The hybrid international conference “Romanian as a Foreign Language: Linguistic and Intercultural Perspectives” (1st Edition) will take place on 16 January 2026 at Danubius International University. The event aims to establish an academic framework for reflection and the exchange of best practices in the teaching of Romanian as a foreign language, bringing together specialists in applied linguistics, language pedagogy, and intercultural studies.

The conference benefits from the support of an extensive international academic partnership, including the University of Camerino (Italy), “Angel Kanchev” University of Ruse (Bulgaria), “Aleksandër Moisiu” University of Durrës (Albania), Ion Creangă State Pedagogical University of Chișinău (Republic of Moldova), Yuriy Fedkovych National University of Chernivtsi (Ukraine), as well as specialized institutes dedicated to the study of the Romanian language.

The scientific coordination of the conference is ensured by distinguished academic figures, including Dr. Corneliu-Andy Pușca, President of the Board of Directors of Danubius International University, and Dr. Steve O. Michael, Rector and CEO of DIU, in their capacity as hosts of the event. The program brings together contributions from renowned invited speakers such as Dr. Alexandra Barbăneagră, Rector of Ion Creangă State Pedagogical University, Dr. Gina-Aurora Necula, representative of the Romanian Language Institute, Dr. Habil. Cristinel Munteanu, and Dr. Ivana Ivanic, who will address current issues related to educational policies, strategies for teaching Romanian, and the role of intercultural competence within the European academic space.

Claudia Stefania Marghiru

Danubius International University successfully hosted the Annual Awards Ceremony, a prestigious academic event dedicated to recognizing excellence, professionalism, and outstanding contributions to the university community. The Gala represented a moment of reflection on the core values that define our institution—excellence, innovation, dedication, and partnership—while also serving as an opportunity to honor faculty members, administrative staff, and external partners whose efforts have significantly contributed to the university’s continuous development.

Academic Awards

Within the section Academic Awards – School Level Distinguished Faculty of the Year, the following members of the academic community were honored:

• Danubius International College of Applied and Vocational Studies
  Andrei Tatulici – Faculty of the Year Award
• School of Smart Education and Innovative Teacher Training
  Adrian Beteringhe – Faculty of the Year Award
• School of Life Sciences and Human Development
  Lăcrămioara Mocanu – Faculty of the Year Award
• School of Media, Design, and Technology
  Alina Beatrice Cheșcă – Faculty of the Year Award
• School of Global Business and Leadership
  Mădălina Bălău – Faculty of the Year Award
• School of International Governance and Law
  Ștefan Gheorghe – Faculty of the Year Award

Special Awards

• “New Comer of the Year” Award
  Cristina Popa Tache
• “Unit of the Year” Award
  Faculty of Life Sciences and Human Development

Honorable Mentions of the Year

In recognition of their commitment, professionalism, and sustained contributions to the academic and administrative life of the university, Honorable Mentions of the Year were awarded to the following members of the Danubius community:

• Ana Mihai
• Violeta Enache
• Angelica Tofan
• Vasile Stoican
• Tudor Nicușor
• Alina Cheșca

Individual Excellence Awards

• “Distinguished Staff of the Year” Award
  Carmen Crețu
• “Professor of the Year” Award
  Georgeta Modiga

External Partnership Awards

Danubius International University places special emphasis on strategic collaborations with the socio-economic and institutional environment. In this context, the following distinctions were awarded:

• “Company of the Year” Award
  ING Galați
• “Distinguished Educational Partner of the Year” Award
  Judge Doru Benescu

Final Acknowledgements

The leadership of Danubius International University extends its sincere congratulations to all award recipients for their achievements, demonstrated dedication, and valuable contributions to the institution’s prestige. We also express our gratitude to the entire academic community, administrative staff, and external partners for their continued support and active involvement in advancing the university’s educational mission.

Claudia Stefania Marghiru

Romanian as a Foreign Language: Linguistic and Intercultural Perspectives is the title of the First Edition of the International Conference, organized in a hybrid format by Danubius International University, scheduled to take place on January 16, 2026. The event is held in collaboration with prestigious academic institutions across Europe, including the University of Camerino (Italy), the Free International University of Moldova, the University of Ruse “Angel Kanchev” (Bulgaria), Aleksander Moisiu University of Durrës (Albania), the National University “Yuriy Fedkovych” of Chernivtsi (Ukraine), as well as other partner universities and academic organizations.

The conference aims to provide an academic framework for dialogue and critical reflection on the linguistic, methodological, and intercultural dimensions of teaching Romanian as a foreign language, with particular emphasis on the integration of international students into Romanian higher education institutions. The scientific event addresses researchers, academics, and specialists interested in Romanian as a foreign language and intercultural education, with all accepted contributions to be published in the journal Didactica Danubiensis (ISSN 2821-4374). The deadline for preliminary abstract submission is December 19, 2025; authors will be notified of acceptance by January 10, 2026, and final papers intended for publication must be submitted by January 30, 2026. The conference is expected to represent a significant academic benchmark for advancing research and best practices in the field of teaching Romanian as a foreign language.

Claudia Stefania Marghiru

The Professions Marathon event, held at the Brăila Education Trade Union, represented an educational framework dedicated to professional orientation in the legal field, bringing together specialists, university faculty members, students, and pupils. The meeting addressed essential aspects of several legal professions, including legal advisor, court clerk, lawyer, mediator, and notary public. Notary Iulian Mitescu delivered a presentation focused on his professional experience accumulated since 2004, emphasizing the fundamental role of education in choosing a legal career.

The event was attended by students enrolled in the Psychology and Law programs at DIU, alongside pupils from the “Nicolae Bălcescu” National College, the D. P. Perpessicius National Pedagogical College, and the “Panait Cerna” Theoretical High School in Brăila, who benefited from an interactive dialogue with professionals in the field. The organization of the event was coordinated by Ms. Gica Ceauș, Head of the Brăila Enrollment Center, in collaboration with CCOC and the Students’ League. Furthermore, Dr. Carmen Ion, university lecturer at DIU, moderated a discussion on the role and competencies of the legal advisor, while Dr. Radu Ștefănuț, university lecturer at DIU, highlighted the importance of mediation in the resolution of legal disputes. Assistant Professor PhD Candidate Camelia Aramă, Director of the Department of Recruitment and University Extensions, presented the educational offerings available to participating pupils, outlining concrete perspectives for academic and professional development.

Claudia Stefania Marghiru