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September 17—20, 2026

Balkan Academy

Sibiu, Romania

Purpose. Training. Leadership.

Step into a multicultural learning environment where collaboration meets excellence, and begin your journey toward becoming a certified National Trainer.

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01 The Program

Where Future
Trainers Are Made

Take the next step in your training and leadership journey — become a certified National Trainer within the JCI Balkan Academy. This program is designed for experienced members who are ready to refine their facilitation skills, expand their impact, and contribute to the development of future leaders across the region.

Pre-Requisites

  • Completion of the JCI Presenter course
  • Completion of the JCI Facilitator course
  • Delivery of at least 25 hours of training experience
  • Endorsement from your National President

On-Site Experience

Participants will take part in two and a half days of intensive, hands-on training sessions delivered by some of the most experienced trainers within JCI. The program focuses on practical learning, peer feedback, and real training simulations designed to strengthen advanced trainer competencies.

3 Days of Immersive Learning
120+ Countries in JCI Network
Connections Made

The Academy runs two parallel tracks. Choose the one that fits your goals when you register.

Balkan Experience

Cultural immersion, traditional games, and discovery of Romania & the Balkan spirit.

Thursday evening – Saturday afternoon

Thursday, September 17

  1. 16:00 – 19:00
    Balkan Networking

    Open networking session to meet fellow participants from across the Balkans before the official program begins.

  2. 19:30 – 21:00
    Opening Dinner & Welcome Experience

    Authentic atmosphere with traditional Romanian and Balkan music, a short introduction to Romanian culture, and a relaxed icebreaker around the table.

Friday, September 18

  1. 10:00 – 12:30
    Cultural Energizers & Traditional Games

    Romanian classics – „Ţară, Ţară, vrem ostaşi”, „RaŢele şi vânătorii”, „Baba oarba”, musical statues on Balkan music, mime with Romanian cultural references – each introduced with a short cultural note.

  2. 12:30 – 13:30
    Lunch Break
  3. 13:30 – 15:00
    Networking Time: “Most Likely To – Entrepreneur Edition”

    A 5×5 grid bingo of entrepreneur traits. Participants gather signatures from peers (max 2 per sheet) – natural networking with real conversations.

  4. 15:00 – 15:15
    Coffee Break
  5. 15:15 – 17:00
    Workshop: Identifying Limiting Beliefs

    A guided workshop on recognising and challenging limiting beliefs, closing with a short journaling moment.

Saturday, September 19

  1. Day trip
    Bâlea Lake & Transfăgărăşan Exploration

    Includes an introduction to Romania and the Balkan culture (geography, myths, traditions, notable entrepreneurs) and the “Discover Romania” Treasure Hunt – teams of 3–4 follow clues with a small symbolic prize for the winners. Return by 18:00.

  2. 19:30
    Closing Dinner & Balkan Celebration

    A festive evening to close the Academy, celebrating the connections made and the Balkan spirit shared throughout the program.

Locations: FântâniŢa Haiducului (opening & main activities) · Bâlea Lake (day trip)

National Trainer Certification

A 3-day intensive delivery plan to earn your Certified National Trainer credential.

Thursday evening – Saturday afternoon

Thursday, September 17

  1. 16:00 – 17:00 LH
    Opening Ceremony

    Welcome, expectations, overview, certification criteria.

  2. 17:00 – 18:00 AB
    Session 2: My Portrait

    Identity, expectations, contribution.

  3. 18:00 – 19:00 LH
    Session 3: The Big Picture

    Purpose, structure, graduation criteria.

  4. 19:30 – 21:00
    Opening Dinner & Welcome Experience

    Joint celebration with the Balkan Experience track.

Friday, September 18

  1. 09:00 – 10:45 LH
    The Adult Learning Experience

    Learning cycle, styles, active vs passive learning.

  2. 10:45 – 11:00
    Coffee Break
  3. 11:00 – 12:30 LH
    Adult Learning Expectations

    Needs, wants, fears; NOW – SHOULD BE – MUST BE.

  4. 12:30 – 13:30
    Lunch Break
  5. 13:30 – 15:00 LH
    The Art of Training

    AIDA, Wheel of Learning, methods & techniques.

  6. 15:00 – 15:15
    Coffee Break
  7. 15:15 – 16:30 AB
    Your Learning Resources

    RATS principle, resource types, room setups.

  8. 16:30 – 18:15 LH
    Promoting & Presenting

    Promotion strategy, 6 impact levels, SMART objectives.

  9. 18:15 – 18:30 LH
    Learning Labs Introduction
  10. 19:00
    Dinner

Saturday, September 19

  1. 09:00 – 09:30 LH / AB
    Session 6: Questions, If I May

    Clarification & RATS reinforcement.

  2. 09:30 – 10:30 LH
    Me, The Trainer

    7 core trainer skills.

  3. 10:30 – 10:45
    Coffee Break
  4. 10:45 – 11:45 LH
    Measuring the Learning Experience

    Evaluation levels & tools.

  5. 11:45 – 13:00
    Learning Labs Preparation
  6. 13:00 – 14:00
    Lunch Break
  7. 14:00 – 16:15
    Session 7: Learning Labs in the Spotlight

    Teams deliver training sessions demonstrating integrated competence.

  8. 16:15 – 16:30
    Coffee Break
  9. 16:30 – 17:30 LH / AB
    Sessions 8 – 10: Review, Reflection & Evaluation

    Feedback, reflection, formal evaluation, closure and certification.

  10. 19:30
    Closing Dinner & Balkan Celebration

    Joint celebration with the Balkan Experience track.

Trainer key: LH – Lars Hajslund · AB – Alexandra Botoş

Both schedules are drafts and may be refined.

02 The Trainers

Meet Your Trainers

Alexandra Botoș

Alexandra Botoș

Certified Trainer & Coach

JCI Vice President 2023 European Parliament 9+ Years Training EDC Chairperson 2025

Certified trainer and coach with over nine years of experience in leadership development, personal growth, and professional skills. Active Trainer Mentor within JCI, supporting the development of future trainers and leaders.

Since joining JCI in 2015, Alexandra has taken on numerous leadership roles — serving as National President of JCI Romania, Vice President assigned to Europe (2023), and EDC Chairperson (2025), while continuously facilitating trainings, mentoring members, and contributing to capacity-building initiatives like Academies and Boot Camps. She currently serves as a member of the JCI Global Ethics Committee.

Professionally, Alexandra works at the European Parliament in Luxembourg, where she acts as an internal facilitator on top of her daily financial role, facilitating sessions for EU institutions and staff. Passionate about learning and development, she focuses on creating engaging and transformative training environments that challenge participants to grow, step outside their comfort zones, and unlock their full potential.

Lars Hajslund

Lars Hajslund

International Networker & Leadership Expert

JCI World President 2006 132 Countries CLICK Institute Speak AI

International networker with experience across 130+ countries. As JCI World President in 2006, he led 200,000 young active citizens worldwide. Co-founder of CLICK Institute, specializing in learning design and strategic consulting.

Lars has worked with strategic development of Danish and international organizations through consulting, workshops, and direct leadership — all with the aim of creating outstanding transformation. His specialties include facilitation of large groups, and he has inspired and trained thousands in the areas of strategy, leadership, sales, communication, and innovation. He has led seminars, workshops, and keynotes in 132 countries including 44 states in the US.

Lars is a graduate of the XII JCI International Academy in Hiroshima, Japan, holds a degree in Hotel Management, and is an International Training Fellow of the JCI Training Institute. His most requested topics include Colorful Leadership & Communication, Speak AI, and Strategic Facilitation.

03 The Venue

Fântânița Haiducului

The venue combines fully equipped training spaces with comfortable accommodation, creating an environment designed for focus, collaboration, and meaningful exchange.

Between sessions, participants will enjoy delicious traditional cuisine and authentic local hospitality, adding a cultural touch to an experience that is both professionally enriching and personally memorable.

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SECURE YOUR SPOT

Early Bird Prices

Balkan Countries 230EUR
Non-Balkan Countries 250EUR

All tickets include:

  • Accommodation in a twin room for 3 nights
  • 3 breakfasts
  • 2 lunches
  • 3 dinners
  • Coffee breaks throughout the program
  • Full access to the two-and-a-half-day training program
  • All training materials
04 The Team

Meet the Team

Maria Stredie

Maria Stredie

COC Director, Balkan Academy
Flaviu Moldovan

Flaviu Moldovan

Financial & Logistics Director
Simina Vilculescu

Simina Vilculescu

Marketing Director
Lavinia Bratu

Lavinia Bratu

Participants & Registration Director
Panduru Ionut

Panduru Ionut

Director of Social Media & Web
Irina Mihai

Irina Mihai

Partnerships Director
Alexandra Botos

Alexandra Botos

Academy Ambassador
Carmen Petrovici

Carmen Petrovici

Academy Ambassador
Magda Baltatu

Magda Baltatu

Academy Ambassador

Ready to Lead?

Get in touch to register your interest or learn more about the Balkan Academy.

MS

Maria Stredie

COC Director, Balkan Academy mariag.stredie@gmail.com
JCI

JCI Sibiu

Official Organization contact@jcisibiu.ro jcisibiu.ro →