its guest
lecturers or other guests of the University. Erasmus students are
the only students that are allowed to stay in the hostel. The
conditions provided there are very good.
Short description of the options available for Erasmus students:1. Halls of Residence has 3 blocks of flats situated very close tothe main building of the University. Its rooms house 2-3
students, you can have a single room, too, but usually there
arent enough rooms to suit the needs of all students. They
provide accommodation for most students studying at ShumenUniversity. Details about the accommodation are subject to
arrangements between student and host university prior to
students arrival. The price of this type of accommodation is not
at all high.
Students have to pay a deposit of 15 leva (8 EUR) which is non-
refundable as it is used for annual renovations; 105 leva (54
EUR) for accommodation per person per month from the
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beginning of the academic year in September to the end of the
examination period in July.
Please remember that most probably you will have to shareyour room and bathroom with a roommate. There are no
kitchens. If you want to have an internet access in your room
youll have to pay 10 EUR more.
2. The hostel of the University is a very good option for thosewho can spend additional sum of money. The prize is about 160
EUR per person per month. Every room has wireless internet
access, bed linen, towels, and a bathroom next to it. The people
living in the hostel can use the kitchen, washing machine and
cooking utensils.
3. It is hard to find an alternative accommodation in Shumen and itis fairly difficult for foreigners, too. The biggest of all problems
is the language barrier. Most young people speak English, but
older people do not speak or understand English. This meansthat it is practically impossible to communicate with people
offering accommodation. Thats why Bulgarian students can
provide some help with finding accommodation downtown
(upon demand).
One of the best things when choosing a place to live is that
Shumen is comparatively small, everything is within walking
distance and you can always get to the University on foot.
Once you have made your decision about youraccommodation you have to fill in the ErasmusAccommodation Application form which states your choice.Then you have to send it to the Erasmus Coordinator. Youwill receive a confirmation and some information about theroom you will live in after all the applications are processed.
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STUDENT CAFETERIAS IN SHU MENThe University has two canteens. They serve meals at
reasonable prices. The bigger one is situated right next to theHalls of Residence very near to the main building of the
University. The other one is located in the building that houses
the Faculty of Education and part of the Faculty of Humanities.
It is smaller, but cosier.
If you want to taste typical Bulgarian meals, join your fellow
students and have lunch in the canteen.
Cafeterias in the two main buildings of the University will offer
you free computers apart from food and drinks.
If you have notepads or laptops with you, please register
yourself and use the free wireless internet access in all the
buildings of the University.
LIBRARY FACILITIESWe know that being Erasmus students you want to know as
much as possible in order to become professionals in your
sphere. Thats why you have free access to all the libraries of the
University.
Welcome to our l ibraries!There are three libraries at the University: one in Corpus 3
which is the Central University Library and in Corpus 2.
Opening Hours:
Central LibraryMonday to Friday 8.30-18.30
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Saturday 8.30-16.30
Sunday Closed
Library at the Faculty ofEducationMonday to Friday 8.30-16.30
Lunch Break 12.00-12.30
Saturday and Sunday Closed
Students can also use the
resources ofStilian Chilingirov
Public Library. It is one of the
biggest and richest libraries in
the country. It was established
in 1922 as the fourth deposit
library in Bulgaria. Its literary
treasures of 720 000 library documents.
http://www.libshumen.org/en.php
If you want to use the Regional Library you will have to pay a
membership fee and present the following documents:
1. ID card/ passport; 2. photograph
SPORTS FACILITIES AN D ACTIVITIESThe Department of Physical Training and Sports at the Faculty
of Education offers a wide range of sports activities and courses
such as swimming, gymnastics, and aerobics. To find out what
is offered and how to join you should check the information
boards.
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STAY IN BULGARIA ANDIN SHUM EN
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ARRIVING IN SHUMENStudents are advised to arrive at least one day before the
begining of the semester.
Being a small country it is very easy to cover distances in
Bulgaria. The country has good, regular and comfortable
transport infrastructure and you can reach almost every spot you
want.
Bulgaria has four airports.
The biggest one is in Sofia, the
capital of Bulgaria. Sofia Airportis the airport in Bulgaria with the
widest network of year-round
scheduled flights. Today, Sofia is
linked by direct air routes with more than 50 destinations in
Central, Western and Eastern Europe, the Middle East andAfrica. These routes are served by over 40 Bulgarian and
foreign airlines. The international scheduled services are for
more than 70 percent of the flights and serve about 90 percent of
the passengers at Sofia Airport. The airport is located 10 km (6
miles) east of Sofia.
Once you reach our capital it will be easy for you to get to
Shumen, it takes from 5 to 6 hours. There are regular buses to
Shumen. The average price of a bus ticket is about 28 leva (19
EUR). If you decide to use the train, the Central Railway Station
of Sofia is next to the Central Bus Station and again there are
regular trains to Shumen. The price is about 20 lv (about 10
EUR).
Important: Once you arrive at the airport you have twooptions. The first one (the easiest one) is to take a taxi. It cancost you from 10 lv. (5 EUR) to 20 lv. (10 EUR). The price
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varies depending on the traffic in the capital. Please watch out
for fraud. Your second option is to take a bus. The price of abus ticket is 1 lev and you can buy it from the driver, but you
should have the exact sum, otherwise the driver wont give youa ticket. You may also buy 2 tickets, because you will need to
change buses twice to get to the Central Railway/Bus Station.
Varna Airport is located on the northern Bulgarian Black Seacoast; 7 km away from Varna, the summer capital of Bulgaria. It
is at the heart of a highly developed business community, close
to the leading Bulgarian summer resorts and facilities.
Its strategic position guarantees a good amount of charter
passenger traffic during the summer.
If you want to travel to Shumen by bus, there is an easy way to
get to the Central Bus Station, Varna. No 409 bus stops in front
of Varna Airport and it takes about 20-25 minutes to get to the
station.
The distance between Varna and Shumen is less than 90 km and
there are various ways to get to the University.
If you want to travel to Shumen by train it will be a bit difficult
for you to get to the train station because there is no direct bus
line, but you can take No 409 again and then change it with No
10 or 13 when you reach the Cathedral of Varna, the last part is
easy; the train station is next to the last bus stop. The train toShumen travels about one and a half hour.
Burgas Airport is situated in a picturesque bay on the southernBulgarian Black Sea coast, 10 km north-east of the city of
Burgas. Its specific geographical location on the border
between Europe and Asia, has contributed to its strategic
importance for the new relationships in the modern world.Burgas is about 150 km away from Shumen, but the transport is
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not as good as that offered from Varna to Shumen. It takes about
3 hours to get Shumen by bus or by train.
Plovdiv Airport is specialized in servicing charter flights. It issituated close to Sofia (130 km away). Although the distance
may seem not so small the time you will need to get to Sofia is
an hour and a half because of the highway that connects the two
cities.
Although a major airport for low cost flights we do not
recommend you to use Plovdiv airport in order to come to
Shumen. It is because of the poor transport connections between
the cities. The only option is for
you to choose between the bus or
train leaving at about 3 pm from
Plovdiv to Shumen. And last but
not least the travelling will last at
least 7 hours.
USEFUL WEBSITES:
http://www.sofia-airport.bg/default.aspx
http://www.varna-airport.bg/Home/tabid/36/language/en-
US/Default.aspx
http://www.bourgas-airport.com/Home/tabid/36/language/en-
US/Default.aspx
http://www.plovdivairport.com/
http://bdz.creato.biz/enwww.etapgroup.com
http://enturtrans.com/en/
http://union-ivkoni.com/
When you arrive in Shumen you will easily get oriented. If you
have any problems, please checkthe Appendix. There you can
find the maps you will need.
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WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF LEVSYou may not know but the name of the Bulgarian currency
comes from the old Bulgarian word lev () which means lionand is associated with the bravery of the Bulgarians. Though a
symbol of the Bulgarian history and culture, the Bulgarian lev
wont be used in the future. Soon Bulgaria will join the
Eurozone and the currency of the country will be EUR.
One lev is divided into 100 stotinki (, singular:
stotinka, ). The lev was introduced as Bulgariascurrency in 1881.
There are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 stotinki and 1 lev coins. The
banknotes are in denominations of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 leva.
The most common bill produced by ATMs is the banknote of 20
leva.
There are many places in Shumen where you can exchange youreuro for leva and vice versa. When exchanging money in
Shumen, never do it in the street. There are a lot of exchange
offices where you dont have to pay a commission fee. We
recommend you to exchange your money in some of the many
banks in Shumen, its safer and more comfortable there. The
official exchange rate is 1 EUR = 1,95583 BGN but you will be
able to buy 1 EUR for 1,96 BGN.
Image ValueMainColour
2 leva VioletPaisiy
Hilendarski
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5 leva Red Ivan Milev
10
levaGreen Petar Beron
20
levaBlue
Stefan
Stambolov
50
levaBrown
Pencho
Slaveykov
100
leva GreenAleko
Konstantinov
WILL MY SAVINGS BE ENOUGH TO LIVE INSHUMENBulgaria is considered to be a cheap country for many people
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from western countries. Shumen is
also a comparatively cheap city. The
centre of the city offers a great
variety of night clubs, restaurants,cafs and taverns that offer traditional
old atmosphere, meals and live
music. There are more modern ones
but they still have the specialties typical for the Bulgarian
cuisine.
MAKING A PHONE CALLMost probably you already have a mobile phone, so you can use
the services of some of the mobile phone operators in your
country. We would like to remind you that the price of a phone
call from your mobile phone to a Bulgarian one will be high.
Thats why we strongly advise you to buy a SIM card from one
of the Bulgarian mobile phone operators:
http://www.mtel.bg/ Mtel
http://www.globul.bg/eng/ Globul
http://www.vivacom.bg/en Vivacom
INTERNETThere is Internet access available in the
University buildings. You can also have
internet access if you live in the Halls of
Residence. You can also find Internet cafs if
you need Internet access (as the University buildings are closed
on weekends), the price is about 1 lv for an hour. Many cafes
also offer free wireless internet access; youll see the sign on thedoors of the cafs or on visible places.
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HEALTHHow can you receive medical help within the scope of the
public health insurance in case of a temporary stay on theterritory of Bulgaria?
In Bulgaria the public health insurance is provided by one health
insurance fund The National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). It
is a public institution, which provides obligatory health
insurance in the country.
If you want to use the rights for obligatory health insurance,you have to use medical and dental care only in healthestablishments for outpatient care, health establishments forhospital care and independent medical and diagnosticlaboratories which have signed agreements with the NationalHealth Insurance Fund.
You will pay nothing for the health services provided to youfrom the package of the National Health Insurance Fund,except for the consumer tax. BUT YOU HAVE TO SUBMITA CERTIFICATE of entitlement to benefits. This may be aEuropean health insurance card (HIC) or a certificate
provisionally replacing the EHIC. These documents grant you
entitlement to first aid. If you dont possess any of the two
documents, this does not deprive you of medical care. In case of
need they may be additionally acquired from your health
insurance company.
It is recommendable to have copies of EHIC (or theCertificate provisionally replacing the EHIC), which youwill provide to the doctors.
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If You Need Emergency Medical CareYou have to call the centre for emergency medical care
(telephones 150, 112) or turn for help to the health institution.
Detailed information may be obtained at the following
addresses: National Health Insurance Fund, Central
Managementwww.nhif.bg; tel: + 359 (2) 965 93 87
IS IT SAFE TO LIVE IN SHUM ENShumen is a small city, and thats why it is relatively safe. Wedont have many car accidents, and
crimes, but you have to be careful. We
recommend you to take precautions
because of pickpockets and
thieves. Always watch your bags, and
never leave your belongings unattended,
especially in busy areas and night clubs.
N.B.!Never leave your door open. Always keep it locked!
In case anything happens to you, contact your tutor or somebody
you know who will help you out. If you choose to go to the
Police Station you have to be aware of the fact that most of the
police officers may not speak English very well.
SEVERAL WORDS ABOUT BULGA RIANSBulgarians are famous for their hospitality.
We see ourselves as kind, easy-going and
happy people. Maybe that is the reason why
we have so many cafs and clubs. We love
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our friends and have strong relationship with relatives.
There is a legend about the beauty of the Polish girls but most
foreigners who visit Bulgaria talk about the unbelievable beautyof Bulgarian women. We are individualists who consider
themselves the best of all and may be that is the reason why we
are exctremely creative, always trying to make something new
or repair some old stuff.
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CONCISE BULGARIANPHRASE-BOOK
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Alphabet
[a] [b] [v] [g] [d] [e] [] [z] [i]
[j] [k] [l] [m] [n] [o] [p] [r] [s]
[t] [u] [f] [x] [ts] [t] [] [t] []
- [ju/u] [ja/a]
Letters and Sounds
1. A a as a in bath2. B as b in book3. B as v in voice4. as g in good5. as d in door
6. as e in den7. as s (zh) pleasure8. as z in zero9. as e in den10. as y in yes11. as k in kite12. as l in lemon13. as m in man14. as n in noon15. as o in offer
16. as p in pen17. as r in room18. as s in stop19. as t in ten20. as u (ou) in rule
21. as f in four22. as h in hen23. as tz (ts) in quartz24. as ch in chair25. as sh in shoe26. as shed in washed27. as u in urban28. 29. as you in youth30. as ya in yard
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GreetingsHello - -ZdraveiGood morning - -Dobro utro
Good afternoon - -Dobr denGood evening - -Dobr vecherGood bye - -DovizhdaneBye - - Chao
How to introduce yourselfMy name is . - ... - Kazvam se.
What is your name? - / -Kak se kazvash/e? kazvate
Where do you come - / ? - Ot kde si/ ste?from?
I come from .. - .. . - Ot . sm.England - - VelikobritaniaGermany - - Germania
Poland - -PolshaLithuania - -LitvaTurkey - - Turcia
How to ask about directionsExcuse me, - , -Izvinete kde e ...where is .
How can I get to..? - -Kak moga da
.? stigna do?How far is ? - ? -Kolko e dalech...?Does this street - - Tova li e ulitsatago to the ? ..? za ?
Places and directions
Street - - ulitsaSquare - -ploshtad
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Left - - lyavoRight - - dyasnoToo far - - tvrde dalech
Near - - blizoDown the street - - nadolu po ulicataIn front of - -predAt the back - -zadNot far - - nedalechThere - - tamHere - - tukTraffic lights - -svetofarCrossing - - krstovite
Useful phrasesCould you tell me - -Mozhete li da mi
kazhete . where is the - /- kde e avtogarata/bus station/ train zhepe garatastation
Thank you. - /. -Blagodaria ti vi.Where is .? - . ? -Kde e ?
the toilet toaletnatabus stop avtobusnata
spirka
Useful wordsSorry - / - izvinyavai/izvinetePlease - - molyaTicket - - biletCash desk - -gisheTrain - - vlakBus - - avtobusCar - - kolaBaggage - - bagazh
Arrive - -pristigamDepart - -zaminavam
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University - - universitetRoom - -stayaAmbulance - - lineika
Doctor - - doktorPoliceman - -politsaiFire brigade - -pozharnaHelp - -pomosht
Food and beveragesBread - - hlyabSalami - -salamVegetables - -zelenchuciTomato - - domatPotato - - kartofCucumber - - krastavitsaSalad - -salataPepper - -piperCarrot - - morkov
Fruits - -plodovePeach - -praskovaApple - -yabalkaGrape - -grozdeWater melon - - dinyaMelon - -ppeshCherry - - chereshaMilk - -pryasno mlyakoYoghurt - - kiselo mlyakoCheese - -sireneYellow cheese - - kashkavalBean - - bobMeat balls - - kyuftetaSalad - -salataSoup - -supa
French fries - -przheni kartofiSteak - -przhola
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FOOD, TYPICAL BULGARIAN MEALS. PLACESWH ERE YOU CAN BUY FOODSome of the products of the
Bulgarian cuisine are famous
worldwide and are highly
appreciated by gourmet
specialists and gastronomers.
The typical cooking recipes try
to preserve as much as possible of the vital vitamins, whichmakes the food taste even better. The cooking techniques have
changed through the years, from baking, stewing, boiling, and
preparing the food in earthenware dishes. Barbeques are also
widely used in Bulgarian cuisine. Grilling gives the meat a
specific taste and aroma, and at the same time it remains
delicious, lean and juicy.
Bulgarian cuisine is influencedby the diversity of nature, its four
seasons, and most of the
vegetables and fruits used in it
are fresh. The types of meat vary
according to the time of the year.
Lamb is
preferred in the spring, in the summermost Bulgarians eat chicken, beef and
vegetarian food, during the winter
season pork is preferred because of its
strong taste and high amount of
calories. Fish is consumed throughout
the year.
Bulgarian meals are different in the
different regions; they have specifictypes of food and exotic dishes:
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banska kapama (meat and vegetables stewed in an earthenware
dish); rhodopsko cheverme (roasted lamb baked on a spit on an
open fire); trakiiski katmi (special type of pancakes);
dobrudjanska banitsa;fish soup, etc.
Restaurants styled rustic offer traditional or regional dishes.
Some typically peasant food is served in
the best restaurants. One of the Bulgarian
national dishes is shopska salata (salad
made with baked pepper, tomatoes,
cucumbers, white cheese); it is
traditionally consumed with cold rakia (a
hard drink, worth trying and similar to
brandy). Other meals quite typical for the
Bulgarian culture meals are bob chorba
(beans soup), kebapcheta, kufteta
(meatballs); musaka; kavurma; kebap.
Bulgaria is very famous for its natural yoghurt, which is notonly tasty but is the main reason for the Bulgarians long life.
The homemade bread has an aroma which cannot be forgotten
easily.
Bulgarian wine is part of the identity of our cuisine. Well-known
Bulgarian brands of wine are Muskat, Traminer and Dimyat.
Famous red wines are: Mavrud, Gamza, Merlot,
Cabernet.
Shumen is famous for its beer, the brewery was
established in 1882 and since then Shumensko Pivo
has been the favourite beer for generations.
There are a number of supermarkets in Shumen
where you can buy food and drinks:
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Billa Shumen, 34 Simeon Veliki Str.,
Kaufland Shumen, 28 Simeon Veliki Str.
CBA (more than 10 supermarkets in the city)
Working time: Monday to Saturday: 8-22; Sunday: 9-21
CUSTOM S AND TRADITIONSFire Dancing
This is a custom that can beseen only in some villages
between Strandzha and the
Black Sea, around Burgas. A
basic element of the custom is
the dance in fire (glowing
embers). The whole village
takes part in the celebration but it is only the fire-dancers that
participate in the ritual dance.
Kukeri (MummersDancing)On New Years Eve special
rituals called Kukeri Dances
take place. The MummersDancing is performed by
men only. They put on
special hand-made masks.
Most of the masks are made of wood. Different coloured threads
are glued on it as well as pieces of multicolored fabrics, mirrors
and other shiny elements. The masks represent rams, goats and
bulls. The impact that the masked mummers make gets even
greater by the sound of the copper and bronze bells that hang on
them.
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The mummer's games aim to scare and sweep away the evil
spirits.
March: Granny Marta - 1stMarchBaba Marta is a Bulgarian
tradition related to the
welcoming of the upcoming
spring. On the first day of
March and few
days afterwards, Bulgariansexchange and wear white and red tassels or small dolls called
" " (Pizho and Penda) made of white and red
yarn.
May: Gergjovden (St. George's day, Gergevden, Gurgevden) - 6MayIt is a folk holiday in honour of St. George who is the patron of
shepherds and herds. This holiday has a lot of rituals connected
with various spheres of Bulgarian life.
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LEISURE TIM E
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CAFES, RESTAURANTS, CLUBSBulgarians love to spend their leisure time with friends having a
cup of coffee. Thats why the centre of the city is full of somany cafs. You can see this especially in the summer when all
cafs put some tables in the street and you get the impression
that the whole street is one big caf.
We know how to have fun, and thats why we have some night
clubs that work six days a week
from 11:00 p.m to 06:00 a.m.
There are many places in
Shumen where you can taste
Bulgarian food or eat every day.
Daily eating in restaurants can
be quite expensive.
There are two types of places where you can eat in the evening
restaurants and taverns (mehana in Bulgarian). The differencebetween them is in the atmosphere and the types of meal they
offer to their guests. The taverns have rustic atmosphere and
offer typical Bulgarian food.
SHOPPING, SHOPPING, SHOPPINGThe centre of the city is a place for many shops and shopping
centres, where you can buy clothes, shoes, mobile phones, and
gifts. The prices are not so high, but there are shops where you
can buy goods of recognizable international companies and
world-famous designers.
If you want to buy something traditionally Bulgarian you have
to look for it in the streets away from the main one.
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MEAN S OF TRANSPORTThe best thing about Shumen is that the city is small and
everything in it is within walking distance. There are regular buslines that can take you from one end of the city to the other (for
more information see erasmus.shu.bg). The price of a bus ticket
is not that much (0,80 leva/0,4 EUR); you can buy your ticket
from the ticket-inspector in the bus.
You can always take a taxi. People use this means of transport
very often, not only because it is very convenient and fast butalso because it is not very expensive. Another thing that is quite
important for the foreigners who come to Bulgaria is that you
can order a taxi any time and it will arrive in 5 minutes and the
price will be no more than 5 leva.
See detailed map of Shumen:http://www.bgmaps.com/en/map/shumen
CULTURAL AND HISOTICAL HERITAGE
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National Reserve of History and Archaeology Pliska
Pliska was founded in 681 by Khan Asparuh and it had been the
capital of Bulgaria up to893. The remains are
preserved as an open-air
museum. The finds
from the reserve
displayed in the
exhibition present the
way of live, materialand spiritual culture of
the residents of the
Ancient Capital. The 1st
Bulgarian Capital is situated 23 km north-east of the town of
Shumen and 2 km from modern Pliska.
Veliki Preslav
Preslav was the capital
of the First Bulgarian
Kingdom from 893 to
972. It was also one of
the most important cities
of medievalSoutheastern Europe; its
ruins are situated in
modern northeastern
Bulgaria, some 20
kilometres southwest of
Shumen. The ruins of the former capital are a national
archaeological reserve.
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The city was established during the reign of Knyaz Boris I as a
military camp having a palace and barracks. The Preslav
Literary school was the first literary school in Bulgaria which
laid the foundations of Konstatin Preslavsky University ofShumen. It turned into one of the most important cultural centres
on the Balkans and housed many well-known mediaeval writers
and scholars (Naum of Ochrid, Konstantin of Preslav, Joan
Ekzarch, Chernorizets Hrabar, etc.).
Veliki Preslav was a magnificent city; its ruins testify the beauty
and elaborateness of its architecture, mosaics, marble, sewage
and water-supply system.
Regional Museum of History Shumen
The beginning of the museum activities in the Shumen region
dates back to 1857 and it is connected with the Revival teacher
Sava Dobroplodni and his school museum collecton that isamongst the earliest in Bulgaria. Nowadays the Regional
Museum of History - Shumen is a scientific and cultural institute
with nine departments and an autonomous scientific group. Its
funds store more than 150 000 specimens from the chalcolithic
period up to the present with 15 000 finds displayed in 8
exhibition rooms. There are temporary exhibitions as well.
Archaeological ReserveShumen Fortress
Shumen Fortress was built
more than 3200 years ago.
The area was populated as
early as the Early Iron Age
/12th
c. B.C./. Later on
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Thracians, Romans, Byzantines raised their strongholds there.
too. During the Early and Late Middle Ages Shumen Fortress
was a Bulgarian stronghold that had played an important part in
Bulgarian history. It lasted till the beginning of the Ottomandominion. In 1444, it was demolished and burnt down. The
fortress is amongst the archaeological sites that have been most
thoroughly studied in the country. The fortress and cult
architecture, farm and residential buildings and thousands of
monuments testify to its diverse functions through the ages, and
especially during the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. Today
Shumen fortress is exhibited as an open-air museum.
Monument Founders of the Bulgarian State
It is an architectural complex dedicated to 1300th
anniversary of
the establishment of the
Bulgarian state. The monument
is located on the highest part ofthe Danubian plain Shumen
plateau and overlooks
Shumen.
It represents some of the
glorious moments of the
Bulgarian history from 8th to 10th century. The structure is
made of concrete and steel and is composed of figures of themost prominent Bulgarian rulers Asparuh, Krum, Omurtag,
Boris I, Simeon I, etc.
Panayot Volov Museum-House
The home of the prominent activist of the Bulgarian NationalRevolution Panaiot Volov is a museum nowadays.
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Original materials reproduce the background of the childhood
and youth of Panaiot Volov who was born in Shumen in 1850.
The life of the great Bulgarian is illustrated through documents
and photo marerial exhibited in a specially arranged hall.
Lajos Kossuth Museum-House
This monument of the
revival architecture with
its unique constructionand three-level yard,
encircled by high walls is
connected with the
Bulgarian and the
Hungarian history. The
leader of the Hungarian
Revolution Lajos
Kossuth lived thereduring his exile in Shumen. The restored interior of a wealthy
Bulgarian revival home is combined with documents that follow
the course of the Hungarian Revolution (1848-1849) and its
leaders activity. An exhibition called Bulgarian-Hungarian
cultural relations is displayed in a specially arranged hall.
Temporary exhibitions are held there too.
Pancho Vladigerov Museum Complex
Pancho Vladigerov is one of the most prominent musicians
that Shumen has given to Bulgaria and the world. The house
where he made his first steps in music is a museum now. The
rich documentary exhibition is combined with the restored
interior of the house from the first decades of 20th c. The studyand the first piano of the composer are displayed there. The
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complex includes a separate exhibition The Musical Activity in
Shumen and a chamber hall. Concerts are held there.
Shumen is a host of the International Young Pianists and
Violinists Competition named after Pancho Vladigerov.
Theatre
The city has one of the oldest
theatres in Bulgaria. In 2011 it
celebrated its 156 anniversary.Unfortunately for those of our
international students that
dont have sufficient
knowledge in Bulgarian, the
theatre does not offer plays in
English. But for those who can
understand Bulgarian very well the theatre can be not only very
useful for their knowledge in practical Bulgarian but for theircultural orientation, integration and amusement, too.
SHUMEN IS ONE OF THE GREENEST CITIESDue to its location not far from the Balkan Range, the city has
wonderful parks. One can spend his or her day walking in thepark, on a picnic with friends, or sightseeing:
The Monument Founders of the Bulgarian State
The Shumen Fortress, partially restored after being destroyed by
the Ottomans in the past. It is an important historical monument
of the medieval Bulgarian Kingdom. It is located not far from
the city, on the Shumen Plateau.
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E ME RG EN CY PH ON E LIN E - 112
Compiled by Irina StoyanovaEdited by Assoc. Prof. Rumyana Todorova, PhD
Published 2011
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APPENDIX
Shumen
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How to get from the bus and train station to the main buildingof the University
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How to get from the main building of the University to Corpus