Culture - Instituto Camões
The Instituto Camões is the Portuguese implementing agency for external cultural and educational policy. It operates under the responsibility of the Ministry of the Foreign Affairs but has administrative autonomy. Its purpose is to promote Portuguese culture and language abroad.
It dates from 1992, with the present name and statute, but its first predecessor was created in 1928.
Its main areas are: the promotion of Portuguese culture and teaching of Portuguese culture and language at University level and the negotiation of Cultural Agreements with third countries in the areas of education, science, culture, sports youth and mass media, in coordination with the competent Ministries.
The Instituto Camões lecturer in Ireland teaches in Dublin (UCD) and Maynooth (NUIM).
The University College Dublin, (Belfield campus), includes Portuguese language and culture in the syllabus of students learning Spanish and, recently, it has been an option for all students who wish to learn the langauge. Classes usually take place at the Henry Newman Building, where the Hispanic and Lusaphone Studies Department is located.
The National University of Ireland, also includes Portuguese in the syllabus of students studying Spanish, but a ciriculum restructure is beginning beyond that that will allow other options and candidates. Located in Maynooth, the classes usually take place at North Campus (John Hume Building).