On 4 March 2026, the Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iași welcomed Erasmus and international students to the Faculty of Industrial Design and Business Management (DIMA) for Mărțișor for Everyone – Let’s celebrate spring together!.
The modern spaces of DIMA provided the ideal setting for an afternoon that blended tradition, cultural immersion and hands‑on creativity, offering students from around the world a warm introduction to the Romanian way of welcoming spring.
Opening the Event: A Warm Welcome to International Student
The event was opened by Prof. Irina Lungu, Vice‑Rector for International Relations, who highlighted the value of cultural exchange and inclusion across the INGENIUM European University Alliance. She emphasized TUIASI’s commitment to fostering an academic environment where international students feel seen, supported and inspired.
Her message was followed by Prof. Mirela Blaga, Erasmus Coordinator at DIMA, who shared insights about the faculty’s long‑standing involvement in international education and encouraged students to explore both the academic and cultural richness of Iași.
Discovering the Tradition of Mărțișor
To offer students a cultural context, members of the TUIASI Buddy System introduced:
- the symbolism of the red‑and‑white thread,
- the story of the mărțișor as a token of renewal,
- and how the beginning of March transforms Iași into a celebration of spring traditions.
Their storytelling set the tone for an engaging and joyful experience.
Workshop: Crafting Spring Symbols Together
In the creative atelier hosted at DIMA, international students worked side by side with TUIASI volunteers to design their own trinkets (mărțișoare).
The atmosphere mixed laughter, curiosity, craftsmanship and cultural discovery, turning a simple workshop into a moment of genuine connection. Many students noted that creating a mărțișor themselves gave them a deeper appreciation of the tradition than simply receiving one.
Building International Community at TUIASI
The event also benefited from the participation of ESN Iași, represented by its president, Cristian Târpescu, who spoke about the importance of student networks in ensuring an impactful mobility experience.
A Celebration of Culture, Inclusion and the INGENIUM Spirit
The event closed with friendly conversations, photos and new friendships that extended far beyond the workshop tables.
Through initiatives like this, TUIASI continues to strengthen its commitment to inclusion, multicultural exchange and the INGENIUM vision of a united European academic community.
