Târgu Jiu, Romania | 26 October 2026
Constantin Brâncuși University of Târgu Jiu officially launched Flavour School – Agritourism, Local Traditions and Impact in the Communities on 26 October 2026, an international educational programme organised within the ACE²-EU European University Alliance.
Over five days, the programme brings together international students and academic staff in an innovative learning experience that connects agritourism, cultural heritage, local gastronomy, digital storytelling, and sustainable rural development.
Discovering Local Heritage Through a European Perspective
Set in the culturally rich region of Gorj and Oltenia, Flavour School offers participants the opportunity to explore authentic Romanian rural traditions, discover local products, interact with traditional craftsmen, and experience the unique identity of rural communities.
Through field visits, interviews with local residents, hands-on filming activities, and collaborative workshops, students will develop practical skills in digital communication, visual storytelling, and tourism promotion.
One of the programme’s main highlights is a creative challenge: participants will produce a promotional video of up to 90 seconds, showcasing a local tradition, gastronomic experience, or rural product. These short videos aim to demonstrate how digital storytelling can contribute to preserving cultural heritage and increasing the visibility of rural destinations.
Strengthening European Academic Cooperation
The programme is coordinated and hosted by Constantin Brâncuși University of Târgu Jiu (Romania), in collaboration with academic representatives from two European partner institutions:
- Constantin Brâncuși University of Târgu Jiu, Romania: Assistant Lecturer Eng. Elena-Loredana Stancioiu, Lecturer PhD Eng. Irina Pecingina, Lecturer PhD Eng. Ramona-Violeta Cazalbasu, Lecturer PhD Maria Rocselana Verdes, Prof. PhD Aniela Bălăcescu, and PhD Student Ecaterina Stan.
- Latvian Academy of Culture, Latvia: Mg. art. Aija Lūse.
- Santarém Polytechnic University, Portugal: PhD, MSc, RNMH Maria José Nogueira, PhD Perpétua Silva, and Adjunct Professor PhD Tatiana Ferreira.
By encouraging interdisciplinary teamwork and intercultural exchange, Flavour School creates an environment where students can share perspectives, develop creative solutions, and explore new approaches to promoting Europe’s rural heritage.
Connecting Tradition, Innovation, and Sustainability
Beyond its educational objectives, Flavour School highlights the importance of preserving local identity while embracing modern digital tools and sustainable tourism practices.
The initiative reflects the mission of the ACE²-EU European University Alliance to foster international collaboration, innovative education, and meaningful connections between universities and local communities.
By transforming authentic rural experiences into compelling digital stories, participants will help bring the cultural richness of Gorj and Oltenia to a wider European audience.
Five days, diverse cultures, and one shared mission: bringing local traditions to life through creativity, collaboration, and digital storytelling.
Follow the activities of Flavour School and discover how European students are turning rural heritage into stories worth sharing!
