Visit to the Institute of Information and Communication Technologies - Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (IICT-BAS)

Apply for the programme

 

Please note: Once you have logged in to the international mobility portal, the programme can be found under the category Faculty-led Programme.

 

The Faculty-led Programme in Sofia represents a high-level international learning opportunity for students of the Master’s Degree in Linguistic Computing. The programme includes advanced practical activities in the field of Natural Language Processing (NLP) and direct engagement with researchers from international academic contexts.

Activities take place at the prestigious Institute of Information and Communication Technologies of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, one of the leading research centres in Eastern Europe in the fields of artificial intelligence, natural language processing, and computational sciences. This offers students the opportunity to experience an outstanding scientific environment.

Through academic seminars, workshops, and group activities in collaboration with international students and researchers, participants will be able to:

  • acquire advanced specialist skills in the field of NLP
  • apply theoretical knowledge to real tasks and practical case studies
  • develop teamwork skills in multicultural and interdisciplinary settings
  • expand their academic and professional network in an international context

The programme also helps strengthen an international perspective within the degree pathway, enhancing students’ profiles for future research opportunities, doctoral studies, or professional careers in the linguistic-computational and technological sectors.

 

 

Agenda
 

Sunday

  • Arrival in Sofia

Monday

  • Full day: visit to IICT-BAS.
    Meeting between Università Cattolica students and members of the IICT-BAS research team, with opportunities for discussion and exchange regarding the centre’s activities.

Tuesday

  • Morning: presentation of Università Cattolica students’ work at IICT-BAS (if available)
  • Afternoon: public lecture by Prof. Passarotti
  • Evening: social dinner

Wednesday

  • Morning: practical hands-on session in subgroups, focused on carrying out specific Natural Language Processing (NLP) tasks
  • Afternoon: presentation and discussion of the results achieved by the different working groups

Thursday

  • Departure and return journey

 

The agenda may be subject to change.

15 November to 19 November 2026

25 May 2026

The programme is intended for students of the Faculty of Linguistic Sciences and Foreign Literatures, Master’s degree course in Linguistic Computing.

Upon completion of the experience, students will be awarded 1 additional ECTS credit for participation in the International Activity, provided this is their first international mobility experience within their current cycle of study.

The programme will be conducted in English.

It is not necessary to hold a certification, but a good command of English is desirable.

Students are required to arrange their own travel and accommodation.

For accommodation, the following property offers discounted rates for Università Cattolica students. A 20% deposit will be required, with the balance due 14 days before arrival.

Students must specify that they are Università Cattolica students.

Park Hotel MOSKVA
25 Nezabravka str., Sofia 1113

Tel: +359 2/963 0321
Mob: +359 885/108539
marketing@parkhotelmoskva.net
Working hours: 09:00-18:00.

Alternatively, students may contact Duomo Viaggi (Via Lanzone 24, Milan) for travel arrangements, bookings, or alternative accommodation solutions.
 

  • €35 programme fee
  • €35 application fee (non-refundable)

 

The programme fee includes:
  • orientation and support during the application stage
  • insurance cover, emergency number, and Student Safety Package
  • pre-departure assistance
  • tutoring by Prof. Marco Carlo Passarotti during the stay abroad
  • workshops and teaching activities at IICT-BAS
  • certificate of attendance
  • post-return self-assessment session: Welcome Back: unpack your experience! organised by Cattolica International
The programme fee does not include:
  • return flights
  • accommodation
  • meals
  • any visa issuance costs for students of non-European nationality
  • anything not expressly specified

Bulgaria is part of the Schengen Agreement; therefore, an entry visa is not required for students holding Italian citizenship.

Students are invited to check the validity of their travel documents (passport or national identity card valid for travel abroad).

Students of non-European nationality are invited to promptly contact programmi.internazionali@unicatt.it and check the entry requirements for Bulgaria.

 

Useful links:

All students will be covered by the Università Cattolica insurance policy, Student Safety Package.

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