"OFF CAMPUS TRAINING IN BULGARIAN LANGUAGE AND SPORT" AS A WAY FOR SOCIALIZATION AND FORMATION OF COMMUNITY

Abstract

The off-campus education in Bulgarian language and Sports is part of the preparatory school year of international students wishing to study in the medical specialties of Medical University - Sofia. The program includes Bulgarian classes, winter sports - skiing and hiking, and table tennis. The event is attended by current students from the Medical University of Sofia, which contributes to the socialization of international students and community formation. The primary method of work is an anonymous survey with six questions that require specific answers. It covers various essential questions about the students' sport - recreational knowledge and needs, which will provide guidance for improving the organization and program content of the training delivered. It was held after the completion of the Bulgarian language and sports training in the town of Bansko in the period from 02 -09.02.2019. We have set the following tasks: 1) to study the students' opinion on the main objectives of the off-campus training, on sporting events, and 2) to draw conclusions and recommendations for the future implementation and optimization of the off-campus training. The following conclusions were made: 1. After successfully completing the initial ski and hiking training of students, most of them appreciate the benefits of outdoor activities as beneficial to health and as accessible to future independent activities. 2. The off-campus training organized for Bulgarian and an international student creates good conditions for socialization and building a more cohesive community. 3. Through such events, lecturers acquire greater organizational experience in working with students and optimizing their sessions.