Why Romania?
What made you choose Romania as your study destination?
As someone who is passionate about sustainability, I see Romania as a strategic destination for me to deepen my studies in Environmental Engineering.
Before applying, I did quite a lot of research about the universities, their academic environment, and the facilities available for students. I could see that Romania offers a strong environment for me to develop academically, while also giving me room to explore the field of sustainability from different perspectives. More importantly, I could see the potential for long-term opportunities that aligned with the kind of career and impact I want to build in the future.
So, for me, choosing Romania was not only about choosing where I wanted to study. It was about choosing an environment where I could learn, build connections, explore new opportunities, and gradually create the path I want for my future.
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 incredibly enriching so far.
During my Romanian language preparatory year, I gained valuable perspectives on what international academic life truly looks like. One of the things I enjoyed most was connecting with and befriending students from diverse countries and cultural backgrounds.
I also love learning beyond the classroom. As an international student in Romania, I actively document my daily life and academic journey on Instagram and TikTok (@melzazafitri). Through sharing my authentic, firsthand experiences, I hope to inspire and guide prospective students worldwide who are considering Romania as their study destination.
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?
During my preparatory year, I felt genuinely supported by both my professors and senior students.
What I truly appreciated was how approachable and open-minded they were. I always felt comfortable asking questions, discussing ideas, and sharing my perspectives with them, which made adapting to a new academic environment so much smoother.
I also took full advantage of the activities organized by my university, especially the events tailored for international students. These gatherings offered wonderful opportunities to meet new people, discover different cultures, and make my student life rewarding far beyond the lecture hall.
What have you learned in Romania — academically, professionally, or personally?
What’s something valuable you can truly say “I learned that in Romania”?
I think one of the most valuable things I have learned in Romania is the deeper meaning of resilience and integrity.
As a Muslim girl coming from Indonesia, moving to a completely different environment naturally came with challenges. I had to adapt to a different culture, language, academic system, and social environment, while at the same time learning how to stay grounded in who I am.
Romania also taught me that being different does not have to be a limitation. It can actually become a strength. My identity, my experiences, and my background are part of what I bring into every collaboration and every community I become part of.
So if someone asked me what I can truly say, “I learned that in Romania,” I would say: I learned how to adapt without losing myself, how to be resilient without becoming closed off, and how to grow while staying true to my values.
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 the most about Romania is definitely the people and the diversity I get to experience here.
Romania has such a rich culture and history, and I really enjoy discovering the different sides of it through everyday life, cities, traditions, and especially through the people I meet.
What makes it even more special for me is the warmth of the people. Despite coming from a very different cultural background, I have met so many people who made me feel welcomed and comfortable.
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: be proactive.
Don't limit your experience to the classroom. Start researching opportunities even before you arrive.
And once you are here, don't be afraid to say yes to new opportunities, even when they are outside your comfort zone.
At the same time, prepare yourself not only academically, but also mentally and personally. Moving to another country means that there will be new challenges and unexpected situations, so being adaptable and open-minded is really important.