Testimonial - Mariuca Istratoiu

My story at the Faculty of Economics and Business, KU Leuven

It has been almost three years since my life has changed completely and it is all because of this wonderful university. Before I came here, everything looked incredible on paper: studying in the heart of Brussels, in the heart and capital of Europe, in an intercultural environment at a prestigious European university. Now I can tell you that, besides all of this, it can still surprise and amaze you every single day.

I come from Romania, an Eastern European country with a Latin heart. I was incredibly courageous when I decided to leave it behind and come here, a place where I did not know the languages or even where to get groceries. So I understand if you are scared, but I can tell you the guidance at university and the friends you will make here make it all worthwhile.

This university has helped me in many ways to reinvent myself. With each semester, with each course, all of the knowledge I got helped me transform into a better version of myself. And I believe that is the most important thing when choosing a university: knowing that it will help you grow as a person, that besides the courses you do, at the end of it you are a better individual.

One of the many advantages at this university, which is not always emphasised, is definitely the people. They are some of the most interesting and smartest you will ever meet. Besides knowledgeable professors, all of my colleagues are different and have so much to share, from incredible ideas to wonderful cultures. Here you can learn more about the world in three years than when you would actually travel it.

I look back with joy at all of my years and experiences here, but I still have one more year ahead, my master’s year. And if I have learned one thing, it is that you will always be surprised what happens. I am looking forward to not only learn new skills, but to make even more friends and become even smarter than I am now.