In July 2025, five students from the Medical University – Sofia took part in the international program ,,CQMU Study and Culture Tour” in Chongqing, China. The event, organized by Chongqing Medical University (CQMU), brought together 50 participants from 15 countries, including Bulgaria, Canada, France, the United Kingdom, Russia, Malaysia, South Korea and others. The participation of our students is funded by the Student Council of MU-Sofia.
During the 15-day program, participants engaged in five elective academic modules: metabolomics, pediatrics, dental medicine, public health, and traditional Chinese medicine. The training was conducted in modern university hospitals and laboratories, where students had the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies and simulation systems.
The cultural program included demonstrations in calligraphy, tai chi, tea-making, as well as an introduction to the principles of acupuncture, pulse diagnosis, and the Chinese pharmacopoeia.
During their stay in Chongqing, the Bulgarian delegation met with representatives of Yongchuan Hospital – a specialized orthopedic hospital affiliated with Chongqing Medical University. This partnership began in 2024, when a Chinese team visited Sofia and conducted demonstrations of the innovative Fu’s Subcutaneous Needle (FSN) technique at the University Orthopedic Hospital ,,Prof. Boycho Boychev“.
The recent meeting provided an opportunity to deepen collaboration through the exchange of best practices, discussions on joint clinical research, and the organization of future internships and academic mobility for students and faculty between the two medical universities.
Beyond academic activities, students visited key cultural landmarks in Chongqing, including the Dazu Rock Carvings, the old Ciqikou district, the Chongqing Zoo, and more.
An exciting moment was the ,,Family Day”, in which foreign students visited Chinese families and had the opportunity to immerse themselves in an authentic homely atmosphere.
The closing ceremony of the program brought together participants in a festive evening, where certificates were awarded and personal impressions of the academic and cultural experience were shared.
Participation in the ,,CQMU Study and Culture Tour” 2025 and the strengthening of the partnership with Yongchuan Hospital are part of MU-Sofia’s long-term strategy to expand international cooperation, innovation in education and global knowledge exchange.
