When students and parents think about studying abroad, the big country names usually come up first, such as Germany, France, the UK, or the US. But here’s something you should know: Romania is one of Europe’s go to for international students. From affordable tuition and low living costs to friendly student communities and access to European and American job markets, Romania offers more than most people expect.

Now that I’ve completed my third year, I’m both nervous and excited about what’s to come. The next years of study will be even more challenging, but I know they’ll also bring me closer to my dream of becoming a doctor. Romania has become my second home, and I’m grateful for all the lessons I’ve learned here—inside and outside the classroom.

n this blog, Aina Watase, an exchange student from Okayama, Japan, shares her experience studying for a year at URA University in Bucharest, Romania, and exploring Europe on a student budget. During her time abroad, she visited Barcelona, Amsterdam, Berlin, Budapest, Prague, Copenhagen, and Balchik, discovering how easy and affordable it is to travel across Europe from Romania. With budget airlines, accessible train routes, and low living costs, Romania offers international students the perfect base to study and explore the continent. Aina’s story highlights the benefits of studying in Romania, the charm of local travel, and why it’s one of the most cost-effective and well-connected destinations in Europe for students who want both education and adventure.