Students of Military Academies from Europe, in Romania, within the International Semester
Exchange of experience and mobility of teachers and students from the five European partner countries of the “Erasmus” program
Radio România Internațional, 14.01.2026, 14:00
Since the opening of the International Semester at the “Henri Coandă” Air Force Academy in Brașov (central Romania) for the 2025-2026 academic year, there has been an exchange of experience and mobility of teachers and students from the five European partner countries of the “Erasmus” program: Austria, Bulgaria, Greece, Poland and Portugal. After carrying out an “Introduction Course”, i.e. a period of familiarization with teachers, colleagues and the educational institution in our country, the students of the “International Semester” have completed common subjects also taught in the curriculum of their country of origin. At the end of the three months spent in an international academic environment, in which they made friends and got in touch with Romanian realities, the students returned home with unforgettable impressions and memories.
Anna Horodynska is studying at the Polish Air Force Academy and says quote: “The experience of learning during the ‘International Semester’ at the Air Force Academy is valuable. The level of education is high and I believe that when I return to the Polish Air Force Academy I will have no problem keeping up with my classmates.” said Anna Horodynska.
Gabriel Brunbauer is in his final year of studies at the Austrian Land Forces Academy and tells us: “In September 2026, I will graduate as an infantry officer. At first, it was difficult to master the language of aviation, because the specific terminology in the air force is different from that in the land forces where I am training. After a while, however, I got used to it and it was really good. I spent most of my time in Brașov, but I also went to Bucharest two weekends in a row to see the military parade on the National Day. It impressed me a lot, it is a much bigger event than in Austria. I liked experiencing something completely new, both in terms of studies and culture. Romania is different from Austria. In conclusion, I felt good here.” said Gabriel Brunbauer.
Marta Martins from the Portuguese Air Force Academy, if she had to describe her experience in Romania in one word, show would say “opportunity”. “I would tell my colleagues that if they had the chance to participate in this program, they should not hesitate and learn as much as they can, because I really enjoyed this experience. I met new people, I had contact with part of the local culture, I tried traditional Romanian food, it was very good. It is the first time I represent my educational institution and my visit to Romania, on the occasion of the International Semester, is also a premiere. One thing that I also noticed with my colleagues was the adaptation of the language to a common one, which allows us to understand each other and maintain a pleasant atmosphere in the study room or in our free time. In the first days we felt that we were meeting as ambassadors of our country of origin, but now we have the feeling that we belong to a single nation,” the Portuguese student told us.
Panagiotis Zafeirellis studies at the Greek Air Force Academy and told us about his experience in Romania: “It was very nice, I learned about different cultures and most of all it helped me see things from a different perspective, which is very useful in approaching important situations within our academy or in my pilot career. The teachers put their heart into what they do and so I learned many useful things from them. Every time I met someone, man or woman, I learned something new, so yes, I know a few words, such as thank you, with pleasure, good afternoon, good night, good morning, same, kisses, the food was very good.” Said Panagiotis Zafeirellis in the end of Romania. The Eastern Flank. (Sorina Vrînceanu – Agenția Media a Armatei) (LS)
