Representatives from the Technical University of Civil Engineering Bucharest (UTCB) have announced the 3rd edition of the International Staff Training Week, organised as a Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) under the Erasmus+ framework. The programme will take place through a virtual component on 2 June 2026, followed by a physical mobility week in Sinaia, Romania, from 8 to 12 June 2026. This opportunity is open to partners within the EU-CONEXUS European University Alliance and beyond.
A Programme Dedicated to Staff Wellbeing in Higher Education
Titled “Staff Wellbeing in Student-Focused Roles”, the programme is specifically designed for academic and administrative staff working closely with students, including colleagues from International Relations Offices, Student Services, Counselling Centres, Mobility Units, and teaching roles. These professional environments are often characterised by high emotional involvement, fast-paced workflows, and increasing expectations regarding student support and inclusion.
Recognising the impact of these demands on staff wellbeing, the training week offers participants an opportunity to explore practical strategies, institutional approaches and personal reflection tools aimed at enhancing resilience, balance, and sustainability in daily professional work.
A Restorative Learning Environment in Sinaia
The physical component of the programme will take place in Sinaia, a mountain town renowned for its natural beauty and restorative atmosphere. Chosen intentionally for its calming landscapes, the location will encourage the participants to step away from daily routines and engage in meaningful reflection on wellbeing practices within higher education.
The programme combines interactive workshops, peer-learning sessions, mindfulness activities, and cultural exploration, creating a safe and supportive space for open dialogue, experience sharing, and professional advancement.
Programme Objectives
The International Staff Training Week aims to:
- Foster wellbeing and emotional resilience among higher-education staff
- Share good practices for supporting mental health among students and staff
- Strengthen collaboration and mutual understanding across European partner institutions
- Develop skills in communication, empathy, and inclusive professional practices
- Promote sustainable and mindful approaches to everyday academic and administrative work
Programme Structure
Virtual Component – 2 June 2026
A two-hour introductory online session designed to prepare participants for the physical mobility:
- Institutional presentations and programme expectations
- Ice-breaking activities and wellbeing-mapping exercises
- Pre-survey on existing wellbeing practices
Physical Component – Sinaia, 8–12 June, 2026
Day 1 – Opening Session (afternoon)
- Welcome from the UTCB International Relations Office
- Presentation of the programme structure and objectives
- Participant introductions and expectations-mapping activity
Day 2 – Understanding Stress and Burnout
- Morning grounding and breathing exercise
- Workshop on burnout, emotional labour, and early stress indicators
- Strategies for prevention, boundary-setting, and “micro-wellbeing” moments
- Creative reflection: designing a wellbeing-friendly workday
Day 3 – Supporting Students While Protecting Our Energy
- Presence and awareness exercise
- Sessions on active listening, de-escalation techniques, and case studies
- Energy management, focus protection, and communication tools
- Development of a Personal Wellbeing Plan
Day 4 – Outdoor and Cultural Day
- Nature walk in the Sinaia Forest
- Cultural visit to the Peleș Castle
Day 5 – Reflection, Action Plans, and Certification
- Morning reflection session
- Presentation of Personal Wellbeing Plans and future collaborations
- Certificates of Attendance and group photo
- Departure
Expected Outcomes
Participants will benefit from:
- Increased awareness of personal and professional wellbeing strategies
- Stronger peer-learning networks across European universities
- Initial development of institutional wellbeing action plans
- Enhanced capacity for inclusive, empathetic, and sustainable student support
Practical Information and Application
- Host Institution: Technical University of Civil Engineering Bucharest (UTCB), Romania
- Partners: EU-CONEXUS European University Alliance and Erasmus+ partner institutions
- Language: English
- Certificate: Certificate of Attendance (Erasmus+ BIP Staff Training) issued by UTCB
- Location: Training Room, B-dul Carol I, no. 51, Sinaia
Participation requires Erasmus+ Staff Mobility for Training (STT) funding, which must be confirmed and managed by the participant’s Erasmus/International Relations Office.
Interested staff members are requested to:
- Confirm funding availability with their home institution.
- Complete the registration form by the end of February 2026
- Contact Ramona Diac for the invitation letter and training agreement.
Join Us in Sinaia -The International Staff Training Week 2026 offers a valuable opportunity for EU-CONEXUS partners and Erasmus+ institutions to place staff wellbeing at the centre of student-focused higher education. By bringing together colleagues from diverse professional backgrounds, the programme encourages meaningful dialogue, mutual learning, and co-creation of sustainable practices that benefit both staff and students.
