From 8 to 12 June 2026, the Technical University of Civil Engineering Bucharest (UTCB) hosted the third edition of its International Staff Training Week in Sinaia, Romania, under the theme “Staff Wellbeing in Student-Focused Roles.” The event was implemented as an Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP), combining an online component held on 2 June 2026 with a five-day physical mobility programme in Sinaia.
The Staff Training Week brought together 18 international participants representing the following partner universities:
- Riga Technical University
- รskรผdar University
- Catholic University of Valencia
- La Rochelle Universitรฉ
- Charles University
- Uppsala University
- Universitรฉ Paris Nanterre
- University of Rostock
- Universitร degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale
- รcole Polytechnique
- Universidad Autรณnoma de Madrid (UAM)
- Odessa I.I. Mechnikov National University
- Silesian University of Technology
The programme provided a valuable platform for professional exchange, networking and collaborative reflection on one of the most significant challenges facing higher education today: the wellbeing of university staff working in student-centred roles.
Throughout the week, participants explored key topics including stress management, burnout prevention, emotional labour in academia and evidence-informed strategies for promoting wellbeing while supporting students. Interactive workshops, practical exercises and facilitated discussions enabled participants to exchange experiences, compare institutional approaches and identify examples of good practice across diverse higher education contexts.
The programme benefited from the contributions of several experts and practitioners. Mihaela Iftode, representing the UTCB EU-CONEXUS Career Center, introduced participants to the issue of burnout in academic environments. Anula Coศoiu, counsellor at the UTCB Counseling and Career Orientation Center, facilitated a workshop on everyday wellbeing practices. Participants also attended a mindfulness session led by Viktorija Gaina, psychologist at Riga Technical University, and explored practical case studies on supporting international and mobile students presented by Ramona Diac, UTCB Erasmus+ Institutional Coordinator. In addition, Lavinia Turcu, Director of the UTCB International Relations Office, delivered a session focusing on workplace energy management and strategies for coping with occupational stress.
Beyond its professional dimension, the Staff Training Week fostered intercultural dialogue and networking through activities highlighting Romanian culture and heritage. These included a guided visit to Peleศ Castle and a session on royal protocol and etiquette delivered by Raluca Stฤnescu from The Royal Peleศ Heritage Association.
Reflecting on their experience, participants emphasized both the academic value and the welcoming atmosphere of the programme:
โI cannot choose one highlight of this event; the whole week was perfect, very professional but also very personal. Simply unforgettable!โ
โFor me, the highlight of the International Staff Week was meeting people from different countries and working together. The daytime activities and the event held in front of Peleศ Castle were especially enjoyable. The organisation was excellent, and Sinaia was a wonderful place.โ
UTCB expressed its sincere appreciation to all participants, speakers and colleagues whose commitment and active engagement contributed to the success of the third edition of the International Staff Training Week. Through initiatives such as this Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme, the University further strengthened its commitment to internationalisation, professional development and the promotion of staff wellbeing as an essential component of excellence in higher education.
