The Student Ambassador Program is funded under the project “Romania towards 2030: Increasing international relevance through the internationalization of higher education”, (MySMIS 319112) through the Education and Employment Programme 2021–2027, co-financed by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+).

Jihan  Hasna Jauza Apandi

Student Ambassador

Country of originIndonesia
Higher education institutionNational University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest
Field of studyAerospace engineering
Level of studyBachelor programme (BA/ BSc)
Scholarship holderRomanian Agency for Investment and Foreign Trade (ARICE)
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Portrait of Student Ambassador

Q&A with the Ambassador _

Why Romania?

What made you choose Romania as your study destination?

I chose Romania because it felt unique and unfamiliar to me. I hadn’t heard much about the country before, and that made me curious to explore what this hidden gem is really like — its culture, daily life, and education system. I wanted to experience something new and step out of my comfort zone. Choosing Romania was a personal decision to challenge myself and discover a place that many people don’t know much about. I was also confident to try studying here because Romania is part of the European Union, which means it follows high standards in education and academic quality

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 amazing. I’m surrounded by supportive classmates, and the Indonesian student community really helped me adapt when I first arrived. I’m also involved in student organizations such as BEST Bucharest, a European student group that organizes events and workshops to help students develop technical and soft skills, and the Indonesian Student Association, which connects and supports Indonesian students in Romania through cultural and community activities. These organizations have improved my teamwork, communication, and leadership skills. These experiences have not only helped me grow personally but also supported my academic and professional development. I’ve learned to manage my time better, work in multicultural environments, and take on new challenges with confidence. I also feel secure about future opportunities here, since it’s not difficult to find part-time jobs that help me gain practical experience.

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?

I’m studying Aerospace Engineering, and I’m really satisfied with my study program. The professors are very kind and understanding, they know that studying in Romanian can be challenging for me, so they often provide materials in English and make sure I understand the lessons well. My faculty is also well-equipped with all the necessary study facilities; we even have our own airplane, propulsion systems, and many advanced technologies available on campus for hands-on learning. Honestly, everything has been above my expectations. Before coming here, I didn’t imagine the facilities and support would be this good, so I feel very grateful and motivated to learn more.

What have you learned in Romania — academically, professionally, or personally?

What’s something valuable you can truly say “I learned that in Romania”?

In Romania, I’ve learned so much in many aspects. Academically, studying Aerospace Engineering has given me strong technical knowledge and practical experience, especially through the university’s modern facilities and hands-on projects. Professionally, being part of student organizations has helped me develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills in an international environment. Personally, I’ve learned to be more independent, adaptable, and open-minded. Living in such a diverse environment has also taught me to be a more understanding person — to appreciate how people from different backgrounds grow up, think, and view the world. Overall, this experience has really shaped me to grow both as a student and as a future professional.

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 how people genuinely care about what you feel, yet still respect your personal space and privacy. I really appreciate that balance — people here are kind and willing to help, but they also give you the freedom to be on your own when you need it. I can also see this in my class environment, where both classmates and professors are supportive and understanding, but they never push too much. They respect different ways of learning and communicating, which makes the atmosphere very comfortable and motivating for me. It really helps me feel at home and confident to express myself.

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 for future international students is to make sure that Romania is truly your choice. To really love studying here, you need to see Romania as your dream, not just your plan B or a backup option. When you come with that mindset, you’ll start to notice the beauty of student life here — the people, the culture, and the opportunities. Romania has so much to offer, but you’ll only feel it fully if you come with an open heart and genuine excitement to experience it.

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