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+).

Omer Suliman Mohammed Suliman

Student Ambassador

Country of originSudan
Higher education institution"Transilvania" University of Brasov
Field of studyCivil Engineering
Level of studyBachelor programme (BA/ BSc)
Scholarship holderMinistry of Foreign Affairs Scholarship - MFA scholarship
Portrait of Student Ambassador

Q&A with the Ambassador _

Why Romania?

What made you choose Romania as your study destination?

Ever since high school, I dreamed of studying abroad and exploring new places. At that time, I didn’t have a specific country in mind - Romania wasn’t on my radar yet because I didn’t have a clear image of what it had to offer. But I was certain of one thing: a few years down the line, I wouldn’t still be in the same place - I wanted more for myself. After completing high school, I began exploring international study opportunities and soon discovered Romania’s strong academic reputation. When I shared the news with my family, they recalled inspiring stories of people who had studied there. Receiving my acceptance letter was a moment of pure joy - it marked the beginning of a challenging yet rewarding journey of growth, learning, and discovery for which I remain deeply grateful. Now, as a Student Ambassador, I feel it’s time to give back. I want to shine a light on the hidden beauty of Romania and help other students who are considering studying here. My goal is to encourage and support them in making the decision that changed my life.

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 both enriching and transformative—academically, personally, and culturally. I started my journey with the language preparatory year, which I now consider one of the most valuable parts of my experience. At first, Romanian sounded so unfamiliar and strange to me—I couldn’t imagine myself speaking it one day. But our teachers made a huge difference. They were kind, patient, and welcoming. They used interactive teaching methods that helped us not only learn the grammar but also build the confidence to speak. I’ve come to understand that language is more than grammar rules—it's a reflection of a country’s culture, traditions, and way of thinking. I’m currently a second-year Civil Engineering student, deeply interested in how mathematics and design shape modern life. Courses in algebra and construction materials have strengthened my analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, while fueling my curiosity about how engineering innovations transform society. Studying in Romania has also helped me grow—learning to adapt, work with diverse people, and apply theory to real-world challenges.

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?

Before coming to Romania, I didn’t have very specific expectations about what my university experience would be like—especially regarding my teachers and the academic environment. But I can honestly say that I was positively surprised by how kind, respectful, and welcoming the instructors and staff are. My very first interaction was with the International Relations Office. They responded immediately to every question I had, even before I arrived in Romania. Once I got here, the enrollment process went smoothly —they made me feel supported and comfortable. They explained everything I needed to know, from opening a bank account to immigration office procedures. I remember thinking: "These are truly the right people in the right place." During my preparatory language year, I had an unforgettable experience. Learning Romanian was both challenging and rewarding, and it taught me the value of consistency and curiosity. Looking back, I realize how much my progress was shaped by the dedication and support of my language teachers. At the Faculty of Civil Engineering, I’m inspired by professors who bring real-world experience into the classroom, connecting theory with practical examples that make learning more meaningful. I also appreciate how supportive they are toward international students—often taking time, even in large lectures, to ensure we’re following along. Their encouragement makes me feel respected, included, and truly valued.

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

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

Living and studying in Romania has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. I’ve learned to step out of my comfort zone and communicate in a new language with confidence. Adapting to a different culture, climate, and way of life has taught me resilience and open-mindedness. I’ve come to understand that respecting other cultures begins with listening and understanding, not comparing. Most importantly, Romania has taught me that growth comes through consistency and discipline, that asking for help is a sign of strength, and that limits often exist only in our minds. Here, I’ve learned to live fully, create meaningful memories, and appreciate the value of every challenge along the way.

What do you enjoy most about living in Romania?

(It could be about the culture, people, food, cities, or your university experience)

Beyond my university life, what I truly enjoy most about living in Romania is the natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. The summer vibes here are amazing - I love being outdoors, exploring new places, connecting with nature, and going hiking with friends. It helps me recharge and feel grounded. I’ve also completely fallen in love with Brașov. For me, it’s not just one of the most beautiful cities in Romania — it’s also the calmest. It has truly become my second home. Every time I travel outside the city, I find it difficult to adapt elsewhere. I always look forward to coming back to Brașov - to the silence, the familiar streets, and the feeling of peace that I’ve come to cherish.

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 to any international student thinking about studying in Romania is this: step out of your comfort zone Choosing to study abroad was one of the most important—and rewarding—decisions I’ve ever made. It opened the door to so many new experiences that have helped me grow academically, professionally, and personally. You’ll face challenges, of course, but each one will teach you something valuable. You’ll learn to adapt, to communicate in a new language, to live independently, and to build friendships with people from all over the world. So, if you're thinking about it - go for it. Be open, stay curious, and embrace the journey. Romania has more to offer than you might expect.

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