The Polytechnic of Leiria has been recognised by the Liga dos Chineses em Portugal for its work in building cultural ties. The association gave its Intercultural Relation Award to the polytechnic for developing co-operation with Mainland China.
The polytechnic says the association considered it “a significant booster” of co-operation between Portugal and the Mainland.
In the current academic year, there are 130 Chinese students learning Portuguese at the polytechnic and a further 102 Portuguese students are studying Chinese at the school – 50 of those are enrolled in exchange programmes in the Mainland.
Leiria launched a licentiate degree in Portuguese-Chinese and Chinese-Portuguese Translation and Interpretation in Mandarin in 2006, and currently has links to five regions in the Mainland.
