I’ve been offered a short term (2-3 months) opportunity to work in Bulgaria; flying back to Canada every 3-4 weeks. Should I take it? Any positives about Bulgaria to share?

Not based off of personal experience in area, but experience traveling abroad in general.

I would definitely take it. The Balkan region has some of the deepest historical roots and you will have the opportunity to see some places and experience a culture you will probably never have again. Both Greek and Roman history finds its beginnings in Bulgaria and there are many remnants from those cultures that remain (theaters, the Varna Necropolis, tombs, etc).

Women slightly outnumber men there, and in my experience - European women love Americans/Canadians - so if that’s your cup of tea, you have a significant advantage.

You’ll have the opportunity to explore Europe as a whole, trains virtually run everywhere, and making a trip to Spain/Germany is, for many people, no more odd than saying “I’m headed to the grocery store.”

Your safety should be no issue as there is limited to no terrorist activity, Bulgaria has no international disputes with other countries, and the worst thing going for them is some minor drug trafficking.

I haven’t worked in Bulgaria, but my wife and I went there for a week to ski. My experience was mixed. The food leaves a lot to be desired, but it is soo cheap out there you could find a nice western restaurant and eat out every night and it wont break the bank.

I also found that Bulgarians aren’t the happiest of people, a bit moody.

On the plus side, Bulgaria as a nation is trying really hard to open up (European integration etc), and is on the whole successful at attracting foreign business. Also, as the previous post mentioned, if you have an adventurous spirit, it would be good to explore a different culture from what you are used to (real different).

Thanks for the replies and the insights.

One negative of the opportunity is that I’ll be away for my fairly new wife for some time, though she has given me the okay to go. So I’ll see what the company offers and take it from there.

@Michael - The extra women wouldn’t be my cup of tea, I would have a different cup

That’s always a bonus to - Europe loves it’s alcohol.

I can understand not wanting to go because of the separation from you family - definitely make sure they make it worthwhile for you.

A long, long time ago I was doing the “Hippie Trail” and passed through Bulgaria on my way to Nepal. I always remember the proud Bulgarian border post guard informing me that there was no unemployment in his country. During our drive down to Turkey the roadside had numerous very old people employed shoveling snow!

I reckon you should go for it since you always regret the things you never do. Besides the ease of traveling to European countries you are only a short distance to the Gateway to Asia. Istanbul is a guaranteed experienced not to be missed.

How about swapping one of your return trips back home and get your family to visit and have an extended vacation at the end of your contract?
 
 

Michael Wales - 26 February 2008 06:46 AM

That’s always a bonus to - Europe loves it’s alcohol.

Didn’t realize I was making an inference to that cup. I may have that cup occasionally but just a regular cup of tea most of the time

I will make an effort to see to Istanbul. I will try to get a couple trips for the family to be included as a part of the package.