Erasmus Open Doors at UTCB

18 March 2025

Technical University of Civil Engineering Bucharest recognizes that international education extends beyond mobility, it’s about cultivating a global community where students from diverse backgrounds can learn, share, and grow together. During the week of March 10-14, as part of Erasmus Open Doors, our university celebrated international experiences, mobility opportunities, and student voices.

The highlight of the week was on 13th of March, when UTCB’s International Relations Center hosted an interactive session with our international students. This event provided a platform for open dialogue, allowing students to share their academic and social experiences candidly.

Mr. Aldea Alexandru, President of UTCB Senate, inaugurated the event with a speech emphasizing UTCB’s commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students. He highlighted the university’s dedication to adapting based on student feedback, enhancing international services, and fostering a global academic community.

Representatives from ESN, ASCB, Francophone UTCB, and EU-CONEXUS delivered insightful presentations on mobility programs, student initiatives, and cultural integration, offering practical guidance on Erasmus+ opportunities and support systems available to international students.

A significant component of the event was the Mentimeter quiz, where students anonymously shared their perspectives, leading to engaging discussions on topics such as:

One notable response was:

„UTCB feels like home, but I wish I had more chances to connect with local students.”

This feedback underscores the importance of fostering social and cultural exchange opportunities between local and international students.

The word cloud results highlighted ‘language,’ ‘bureaucracy,’ and ‘housing’ as key challenges faced when adapting to a new country. Academic differences were also evident, with students mentioning ‘teaching style,’ ‘class interaction,’ and ‘assessment methods’ as notable contrasts between UTCB and their home universities. When asked what makes UTCB an exciting place to study, words like ‘friendly,’ ‘modern,’ and ‘opportunity’ emerged, showcasing the positive aspects of their experience.

Throughout the week, we gathered experiences from students involved in various Erasmus+ mobilities, including:

“It was a unique experience. I really enjoyed how I interacted with other students and professors. The most interesting and beautiful part was that we came from different fields of study, creating opportunities to learn new things. One thing I learned was how nature constantly regenerates and how we, as a society, can develop while having minimal intervention in this process.”

“I learned how you can combine different subjects and knowledge to achieve a result that sets you apart from the competition. Also, the country is very beautiful.”

“My time in La Rochelle through the EU-CONEXUS mobility program is something I’ll always cherish. We were welcomed with such warmth and kindness that it made me feel right at home. The city itself, with its picturesque streets and vibrant atmosphere, was a joy to explore. It was a great opportunity to dive into the course material. However, what truly made the experience special was the chance to indulge in the incredible French cuisine and form lasting friendships. The whole journey was enriching, teaching me valuable lessons and leaving me with memories that will stay with me forever.”

“It was an amazing experience that I recommend to anyone. I learned many new things, especially from other international students. What I enjoyed the most was the relationship I had with my colleagues, as well as the activities we participated in.”

„The experience is really nice in Romania. I visited Bucharest a lot and went to Brașov as well. The country has a rich history! Romanians are really kind and like international people.”

„Traffic is a bit dangerous when using a bike to go to school. I was surprised by the number of cars in the big boulevards of the city. My experience in UTCB is interesting, and I enjoy getting taught in a different way than in France.”

These testimonials highlight both the strengths and challenges of international experiences, aligning with the Mentimeter results where students frequently used words like ‘growth,’ ‘independence,’ and ‘adaptability’ to describe their journey. While academic challenges such as ‘different teaching methods’ and ‘exams’ were commonly mentioned, the overall sentiment remained overwhelmingly positive, with terms like ‘memorable,’ ‘enriching,’ and ‘life-changing’ dominating the feedback.

The insights from the Mentimeter quiz, where students expressed a need for ‘more cultural events,’ ‘easier administration,’ and ‘language support,’ provide a clear direction for future improvements. By addressing these areas, UTCB aims to create an international student experience that is not only academically rewarding but also socially enriching.

The Erasmus Open Doors initiative is not a one-time event. UTCB is committed to ongoing dialogue, improving international services, and ensuring that every student—local or international—feels at home.

Our appreciation and thanks go out to EU-CONEXUS Ambassador and Coordinator of Erasmus Open Doors Alexia Radu (alexia-maria.radu@student.utcb.ro) and to all participants!

We encourage you to stay tuned for more events, workshops, and opportunities to engage with UTCB’s international community. Your voice shapes the future of our university!