Moldova's universities attract record 24 nations
Young people from 24 countries have chosen the Republic of Moldova for university studies. The incoming cohort includes students from expected places like Israel and India, but also from as far as China, Germany, and France, all admitted to Moldovan universities.
Unsurprisingly, the most popular higher education institutions are the Nicolae Testemițanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy (USMF) and the "Ion Creangă" State Pedagogical University.
Virginia, for instance, came from Germany specifically to pursue general medicine in Moldova. She noted that gaining admission in Moldova was simpler than in Germany, where studies are notably more competitive and costly.
"In Germany, I had heard good things about the Republic of Moldova which motivated me to come here. Culturally, having Slavic roots, I felt that the mentality and people of Moldova would help me adapt more easily," explains international student Virginia Kibler. "Another important reason was the competitiveness of German universities. It seemed easier to come here and start studies than to follow the long, uncertain path and wait for admission in Germany.”
In Chișinău, Virginia quickly befriended Neima, a fellow student who traveled from Portugal.
“I wanted to study medicine, so when I searched for universities globally, I found USMF ‘Nicolae Testemiţanu,’ which hosts international students from many nations,” says Neima Malu. “I wanted to study abroad and experience other cultures; that is the main reason I chose to study in Moldova.”
A total of 300 foreigners were enrolled this academic year at the University of Medicine in Chișinău, which remains a top choice. Many are housed in Dormitory No. 9, where the great cultural diversity is most evident in the communal kitchens.
"I will prepare carrot muffins. They are easy to cook; I don't have much to do, so I will prepare muffins today."
At the Faculty of Visual Arts and Design at the “Ion Creangă” State Pedagogical University, we met Xue Sen, a young man who journeyed from China.
“Moldova has a great linguistic diversity; it is a conducive environment for studying foreign languages, and I also like Eastern European art. I actually want to live here, which is why I want to study in the Romanian language. I think Moldovans are very friendly, and the people here live with a lot of emotion,” says Xue Sen.
This academic year marked a record intake of international students across Moldovan universities. Nearly 300 chose the "Ion Creangă" State Pedagogical University, with the majority arriving from Ukraine.
“We even had lessons where I taught in three languages: Romanian, Russian, and English. I had to ask the same question or explain, to make comments depending on the student we have, trying to include everyone,” says Tudor Lapp, a university assistant.
International students primarily came to the Republic of Moldova to pursue fields such as medicine, educational sciences, business and administration, and animation.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
Autor: Cornelia Cornea
