Name and Surname: Andrea Osobescu
Study Program: The Economy of Trade, Tourism and Services 
City and County of Origin: Galați, Romania

From my first days, I felt welcomed and easily integrated into the university community. I never felt like an outsider, even as an Erasmus student. The university administration was key in helping me settle in. They assisted with important accommodation issues, guided me through the paperwork for residence, and made sure I got my student card. This card gave me access to various campus facilities and dining hall discounts. 

One of the best parts of studying here was the course schedule. In Romania, students usually attend lectures from 8 AM to 2 or 4 PM daily. That can be a tough schedule with little time for other activities. Here, courses happened once or twice a day, which made it much easier. This flexible timetable freed up significant personal time. I could balance my academic work with meaningful extracurricular activities. This Erasmus experience taught me important time management skills. It allowed me to work on my bachelor's thesis for my Romanian University, explore the area's natural beauty, and fully enjoy the vibrant campus atmosphere. 
 

The courses were intellectually stimulating but not overwhelmingly difficult. Instead of relying heavily on traditional exams, the assessment structure focused on presentations. This approach helped me understand the material much better. The professors showed great expertise in their subjects and used clear, student-centered teaching methods. They emphasized active engagement over surface-level content delivery. Their knowledge made complex economic concepts much easier to grasp and remember. A surprising highlight was participating in a TikTok video project. It was a new experience for me since I had never made video content before. Although it wasn't my best creative work, it was a valuable step into multimedia learning. I would love to see something similar included in future student activities. 

Adjusting to the new academic and cultural environment went smoothly. Even though I encountered a language I hadn't studied before, learning key phrases and vocabulary was not a major hurdle. Interestingly, interacting with local students was the best way for me to learn the language, far more effective than traditional classroom methods. I was also pleasantly surprised by how many people spoke English across the country. From shop workers to bus drivers, people were always helpful with my English questions, which made daily interactions easier. 

Some of my favorite moments from my Erasmus experience came from welcome parties and social events with other students. I made real connections with people from various backgrounds, including locals from the city and students from Croatia. I believe I will maintain these friendships for life. These connections turned my exchange into a deeply enriching personal journey. A particularly memorable experience was my trip to Budva. Although it was long and expensive, it helped me understand what it means to travel to a new country and experience its unique culture firsthand. What impressed me most about studying at this university was the strong interaction between students and professors. 
 

The learning environment was lively and encouraged genuine dialogue and intellectual exchange. I especially enjoyed courses where professors invited us to share our opinions and join in discussions. This interactive approach not only improved my economic knowledge and professional skills but also boosted my English language proficiency. I now have a much better grasp of economic terminology, thanks to the professors' detailed explanations and the immersive English-speaking environment. Personally, this experience helped me understand economic concepts more deeply, which I believe will be important for my future career.
The campus atmosphere was inviting and delightful. I enjoyed many beautiful moments with local students. We went to film nights, watched the Eurovision Song Contest, visited the beach, and met new people, including some from my city whom I had never crossed paths with before. It was fascinating to find these unexpected connections and share meaningful experiences together. 

The university administration also deserves praise for their outstanding support throughout my stay. They helped with paperwork and were genuinely there whenever I faced challenges, including bridging language barriers. Their constant support made my transition smooth. My experience studying at this university has been genuinely rewarding. I feel lucky to be part of this community during these transformative months. I truly hope to be accepted again for future exchanges because this high-quality institution deserves more recognition. I wish that many more Erasmus students could discover this university and experience what it offers. It truly merits the investment of time and effort. The total impact of this experience has been life-changing. This city, university, and country have touched my heart in ways I never expected. I am already planning to return in the coming years, as both the region's cultural richness and the genuine connections I’ve made feel too valuable to experience only once. My Erasmus journey has undoubtedly shaped my perspective and awakened a deep appreciation for cultural exchange and international collaboration, elements I will carry with me for life.