Alexander Feodorov is a PhD student in the Institute of Literature at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. In July he will be leaving for Liechtenstein, where he is to spend a month of research at the International Academy of Philosophy. The young man is one of the 48 Bulgarians who were approved and received funding to participate in training, short-term lecturing, or research work in Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Funds are allocated under the Scholarship Fund of the European Economic Area, which is designed to strengthen cooperation and exchange of experience between Bulgaria and the EEA /Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein/ in the sphere of higher education and research work. The program is implemented in the period 2013 -2016 and totals over 1.7 million euros, out of which 1.5 million will be provided by the three donor countries and the rest will be national co-financing. "This is a great opportunity, because all three countries have a high standard of living and without such funding scientists in our country have no chance to go there," says Alexander. He graduated in literature in the Netherlands, but chose to return to Bulgaria. Mobility programs provide him with the opportunity to work with colleagues abroad.

"I am currently studying the pragmatism of the 19th century and its application in literature. Since my higher education is entirely literature-oriented, I will be able to learn more about the philosophical aspect in the International Academy of Philosophy. There I will have the opportunity to work with a number of experienced scientists,” Alexander adds.

Lecturers, researchers and administrative staff of the Bulgarian universities and research organizations can also join the program. Maria Endreva is a lecturer in the Sofia University. She teaches literature and culture history of German-speaking countries. She will spend 3 weeks doing research work in Liechtenstein.

"The aim is to explore the history and cultural development of this small German-speaking country,” says Maria Endreva. “Right now our attention is more focused on the large German-speaking countries such as Germany and Austria, while Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Luxembourg remain in the background. So this is a good opportunity to make lectures more diverse. When you teach about a specific country, personal experience is very important."

Irina Ivanova works in the administration of the International Department in the University of Architecture, and deals with European mobility programs such as Erasmus and CEPUS and bilateral relationships with foreign universities. Ms. Ivanova will participate in a five-day training at the Reykjavik University in Iceland:

"I hope that this training will help my professional development and that I will meet a number of colleagues from other universities who will give me new ideas related to working with students and promoting European programs among them. I have high expectations.”

English version: Alexander Markov