Building Bridges Through Education: Varna Free University and Nantong University Strengthen Academic Ties

As part of the ongoing implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” and Nantong University in China, an official delegation from the Chinese institution recently visited Varna Free University to further develop their academic cooperation. The delegation was led by Professor Yang, who oversees international relations at Nantong University, and was accompanied by his assistant, Hanon Chen.

The Chinese guests were warmly welcomed by Yani Yanev, Vice President of Varna Free University, Professor D.Sc. Dimitar Kanev, Vice Rector, and Professor Dr. Galina Shamonina, Chief Secretary of the University. The visit marked a significant step forward in strengthening academic and cultural ties between the two universities and exploring opportunities for deeper collaboration in various areas of higher education.

During the visit, both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to expanding student mobility and academic exchange. It was agreed that Varna Free University would begin admitting Chinese master’s and doctoral students in the fields of arts and business administration. The doctoral candidates will benefit from joint academic supervision provided by professors from both Varna Free University and Nantong University—a model that aligns with Varna Free University’s Doctoral Development Strategy, which emphasizes interdisciplinary and international research collaboration.

The delegation expressed strong interest in expanding the cooperation beyond postgraduate studies. Discussions were also held on bachelor’s programs, as well as foreign language instruction, summer schools, short-term academic courses, and language semester programs, which are increasingly attractive to Chinese students seeking international academic experiences.

As part of their visit, the Chinese delegation toured Varna Free University’s state-of-the-art facilities, including the Technology Institute, University Library, Additive Technologies Laboratory, Arts Studios, the Educational and Sports Complex, and the university’s landscaped park campus. These visits gave the guests a comprehensive view of the university’s infrastructure, resources, and capacity to host international students and facilitate high-quality learning and research.

Several working meetings were held between the delegation and leading academic and administrative figures from Varna Free University. These included Professor Dr. Pavel Pavlov, Director of the Doctoral Training Institute; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rositsa Petkova-Slipets, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eleonora Tankova, Dean of the Faculty of International Economics and Administration; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kapka Manassieva, Head of the Department of Arts; Professor Dr. Velislava Nikolaeva, Director of the Department for Language Training and Postgraduate Qualification; and Nikolay Dragoev, Head of the Admissions Center.

Beyond the university grounds, the Chinese guests had the opportunity to explore Varna and the surrounding region, participating in a cultural program designed to showcase Bulgaria’s rich heritage and strengthen cultural ties.

The collaboration with Nantong University, which boasts a century-long academic legacy and serves over 40,000 students across more than 80 undergraduate programs in fields such as arts, administration, economics, law, engineering, medicine, education, and literature, represents a major milestone in Varna Free University’s strategy to enhance its global presence. Nantong University’s mission to act as a bridge between East and West aligns seamlessly with Varna Free University’s own internationalization goals.

The Role of Education4Everybody

This important academic initiative would not have been possible without the active participation and support of Education4Everybody, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting global access to education. Education4Everybody played a pivotal role in facilitating the connection between Varna Free University and Nantong University, providing strategic guidance, cultural insight, and organizational support throughout the negotiation and planning phases of the partnership.

With its expertise in international collaboration, Education4Everybody helped coordinate meetings, prepare documentation, and ensure both sides had a clear understanding of the mutual benefits of the agreement. The organization’s involvement was crucial in aligning the partnership with the broader vision of improving access to quality education, especially for students from underrepresented and low-income regions.

As this partnership continues to develop, Education4Everybody will remain an active participant in ensuring the success of the joint academic programs, promoting student mobility, and facilitating cultural exchange between Bulgaria and China.

Together, Varna Free University, Nantong University, and Education4Everybody are building bridges in education, research, and cultural understanding—setting a powerful example of global collaboration in the 21st century.