Research insights from the ACE²-EU European University Alliance were brought into a European Commission policy discussion on gender equality, social progress and regional development in Brussels on 13 October 2026. Ieva Zemīte, Associate Professor and Leading Researcher at the Latvian Academy of Culture (LAC), shared findings from a gender equality and social well-being analysis conducted across the Alliance’s nine partner universities, highlighting the importance of inclusive institutional environments and equal opportunities for professional development.

The discussion, “Women Driving Regions Forward: Achievement, Innovation and Social Progress”, was organised by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) as part of the European Week of Regions and Cities satellite event “Crossing Borders, Closing Gaps: New Evidence on Housing and Gender Equality across EU Regions”.

The event brought together researchers and policy experts to explore how evidence can support more effective, place-based policies addressing regional disparities, gender equality and social progress across Europe. One of the central questions was why women’s strong educational achievements do not always translate into equal opportunities in professional careers, leadership, entrepreneurship and innovation.

JRC researchers Petra Krylova and Milene Tessarin presented evidence from the Female Achievement Index, illustrating substantial differences in women’s achievements across EU regions and a positive relationship between female achievement and regional social progress. The discussion also addressed the declining representation of women at the highest levels of academic and research careers, despite their strong presence in higher education.

ACE²-EU perspectives on gender equality and social well-being

Contributing to this discussion, Ieva Zemīte shared insights from the gender equality and social well-being analysis carried out across the nine ACE²-EU partner universities within the Alliance’s Social Impactors approach. The analysis highlights that formally equal opportunities do not necessarily lead to equitable outcomes. Even seemingly neutral career evaluation criteria may disadvantage individuals when differences in starting conditions, caring responsibilities and non-linear career paths are not adequately considered.

These findings reinforce the importance of looking beyond formal equality towards the everyday institutional conditions that shape people’s opportunities, including social well-being, a sense of belonging, psychological safety and access to support.

By bringing perspectives from different European higher education institutions into the discussion, ACE²-EU contributes to a broader understanding of the challenges and opportunities involved in creating more inclusive academic environments.

Connecting gender equality with regional development

The discussion also explored the contribution of women-led businesses to regional economies, particularly in non-urban areas, and the potential of cultural and creative industries to support more inclusive regional development.

Drawing on research conducted at the Latvian Academy of Culture, including the international project Place-based Innovation of Cultural and Creative Industries in Non-Urban Areas (IN SITU), Ieva Zemīte highlighted the importance of local ecosystems in enabling creative entrepreneurs to develop their activities and gain recognition for the value they create.

The key question is not only what women and creative entrepreneurs can achieve, but also whether the surrounding institutions, networks and support structures enable their contributions to become visible, recognised and sustainable.

The panel brought together JRC quantitative policy analyst Panagiotis Ravanos, European Commission DG Research and Innovation gender equality policy expert Oriane Gilloz, and Michael Green, CEO of the Social Progress Imperative. The discussion was moderated by JRC researchers Petra Krylova and Milene Tessarin.

The participation of ACE²-EU in this European policy dialogue illustrates how research and collaboration across universities can contribute perspectives to discussions beyond academia. It also underlines the importance of connecting gender equality, social well-being and regional development when addressing Europe’s long-term social and economic challenges.

Through its Social Impactors approach, ACE²-EU continues to explore how universities can contribute to more inclusive institutions and communities, linking research-based knowledge with societal challenges.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them. Project No. 101177596.

From 12 to 16 October 2026, Lietuvos inžinerijos kolegija (LIK) is hosting the ACE²-EU Applied Blended Challenge (ABC) Programme “Cities That Care: Flood Resilience”. The international programme brings together students from ACE²-EU partner institutions to explore the impacts of climate change, assess flood risks and develop approaches to strengthening the resilience of cities and communities.

The programme combines theoretical knowledge with practical activities, field observations and international collaboration, encouraging students to address real-world environmental challenges through an interdisciplinary perspective.

The first day of the programme took place in Girionys, where students presented flood-related and climate-change challenges affecting their respective countries. These presentations provided an opportunity to exchange experiences and examine the different environmental conditions and challenges faced by European communities. Assoc. Prof. Dr Egidijus Kasiulis from LIK also delivered a session on the impacts of climate change on hydrological regimes and flood risk, introducing participants to key factors influencing flooding.

Throughout the week, students are exploring a range of topics related to climate-resilient urban development, including sustainable stormwater management, green infrastructure, territorial planning, geographical information systems (GIS) and hydraulic structures for flood-risk management.

Connecting Theory with Real-World Challenges

A key component of the ABC Programme is the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings through field visits and practical observations.

Participants will visit the Kavarskas Hydroelectric Power Plant and Dam to explore hydraulic infrastructure and its relationship with water management. In Anykščiai, they will examine the urban and river environment, including the landscape of the Šventoji River Valley, with a focus on climate-resilient urban and territorial planning.

The programme also includes a visit to the Kaunas Wastewater Treatment Plant, operated by JSC “Kauno vandenys”, as well as a guided urban flood-risk observation walk through Kaunas Old Town, Santaka Park and Nemunas Island. These activities will provide insights into urban water management and the relationship between natural landscapes, infrastructure and flood resilience.

At Kaunas Meteorological Station, students will learn about meteorological observations and hydrometeorological data, while dedicated sessions on GIS and hydraulic structures will further develop their understanding of flood-risk assessment and management.

International Collaboration for More Resilient Cities

Beyond developing technical knowledge, the programme encourages students to exchange perspectives, collaborate across disciplines and explore how different approaches can contribute to more sustainable and climate-resilient communities.

The programme will conclude on 16 October with final group presentations, during which participants will share the outcomes of their collaborative work and reflect on the knowledge gained throughout the week.

Through initiatives such as “Cities That Care: Flood Resilience”, the ACE²-EU Alliance continues to promote challenge-based learning, international cooperation and the development of practical skills needed to address shared European challenges.

From 5 to 9 October, the Latvian Academy of Culture (LAC) hosted the international ACE²-EU European University Alliance microlearning programme “Taste of Culture: Cultural Heritage in Transition”, bringing together 30 students from nine partner universities to explore creative approaches to preserving and revitalising gastronomic cultural heritage. The programme centred on the development of Vidzeme Market in Riga, challenging students to explore ways of strengthening its identity, attracting new audiences and transforming the market into a vibrant urban space and community meeting place.

Although the students represented nine ACE²-EU partner universities, the diversity of their countries of origin and cultural backgrounds extended far beyond the alliance itself. Their different academic experiences, cultural traditions and perspectives enabled the international teams to approach the challenges facing Vidzeme Market from multiple angles, bringing together knowledge and ideas from different parts of the world.

“This programme was particularly valuable because gastronomic heritage offers a way to explore different cultures, narratives of identity, and questions of personal and collective belonging. It was a dynamic and multifaceted programme that successfully combined cultural heritage studies, creative tourism, social media and digital content creation, regional entrepreneurship and collaboration with industry partners. Together, these elements provided an almost 360-degree perspective on food as part of cultural heritage. What made the experience especially meaningful was the opportunity for students to apply knowledge and skills from their own fields of study – ranging from technology and medicine to information technology and intercultural communication. Bringing these diverse experiences together opened up new perspectives on the future development of Vidzeme Market, while also addressing a broader question: how can culture become a force that brings people together in today’s world?” emphasises Lolita Ozoliņa, Lecturer at the Latvian Academy of Culture and Programme Coordinator.

Over five days, students explored Latvia’s gastronomic cultural heritage, the principles of placemaking, cultural heritage branding, gastronomic storytelling and opportunities for sustainable tourism. The programme combined expert lectures, creative workshops, hands-on urban exploration and meetings with industry professionals.

Gastronomic heritage researcher Astra Spalvēna introduced students to the history of Latvian food culture, while digital content creator and food blogger Madara Martinsone explored gastronomic storytelling on social media from an international perspective. Tourism expert Edgars Ražinskis examined the potential of local markets in the development of slow tourism. Students visited Vidzeme Market and Āgenskalns Market, explored the relationship between traditional gastronomy and culture at Folkklubs ALA, and gained insights into creative entrepreneurship in rural areas through a meeting with Marta Vētra, a representative of the LAUX initiative.

Students drew on the knowledge and experiences gained throughout the programme to develop creative proposals for Vidzeme Market in international teams. On 9 October, the final day of the programme, the teams presented their ideas to a panel of experts.

Their proposals offered a wide range of perspectives on the market’s future – from developing a renewed place identity and communication strategy to transforming the market into a vibrant cultural and community hub. Ideas included gastronomic festivals, concerts, creative workshops, open-air cinema evenings, recreational spaces and new opportunities for local vendors. Students also proposed digital solutions to encourage public engagement and new models of collaboration that could help preserve the market’s cultural and historical identity while attracting new audiences.

The final presentations stood out for their diversity of ideas and fresh perspectives on the development potential of Vidzeme Market. Both external partners involved in the programme highlighted the students’ ability to look at a familiar urban environment from new angles and propose unconventional solutions.

“What surprised me most was the diversity of the young professionals taking part in the programme. Their ideas were innovative, varied and quite different from the approaches we are used to. Perhaps some of them will even influence the future development of Vidzeme Market,” says Kristaps Linkēvics, Operations Manager of Vidzeme Market and Royal SPA & Hotel Resort.

“Taking part in an academic project pushed me outside my usual comfort zone. It was fascinating to see the students’ enthusiasm and how differently each group approached the same place. Every team noticed different details and chose its own focus. The students also brought perspectives shaped by their home countries, lifestyles and cultural backgrounds, allowing us to see a familiar environment in an entirely new light,” says influencer and food blogger Madara Martinsone (@madara.martini).

Participants particularly appreciated the opportunity to collaborate in international and interdisciplinary teams, combining knowledge from different fields of study with practical experience and real-world problem-solving.

“This programme was extremely valuable because it helped us develop our problem-solving skills and work in teams with people from different educational and professional backgrounds. We came up with many good ideas, some of which would be relatively easy to implement. I hope our collective work will contribute to finding solutions to real challenges,” says Hugo, an Agricultural Engineering student from Portugal.

“I think the programme offered an excellent balance between classroom sessions and practical work in the city – meeting people, listening to their perspectives and receiving feedback on our ideas. I would really love to return to Riga one day and see that one of our proposals has actually been implemented at Vidzeme Market,” says Kunal Patil, a Master’s student in Technology Management from Germany.

The programme was jointly organised by the Latvian Academy of Culture, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria in Spain and the Polytechnic University of Santarém in Portugal. It was designed as an Applied Blended Challenge (ABC) – a challenge-based learning format combining online sessions, in-person collaboration in international teams and engagement with real-world industry partners.

The programme is part of the ACE²-EU European University Alliance initiatives aimed at fostering interdisciplinary, international and practice-oriented higher education.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them. Project No. 101177596.

On 29 September 2026, the ACE²-EU community came together online for the Virtual Town Hall Meeting Our Values in Action, an inspiring event dedicated to exploring how European values can be transformed from guiding principles into meaningful actions within higher education.

Bringing together staff, students, and representatives from partner universities, the meeting created a space for reflection, dialogue, and the exchange of ideas on the role of shared values in shaping the future of European universities.

The event was led by Prof. Dr. Ana Nikodinovska Krstevska from Goce Delcev University, Stip, who encouraged participants to consider what it truly means to belong to a European University Alliance built on common values. Her presentation emphasized that alliances are much more than institutional structures or funded projects. They are communities united by democracy, dignity, freedom, equality, human rights, solidarity, peace, and the rule of law.

A key focus of the discussion was how these values can become visible in everyday university life. Participants explored practical ways of embedding them into teaching, mobility, governance, research, and community engagement. The session also showcased the ACE²-EU Values Brochure and ACE²-EU Values Toolbox, resources designed to help universities translate shared principles into concrete actions and long-term institutional culture.

The Town Hall demonstrated that ACE²-EU is already taking important steps towards making European values an integral part of Alliance activities. Interactive and innovative initiatives presented during the event showed how values can be promoted through creativity, participation, and collaboration. Mateusz Kirjak from the Medical University of Gdańsk introduced engaging educational tools such as the EUMOJI card game and the “Meme the Union” initiative, offering practical examples of how complex topics can be explored in accessible and enjoyable ways.

The student perspective was brought by Alexandru Popescu, member of the ACE²-EU Student Advisory Board and Master’s student at Constantin Brâncuși University of Târgu-Jiu. Drawing on his own experiences, he reflected on how mobility, intercultural exchange, and international cooperation help students experience European values in practice. His contribution highlighted the importance of creating opportunities that allow values to be lived rather than simply discussed.

The discussion continued beyond the presentations, with participants actively engaging in conversations on inclusion, accessibility, student mobility, and active citizenship. The questions and reflections shared during the meeting demonstrated a genuine interest in strengthening the impact of European values across the Alliance and ensuring that opportunities remain accessible to all members of the academic community.

What made this edition of the Virtual Town Hall particularly valuable was the combination of expert knowledge, practical examples, and authentic student voices. The event provided not only inspiration but also tangible ideas that can be implemented across ACE²-EU institutions. It reinforced the importance of dialogue, cooperation, and mutual learning as essential elements of a strong European University Alliance.

The overwhelmingly positive atmosphere and high level of engagement clearly showed that there is a strong need for more initiatives of this kind. Events such as the ACE²-EU Virtual Town Hall help foster a sense of community, encourage meaningful exchange across borders, and strengthen the shared values that unite the Alliance. As ACE²-EU continues to grow, conversations like these will remain vital in building a more inclusive, connected, and forward-looking European higher education community.

Social media (Facebook):

How do we turn European values into action?

This was the key question explored during the latest ACE²-EU Virtual Town Hall: “Our Values in Action”.

Participants from across the Alliance came together to discuss how values such as democracy, dignity, equality, freedom, human rights, solidarity, and the rule of law can be embedded into everyday university life.

The event featured inspiring contributions from:
Prof. Dr. Ana Nikodinovska Krstevska (UGD)
Mateusz Kirjak (MUG)
Alexandru Popescu (UCB)

Through expert insights, practical examples, interactive tools, and a student perspective, the session sparked meaningful discussions on inclusion, mobility, active citizenship, and the future of European higher education.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to this inspiring conversation. Events like these remind us that our shared values become meaningful when we put them into practice together.

#ACE2EU #EuropeanUniversities #EuropeanValues #HigherEducation #StudentMobility #ErasmusPlus #UniversityAlliance

Social media (Instagram):

European values are more than words. They’re actions.

During the latest ACE²-EU Virtual Town Hall, students and staff from across the Alliance explored how values such as freedom, democracy, equality, dignity, solidarity, and human rights can become part of everyday university life.

Inspiring speakers
Meaningful discussions
International perspectives
Practical ideas for the future

A huge thank you to everyone who participated and helped create an engaging and thought-provoking exchange.

Let’s continue building a university community where our values are lived, shared, and experienced every day.

#ACE2EU #EuropeanValues #EuropeanUniversities #StudentVoice #ErasmusPlus #HigherEducation #Internationalisation #UniversityLife #Mobility #FutureOfEducation

Social media (LinkedIn):

How can European values move beyond declarations and become part of everyday university practice?

This question was at the heart of the latest ACE²-EU Virtual Town Hall: Our Values in Action, held on 29 September 2026.

The session brought together staff and students from across the Alliance to explore how values such as democracy, dignity, equality, freedom, solidarity, human rights, and the rule of law can shape teaching, mobility, governance, research, and community engagement.

Participants had the opportunity to hear from:

• Prof. Dr. Ana Nikodinovska Krstevska (Goce Delcev University, Stip)
• Mateusz Kirjak (Medical University of Gdańsk)
• Alexandru Popescu (Constantin Brâncuși University of Târgu-Jiu)

The combination of strategic perspectives, innovative engagement tools, and authentic student experiences created a highly valuable discussion on the future of values-based cooperation within European higher education.

The event demonstrated the importance of creating regular opportunities for dialogue across institutions and countries. By sharing experiences and learning from one another, the ACE²-EU community continues to strengthen the foundations of a more inclusive, collaborative, and connected European University Alliance.

Thank you to all participants for their engagement and contributions.

#ACE2EU #EuropeanUniversities #EuropeanValues #ErasmusPlus #HigherEducation #InternationalCooperation #StudentMobility #UniversityAlliance #InnovationInEducation #EuropeanEducationArea

More than 70 students, academic staff and coordinators from across the ACE²-EU Alliance joined Virtual Coffee #31, an online preparatory session hosted by Constantin Brâncuși University of Târgu Jiu, Romania, ahead of the Kaleidoscope Festival 2026 – “100 Voices, One Future.”

The approximately 50-minute session brought together the host institution and delegations from ACE²-EU partner universities to prepare for the festival, which will take place from 28 to 30 October 2026 in Târgu Jiu.

The meeting focused on ensuring that incoming participants have the practical information they need before travelling to Romania, while also offering a first look at three days dedicated to creativity, intercultural exchange, collaboration and student engagement.

Preparing for the journey to Târgu Jiu

Participants received practical guidance covering key aspects of their upcoming stay, including travel arrangements, accommodation, meals, finances and connectivity.

The session also gave students and coordinators the opportunity to better understand what to expect upon arrival and to begin preparing for the activities and presentations in which they will participate.

Beyond logistics, Virtual Coffee #31 offered an overview of the Kaleidoscope Festival programme and highlighted the many opportunities participants will have to work together, exchange ideas and experience the cultural diversity of the ACE²-EU community.

Three days of creativity, culture and collaboration

The first day of the festival will welcome participants with registration, opening remarks and interactive activities designed to bring the international community together. The programme will continue with the Student Innovation Lab and the launch of the Digital Storytelling Challenge, before moving into the Kaleidoscope of Culture Showcase and an evening programme.

On the second day, creativity and cultural exchange will take centre stage through energising activities, a T-shirt and souvenir-making lab, opportunities to explore Târgu Jiu, a theatre performance by the Spanish delegation and a special guest talk focusing on culture, diversity and wellbeing. Participants will also continue working on their films, explore an engineering exhibition and come together for a masquerade ball and live pop-rock performances.

The final day will be dedicated to sharing the results of the students’ creative work. Films produced during the festival will be screened and voted on across nine award categories, followed by reflection activities and the closing ACE Gala, where the top films will be recognised.

The programme will extend beyond the university and into the city, with an exhibition and activities celebrating the legacy of world-renowned sculptor Constantin Brâncuși, before concluding with a classical music concert.

Six international teams, six perspectives on Europe

One of the central activities of Kaleidoscope Festival 2026 will be the Filmmaking Competition, bringing students together in six international teams.

Each team will explore a theme connected to Europe’s present and future:

• Green Europe
• Digital Europe
• Inclusive Europe
• Connected Europe
• Creative Europe
• Resilient Europe

Supported by a specialist mentoring team from the Latvian Academy, participants will transform their ideas into short films during the festival. Their work will then be presented and recognised across nine award categories, including Best Director, Best Movie and Best Sound.

The competition will encourage students from different countries and academic backgrounds to combine their perspectives, creativity and skills while reflecting on shared European challenges and aspirations.

Student ideas at the centre of the Innovation Lab

Virtual Coffee #31 also introduced participants to the Student Innovation Lab, another important component of the festival.

The Lab has already received eight proposals from four countries: one from Latvia, two from Poland, three from Austria and two from Germany. Each participating team will have a 7–8-minute presentation slot to share its proposal with the international audience.

The activity will provide a platform for students to present ideas, exchange perspectives and learn from initiatives developed across the Alliance.

From Virtual Coffee to “100 Voices, One Future”

With more than 70 participants joining the online session, Virtual Coffee #31 provided an important first meeting point before the ACE²-EU community gathers in Târgu Jiu.

For three days, students and staff from across the Alliance will share much more than a festival programme. Through filmmaking, innovation, performances, cultural activities and informal encounters, they will have the opportunity to create together, discover different perspectives and build connections across countries and disciplines.

Virtual Coffee #31 helped set the stage. Next stop: Târgu Jiu, where 100 voices will come together to shape one shared future.

Social media:

Virtual Coffee #31 | Getting ready for Kaleidoscope Festival 2026!

More than 70 students, staff and coordinators from across the ACE²-EU Alliance joined our latest Virtual Coffee, hosted by Constantin Brâncuși University of Târgu Jiu, ahead of the Kaleidoscope Festival 2026 – “100 Voices, One Future”, taking place from 28–30 October in Târgu Jiu, Romania.

During the 50-minute session, participants received practical information about travel, accommodation, meals, finances and connectivity, while also discovering what awaits them during three exciting days of creativity, culture, innovation and international collaboration.

A special focus was placed on the Filmmaking Competition, which will bring students together in six international teams exploring six perspectives on Europe: Green, Digital, Inclusive, Connected, Creative and Resilient Europe.

Participants also learned more about the Student Innovation Lab, which has already received eight student proposals from Latvia, Poland, Austria and Germany.

From the first online preparations to three days of shared experiences in Târgu Jiu, 100 voices are getting ready to create one future!

#ACE2EU #Kaleidoscope2026 #100VoicesOneFuture #VirtualCoffee #TarguJiu #StudentMobility #EuropeanUniversities

More than 80 students and academic staff from across the ACE²-EU Alliance joined Virtual Coffee #30, an online pre-arrival session designed to prepare participants for their upcoming ACExperience mobility in Târgu Jiu, Romania, in October 2026.

During the approximately one-hour session, participants had the opportunity to meet the local organising team, connect with fellow students and staff from partner institutions and receive practical information to help them prepare for their journey to Romania.

The meeting introduced participants to Constantin Brâncuși University of Târgu Jiu and provided essential guidance on travelling to Romania and reaching Târgu Jiu, arrival arrangements, accommodation, local transportation, university facilities, course locations and the academic, cultural and social programme awaiting them during the mobility week.

Practical guidance for a safe and enjoyable stay

A special guest of the session was Miruna Prejbeanu, an officer of the Romanian Police, who offered participants useful guidance on general rules, personal safety and appropriate conduct during their stay in Romania.

Her contribution focused on practical aspects that international participants should be aware of while travelling and spending time in the country, helping them better understand how to approach everyday situations responsibly and safely. Participants also had the opportunity to receive advice on appropriate behaviour and general precautions that can contribute to a smooth and enjoyable mobility experience.

Preparing for four learning experiences

Particular attention was given to the four learning programmes that will bring participants together in Târgu Jiu:

• ABC – Fake News and Social Impact
• ABC – Circular Economy and Long-term Impact
• Flavour School – Agritourism, Local Traditions and Impact in the Communities
• Shaping Europe’s Future Together: Perspectives on Global Challenges

Participants learned more about how the activities will be organised, what they can expect from their programmes and what they should prepare before departure. The organising team also shared practical recommendations regarding travel documents, clothing, meals, local services, communication and everyday life in Romania.

A first meeting before the journey begins

Beyond practical preparations, Virtual Coffee #30 offered participants something equally important: a first opportunity to get to know the people with whom they will share their mobility experience.

Students and staff from different ACE²-EU partner institutions were able to meet their future course colleagues, interact with members of the organising team and raise practical questions in an informal and welcoming online environment.

With more than 80 participants joining the session, the Virtual Coffee highlighted the strong interest surrounding the upcoming mobility week and provided an early glimpse of the international community that will soon gather in Târgu Jiu.

The October mobility will extend far beyond participation in an individual course. Participants will arrive during one of the most dynamic periods of the 2026 ACE²-EU academic year, with the mobility activities coinciding with the ACE²-EU Annual Congress and the Kaleidoscope Culture Festival 2026 – “100 Voices – One Future.”

Taking place from 28 to 30 October, the Kaleidoscope Culture Festival will add a strong intercultural dimension to the experience, creating opportunities for cultural exchange, creativity and dialogue across the Alliance.

Together, the learning programmes and Alliance-wide activities will bring students, academics, university staff and stakeholders into a shared international environment where they can exchange perspectives, build new connections and experience the diversity of the ACE²-EU community.

From fake news and its social impact to circular economy and sustainability, agritourism and local traditions, and Europe’s response to global challenges, participants will explore contemporary societal issues from different disciplinary and cultural perspectives.

From Virtual Coffee to a shared experience in Târgu Jiu

Virtual Coffee #30 marked the first step of this shared journey.

What began with more than 80 participants meeting online will continue in October when students and staff from across the Alliance meet in person in Târgu Jiu, ready to learn together, exchange ideas, discover Romanian culture and contribute to a vibrant European university community.

The session reinforced one of the central ideas behind the ACExperience: international mobility is not only about travelling to another university or attending a course. It is also about meeting people, discovering new perspectives and becoming part of a wider academic and intercultural community.

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Virtual Coffee #30 | Getting ready for Târgu Jiu!

More than 80 students and staff from across the ACE²-EU Alliance joined our latest Virtual Coffee, an online meeting dedicated to preparing participants for their upcoming ACExperience in Târgu Jiu, Romania, this October.

During the session, participants received practical information about travel, accommodation, local transportation, university facilities and the academic, cultural and social activities awaiting them.

A special guest was Miruna Prejbeanu, officer of the Romanian Police, who shared useful guidance on general rules, safety and responsible behaviour during their stay in Romania.

The meeting was also a great opportunity for participants to connect with their future colleagues and the local organising team before meeting in person.

From the first online conversations to a shared international experience, the journey to Târgu Jiu has already begun!

#ACE2EU #ACExperience #VirtualCoffee #TarguJiu #InternationalMobility #EuropeanUniversities