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+).

Phiri Annita

Student Ambassador

Country of originZambia
Higher education institution"Transilvania" University of Brasov
Field of studyBusiness administration
Level of studyBachelor programme (BA/ BSc)
Scholarship holderNo
Portrait of Student Ambassador

Q&A with the Ambassador _

Why Romania?

What made you choose Romania as your study destination?

I chose Romania because I was looking for a European country with high-quality education and vast opportunities, while also wanting to experience a new culture and become more independent. I was eager to study in an international environment and connect with people from diverse backgrounds. At the time, I was looking for more than just a university—I wanted an experience that would challenge me personally, expose me to different perspectives, and help me grow. Romania offered me exactly that opportunity.

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?)

Moving to Romania pushed me straight out of my comfort zone—and looking back, that is exactly where the growth happened. My time here has been as educational outside the classroom as inside it. Alongside advancing my academic knowledge and gaining local work experience, I’ve developed a genuinely global outlook. Living in a new country taught me how to connect with people from entirely different backgrounds, navigate ambiguity, and trust my own independence. More than anything, this journey has helped me discover a deeper sense of self-reliance and confidence.

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 Business Administration at Transilvania University of Brașov, on the Colina campus, and I really appreciate the diversity that comes with the programme. Business is such a broad field, so I enjoy being exposed to different areas and learning how to connect everything to the bigger picture. During seminars, my professors have helped me look at topics from different angles rather than simply focusing on memorising information, and I truly appreciate how accessible and supportive they are. When I first came, I had many expectations about what university life here would be like, and I was anxious about adapting to a new environment so far from home. However, I quickly realised that university is just as much about the people you meet, the experiences you have, and the opportunities you create for yourself. Being on the Colina campus has definitely become a central and memorable part of my journey in Brașov.

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

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

When you move to a different country, you quickly realise that you can’t expect everything to work exactly as you’re used to. You have to be open-minded, learn, ask questions, and adapt. Personally, I’ve learnt how important communication is when you’re surrounded by people from different cultures. You learn to listen, understand different perspectives, and appreciate that everyone has their own story. So if someone asked me, 'What have you learned from being in Romania?', I would probably say: Romania has taught me how to navigate life and how to truly communicate.

What do you enjoy most about living in Romania?

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

One of the things I enjoy the most about living here is the atmosphere. Brașov has stunning mountain views right from campus, incredible historic streets, and cozy cafés. I love that you can have your normal university routine and then suddenly find yourself surrounded by breathtaking scenery. The people are super welcoming, the food is pure comfort, and the vibrant international student community means you're always making new friends from every corner of the world.

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 biggest advice would be: come with an open mind and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Moving to a new country can feel overwhelming at first. You might miss home, you might not understand everything immediately, and sometimes you’ll probably wonder, 'What have I gotten myself into?' But give yourself time. Try to meet new people, explore your city, experience the culture, and don’t spend your whole university life just going from your room to class and back. And don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask for help; everyone has to start somewhere. Most importantly, enjoy the experience. You’re not only coming to Romania to earn a degree. You’re coming to grow, become more independent, meet amazing people, and create memories. So make friends, explore—and make the most of it!

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