Why Romania?
What made you choose Romania as your study destination?
My story with Romania actually started with Erasmus+. I first came to Romania as an Erasmus+ exchange student during my Geography studies. At that time, I came to Romania for the Erasmus experience and the opportunity to spend part of my studies in a different academic and cultural environment. I did not initially plan to stay in Romania or continue my education here.
However, my experience in Romania became much more meaningful than I initially expected. I enjoyed the academic environment, the people, and everyday life here, and I gradually became more connected to the country. After my exchange, I also had the opportunity to complete an Erasmus+ traineeship at Ștefan cel Mare University of Suceava, where I worked with GIS and geographical data.
These experiences changed my plans. I realised that I wanted to continue my education in Romania, so I completed a Romanian language preparatory year at Ștefan cel Mare University of Suceava and then continued there with a master's degree in GIS and Territorial Planning.
I came to Romania for Erasmus, but I liked the experience enough to make Romania part of my longer-term academic journey.
How has your experience in Romania been so far?
Tell us about your studies, daily life, and what stands out most to you. (In what ways has this experience supported your
academic or professional growth?)
My experience in Romania has been a journey of adapting, learning, and discovering new possibilities. Living and studying in Suceava has given me a different perspective on both education and everyday life. I have learned to adapt to a new environment, manage my responsibilities independently, and communicate with people from different backgrounds. Academically, my studies have helped me strengthen my knowledge of Geography and GIS and approach my field from a more international perspective. At the same time, opportunities such as Erasmus activities and international programmes have allowed me to connect what I learn at university with experiences outside the classroom. What stands out most for me is how much I have grown not only as a student, but also as a person.
What do you think about your study programme, instructors (teachers, staff), and university facilities?
How do they compare with what you expected before coming here?
My study programme at Stefan cel Mare University of Suceava has been a good fit for my background in Geography and my interest in GIS. I appreciate that the programme goes beyond theoretical knowledge and gives me opportunities to work with practical methods and technologies related to geospatial analysis.
I have also found the instructors approachable and supportive. Their different perspectives have encouraged me to think more critically about my field rather than simply memorising information. The university facilities and learning environment have also met my expectations and provided a comfortable setting for studying and developing my skills.
Overall, the experience has been more practical and internationally oriented than I initially expected, which has helped me become more confident about my future in GIS.
What have you learned in Romania — academically, professionally, or personally?
What’s something valuable you can truly say “I learned that in Romania”?
Romania has taught me things that go far beyond my university studies. I have improved my Romanian and English through everyday communication and by meeting people from different backgrounds. At the same time, studying Geography and GIS has helped me understand how technology can be used to explore and solve real geographical problems. Most importantly, living in Romania has taught me how to adapt, communicate, and find my way in an unfamiliar environment. These experiences have made me more confident, curious, and open to new opportunities.
What do you enjoy most about living in Romania?
(It could be about the culture, people, food, cities, or your university experience)
What I enjoy most about living in Romania is the feeling of discovering something new in everyday life. I especially enjoy exploring Romanian cities, noticing the differences between regions, and learning about the culture through everyday interactions rather than only as a visitor. I also enjoy the balance between student life and the quieter atmosphere of Suceava. It has given me the chance to experience a different side of Romania while building my own routine and feeling more connected to the place I now study and live in.
Do you have any advice for future international students considering studying in Romania?
What would you say to someone thinking about studying in Romania?
My advice would be not to wait until you feel completely ready. Moving to another country will always come with unfamiliar situations, but those situations are often where you learn the most. Give yourself time to adapt, learn some of the local language, talk to people, and explore beyond your university.
And don't be afraid to try things outside your original plan. Some of my most valuable experiences in Romania have come from opportunities I did not expect when I first arrived. Come with an open mind, stay curious, and make the most of the experience.