This year’s International House Young Learner Conference took place in Sofia, Bulgaria. As always, the annual event was a celebration of collaboration, learning, and the unique spirit of the International House network.
The IH belief is that ideas shared across the network have the power to inspire others, promote growth and ultimately strengthen our schools, teachers and students. The 2025 YL conference provided the perfect platform for YL coordinators, managers and senior teachers to share experiences and knowledge.
In an industry where we sometimes feel isolated and alone, it was fantastic getting together and remembering that we are one big family dealing with a similar day-to-day.
By Stephen Farren, Director of Studies, IH Belfast
The theme this year was "Maximising the Potential of Our YL Centres" which inspired thought-provoking sessions on topics such as the importance of empathy in teachers, evidence-based strategies that enhance language learning, best practices for an effective and efficient YL Centre and much more.
On day one, we were delighted to be joined by plenary speakers Kieran Donaghy, Chantelle Walsh, Elena Malinovskaya and Sezgi Yalin. On day two, IH speakers shared personal and unique perspectives which helped expand our professional experience and fostered reflection on our shared challenges and successes. The variety of topics generated discussion and a flow of conversation that weaved its way through the conference.
As well as getting to know IH colleagues from around the world, the conference was also a great opportunity to explore Bulgaria’s laid-back capital and the country’s culture. Sofia's charm added a special touch to the event. Despite the rain, participants enjoyed a memorable guided walking tour of the capital that peeled back the complex layers of the city’s rich history.
Our hosts at IH Sofia warmly welcomed us with homemade delicacies such as liutenitsa, banitsa and freshly baked bread. Their demonstration of true Bulgarian hospitality made everyone feel very at home.
The hosts were absolutely wonderful: it felt like coming home… They really opened their doors and their hearts and went out of their way to make us all feel comfortable and welcome.
By Max Maximov, Director of Studies at IH Düsseldorf
It is a special year for IH Sofia, as well as hosting this event, they are also celebrating their 15th anniversary as part of the International House network. The school, located in the vibrant capital of Bulgaria, is a medium-sized, fast-growing hub of learning, known for its innovative and dynamic approach to young learner education.
The feedback from our delegates highlighted the importance of being exposed to different topics, strategies and contexts. They particularly enjoyed interacting with other YL coordinators in group-work activities and networking opportunities.
It (the conference) was so well-organised, and I thoroughly enjoyed the sessions. What a wonderful community of talented and enthusiastic people!
By Stephanie Reay, Senior Teacher at IH Newcastle
A special thank you to our IH World Young Learner Coordinator, Xana de Nagy, for putting together such an enriching programme of speakers. Thank you to our supportive Partner, Guard.Me International Insurance and to our Gold Sponsor Trinity College London.