MISSION
The mission of COSMOS International School is to raise free people who will create their own present and future with courage, imagination and creativity. The world to the COSMOS children is an invitation to learn and discover. Children in COSMOS International School are from different nationalities and they grow to be open and tolerant to race, religious and health background.
AIMS
COSMOS International School`s aim is to introduce children to multilingual environment. We – both teachers and parents, help the children to become self-confident, successful and most of all life-long learning individuals. We let our children keep in touch with nature and grow up to be empathetic, fearless and curious. We develop art, craft and gardening skills that will cultivate basic qualities such as patience, humility, dedication. We prepare them emotionally, academically and practically for the future world.
Faculty and Staff
We learn and grow together with children. We learn from children, as we walk into their world, listen to and understand them.
If you’re interested in becoming a part of our team, we encourage you to share your CV with us at hr@cischool.bg. If your qualifications and experience match a future opening, we’ll be sure to get in touch with you!
Tatiana Zaharieva
Education: Master of International Economic Relations, UNWE. Courses in psychology and psychotherapy.
Experience: Tatiana is a visionary educator who founded an educational center in 1997 and established Bulgaria’s first bilingual nursery and kindergarten in 2009.
Her passion for raising curious, community-oriented individuals led her to create Cosmos International School, a member of the Cambridge International community.
Beyond education, Tatiana is a pioneer in organizing sports camps for young children, promoting teamwork and a love for healthy living from an early age.
Additional interests: skiing, surfing, swimming, reading
Mother tongue: Bulgarian
Foreign languages: German, English, Russian
Elena Kanova
Education: Bachelor of Banking, Stock Exchange and Brokerage, UNWE.
Volleyball coach and physical education teacher, NSA
Experience: Elena is an experienced entrepreneur with a background in several startups. She recognized the importance of diverse educational approaches and played a key role in the founding of Cosmos International School, contributing to its mission of delivering innovative, world-class education. She has also participated in several startups.
Additional interests: Sport
Mother tongue: Bulgarian
Foreign languages: English
Marieta Vincent
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, UNWE
Experience: Marieta, after studying as a middle-level manager in high school, earned her BA degree in forecasting and planning. Following years of experience in her field, she joined Cosmos Educational Center in 2005 and later became an integral part of Cosmos Kids Kindergarten and Nursery. With her exceptional management and organizational skills, Marieta played a crucial role in the founding of Cosmos International School, becoming a key figure in its success.
Additional qualifications: Graphic design
Additional interests: Gardening, Aromatherapy, Yoga, Healthy Lifestyle
Mother tongue: Bulgarian
Foreign languages: English
Part of the Cosmos family since: 2004
Zsuzsanna Eren
Education: BA from Janos Kodolany University of Applied Sciences – Major: Communication and Media Sciences;
Experience: Zsuzsi is an accomplished educator with a background in pedagogy and a TEFL certification earned with distinction. She is a qualified IGCSE English as a Second Language teacher and examiner, bringing expertise and dedication to her role. Zsuzsi has worked in various prestigious schools in Turkey, where she notably served as the head teacher of the high school English department at TED Adana. She later returned to Bulgaria to establish the international curriculum at Cosmos International School, demonstrating her commitment to advancing education on a global scale.
Mother tongue: Hungarian
Foreign languages: English, Turkish, Bulgarian
Part of the Cosmos family since: 2012
Kalina Borisova
Education: Bulgarian philology in Sofia University
Mother tongue: Bulgarian
Foreign languages: English
Part of the Cosmos family since: 1997
Maria Markova
Education: Master’s Degree in Literature Science and Bulgarian Philology and Masters Degree in International Relations and Affairs
Additional Qualifications: Pedagogy; Bulgarian language instructor for foreigners
using the Berlitz Method®
Mother tongue: Bulgarian
Foreign language: English, Russian
Part of the Cosmos family since: 2022
Raycho Nikolov
Education: BA in Applied Mathematics, Technical University, Sofia
Experience: Raycho has been working as a Mathematic and IT
teacher in various Bulgarian schools for over 10 years. During the pandemic he has adapted a system to teach math using a graphics tablet and computer which can be used equally well in the online learning environment and in the classroom. Moreover you can find his Math tutorial videos on YouTube.
Mother tongue: Bulgarian
Foreign languages: English
Experience working with kids: 10+ years
Part of the Cosmos family since: 2023
Yavor Denchev
Education: BSc and MSc in microbiology, University of Victoria, Canada
Experience: Yavor Denchev is a familiar face to many, thanks to his engaging presence on the television screen. Best known for his popular morning show “Science with Yavor Denchev,”.
However, his passion for science extends beyond his TV appearances. With a background as a science teacher in various private schools, Yavor has dedicated himself to nurturing young minds. Yavor firmly believes that learning should be enjoyable and strives to create an environment where kids can have fun while discovering the wonders of science.
Experience in work with kids: 10 years
Part of the Cosmos family since: 2023
Elena Dukova
Education: BA in Russian Philology at St. Climent Ochridsky University of Sofia
Additional Qualifications: TEFL
Experience: Elena spent most of her childhood in the USA before returning to Bulgaria for her studies. Following her university education, she embarked on a career as a translator and substitute teacher. However, driven by her desire to face new challenges, Elena decided to delve deeper into English teaching and has since devoted herself to working with primary students. Her passion and commitment make her a valuable asset in the classroom, where she continues to make a positive impact on young learners’ lives.
Experience in work with kids: 5 years
Part of the Cosmos family since: 2023
Raul Bumb
Education: Bachelor degree from the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Romania.
Master’s degree, University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
Additional qualifications: Cambridge Advance (CAE) Qualification, TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate, Jolly Phonics Qualifications.
Experience in work with kids: Raul explored the beauty of teaching children while he was a camp counselor at YMCA, Canada. Then for years he traveled through North and South America where he visited numerous schools and he learned about different pedagogical methods.
Mother tongue: Romanian
Foreign languages: English, Spanish, Hungarian
Part of the Cosmos family since: 2022
Mihaela Taneva
Education: Ph.D of cinematography; specialization in Feature directing.
Additional qualifications: Chairman of the Povey Foundation & Organizer of the annual Alter Agro festival.
Additional interests: organic farming, sustainable alternative practices in education, healthcare and agriculture
Mother tongue: Bulgarian
Foreign languages: English
Part of the Cosmos family since: 2023
Gloria Backardjieva
Education: MA in Classical Philology, English Philology, Bulgarian Philology at Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia since 1990
Additional qualifications: PhD in Pedagogy of Teaching Foreign Languages at Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia since 2020
Additional interests: Foreign Languages, Literature, Astronomy and Physics, History of Art, Ancient History and Archaeology
Mother tongue: Bulgarian
Foreign languages: English, French, Russian
Experience in work with kids: Teaching English to pre-school and school children since 1991
Part of the Cosmos family since: 2002
Büşra Bahar
Education: BA in English Language and Literature, Pamukkale University
Additional Qualifications: Trinity CertTESOL: Level 5 Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Mother Tongue: Turkish
Foreign Languages: English
Additional Interests: Mythology, Literature and Reading, Foreign Languages, Traveling, Film and Cinema, Translation, Book Clubs
Part of the Cosmos family since: 2024
Hristo Zhelev
Education: Bachelor’s degree in “Astrophysics, Meteorology and Geophysics”, Master’s degree in “Methodology of Foreign Language Teaching (English)”
Additional interests: capoeira, percussion instruments
Mother tongue: Bulgarian
Foreign languages: English
Experience working with kids: 11 years
Part of the Cosmos family since: 2024
Nikolay Nikolov
Education: Master of Computer Science, TU-Sofia
Additional interests: riding a motobike, sailing, skiing, yoga, reading
Mother tongue: Bulgarian
Foreign languages: Russian, English
Part of the Cosmos family since: 2024
Nikolina Pacheva
Education: Bachelor degree in preschool teaching. Mechanical Engineer (Master degree)
Additional qualifications: English languages ESOL Cambridge, Computer Aided Engineering
Additional interests: Art and craft, baking cakes and cookies, folk dances,reading books
Mother tongue: Bulgarian
Foreign languages: English, Russian
Experience in work with kids: Worked for 20 Years with children of different ages as a babysitter in London
Part of the Cosmos family since: 2023
Gergana Dimitrova
Education: Bachelor of Physical education teacher and Athletics coach, NSA;
Masters of Marketing, UNWE; Masters of Sports psychology, NSA – currently studying
Mother tongue: Bulgarian
Foreign languages: Spanish, English
Additional interests: yoga, tourism, animals, Astrology
Experience working with kids: 8 years
Part of the Cosmos family since: 2022
Pavlina Petrova
Education: She has a degree in English from Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski and a Master’s degree in Mathematics and Informatics from the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics, specialty Informatics.
Experience: She has been teaching math and computer science for years in schools and individual lessons, preparing students for NVQs in mathematics, for competitions in both mathematical and programming.
For several years Pavlina was part of a team of animators who taught groups of children from all over the country to survive in nature and develop their creativity, agility, and confidence.
Mother language: Bulgarian
Foreign languages: English, Russian
Additional qualifications: Teacher of mathematics, informatics and information technology
Interests: mountains, nature, hiking, outdoor sports such as jogging, cycling, skiing, climbing, survival and also handmade creativity in all kinds of areas.
Part of the Cosmos family since: 2024
Maria Dilovski
Education: Master’s Degree in Applied Linguistics from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany
Mother tongue: Russian
Foreign languages: German, English, Bulgarian
Additional interests: Multilingual pedagogy
Part of the Cosmos family since: 2024
Aleksandar Angelov
Education: Miguel de Cervantes Language High school, Architecture Master’s degree at UACEG
Experience: four years of leading architecture workshops for children aged 5-14, three years of teaching Cambridge Primary mathematics, three years of teaching basics of drawing, character development and composition of comics
Additional interests: drawing, playing music, reading books, playing basketball and table tennis, yoga & meditation
Additional qualifications: FCE, CAE, Introductory & Extension Cambridge Primary Mathematics courses 2022
Mother tongue: Bulgarian
Foreign languages: English, Spanish
Part of the Cosmos family since: 2024
Irenia Vasquez
Cambridge Primary Music
Education: National Music School Havana, Cuba – piano and bassoon
Mother tongue: Spanish
Foreign languages: English; basic Portuguese
Part of the Cosmos family since: 2012
Mustafa Eren
Education: Medical Professional High School, Tarsus – Nurse and Medical Laboratory Professional, Mersin University – Associate Degree in Medical Laboratory Professional, Atatürk University – BA in Emergency and Disaster Management
Experience: Mustafa began his medical studies in high school, where he specialized in both nursing and as a medical laboratory professional. He continued his education by earning an associate degree in Laboratory Science from Mersin University, during which he interned in various state hospital ERs and laboratory departments, gaining experience in nuclear medicine.
While working at the Turkish Red Crescent, Mustafa furthered his expertise by obtaining a BA degree in Emergency and Disaster Management, solidifying his diverse skill set as a nurse and medical laboratory professional.
Mother Tongue: Turkish
Foreign Languages: English, basic Bulgarian
Additional Interests: Exploring the nature, traveling, archeology, mythology, stock market
Part of the Cosmos family since: 2022
Yanitsa Stankeva
Education: Master’s degree in “Theatre arts”, NBU, Sofia, Master’s Degree in “Directing and choreography”, AMTII, Plovdiv, Bachelor’s degree in “Economic Sociology”, UNSS, Sofia
Additional qualifications: “Dance programme Street Styles”, Debbie Reynolds Dance Studio – LA, USA, “Social media marketing in theater organizations”, Sofia
Additional interests: Breaking, playback theatre, social media marketing, pedagogy, organizing art camps for kids and adults
Mother tongue: Bulgarian
Foreign languages: English, basic German
Experience working with kids: 13 years
Part of the Cosmos family since: 2024
Kuba Daniłowicz
Education: Zespół Państwowych Szkół Plastycznych im. Wojciecha Gersona w Warszawie (2017)
Iberian Studies at UW (2020 – 2021)
Additional Interests: Films, cooking, music, folklore history, Russian literature and Turkish coffee.
Mother tongue: Polish
Foreign languages: Bulgarian, English, Spanish, French.
Experience with work with kids: Canadian Pre School in Warsaw (2017) – drawing instructor
Szkoła Podstawowa nr 279 im. Batalionów AK Gustaw i Harnaś – drawing teacher for after class courses, Warsaw (2017 – 2018)
Guitar tutor, London – (2018 – 2019)
Music workshop for minors and young adults from refugee camp in Sofia (2024)
Vasil Kanov
Education: VIF “G. Dimitrov”, Sofia / NSA “Vasil Levski”
Experience: 15 years as a senior volleyball coach and 20 years as a physical education teacher.
Coach of the national volleyball team and former national volleyball player.
Additional interests: basketball, athletics, and gardening.
Native language: Bulgarian
Joined Cosmos: in 2024.
HISTORY
The school was reborn after a large-scale project between the private kindergarten Cosmos Kids, the residents of the village of Osoitsa, Gorna Malina municipality and the investor, Ivan Nikolchev. Cosmos International School continues the vision of learning and development that was set by Cosmos Kids English Nursery and Kindergarten. We have been nurturing the imagination and desire to learn in over 400 children for more than 14 years, helping them shape their present and future.
The people of “Osoitsa” village originate from the Pirin region. They relocate as a result of the horrific Turkish massacres during the Kresna-Razlog uprising in 1877-1878, and the Illinden revolt during 1903. Each family had between five and eight children and as classrooms were used spaces in some of the wealthy houses. The first teachers were from among the newly arrived populations from the Macedonian region: Razlogov, Bukarov, Grancharov. In 1926 the mayor, Dimitar Komitov, took credit from the National Bank of Bulgaria, that was worth 1200000 leva against the local forest – 36000 decars.
An Italian architect made the project of the school and the very first builders were also Italian. The local people helped as volunteers. The school was built in 4 years and it was ready in 1930; the walls are 70 cm thick – the outside is local stone, while the inside is made of brick. Around ten Bulgarian woodcutters were also involved. Two towers, a big and a small one, are also part of the school; time is measured by the big one, where a clock mechanism was built in – the bell struck in every half an hour.
In 1930 the school “Assen Zlatarov” was open. On the first floor were located the classrooms of the students from the 1st to the 4th grade, the theatre and the library. On the second floor were located the classrooms of the students from the 5th to the 7th grade; the classrooms facing south are equipped as Physics, Chemistry and Biology cabinets – classes were approximately 30 to 35 students, where the children came not only from the village of “Osoitsa”, but also from the neighboring village of “Sarantsi.”
In 1955-1957 the school was declared by the Bulgarian Ministry of Education to be the best school in the country as far as school process, material base and discipline go. Never to be forgotten are the exceptional teachers Ivan Solarski, Gesho Terziiski (math), Ilia Stoitsev (biology), the painter Bozhanchev (fine arts and music) whose hobby was fixing watches, the school principle Nicola Illiev, the school principle Georgi Haralampiev who in 1975 built the school fence and the water fountain in the yard of the school.
Next to the school building, there was another building that was used as a kitchen and cafeteria, and also as a kindergarten. The school stayed open until 1989, when it was finally closed because of lack of students.
English 
Български