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In a rapidly changing world, where students must be ready to thrive both locally and globally, international education is becoming a powerful choice for families in Romania.
With globally recognised qualifications and an emphasis on future-ready skills, international programmes such as Cambridge open doors to top universities, diverse career paths, and a broader worldview.
In this interview, Steluța Ștefănescu, Cambridge’s Country Manager for International Education in Romania, explains why demand for international education is rising, the unique opportunities it creates for Romanian students, and how schools are making these programmes meaningful and relevant at a local level.
Why is demand for international education growing in Romania and globally?
We are living in a time of rapid global change, which is creating both challenges and opportunities, and this is one of the reasons why demand for international education is growing.
More families in Romania and worldwide are choosing international education to put students in a strong position for the future. Parents increasingly want their children to gain qualifications that are recognised worldwide so that they can access global study and employment opportunities.
With more families considering overseas study destinations, international qualifications provide smooth access to leading universities across the globe.
Schools and parents also value the fact that international programmes, like Cambridge, are tried and tested by schools worldwide, and continually evolve to reflect best practice in education and approaches to teaching and learning.
Finally, the broader context in Romania matters too, with rising private sector investment in education and greater awareness of alternatives to the national curriculum.
What opportunities does international education offer to students in Romania?
International education offers students a wide range of opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom. Students benefit from developing cultural awareness and gaining exposure to global perspectives, which helps them navigate and thrive in an interconnected world.
The curriculum offers flexibility and breadth because it has been developed for a diverse community of learners – for example, Cambridge programmes are taught in 160 countries.
This means students can choose from a wide range of subjects and tailor their learning according to their strengths, interests, and aspirations. They also have multiple ways to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding, such as projects, presentations and coursework.
International education also opens up opportunities for students to live, work and study in other countries.
For example, Cambridge qualifications are recognised and valued by leading universities around the world, giving students access to top institutions.
Beyond higher education, international programmes prepare young people for diverse career pathways as they develop future-ready skills, such as adaptability, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
Another important advantage is the sense of belonging to a global community of learners and alumni, which creates valuable networks for the future.
How does international education prepare students for the future?
At Cambridge, we develop our programmes to give students the knowledge and skills they need for the future. We also make sure our exams assess skills as well as knowledge, as this impacts how the courses are taught in the classroom.
Students are encouraged to think critically, to solve problems creatively, and to work collaboratively — abilities that are essential for success in higher education, careers, and life.
This prepares them not only for opportunities in Romania, but also for further study and careers abroad, should they choose that path.
International education also helps to develop students’ global outlook. They learn to consider different perspectives and engage with issues that matter worldwide, from sustainability to innovation. For example, at Cambridge we are working to embed climate change education into the curriculum as we want to give students the knowledge they need to thrive in the future. We want to empower young people to make a positive impact in the world.
How do schools in Romania make international programmes relevant to their students?
International programmes in Romania stay relevant because they are built on flexibility and inclusivity. The syllabuses are designed so teachers can adapt content to local contexts, bringing in examples and case studies that resonate with Romanian learners while still meeting global standards.
This adaptability allows schools to confidently adopt our programmes, knowing they are accessible and meaningful for their students.
The resources and assessment materials are also carefully structured to avoid cultural bias, ensuring students feel included and engaged.
A lot of care is also given to the language used in assessments to make sure it is accessible to students who speak a first language other than English, and students are not assessed on their language ability unless it is part of the course.
Together, this adaptability, inclusivity, and fairness make international programmes not only relevant but also empowering – preparing Romanian students for both local and global opportunities.