What is your full name?

My full name is Steven Clifford Winer

Are you married?

I was, unfortunately I’m now divorced.

Where are you from?

I’m from South Africa

What made you move to Bulgaria?

I moved here from Ireland, my ex-wife is Bulgarian so came here to see more of my daughter.

How long have you lived here now?

I have lived here for ten years now.

Where do you live now?

I live in Sofia, on Odrin Street.

Do you like living here? If so what do you like most and what don’t you like?

Sofia, it’s a great city to live. I like the parks and the proximity to the mountains, Greece and to Europe. I just do not like the pollution, especially the air pollution.

Where do you work?

I now work at The American English Academy – AEA

Do you like where you work?

Yes I do, it’s a nice school.

Why did you choose teaching?

I enjoy helping people; teaching is great for helping students reach their language goals.

What experience do you have?

I have various experiences at numerous language centres and schools such as St Georges and the British School of Sofia. Also, many years of private lessons from grade 2 till university level in Mathematics and English.

Which aspects do you like best about teaching?

I get to change the world in a positive way, make learning fun, improve students’ self-esteem and I form long lasting relationships.

Do you think teaching is rewarding?

For sure, it is.

Would you recommend teaching as a career?

Yes I would.

Your life story, in your own words:

I was born in South Africa where I grew up and went to school and studied Engineering at University. In 2001 I moved to Ireland where I worked for 5 years and married a “crazy” Bulgarian woman.

In 2007 we moved to Bulgaria. After a year or two I got divorced and continued to live in Bulgaria. In Bulgaria I started English teaching as there was a great demand for native speakers and experienced mathematicians who had foreign qualifications.