ARRIVAL GATE

Welcome to Bulgaria - your landing point for new experiences with ICDET.

The Arrival Gate is where your ICDET journey touches down into real life in our home base — Bulgaria. After all the planning, preparation, and anticipation, this is the moment where new experiences begin. Whether you are joining us for a youth exchange, a professional traineeship, an ESC volunteering project, or simply a cultural adventure, this gate opens into a country rich in stories, landscapes, and traditions.

Stepping through the Arrival Gate means more than just entering a new destination — it is an invitation to discover Bulgaria’s living history, taste its authentic flavors, walk its ancient streets, and connect with its welcoming people. It is also a way to see how ICDET makes sure your landing is smooth: with practical tips, cultural insights, and curated resources to guide you every step of the way.

From Sofia’s vibrant rhythm to Bulgaria’s mountain trails and seaside horizons, the Arrival Gate is your starting point for adventures that are both meaningful and memorable. Welcome — your journey continues here.

Discover the heart of the Balkans - history, nature, and traditions in one land.

Bulgaria is a vibrant country at the crossroads of Europe and the Balkans, where history, nature, and traditions come together.

With more than thirteen centuries of cultural heritage, the country is a living museum of Thracian treasures, Roman remains, and Ottoman influences.

Its landscapes are just as diverse — from the snowy peaks of the Rila Mountains to the golden beaches of the Black Sea. Bulgaria is also famous for its colourful folklore, music, and dances that continue to play a role in everyday life.

A fun curiosity for newcomers: here, people shake their head for yes and nod for no!

Where ancient streets meet modern energy - Europe’s hidden capital.

Sofia is Bulgaria’s capital and the heart of ICDET’s activities.

The city blends the charm of ancient history with the rhythm of modern life. In one walk, you can see Roman ruins, grand Orthodox churches, lively pedestrian streets, and trendy cafés. The iconic Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the historic National Theatre, and the bustling Vitosha Boulevard are must-sees.

Just outside the city, Vitosha Mountain offers fresh air and hiking trails.

Today, Sofia is also known as one of Southeast Europe’s IT and startup hubs, buzzing with innovation, co-working spaces, and youth culture.

See Sofia through the eyes of locals and visitors - a story of past and present.

To discover Sofia through authentic eyes, watch Sofia: History of Europe, an engaging advertising film that presents the capital through the experiences of locals and visitors. The story follows Terry Randall, an Englishman who has lived in Sofia for nearly a decade, as he welcomes his Danish friend Merete Baun. Together they explore the city’s streets, uncovering its history, culture, and vibrant modern life.

Watch the film on YouTube

Feel the rhythm, taste the flavours, and join the living traditions of Bulgaria.

Bulgarian culture is best experienced through its tastes, sounds, and celebrations. Food is a source of pride here — from the crispy pastry banitsa to the fresh shopska salad, and the world-renowned Bulgarian yoghurt. Traditions remain strong: every March, Bulgarians exchange red-and-white martenitsa bracelets for health and happiness; in winter, masked kukeri chase away evil spirits; and in summer, nestinari dancers perform barefoot on glowing embers. Music and dance bring people together everywhere, with the lively horo circle dance being the heartbeat of every gathering.

Beyond the well-known customs, Bulgaria is also a land of regional diversity — each part of the country has its own recipes, dialects, costumes, and folklore styles. From the mountain villages where bagpipes echo through the valleys, to the seaside towns with their fisherman traditions, Bulgaria offers a cultural richness that surprises visitors at every turn. Participating in everyday life — sharing meals, joining local celebrations, or learning a traditional song or dance — gives newcomers not just memories, but a true sense of belonging.

The ideal destination for learning, growth, and connection.

Bulgaria — and especially Sofia — offers the perfect environment for international mobilities. With its blend of cultures, languages, and traditions, the country is a natural classroom for diversity and inclusion. Participants experience life in a society at the crossroads of East and West, where tolerance and community are central values.

Sofia, as a dynamic European capital, combines affordable living with rich cultural experiences, making it accessible to young people from every background. The city’s vibrant youth scene, creative industries, and innovation hubs give trainees and interns the chance to connect with peers and professionals alike.

Beyond practical advantages, Bulgaria provides a warm, safe, and welcoming atmosphere where every participant — no matter their origin or abilities — can feel at home. Choosing Bulgaria for mobility means choosing a place where culture, diversity, and opportunity meet.

Your quick guide for a smooth landing and easy stay in Bulgaria.

Arriving in Bulgaria is simple with a few tips in mind. Sofia’s transport network includes metro lines, buses, trams, and trolleys, making it easy to get around. Taxis are affordable, but it’s best to use licensed companies or apps. The national currency is the Bulgarian Lev (BGN), fixed to the Euro at 1.95583 BGN = €1, and credit cards are widely accepted. For emergencies, dial 112, which works across the EU. The weather changes with the seasons — hot summers and snowy winters — so packing accordingly is key. While Bulgarian is the official language, most young people in Sofia speak English, making it easy for newcomers to connect.

Explore like a local - guided by ICDET, shaped by experience.

With ICDET, you don’t just visit Bulgaria — you experience it. We organise cultural excursions to historical sites and nature landmarks, connect participants with local communities, and share insider tips collected from past visitors.

To make exploration even easier, we have prepared curated playlists, city guides, and route maps that help you discover hidden gems, music, and traditions like a local.

Your digital window into Bulgaria - videos, playlists, and maps at your fingertips.

Our Multimedia Library gathers all of ICDET’s curated video playlists and maps in one place. Explore Bulgaria’s nature, culture, traditions, and cities through engaging video collections, and use our interactive maps to plan your own discoveries.

Video Playlists:

Nature of Bulgaria – mountains, rivers, lakes, and the Black Sea coast
Bulgarian Heritage – ancient ruins, monasteries, museums, and UNESCO sites
Cities of Bulgaria – from Sofia and Plovdiv to coastal towns and hidden gems
Culture & Traditions – festivals, folklore, crafts, and everyday Bulgarian life
Bulgarian Music & Dance – horo dances, folk songs, and modern interpretations
Bulgarian Cuisine – traditional dishes, cooking traditions, and local flavours

Maps Database:

🗺 Interactive Maps of Bulgaria – cities, heritage routes, hiking trails, and natural wonders

Real voices, real experiences - advice from those who came before you.

The best advice often comes from those who have already walked the path. In this section, participants who have joined ICDET projects in Bulgaria share their personal tips: what surprised them most, which places they loved, and what to avoid. From hidden coffee shops and quiet parks in Sofia to the friendliest mountain trails, these voices give newcomers a more personal view of life in Bulgaria.

Arriving & Settling In – airport, first days, cultural shocks, first impressions
Life in Sofia – getting around the city, favourite areas, student/youth life, local habits
Food & Daily Life – supermarkets, traditional foods to try, eating out on a budget
Transport & Mobility – metro, buses, apps, taxis, weekend trips
Money & Budgeting – affordable living, banking, avoiding hidden costs
Making Connections – meeting locals, making friends, integration tips
Culture & Free Time – traditions, events, festivals, nightlife, must-see places
Exploring Bulgaria – weekend trips, mountain hikes, cultural visits
Survival & Safety – emergency numbers, staying safe, common do’s and don’ts