Building Bridges Through Education: Varna Free University and Nantong University Strengthen Academic Ties
As part of the ongoing implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding between Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” and Nantong University in China, an official delegation from Nantong University visited Varna to further develop their growing partnership. The delegation was led by Professor Yang, Head of International Relations, accompanied by his assistant, Hanon Chen.
At Varna Free University, the guests were warmly welcomed by Vice President Yani Yanev, Vice Rector Professor D.Sc. Dimitar Kanev, and Professor Dr. Galina Shamonina, Chief Secretary of the University. Their visit marked an important milestone in advancing academic and cultural cooperation between the two institutions and opened new opportunities for expanding joint initiatives in higher education.
During the discussions, both universities reaffirmed their commitment to deepening student mobility and academic exchange. Varna Free University will begin admitting Chinese master’s and doctoral students in the fields of arts and business administration. Doctoral candidates will benefit from joint academic supervision from professors of both universities—a model fully aligned with Varna Free University’s Doctoral Development Strategy, which emphasizes interdisciplinary and internationally oriented research.
The delegation also expressed strong interest in widening the partnership beyond postgraduate studies. Talks included bachelor-level programs, foreign language instruction, summer schools, short-term academic courses, and semester-long language programs—options that continue to attract Chinese students seeking global academic experiences.
Throughout the visit, the representatives from Nantong University toured Varna Free University’s modern 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 tours offered a comprehensive view of the university’s infrastructure and its capacity to host international students and support high-quality teaching, creativity, and research.
Several working meetings were also held with leading academic and administrative figures from Varna Free University, including 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.
Outside the university, the delegation enjoyed a cultural program showcasing Varna and the surrounding region, offering insight into Bulgaria’s rich heritage and further strengthening the cultural dimension of the partnership.
The collaboration with Nantong University—an institution with a century-long academic tradition and more than 40,000 students across 80+ undergraduate programs—marks a significant step for Varna Free University’s internationalization strategy. Nantong University’s commitment to serving as a bridge between East and West perfectly complements Varna Free University’s global vision.
The Role of Education4Everybody
This partnership would not have been possible without the dedicated support of Education4Everybody, a nonprofit organization committed to expanding global access to education. Education4Everybody played a key role in bringing the two universities together, offering strategic guidance, cultural expertise, and organizational support throughout the negotiation and planning stages.
With its deep experience in international collaboration, the organization coordinated meetings, prepared documentation, and ensured that both institutions shared a clear understanding of the benefits and goals of the partnership. Its involvement aligns with its broader mission of supporting quality education for students from underrepresented and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
As the partnership evolves, Education4Everybody will continue to play an active role in supporting joint programs, enhancing student mobility, and strengthening cultural and academic ties between Bulgaria and China.
Together, Varna Free University, Nantong University, and Education4Everybody are building bridges in education, research, and cultural understanding—setting a strong example of meaningful global cooperation in the 21st century.
