Why Romania?
What made you choose Romania as your study destination?
Honestly, before I started looking into studying in Romania, I knew very little about the country. I came across Romania while researching different options for studying Medicine abroad, and I decided to learn more about the country, its universities, and what it was like for international students.
The more I researched, the more Romania stood out to me. The affordable tuition was definitely one of the factors that attracted me, as well as the relatively smooth admission process for international students. I also liked the opportunity to study Medicine in an international environment while experiencing a new country and culture.
In the end, Romania was a destination I discovered through research rather than one I had always planned on choosing, and I’m really glad I gave it a chance.
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 so far has been a really good mix of academics, personal growth, and student life. As a medical student, my studies can be demanding, but they have taught me to be more disciplined, organised, and consistent with my work.
Outside university, I’ve really enjoyed experiencing life in Iași, meeting people from different backgrounds, and getting to explore Romania. Moving to a new country has also pushed me to become more independent and comfortable outside my usual environment.
What stands out most to me is the international student experience. I’ve met people from different countries and cultures, made great friends, and had experiences that have made my time in Romania about much more than just studying.
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 experience with my Medicine programme at Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy has been interesting in diverse ways. One thing I really appreciate is how early we are introduced to the practical side of Medicine. From the first year, we have opportunities to visit hospitals and shadow doctors, which gives us an early look at the clinical environment and helps us connect what we learn in class to real medical practice.
The university also has facilities that make the learning experience more hands-on. For example, our anatomy labs allow us to study and see different organs and anatomical structures in a much more practical way. We also have access to both a modern library and the university’s older library, and they are open to all students, giving us different spaces and resources for studying.
The programme is challenging, as I expected Medicine to be, but I appreciate the support from our instructors and university staff. Overall, I feel the combination of theoretical learning, practical exposure, and the facilities available has given me a more complete experience as a medical student.
What have you learned in Romania — academically, professionally, or personally?
What’s something valuable you can truly say “I learned that in Romania”?
One of the most valuable things I’ve learned in Romania is how much you can grow when you put yourself in an unfamiliar environment. Moving to another country has made me more comfortable with adapting to situations I haven’t experienced before and figuring things out as I go. Academically, Medicine has taught me that progress comes from staying consistent and being willing to keep learning. But personally, I’ve also learned to be more open to new experiences and not be afraid to step outside what feels familiar.
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 is probably the sense of community I’ve found through my university experience. Being at university has brought me closer to so many people and given me a community that has made living in a new country feel much more enjoyable.
I’ve also really enjoyed experiencing Romanian culture. I love seeing the traditional clothing, especially during parades and cultural festivals, and getting to experience some of the traditions for myself. There’s still a lot I want to discover, especially when it comes to Romanian food; I haven’t had the chance to try as many traditional dishes as I’d like yet!
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 to do your research, but keep an open mind. Like I said above I didn’t know much about the country, so taking the time to research my university, programme, costs, and what student life would be like really helped me make my decision. But I’d also say don’t come with a very fixed idea of what your experience is going to be. Give yourself the chance to discover the country, try new things, and make your own experience. And remember, studying abroad doesn’t have to be all about lectures and exams — study life ≠ boring life.