From March 15 to 21, 2026, six teachers from the “Karl Marx” Vocational High School of Economics in Smolyan participated in an international mobility program in Coimbra, Portugal. The study visit was organized jointly with Erasmus Mondego and took place under Project No. 2025-1-BG01-KA121-VET-000312676, funded by the “Erasmus+” program, within the framework of Accreditation No. 2024-1-BG01 -KA120-VET-000292002.
The main objective of the mobility was to exchange best practices, familiarize participants with the Portuguese education system, and adopt innovative approaches in vocational education. The program provided participants with the opportunity to observe their colleagues at work, exchange professional experiences, and learn about successful models of practice-based training and collaboration with the business sector.
During their stay, the teachers visited one of Europe’s most prestigious universities – the University of Coimbra – where they learned about its history, academic traditions, and opportunities for international collaboration. In addition, visits were made to vocational and general education schools, where the Bulgarian teachers exchanged experiences with their Portuguese colleagues, discussed modern teaching methods, and learned about the organization of practical training and internships.
The work program also included thematic meetings and lectures on the Portuguese education system, innovations in teaching, and the development of key competencies in the fields of economics and business administration. Participants also visited companies that host student interns, where they learned about how training is organized in a real-world work environment and about best practices in partnerships between education and business.
Particularly impressive for the Bulgarian group was the visit to the social organization APPACDM, which provides support and services for people with special educational needs. The visit offered valuable insight into Portugal’s experience in the areas of inclusive education, social support, and equal access to quality education.
The mobility program concluded with an assessment and validation of the knowledge and skills acquired, the presentation of certificates, and a discussion of opportunities for future international cooperation.
*Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.