My name is Aina Watase, and I’m from Okayama, Japan. I spent one unforgettable year as an exchange student at the University of R (URA) in Bucharest, Romania. I returned to Japan in May this year, but my memories of studying and traveling across Europe are something I’ll never forget.
When I first arrived in Romania, I didn’t realise how well-connected it is to the rest of Europe. From Bucharest, you can reach almost any European capital within a few hours—and at surprisingly low prices. Budget airlines like WizzAir and Ryanair have routes to dozens of destinations, and train or bus travel between neighboring countries is also affordable and convenient.
For students like me, who love exploring, Romania offers the perfect balance between location and cost. Compared to Western Europe, everything from accommodation to food and transportation is much cheaper, meaning your travel budget stretches much further.
During my exchange year, I tried to make the most of every opportunity to travel.
I visited:
Each trip was unique, but what made them possible was how accessible and affordable traveling from Romania is.
While I loved traveling abroad, I also spent time exploring Romania. I visited Brașov, Sibiu, and Cluj-Napoca, cities filled with history, colorful architecture, and cozy cafés. The Carpathian Mountains were a surprise—beautiful, calm, and great for hiking.
Romania has its own charm, combining nature, culture, and warm-hearted people. For students, it’s a place where you can experience Europe’s diversity both inside and outside the borders.
If you’re thinking about studying in Europe, Romania is a great choice not only for education but also for travel. Living costs are lower, flights are inexpensive, and you’re right in the middle of Europe—close to everything.
My year abroad taught me that Romania isn’t just a destination; it’s a gateway to discovering the world.
