Follow your dreams and become a Civil Engineer!
Mihai felt that the education system of his home country was outdated and sadly, most of the teachers lost their passion. He decided to do something completely different and pick up his bags and find a study abroad. And because he became interested in civil engineering at an early age, this had to be the study to pursue. Mihai: “I built a vacation house together with my dad. Probably that was the reason for wanting to be a Civil Engineer even more.”
Why did you choose the University of Twente to study the bachelors’ programme Civil Engineering?
The Netherlands seemed like the perfect country for me. The Dutch are accustomed to internationals and proficient in English. I fell in love with Civil Engineering while growing up. I love that civil engineers can see all the steps that a project goes through. From the concept to a plan and finally seeing the final result.
You are now a 3rd year Civil Engineering student. What complex civil engineering challenges have you been able to solve?
The CE Bachelor at UT is based around project work. Each module is based around a real project, that has been recently developed or that will be in the future. One of the personal challenges I had to achieve was collaborating with other students in project work. This is because, in my home country, students are not encouraged to work in a team. For me, the projects in the first, fourth and sixth modules were the most interesting - mainly due to my passion for construction and structural mechanics. In the first module, we had to continue the F35 bike-highway from its current position to the central station of Enschede. This required the design of two truss bridges. After completing these modules, I felt prepared to take on any construction project.
In the programme of Civil Engineering, you learn everything a civil engineer needs to know to design, construct and manage large projects in construction & infrastructure, water management, and traffic & transport. Which field of research attracts you the most?
I can easily place the construction field in the first position. Before coming to the Netherlands, I took 3 years of civil construction bachelor at the technical university of constructions in Bucharest. Being passionate about the study, but disappointed with the education system, I quitted this study and started working on a vacation house in the mountains for my family. This further developed my passion for constructions.
You also participated in the Honours programme, the Design Track. What made you decide to join this Honours programme?
The Honours programme was a highlight of my study at UT. Due to the age difference between me and my peers – I am 30 years old -, I felt the need of finishing with more than a normal degree. The design track, currently merged with science into “shaping the future” track, felt like the best step in my education. It’s similarities to Civil Engineering and the feedback received from the design track alumni convinced me to join the Honours programme. But what made me stray in the programme were the conversations I had with other students from different backgrounds. I can highly recommend doing any track in the Honours programme as a supplement not only to CE but for all bachelor and master students.
Have you thought about what you will do after graduation?
Due to my age, my first plan involved working at a Dutch company right after my bachelor, this would provide me with the required experience so that I can have a substantial impact to the Romanian society when I finally return home. But lately, I am highly considering on following up with a master’s degree.
Do you have many international fellow students?
I joined the study in the first year that Civil Engineering was switched to English. Thus, I think that my year had the least amount of internationals. Even so, I think that we started with around 10% of international students. Currently, I know CE students from Bulgaria, Romania, Germany, Estonia, Israel, South Korea, Tanzania and Ecuador. I feel that internationals bring a different perspective, thus making them an asset in project groups.
How was your welcome at UT?
The study associations did a great job integrating me to Dutch society. I didn’t know what to expect when coming to the Netherlands, but the bonding activities organized by the study association ConcepT at the start of the first year allowed me to develop long-lasting friendships. Because the Dutch tended to form Dutch strict groups, in the first days I started bonding with the international students. Thus, I have now good relationships with most of the internationals.
Have you also been active within the study association or other associations?
I am currently a member of the drinking committee of the study association ConcepT. I love having casual conversations with my peers and feel that social activities play a great role in getting through the bachelor. I am more active in H.V. Ockham, the honours association. There I am the chairman of the activity committee, a proud member of the drink committee, and have recently joined the Board of Advice. I like organizing fun activities that encourage peer interactions.
Oh, and I’m also a bit active in the Romanian Student Association. Here I am part of the buddy program for the second year in a row. Within this program, first-year students are paired up with volunteers that will help answer questions and provide a smoother transition from Romanian to Dutch societies.
Would you recommend other foreign students to take up a Bachelor's degree at UT?
I feel that the University of Twente is one of the best places to do a bachelor. The level of education is at a very high level, the student life is amazing and the students here are very friendly towards international students. So yes, I certainly would recommend students from home – or elsewhere - to come to the University of Twente!
What are your experiences with the differences between education in your country and the Netherlands, what about the Dutch and their traditions, student life or the Dutch food?
I already mentioned a few throughout the interview, but to summarize. Teachers at UT are passionate about their field and are up to date with new technologies. Student life here is amazing, with a great campus. I think that the Dutch have an interesting culture, with fun traditions. The only downside would be the limited Dutch cuisine, but this might encourage students to start learning how to cook.