Daniela Plămădeală, a second-year Data Science student at the UTM Faculty of Computers, Informatics, and Microelectronics, is thrilled to be part of an academic exchange at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, USA, through the Global UGRAD program. Brimming with excitement and emotions, Daniela shares her experiences from this incredible journey across the ocean.
“For the past two weeks, I’ve been adjusting to a ‘slower’ time zone, living what many would describe as the ‘American dream.’ Thanks to the Global UGRAD program, I have the opportunity to study at the University of North Carolina Wilmington for an academic semester, experiencing an educational environment that’s entirely different from the one in Europe,” Daniela shared enthusiastically.
Daniela describes her experience in the United States as profoundly formative, extending beyond academics to include explorations of innovation, cybersecurity, and the active involvement of students in university decision-making. “North Carolina is the birthplace of many technological innovations, like the first powered flight, the personal computer, and the laser printer. Here, I have the chance to learn from industry experts, which is opening up new professional horizons for me.”
She expressed her gratitude to Dean Dumitru Ciorbă, Professor Rodica Braniște, and the Global UGRAD team for their invaluable guidance and support. Their encouragement has enabled her to proudly represent the Republic of Moldova on the international stage.
In a country where Moldova is less known, Daniela makes the most of every opportunity to introduce her homeland. “Whenever I mention where I’m from, I recite a little poem to help people find Moldova on the map—a small country in Eastern Europe, nestled between Romania and Ukraine. I’m incredibly proud to represent my country here, to wear our traditional blouse, and to share the values passed down from my family and community,” she added.
The Global UGRAD experience has proven to be more than just an academic exchange for Daniela Plămădeală—it’s a journey of personal and professional growth, filled with international friendships and unforgettable memories. “This adventure is about exploring, learning, and celebrating the vibrant spirit of my temporary university, whose symbol is the sea hawk. I hope that through this experience, I can help enhance my country’s visibility on the global stage.”
