VFU "CHERNORIZETS HRABAR" EXPANDS ITS COOPERATION WITH THE CAMÕES INSTITUTE
13 february 2026
On 12 February 2026, Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” welcomed Pedro Sebastiao, PhD – Head of the Camões Portuguese Language Center, Sofia. The Centre is part of the Camões Institute – Institute for Cooperation and Language at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Portugal, which develops activities in the field of international cooperation, training and dissemination of the Portuguese language and culture around the world.
The cooperation between Varna Free University and the Camões Institute began in 2015 and was renewed in 2025 for a new three-year period until 2028. The partnership supports the development of Portuguese language and culture training through qualified teachers, modern resources, methodological assistance and the implementation of cultural and academic initiatives that promote intercultural dialogue.
Thanks to this consistent work, a stable model of foreign language training is developing at Varna Free University. This creates training opportunities for both students from different specialties, as well as for teachers and employees who wish to expand their language skills and intercultural competences. A significant role in the actual implementation of the cooperation is played by the Department of Foreign Language Teaching and Postgraduate Qualification, which coordinates the organization of Portuguese language training - from lesson planning to administrative service for students and certification opportunities.
During his visit, Sebastião met with Assoc. Prof. Eleonora Tankova, PhD, Vice-Rector for Institutional Cooperation and Development at VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”, as well as with Boryana Kostova, PhD, Director of the Department of Foreign Language Teaching and Postgraduate Qualification. The opportunities for expanding Portuguese language training, promoting intercultural exchange and implementing new joint academic initiatives were discussed.
On behalf of the Camões Institute, Pedro Sebastião, PhD presented the university with educational and fiction literature in Portuguese, which will support the learning process and enrich the library collection of VFU “Chernorizets Hrabar”.
The visit highlighted the role of foreign language training as a bridge for intercultural dialogue and academic cooperation.