“Over time, I’ve become happier and happier here”

What was life like for you in Romania?

I grew up in Bucharest with my brother. Since my parents had spent their entire lives in Romania, they wanted to give us the opportunity to live elsewhere later on, if we chose to. That’s why I attended a German preschool and a German secondary school in Romania and eventually earned both the German and Romanian Abitur diplomas. Around the time I was taking my final exams, it became clear to me that I really wanted to go to Germany for a degree program.

Why did you decide to study Business Informatics?

I’ve always been interested in economic relationships, and math has always come easily to me. I decided on Business Informatics because I’m interested in the intersection between business and Computer Science, and I wanted to take on the challenge of this degree program. I don’t regret the decision and am generally satisfied. Sometimes, though, I miss the human element, which is why I’d like to focus on Psychology during my master’s degree program.

Have you been able to gain any professional experience alongside your degree program?

Yes, I’ve been working as a student employee at SAP for a year and a half, helping to manage the international vehicle fleet. This gives me a lot of valuable insight into administration and project management. Overall, I’m fascinated by how the many departments of such a large company interlock and how all staff members do their part to keep the system running.

What do you like to do besides your degree program and work?

I’m a very creative person and love crafts. For example, I press flowers, paint, or do linocut printing. What I like about creative work is that so much of it emerges during the process, and each project therefore develops differently. For me, that’s almost more enjoyable than the result itself (laughs). I also enjoy spending time outdoors and doing yoga or Pilates.

What was your early time in Germany like?

It helped me a lot at first that I was already very familiar with the language and the mindset thanks to my German schooling. So in that regard, I didn’t experience any culture shock. For me, it was more difficult to live on my own for the first time and manage my degree program independently. Now I look back and am proud of everything I’ve accomplished. The early days were challenging, but I’ve become happier and happier here over time.

What are the biggest differences between Romania and Germany?

The German teachers at my school often encouraged me to ask critical questions, reflect, and develop my own opinions. In the regular Romanian school system, on the other hand, lessons are often more structured, with a greater focus on teaching and memorizing course material.

Do you miss anything from Romania?

Sometimes I miss my family and friends. But I carry the beautiful memories of them in my heart wherever I go. That way, I always have a piece of Romania with me, no matter where I am. Life in Germany has given me new people, deep friendships, and even love. They’re what make Germany feel like home to me, because I don’t define home by a place, but by the people around me.

Do you already know what you’ll do after you finish your degree program?

After I earn my bachelor’s degree, I’d like to pursue the Mannheim Master in Management. I like that the degree program is interdisciplinary and that you can choose your courses flexibly so they align with your own career goals. I’m not exactly sure what comes next, but I’ll definitely stay here in Germany.

Interview: Tina Ratajczyk I August 2026

This text was translated from German by DeepL.