By Diana Milkova
The A250 Regional ETA Seminar to prepare Fulbrighters to highlight America’s 250th anniversary in 2026 is a wrap—and what an inspiring celebration of U.S. culture, history, and teaching it was!
This year’s seminar, held in Sofia, brought together Fulbright English Teaching Assistants to Albania, Andorra, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Estonia, Latvia, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Switzerland—an inspiring American group eager to bring creative, cultural, and historical insights into their classrooms.
After an informal icebreaker lesson in Bulgarian folk dancing, which truly tested attendees’ athletic and artistic prowess, the event was officially opened by Martin McDowell, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. at the U.S. Embassy in Sofia, whose warm remarks set the tone for three days of energetic learning and idea-sharing. We were honored to also welcome Eric Brassil, Fulbright Board Member and Public Engagement Officer at the U.S. Embassy.
Through sessions on American history, culture, film, music, theater techniques, athletics, and classroom engagement, ETAs explored how to teach U.S. culture and history to non-American high school students in ways that spark curiosity, critical thinking, and joy.
One of the biggest takeaways? Sports as a tool for values, teamwork, motivation, and language learning. The wonderful “Classroom Olympics” at the end of the seminar—which included trash-can basketball, balloon juggling, crab crawl races and other fun events—had everyone laughing, cheering, and brainstorming new activity ideas for their host schools.
From understanding the foundations of American democracy, to bringing U.S. literature and music alive, to using movement, games, and storytelling—our ETAs left with fresh strategies and a renewed sense of mission. A heartfelt thank-you to Program Officer Iliana Dimitrova and ETA Program Assistant Viktoria Dailova for the impeccable organization, care, and hard work that made the seminar such a success.
Here’s to 2026 being a fantastic year of teaching, learning, and cultural exchange!
