It’s proof that Bucharest offers more than just tourist attractions; it offers learning and personal growth opportunities.

Also, in a country where the education system is a total failure, with only a few exceptional students while the majority fail to pass PISA tests, the presence of Bucharest University in the prestigious ShanghaiRanking speaks about the few remaining values in teaching.

ASE’s Performance in the Global Ranking

In the latest rankings, ASE was placed in the 301-400 range globally, reflecting its ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality education in economics and business. ASE has maintained its strong position for several years, highlighting a consistent focus on academic and research excellence.

ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects, which is widely regarded as one of the most authoritative and comprehensive academic rankings, evaluates universities across multiple disciplines. This rigorous assessment considers criteria such as research output, the quality of faculty, international collaboration, and academic influence.

ASE’s journey through the ShanghaiRanking began with notable positions in previous years. In 2019, the university ranked within the 201-300 range for Economics and Business Administration and the 401-500 for Management. These consistent placements reflect ASE’s strategic focus on maintaining and enhancing its academic standards, adapting to the global educational landscape, and contributing to critical research areas in economics and business.

The Global Ranking of Academic Subjects

ShanghaiRanking evaluates universities worldwide across disciplines based on quantitative and qualitative factors. Key elements include the number of published research papers, citation impact, the proportion of international co-authored papers, and the number of prestigious academic awards received by faculty.

These stringent criteria underscore ASE’s competitive standing and active contribution to the global body of research in economics and business. By meeting these standards, ASE has positioned itself as an essential contributor to the international academic community.

With Romania’s growing influence in the European Union and beyond, ASE’s international recognition inspires institutions across the country and is a vital resource for nurturing future leaders in economic and business disciplines.

About the Bucharest University of Economic Studies (ASE)

Founded over a century ago, ASE has become a cornerstone of economic and business education in Romania and Europe. The institution is dedicated to providing a dynamic academic environment and offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs in various economic and business fields. ASE’s mission is to shape responsible leaders and innovators capable of significantly contributing to society and the global economy.

For more information, visit ASE’s official website.

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The local news platform stiripesurse.ro presented the social education manual for the 5th grade from Litera Publishing House, showing that the lessons contain woke propaganda.

The children are offered two scenarios for educational plays. In the first scenario, a girl named Maria plays the role of “oppressed” because her father, “oppressor,” does not agree to go to a high school in the city. The outcome is that Maria and her already-married sister plan to run away from home together.

In the second scenario, a boy named Andrei is “oppressed” because his “oppressive” mother does not agree with him becoming a guitarist, but wants to study to become a doctor. Finally, Andrei’s father, previously divorced from the child’s mother, invites him to move in with him, confessing that he also left home because of his wife and mother-in-law.

The publishing house defended the woke scenarios presented in the manual. They claimed the lesson is presented using the Forum Theater technique, developed by Augusto Boal—a participatory method that encourages students to explore social situations and look for creative solutions. Through scenarios, students are invited to identify problems, express their opinions, and propose alternatives.

Yet, for the 5th-grade kids to be taught these sorts of weird scenarios and learn about their parents being oppressors because they disagree with their children’s opinions – this is something that the Romanian parents are now aware of.

In the so-called ‘Educated Romania’, the pharaonic project presented by Romania’s President as his own, the woke movement is increasingly present. Is this what Romanian parents would like their kids to learn in schools? We strongly doubt it, as we doubt the kids needed ‘detention rooms‘ in schools.

However, this policy doesn’t take into account parents’ opinions. These things have been done before—they won’t be the first or the last. Parents being depicted as oppressors is just one of the new teachings kids will have to learn in Romanian schools, even starting in the 5th grade.

Romania has an education system that is chronically failing – this is why only 77% of the kids registered in the first grade get to register for the Baccalaureate in a country where education, in general, is in visible decline.

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The paradox is that Romania’s education system’s failure is visible. Apart from that, ‘Educated Romania’ is the current country’s president’s plan, and he is an ex-teacher who visibly failed to implement any educational idea during his two mandates. At the end of his second one, Romania needs detention rooms, which makes the failure even bigger.

Overview of the Detention Policy in Romania

• Purpose of Detention Rooms: The detention rooms will serve as a space for students who disrupt classes, allowing them to engage in supervised activities such as additional reading or completing worksheets. This measure aims to provide a structured environment for reflection and behaviour correction without disrupting the learning process for other students.
• Regulatory Framework: The introduction of detention rooms is part of broader regulatory changes proposed by the Ministry of Education, which includes the Student Statute and the Regulation on the Organization and Operation of Pre-University Education Units. These documents outline the rules surrounding student behaviour and the consequences of violations, including using detention as a disciplinary measure.
• Mobile Phone Policy: In conjunction with the detention policy, the Ministry has reinforced a ban on the use of mobile phones during class time, with provisions for confiscation if this rule is violated. Phones will be returned to parents at the end of the school day.

Implications for Schools and Students

• Disciplinary Measures: The new regulations include various disciplinary actions beyond detention, such as written reprimands, temporary suspensions, and even expulsion in severe cases. The aim is to create a more disciplined educational environment while ensuring students understand the consequences of their actions.
• Teacher Support: The policy is designed to help teachers manage classroom behaviour more effectively, providing them with tools to address disruptions without resorting to more severe measures.
• Public Consultation: The Ministry of Education has opened the proposed changes for public debate, inviting feedback from educators, parents, and stakeholders in the education sector. This step reflects an effort to create a collaborative approach to educational reform.

The introduction of detention rooms in Romanian schools marks a significant shift in the country’s approach to student discipline. By implementing structured environments for students who disrupt classes, the Ministry of Education aims to foster a more conducive learning atmosphere.

As the new school year approaches, the effectiveness of this policy will be closely monitored. Based on its impact on student behaviour and academic performance, further adjustments may be made.

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Romania won three gold and two silver medals at the 54th edition of the International Physics Olympiad, which took place in Isfahan, Iran, between July 21 and 29, 2024. Students from 46 countries participated in this edition, and the Romanian team members stood out by winning three gold and two silver medals.

In addition, Romania’s Chemistry Olympic team won three silver and one bronze medals at the International Chemistry Olympiad held in Saudi Arabia.

The paradox of Romanian education is visible – while there are top students and excellent teachers to lead them to the Olympiads, the failure of the Romanian educational system is visible.

Pisa Tests show Romanian students are functionally illiterate. 42% of Romanian kids don’t understand what they read, hindering them from following instructions or fulfilling tasks later. Also, 49% don’t know how to apply math in real-time scenarios, and 44% don’t know how to recognize scientific explanations regarding similar scientific phenomena.

Romania is the second to last in the European Union. Only Bulgarian kids are more illiterate than Romanians, a comparison that shows that education is not a priority in Romania, even though the current president launched “Educated Romania” as a presidential program. Nothing happened, though, to improve kids’ literacy, and the results tell the world about the Romanian paradox: while the Romanian students win gold medals at the Olympiads in Mathematics, Informatics, Chemistry and so on, the masses are illiterate.

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Why Study in Romania?

Romanian universities are renowned for their academic excellence and wide range of programs, from engineering and medicine to arts and humanities. The country’s rich cultural heritage and picturesque landscapes add to the allure of studying here. Additionally, Romania is a member of the European Union, which means degrees obtained here are recognized across Europe and beyond.

Cost of Living for an International Student in Romania

One of the most attractive aspects of studying in Romania is the affordable cost of living. Here’s a breakdown of typical expenses:

• Accommodation: University dormitories cost between €50-€100 per month, while private rentals range from €150-€300 per month depending on the city and location.
• Food: Monthly food expenses are around €150-€200. Dining out is also affordable, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing about €5-€10.
• Transportation: Public transport is efficient and inexpensive, with student discounts available. Monthly passes cost around €10-€20.
• Miscellaneous: Additional costs such as books, leisure activities, and personal expenses range from €100-€200 monthly.

Entertainment and Lifestyle

Romania offers a vibrant lifestyle with plenty of entertainment options. Cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timișoara are bustling with cultural activities, theatres, cinemas, and music festivals. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, skiing, and exploring Romania’s stunning natural landscapes.

Nightlife

Romanian cities are known for their lively nightlife. Students can enjoy a variety of bars, clubs, and pubs that cater to different tastes and preferences. Bucharest, in particular, is famous for its Old Town, packed with nightlife spots. Cluj-Napoca is another hotspot known for its student-friendly atmosphere and vibrant club scene.

Food

Romanian cuisine is diverse and flavorful, with influences from various cultures. Students can enjoy traditional Romanian dishes like sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls), mice (grilled minced meat rolls), and ciorbă (sour soup).

Plenty of international restaurants and fast-food options are also available in larger cities – Bucharest restaurants are an option from this perspective.

Teaching Quality and Integration

Romanian universities maintain high academic standards, with many programs taught in English, French, and German. The country is home to several prestigious institutions, such as the University of Bucharest, ranked between 100-200 universities worldwide, Babeș-Bolyai University, and the Polytechnic University of Bucharest, the last one with an attractive application program for non-EU students. Faculty members are often experienced professionals and researchers, ensuring a quality education.

Also, if you’re an international student looking for excellence in AI, you must know that Polytechnic University in Bucharest launched the International Excellence Center for AI.

Student Support Services

Romanian universities provide various support services to help international students adjust to their new environment. These include orientation programs, language courses, counselling services, and international student offices that assist with administrative and academic issues.

Cultural Integration

International students in Romania have ample opportunities to immerse themselves in the local culture. Universities often organize cultural events, language exchange programs, and excursions to historical sites. Joining student organizations and clubs is also a great way to meet people and make friends.

Romanian Universities – An Affordable and Enjoyable Choice

Studying in Romania offers a rich, fulfilling experience characterized by high-quality education, affordable living, and a vibrant lifestyle. With its welcoming atmosphere and diverse cultural landscape, Romania is ideal for international students seeking academic and personal growth.

For more detailed information, consider consulting resources such as the official websites of Romanian universities and student guides available online. These sources provide comprehensive insights into the academic and social aspects of student life in Romania.

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Reports of physical aggression towards students and teachers opposing the protest, the unauthorized nature of the protest, and significant disruptions during university events were also highlighted as reasons for the eviction order.

During the graduation ceremonies on June 12 and June 14, 2024, attended by about 1,000 people, including students, graduates, faculty, and their families, protesters disrupted the events. They used loudspeakers, climbed onto the stage during the diploma presentations, and hoisted the Palestinian flag on the Ana Davila Monument. The University of Bucharest noted the high level of organization in the protest, including daily catering services, distribution of protest guides in English, and participation of individuals not affiliated with the university.

The demonstration began on May 20 at the university’s rectorate, inspired by similar protests in the United States. Protesters set up a camp with tents, demanding the university end all collaborations with Israeli or Israeli institutions.

University spokesperson clarified that the university had only one partnership with an Israeli higher education institution and emphasized that the university could not engage in political matters, including foreign policy and the internal politics of other states. He affirmed the university’s support for the universal right to protest, provided it adhered to national laws and university regulations.

Romania is a tactical field for trying to replicate similar protests in the USA, and how the so-called students protest within the university campus denotes rather an attempt to distort the idea of ​​protest and radicalize society.

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The victims were 16 and 17 years old. The specialized teams safely rescued two girls from under the collapsed building. Unfortunately, one of the victims, a 17-year-old girl, suffered a spinal injury, and doctors are reserved as to her chances of ever walking again.

The tragedy is that a 17-year-old boy, about to turn 18 during Christmas time, lost his life under the collapsed walls. Local sources say he was able to lead the survivors to his exact position, but by the time they reached him, he had lost consciousness. He was later declared dead after the resuscitation maneuvers were ineffective.

Hungarian minority forms the county’s population majority, which motivated the Hungarian Government to help the boarding school with renovation funds. Reportedly, EUR 1.8 MIL was allotted to consolidating the 100-year-old building, but the works were supposed to start next year.

Romanians were appalled by the tragic event, and demands for an immediate investigation were made. The Prosecutor’s Office has already started an investigation of the event.

The event triggered recent talks on “Educated Romania”, the project current Romania’s President assumed. In his “Educated” country, not only that half the kids are functionally illiterate, failing PISA tests every two years, but also boarding schools collapse.

Photo source: Mountain Rescuers Facebook account

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Romania is the second to last in the European Union. Only Bulgarian kids are more illiterate than Romanians, a comparison that shows that education is not a priority in Romania, even though the current president launched “Educated Romania” as a presidential program. Nothing happened, though, to improve kids’ literacy, and the results tell the world about the Romanian paradox: while the Romanian students win gold medals at the Olympiads in Mathematics, Informatics, Chemistry and so on, the masses are illiterate.

42% of Romanian kids don’t understand what they read, hindering them from following instructions or fulfilling tasks later. Also, 49% don’t know how to apply math in real-time scenarios, and 44% don’t know how to recognize scientific explanations regarding similar scientific phenomena.

Also, a 2022 study showed that 75% of Romanian students are digitally illiterate. It adds up to the counter-performances of the young generations.

This is what illiteracy looks like, and this is where Romania is heading: a functional illiterate generation for a future functional illiterate country.

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The Romanian team obtained one gold and three silver medals

Iorgulescu Andrei Paul – International Theoretical High School of Informatics, Bucharest, Gold Medal
Neacsu Matei – International Theoretical High School of Informatics, Bucharest, Silver Medal
Petrean Roland – Simion Bărnutiu High School, Zalău, Silver Medal
Muresan Luca Virgil – “Mihai Eminescu” National College, Satu Mare, Silver Medal

The team was coordinated by the representatives of the Society for Excellence and Performance in Computing, which ensured the selection and preparation of the representative batches:
Daniela Lica – Prahova County Center of Excellence, Ploiesti
Bogdan-Ioan Popa – University of Bucharest.

This excellent performance comes after Romania got on top spots in other International Olympiads this summer. Romania got medals at the International Olympiads in Informatics and Astrology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics.

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Romanian companies started developing lots of software programs which integrate AI. Last year, reputable company MCRO launched Docviser, the first oncology platform in Romania to integrate Artificial Intelligence in its algorithm. And this example is not the only one.

On the other hand, there is also the concern about how AI will interfere with our lives in terms of developing artificial intelligence responsibly. Initiatives, such as AI4RO, aim at regulating this field, which could bring chaos if not properly handled. From this perspective, teaching students what responsibility means in cybersecurity and AI development is an excellent opportunity.

Several undergraduate specializations/programs are being established, such as Cyber Security – within the Electronic Engineering, Telecommunications and Information Technologies undergraduate field, Artificial Intelligence within the Informatics undergraduate field. This means that students will be able to specialize in these fields, which will offer them proper knowledge and, maybe more critically when it comes to employers, a diploma to show their abilities in the field.

Fifty-two state universities in Romania include 2,228 specializations/undergraduate programs, of which 84 specializations/undergraduate programs have undergone changes in capacity and name, 22 specializations/programs have obtained accreditation, and 32 are new specializations.

The Government’s decision will attract thousands of students to these new specialties. Also, Romanian companies can hire specialized employees and develop their internal teams to deal with cybersecurity and AI development.

One year ago, on August 2, a study showed that Romania trailed behind the other European states regarding digitalization. Such measures, such as this one taken by the Government, can put the country back on track to digital progress.

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