Ever wanted to study in Europe’s most underrated country? This Indonesian has the inside scoop on life in Romania

For such an underrated country in Europe, Romania is gradually gaining popularity among international students. As of 2024, foreign students made up around seven per cent of the country’s university student population, and that figure continues to grow.

But what is life in Romania truly like? What makes it a top-tier alternative to pricier study destinations like the UK, France, Italy, or Spain? In this episode, we answer these burning questions with environmental engineering student Melza Nur Zafitri.

If you also need tips on applying for scholarships in Romania, adjusting to its education system, or navigating the country’s physical and cultural landscape, we’ve got you covered.

Listen below, or wherever you get your podcasts.

The transcript below has been lightly edited for grammar, spelling, and clarity.

Maryam: Hey guys, welcome back to the Extra Credit podcast. To all new listeners, this is a series where we bring you extraordinary stories and compelling conversations about the beauty and benefits of studying abroad with fellow international students, graduates, and professionals in the field.

I’m Maryam, your host. Today, we’re exploring what it means to walk the road less traveled, or in this case, ditch popular study destinations like the UK, US, Canada, and Australia for more underrated countries, like Romania, for example.

A country widely known for stunning natural landscapes, medieval castles, and of course, how can we forget, the legend of Count Dracula? It’s not often the first place most international students would think of to pursue their degree. But today’s guest, Melza Nur Zafitri, a plucky environmental engineering student from Indonesia, is here to share her story and set the record straight on what to expect if you’re planning to study in Romania too.

Welcome Melza, we’re excited to have you here with us today. How are you?

Melza Zafitri: Hi Maryam, thank you so much for inviting me. I’m super excited to join this programme. I hope you’re doing great too. How about you?

Maryam: I’m doing great too and it’s lovely to hear that you’re doing awesome. Okay, so let’s go back to the beginning. Ever since you graduated from high school, you’ve always had a passion for education and promoting its importance to fellow youth.

Since 2021, you’ve worked as a chief of education development and an English public speaking instructor in various schools. You even became a reading ambassador for Bekasi Regency in Indonesia. Tell me, what sparked your interest in this field?

Melza Zafitri: Okay, I think I would like to answer this question on a bit of a personal level. Actually, I grew up in the environment where education, especially for women, was not always seen as a priority. In my homeland, gender hierarchy and limited access to education still exist as unwritten traditions. So, when I was a kid, I did not question this reality. It only became deeply personal for me when I began facing difficult moments in my own life shaped by these norms. So, I witnessed my mother who had always dreamed of becoming a public prosecutor, being forced to let go of that dream.

And I also saw my uncle who never had access to proper schooling, yet carried a lifelong dream of becoming an architect. So, watching them live with their dreams constrained by traditions made me realise how profoundly the absence of education can shape a person’s future. And then, at that time, they encouraged me to create meaning in my own life, words I didn’t fully understand back then. Only later did I realise that they were entrusting me with something they themselves couldn’t pursue. So, as I grew older, this awareness expanded beyond my family. I began to notice how educational inequality continued to appear around me, such as in classrooms with limited resources and communities where literacy was unevenly distributed and in young people who had potential but lacked access or encouragement.

And then, this realisation became the foundation of my commitment to education. For me, education is a form of quiet resistance against inherited limitations. It is a way to open doors that were once closed, not only for myself, but for others as well. So, that is why I choose to dedicate myself to [the] education development field.

Maryam: Then, amid all this, in both 2024 and 2025, you applied for the Romanian Government Scholarship to pursue your bachelor’s degree, right? So, what inspired you to take a step back from promoting education to students to becoming a student again?

Melza Zafitri: Um, while my experiences and education have allowed me to contribute in meaningful ways, they have also made me increasingly aware of how much more I still need to learn. So, I believe it is essential to strengthen my academic foundation in the field I am committed to while continuing to grow through active engagement in the right environment. For me, that environment is the academic space. I do not view higher education as a mere formality or credential because for me, entering university is a deliberate phase of learning, one that I conscientiously choose because it offers the depth and structured learning process that probably self-learning and field experiences alone cannot fully provide. Moreover, the academic environment offers something equally essential, such as intellectual discipline.

It trains me to think systematically, to engage critically with diverse perspectives, and to articulate ideas with clarity and, of course, responsibility. And then through this opportunity, I also want to encourage those around me, especially young people, to believe in their dreams and to never stop pursuing opportunities to learn. I am affirming that learning is a lifelong process and that investing in education is not a sign of stepping back, but of preparing to move forward with greater purpose.

Maryam: And how did you come across the Romanian Government Scholarship anyway? What made you apply for it twice?

Melza Zafitri: When I began applying for international undergraduate scholarships in 2023, my primary goal was to study in Europe. So, I was drawn to Europe because of its well-developed and long-standing environmental systems, which are not only discussed academically, but also implemented in real life. As someone who wants to dedicate herself in this field, I felt the need to learn directly in an environment where these systems are already embedded and continuously evolving.

So, when I discovered the opportunity to study environmental engineering in Romania, I knew it was a chance to fully develop my potential in a field I am passionate about. I was not successful in becoming an awardee the first time I applied in 2024, by the way, but I didn’t let that stop me. I continued pursuing my goal of studying in Europe, especially in Romania, and returned to reapply for the Romanian Government Scholarship the following year.

Maryam: And was environmental engineering something you’ve always wanted to do?

Melza Zafitri: Yeah, I always want to contribute in the environmental engineering field because I know that “education” and “environmental” cannot be separated. Both of them can encourage each other and also develop each other as well.

Maryam: And can you tell us more about what the application process is like and, you know, the requirements they usually look for in international applicants?

Melza Zafitri: Yeah, of course. When I applied for the Romanian Government Scholarship by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the application process was actually one of the simplest and most straightforward international scholarships I have encountered. The selection mainly evaluates your application based on the documents you submit. So, everything depends on how well you prepare and present your files.

Firstly, I had to create an account on the official Study in Romania platform and fill in all my personal and academic information. Then, I uploaded their required documents, which usually include my passport, um, academic transcript, and diploma from high school, my birth certificate, and also curriculum vitae, and English or French, which I think, this is the most important part because this is where you can explain who you are, what you’ve been doing, and what motivates you to study abroad.

Because there’s no interview or in-person selection, the committee only reviews what you upload. This means you can really maximise your documents and make them tell yourself. The clearer and more genuine you present yourself, the more likely they will understand why you are a strong candidate.

Maryam: And what do you think made you stand out as a potential recipient of the Romanian Government Scholarship?

Melza Zafitri: I applied twice and I know that my biggest change for the application between 2024 and 2025 is my CV. In my CV in 2024, I didn’t add some related experience with my major in environmental engineering. So, I added some related experiences in my newest CV for the 2025 application, such as work experience and volunteering activities in the environmental field and education. So, I think that makes me stand out rather than another applicant.

Maryam: Those are such insightful tips, Melza. I’m sure these would be of great help to anyone thinking of applying for this scholarship too. Now, we’re all curious to know, what made you choose Romania as your study destination in the first place instead of more popular European countries like Germany, France, and Italy?

Melza Zafitri: Well, in fact, I got lots of exact questions [like this] before. The main reason that I chose Romania as my study destination was, of course, the scholarship, which became the primary support for pursuing my undergraduate studies. Beyond that, I was also drawn by the opportunities Romania offers from what I have researched. Romania is highly competitive in the field of engineering, comparable to Western European countries and it provides an inclusive environment where students from all over the world can come together, exchange ideas, and share stories. I was also curious to study in a country that is still relatively uncommon for Indonesian students.

I believe that living and learning here allows me to discover unique advantages and perspectives that are not easily found elsewhere. I hope to be able to share these insights with my peers in Indonesia, promoting Romania as a valuable study destination. And at the same time, I’m eager to experience learning in other European countries directly as well.

One of the advantages of studying in Romania is its participation in the ERASMUS Network, which provides opportunities to study and exchange knowledge across Europe. So, through this, I hope to expand my learning journey and share even more experiences from the academic and cultural explorations with others.

Maryam: I do hope that you eventually get to experience studying in other European countries too the way you’ve always dreamed of, because that’s amazing, right? So, you know, piggybacking off of what you said earlier, you know, you’ve been sharing such aesthetic vlogs and guides on Instagram and TikTok about your journey from Indonesia to the city of Timisoara, Romania, right? We’ve seen you share your experience throughout it all, navigating airports, the university, and your daily life abroad. What inspired you to document your academic journey on social media?

Melza Zafitri: Well, firstly, thank you for watching them. As a Romanian Government Scholarship awardee, I became aware that this opportunity comes with an unspoken responsibility. Being selected for this scholarship is not only a personal achievement for me. I think it should create value beyond myself. So, in many ways, this sense of responsibility is aligned with the intention of the Romanian government as the scholarship provider itself, that is to present Romania as a welcoming destination for international students.

I was also once in the position of searching for scholarships back then, and I remember how helpful it was to find practical information shared by previous awardees through their social media. So, from that experience, I hope that what I share can offer similar value. In doing so, I also hope to support fellow students in Indonesia and globally, of course, who are striving to pursue higher education and considering studying abroad.

If my content can help even in simple ways, then the opportunity I received becomes more meaningful. Beyond that broader purpose, creating content has also been deeply personal for me lately. First weeks arriving here, catching up with Romanian language studies often made my days feel limited to studying alone.

So, documenting my life through vlogs and shared reflections became a way for me to avoid burnout. It helped me step back and recognise that I am living a dream I have worked toward for a long time. So, sharing my experiences allowed me to see that learning and living do not have to exist separately. It reminded me that alongside academic responsibility, I am also building a meaningful life here. And then, unexpectedly through my content and the videos, I connected with new people here who recognised my videos on their social media feeds.

As someone who is naturally hesitant to initiate conversations first, this helped me build confidence and form friendships more organically in this new environment. And then, ultimately, I hope documenting my life abroad journey as an international student is my way of turning this experience into something purposeful and allows me to grow academically and personally at the same time.

Maryam: You’re absolutely right on that. Okay, Melza, since we can’t project a visual guide of your student life on Extra Credit, we’d love for you to take us on this journey with you through an audio tour. So, firstly, tell us, what was it like stepping foot in Romania for the first time? How did you feel? And how did your first week go?

Melza Zafitri: Okay, actually, it’s beyond interesting. Stepping foot in Romania was both exciting and overwhelming for me. I had never left my home country before, so the study abroad journey was also my very first experience exploring the world. Naturally, I carried many worries with me and my family felt the same way. Well, about my first week in Romania, it was quite hectic, but unforgettable, of course. I had to move dormitories twice while managing large suitcases, which was physically exhausting, but also memorable in its own way.

I also found myself navigating various administrative processes such as university re-registration, immigration documents, and more. And of course, they were confusing at times. And what really stood out to me was the kindness of the people, professors and academic staff, also my international friends were very welcoming and supportive toward me as a newly arrived student.

And in daily life, I experienced the same warmth, people helping me at the supermarket when I struggled. Even if they didn’t speak English, they communicated through gestures. And I found those moments generally touching, honestly. So, getting through those early confusing days gave me such a strong sense of achievement.

Back in Indonesia, studying on another continent felt intimidating for me. But once I am here, taking things one step at a time, I realised that I can deal with the fear and worries, and I can say I’ve felt proud of myself. I hope that more students, especially my friends in Indonesia, can one day experience the same sense of growth, courage, and possibility.

Maryam: Now, you know, immersing yourself in a new culture, a different culture, some place that’s so unfamiliar to you, sometimes it can be quite overwhelming, right? Was it easy navigating Timisoara?

Melza Zafitri: Overall, navigating Timisoara was quite easy, especially as a newcomer. It is a relatively small city and I often find myself running into familiar faces whenever I step out of my dorm. Despite its size, the city feels warm and welcoming as well. I really enjoy its peaceful atmosphere here and, of course, its beauty. One thing that makes getting around even easier is the public transportation system. Timisoara has well-connected and accessible public transport, including trams and buses, which makes moving around the city very convenient, especially for international students who are still adjusting like me.

I personally enjoy walking to explore the city. It allows me to slow down, notice small details, and yeah, take lots of pictures while exploring. And the city centre is, in my opinion, the most beautiful part of Timisoara itself. It truly reflects the character of the city, the architecture, the open squares, the overall atmosphere. So, there’s also the Bega River, which I find very charming, and I hope we take a boat ride along it someday.

Well, even though Timisoara is a small city, my friends and I have still managed to get lost a few times or get off at the wrong tram stop. But those moments became part of the experience and honestly made living here more fun.

And overall, I would like to say Timisoara is a city I would genuinely recommend visiting, especially if you’re looking for a peaceful, accessible place that still feels alive and full of character.

Maryam: So, you mentioned earlier that you had to take up Romanian language studies too, right? Can you provide more insight into this process? Was it hard putting those lessons into practice in real life as compared to, say, learning English?

Melza Zafitri: Yeah, actually, as I mentioned earlier, I found keeping up with Romanian language lessons quite overwhelming at first. Its structure is very different from English, I think, and I haven’t found any similarities with Indonesian either. So, it felt completely new for me. But interestingly, learning Romanian has also sparked my curiosity to explore other languages whose structures might be similar, like French, for example.

And applying the language in daily life has been challenging. This is my first month here and honestly, I still couldn’t have a full conversation with locals. They speak quite quickly and there are many grammatical rules, and I think I have yet to fully master that. But I have tried to push myself to use simple questions when shopping or asking for directions.

Maryam: And have you ever had any awkward moments during your conversations with the locals?

Melza Zafitri: Yeah, of course, there have been awkward moments. Not everyone, especially older people, speaks English. So, often, I rely on gestures and body language to communicate, even though it can feel a bit uncomfortable at times. I actually enjoy these interactions. They make me more confident and trying, and they remind me that communication goes beyond words alone.

Maryam: And was it easy to make friends with the locals there?

Melza Zafitri: Finding friends in Timisoara has been relatively easy, especially among fellow international students. But of course, it’s relatively easy being friends with local students here as well. We often start conversations while cooking in the dorm kitchen, sharing stories about our countries, or even something as simple as what we are cooking.

And interestingly, I also made friends online with some students from different countries even before arriving here. Thanks to the videos I share about my preparations, that gave me a small headstart in building connections once I arrived. And of course, I hope to continue making more friends and to fully immerse myself in a lively international learning environment here. Building these friendships not only makes daily life more enjoyable but also enriches my understanding of different cultures and perspectives.

Maryam: And now that you’ve settled in, what does your daily routine look like?

Melza Zafitri: As an international student, my daily routine is fairly typical but also full of new experiences. I spend my days studying, attending classes, completing assignments, and doing weekly grocery shopping. I also enjoy exploring new corners of the city and hanging out with my international friends. In addition to my academic routine, I am interested in gaining part-time work experience here.

Some of my friends have recommended it as a way to not only practice and improve my Romanian language skills, but also to develop valuable soft skills. So, I see it as an opportunity to grow, both personally and professionally, while making the most of my time in Romania.

Maryam: Oh, that was a very vivid walkthrough. I could almost see myself walking down the same streets you did. So, on the academic side, you’re pursuing a Bachelor’s in Environmental Engineering at the Polytechnic University of Timisoara. Can you tell us, what’s the campus like?

Melza Zafitri: Okay, actually, I am currently in my preparatory Romanian language year, so I haven’t officially started my environmental engineering studies yet. So, I think I can share about my campus so far. Probably, I’d start with the Rectorate building.

You know the Polytechnic University of Timisoara’s Rectorate building? It is truly unique and classical in its architecture located in the city centre, so I find myself admiring it every time I visit. It never fails to impress me. And my favourite place on campus is definitely the library. It is very spacious, very clean, and comfortable as well with a welcoming atmosphere.

The staff are incredibly friendly. Which makes spending time there even more enjoyable for me. I enjoy studying there and I’m certain that I will spend a lot of time in the library for assignments and self-study.

Maryam: And how are your classes and coursework conducted?

Melza Zafitri: In preparatory year, I am studying Romanian with five professors. Honestly, I haven’t been able to attend all of the classes yet because I arrived later in the semester. And shortly after my arrival, the winter break began. Fortunately, my university has a virtual campus where all learning materials are stored and accessible. I really appreciate how well organised and structured the materials are. It makes studying much more manageable and efficient for me.

And I’ve received support from campus volunteers as well who help with my Romanian language learning. Their guidance has made the learning process not only easier, but also more enjoyable, allowing me to gradually build confidence in using the language in daily life. And overall, even with the challenges of a late start, I feel that the combination of structured materials and personal support has made my coursework very accessible here.

Maryam: I’m glad you got the support you need. Of course, even with all the positives, it’s not always sunshine and rainbows when you’re living in another country, right? So, you know, can you tell us, what were the biggest challenges you faced as an international student in Romania, whether it’s on or off campus?

Melza Zafitri: Well, I still feel somewhat isolated here because my Romanian skills are limited, which makes it difficult to fully connect with the local community. Beyond just daily communication, this language barrier sometimes makes me feel a bit distant from the culture and the rhythm of life here. Even simple tasks, like asking for directions or interacting in shops, require extra effort and creativity for me, often relying on gestures or patience from others. However, I see this challenge as an opportunity to grow. It motivates me to practise consistently, engage with people whenever I can, and gradually build confidence in using Romanian.

Maryam: Of course, but you know, there has been a rise in anti-immigration sentiment worldwide, right? Especially across countries in Europe if you look at places like Austria, Italy, and Denmark. So far, things have mostly been a positive experience for you. But, you know, we’d like to know, Melza, have you ever experienced any negative encounters like this throughout your time here?

Melza Zafitri: Well, actually, when I first arrived at the Bucharest airport, I noticed a slight difference in how I was treated during the security check, particularly because I wear a hijab. At first, this made me anxious, of course. However, as the process continued, I came to understand that Romania has thorough security procedures in place and I appreciated the rules they uphold, and at the same time, I felt respected as well as a “hijabi.” But from that moment, many of my initial worries slowly began to fade because being a hijabi here actually makes me feel visibly different. And I think that is a natural part of living in a new cultural context. And I am grateful for experiencing this.

It has made me more aware of the level of tolerance present in everyday interactions and has helped me grow more confident in embracing my identity as a Muslim girl in a country where Muslims are a minority.

Maryam: Well, that’s good to hear. I’m glad you’re basically, you know, growing your confidence even if it may have been a little daunting at first, right?

Melza Zafitri: Mm-hmm.

Maryam: Well, in any case, I must ask, now that you’re a few months into your stay in Romania, with all that first-hand experience, the big question is, is it worth it? Do you feel like you’ve made the right choice by going against the grain and choosing this country for your degree?

Melza Zafitri: Well, that’s a really interesting question. I’ve realised that reality often differs from the expectations. However, I had prepared myself for this in advance. I believe that any decision we make in life, especially one as significant as studying abroad, has an impact not only on ourselves, but also on those around us. I dedicate a lot of time and effort, even sacrificing sleep, to prepare for this journey. Experiencing it firsthand now, I can confidently say that all the hard work, both mine and my family’s, has been worthwhile.

I choose to pursue my studies abroad not just for the degree itself, but also for the knowledge I will gain, the experiences I will have, and the life lessons I will learn from immersing myself in a different culture. For me, the best choice now is to fully commit to my decision I’ve made and making the most of this opportunity, contributing meaningfully to others and living a purposeful life. I am certain that I would always choose this path and I would regret it if I had not taken this opportunity.

Maryam: And from your point of view, what are your top tips for our listeners who are possibly considering studying in Romania too? What are things they shouldn’t miss or shouldn’t forget?

Melza Zafitri: I think my top tip here for anyone considering studying in Romania is to really do your research about what you want to study and what you hope to achieve while you’re here. I believe it is important to have a clear understanding of the reasons behind your choices, why you want to pursue this field, why Romania is the right place for you, and what you hope to gain from the experiences.

In addition, I strongly recommend creating a long-term plan because studying abroad is not just about what you’ll do during your time in Romania, but also about what comes after, how these experiences fit into your broader personal and professional goals.

Having a plan can help you stay focused, motivated, and make the most of your time here. And finally, I would like to say, don’t forget to explore and enjoy the country and the culture while studying. Learning isn’t just about the academics, it’s also about experiencing a new environment, meeting people from different backgrounds. So, I think balancing study and exploration will make your experience more meaningful and enriching here.

Maryam: Ain’t that the truth. Thank you for sharing your tips, Melza. And finally, what’s next for Melza Nur Zafitri?

Melza Zafitri: Looking ahead, I want to continue exploring and making the most of the opportunities available here in Romania. I plan to seek part-time jobs, join professional and remote teams across Europe, and participate in international programmes such as conferences, research projects, and other collaborative initiatives.

At the same time, I want to fully dedicate myself to my studies while discovering new experiences and sharing them in ways that can be useful or inspiring to others. You’re likely to get to know more about my daily life and journey here through my social media where I can enjoy connecting with, new friends and learning from different perspectives.

I am also open to future collaborations and excited about what’s yet to come. I hope my journey can encourage others to be curious, take bold steps, and make the most of the opportunities in front of them. Because every small step can lead to meaningful growth, right?

Maryam: That’s right. Melza, thank you so much for sharing your story and valuable insights on living life in Romania. We can’t wait to see what you’ve got in store next in your daily vlogs. Can’t wait to see it.

All right, guys, if you’re interested in listening to more cool stories from fellow international students and grads, don’t forget to check us out at www.studyinternational.com

You can also connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. We can be found across these platforms under the username Study International. Until next time.