When being a stranger becomes home: A semester full of surprises
“The greatest discovery is not seeing new landscapes, but seeing with new eyes.”
–Marcel Proust
Zdraveyte! My name is Denise and I spent my semester abroad in Varna, Bulgaria. This city, its people, and my experiences there have shaped me in ways I never could have imagined
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Between winter cold and summer sun – how Varna reshaped my free time
During the cold season, I experienced a quieter, almost intimate side of Varna. Instead of being outdoors, life moved indoors: game nights at the university, which helped me meet new people, and cozy evenings in small bars or clubs that radiated warmth even in winter. As the temperatures rose, the city changed noticeably. Markets, music, and spontaneous gatherings came to life in the Sea Garden and I realized how much energy a place can exude when people flock back outdoors. The volleyball courts on the beach, relaxed beach bars, and many small places to take photos, stroll, or eat quickly became my favorites. The aquarium, the shops, and, when I felt like more, the nearby Golden Sands beach also offered new little adventures. All these experiences showed me how much a city lives with the seasons and how important it is to remain open, try new things, and consciously experience every moment.
When the characters became foreign and I found myself anew
Encountering the Bulgarian language felt like suddenly diving into a completely new world. The Cyrillic alphabet, which I had hardly ever encountered before, overwhelmed me more than I had expected in the first few days. In Varna, this feeling of foreignness struck me immediately: characters that I knew in theory but could hardly decipher in practice. To avoid being at the mercy of this chaos, I took a Bulgarian language course, a decision that became a turning point for me. Step by step, I understood my first words, had short conversations, and was actually able to read instead of guessing in everyday life. With each small success, my self-confidence grew, as did the feeling that I was slowly arriving. Nevertheless, I realized how challenging this language is. Bulgarian requires patience, time, and dedication. I have learned that settling in is a process, one that grows with every attempt, every conversation, and every new word. And although I am still far from speaking fluently, this journey has shown me how much courage there is in every small step.
Crossing borders and expanding my own horizons in the process
The situation in Varna, and in Bulgaria in general, has shown me how close the world actually is. From here, there are routes in all directions: Greece, Romania, Turkey, all spontaneously accessible by bus. Even more distant destinations such as Moldova can be easily explored thanks to cheap flights. And there is so much to discover within Bulgaria itself: cities such as Sofia, Plovdiv, Gabrovo, and Veliko Tarnovo each have their own unique character that you can only understand once you've been there. All these opportunities have allowed me not only to visit places, but also to discover new cultural facets. Every region, every town, no matter how small, has its own soul, little traditions, gestures, and customs that have shown me how diverse Europe really is. At the same time, I have learned that traveling is not just about beautiful moments. In Moldova, I encountered barriers for the first time that had nothing to do with countries: people didn't want to talk to us, and in some places it was clear that we weren't welcome. This experience was uncomfortable, but it taught me that openness cannot be taken for granted and that it is precisely moments like these that help me grow the most.
Between modernity and tradition – How a university changed me
The modules offered to international students were amazingly diverse. The courses with Bulgarian students were particularly enriching, an opportunity to get to know locals, experience different teaching styles, and open myself up to new ways of thinking. In the process, I realized how great the uncertainties on both sides sometimes were. Many students only learn English at university and tended to hold back for fear of making mistakes. I never found this reticence unfriendly, but rather an understandable protective reaction. What made the exchange noticeably easier was the commitment of the ESN group. Buddy programs and lovingly organized activities built bridges across language barriers, cultural differences, and initial inhibitions. They helped me not only to study, but to truly arrive. Looking back, I learned there how important patience, openness, and understanding for one another are and that even small, initially difficult encounters often help us grow the most.
How encounters in Varna opened my heart
Varna showed me how easily paths can cross when you are willing to let them. The city is full of places where people come together quite naturally, without expectations, without pressure. There, I learned how quickly strangers can become familiar faces. The warmth of many locals made it incredibly easy for me to settle in. I was particularly moved by how a simple taxi ride can lead to genuine connection: two taxi drivers not only took my group and me from A to B, but also let us share in their lives bit by bit, including meals and activities together. But it's not just on the streets of Varna that you encounter this mix of people. You also meet diverse groups at the university and in the bars. Since many Germans study medicine there, you even hear familiar sounds of your own language from time to time. Between universities and small, cozy bars, intense friendships quickly develop, unplanned, but just right. This diversity of encounters has shaped me more than I would have expected. I traveled to Bulgaria alone to gain new experiences and found much more: people who showed me how much courage I have to break new ground. New friends who helped me grow. And a part of myself that I might never have discovered without this trip.
Between pride and warmth – How Bulgarian traditions have shaped my understanding of community
During my time in Bulgaria, I not only gained new impressions, but also immersed myself in a culture where tradition and pride shape everyday life. I was particularly touched by how consciously people celebrate their holidays, whether it's Liberation Day with parades and fireworks or the many Orthodox holidays that reinforce the feeling of being part of a long history. When the weather gets warmer, the Sea Garden fills with music and traditional dances, to which everyone is invited. This openness, this sharing of one's own culture, impressed me deeply. Bulgarian flags fly everywhere, not as decoration, but as an expression of genuine national pride, which is palpable in every conversation. Women's Day was unforgettable for me, a day full of visible appreciation, when men carry flowers throughout the city. I also got to experience Baba Marta: red and white ribbons, small figures, wishes for spring, a loving ritual full of hope. All these moments showed me how alive tradition can be and how strongly it connects people. This warmth and palpable pride have permanently changed my view of cultural identity.
Looking back, this period was much more than just a move abroad for me, it was a step toward finding myself. Leaving my comfort zone, going to Bulgaria alone, and building a new life there made me stronger and more confident than I ever thought possible. I was able to discover a new culture, learn about different perspectives, and broaden my view of the world and myself. Every encounter and every challenge showed me how much I am capable of when I am brave. Dowishdane – goodbye, Bulgaria.
All texts and images © Denise Pappritz. All rights reserved.
Quote: Proust, M. (n.d.) The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes. Age of the Sage. Available at: https://www.age-of-the-sage.org/quotations/proust_having_seeing_with_new_eyes.html (Accessed: 17 December 2025).