The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth is expanding its opportunities abroad with new agreements with several major Portuguese universities.

University officials signed the faculty and student exchange agreements with the University of Algarve, University of Aveiro, University of Coimbra, University of Minho, University of Porto, and the Camões Instituto da Cooperação e da Língua on June 11 aboard the Portuguese tall ship Sagres.

The agreements grew out of a February 2018 visit by Chancellor Robert E. Johnson to Portugal, where he met with university officials and Camões Instituto representatives as part of his effort to enhance UMass Dartmouth’s relationship with the Portuguese-speaking world.

“The opportunities that spring from these agreements will strengthen UMass Dartmouth’s ability to provide a private college educational experience and a public university value,” Chancellor Johnson said. “Connecting our Tier 1 National Research University to the world-class universities of Portugal promises great advancements in teaching and research that benefit our communities.”

The signing was held after university officials and Portuguese officials met at the State House for the Day of Portugal celebration.

The agreements adds to the university’s commitment to strengthen ties with Portugal. Johnson recently moved the university’s Center for Portuguese Studies and Culture from the College of Arts and Sciences to the Office of the Chancellor, and hosts a number of programs and events in various departments.