BGU graduate redefines the mature student experience

Mariya Georgieva, class of 2025 graduate, shared her journey of relocating from Bulgaria to graduating with a Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and Linguistics degree. 

In 2017, Mariya moved to the UK at a time when she said she was “barely able to speak English”. Whilst developing her proficiency in the language and studying for a Teaching Assistant Diploma, Mariya first heard of BGU by recommendation from her private English teacher. 

Mariya said: “I met with Dr. Kay Johnson (TESOL Programme Leader) on campus. She stayed after her working hours just to explain my options and help me understand how the university system in England worked. I had no clue what to expect or what I was capable of, but that conversation changed everything.

“I felt recognised and supported by someone who didn’t have to help me but chose to do so with kindness and no hesitation. As individuals, sometimes all we need is to be seen, heard, and supported and that’s why I chose BGU.” 

Mariya enrolled onto the University’s TESOL programme in September 2022, with the initial ambition of improving her English and understanding how language works. Except, Mariya says, the course went far beyond that and was better than she expected!

She said: “TESOL at BGU is not just about theory – it’s about becoming the kind of teacher who can make a difference. If you care about inclusive education and you want to understand people as well as language, this is the place. 

“I had the opportunity to participate in a memorable international trip to Madagascar, which reminded me that learning doesn’t only happen in classrooms.” 

Describing her tutors as “supportive, knowledgeable and encouraging”, Mariya shared more about the support she received throughout her studies. 

Mariya said: “The support was outstanding, and every tutor treated me as an individual. At BGU, support is ongoing, not just from tutors but from every part of academic life. The University feels cosy and familiar, like a big family. You always know who to go to – you just need to ask.” 

After graduating from BGU at the prestigious Lincoln Cathedral in July 2025, Mariya is continuing her career development with postgraduate study and the future goal of teaching English both in the UK and internationally. 

Dr Kay Johnson, Programme Leader for TESOL at the University, who has been a part of Mariya’s journey right from infancy, commented on her wonderful achievement: “The TESOL team are absolutely delighted for Mariya. For the last three years, she has dedicated herself to academic study - in a language which is not her first - alongside career responsibilities and family commitments. 

“Hard work and engagement with study and tutors paid off;  her academic trajectory skyrocketed, culminating in a robust, original and creative piece of research for her dissertation that was awarded a first-class grade. We know she will go on to further success in her master's degree. Congratulations!” 

To find out more about English Language and Teaching at BGU, please click here!