Friends of Bulgaria from 40 countries in Europe, America, Asia and Africa met on July 30 2007 in the Bulgarian town of Veliko Turnovo at the 30th International Summer Seminar for Bulgarian Studies.

The 125 participants include 80 foreign students, as well as a diplomat, a financier, a chef and a designer, according to Bulgarian news agency BTA.

The seminar offers expatriates and employees of foreign companies working in Bulgaria the chance to improve their language skills.

Participants do practical Bulgarian language exercises, and attend specialist lectures on the modern Bulgarian language, old Bulgarian, Bulgarian literature, Bulgarian history and culture, Bulgarian ethnography, environmental issues, religion, demography and interethnic affairs.

Also on the programme are a course in Bulgarian singing and dancing, screenings of Bulgarian films, meetings with Bulgarian writers, musicians and artists. The seminar also includes visits to museums and arts exhibitions and day trips to historic and natural landmarks in the area.

The seminar continues until August 18.