What I learned at UEL and how I use it to support children in Romania

When I first started thinking about studying abroad, London felt like an obvious choice: a diverse, fast-paced city full of opportunities. What wasn’t so obvious was where to study.

I chose the University of East London because it was one of the few universities in London offering BSc (Hons) Psychology with Child Development. I knew I wanted to work with children, and the course felt like the right balance between theory and real-world application. What I didn’t know at the time was how much that decision would shape everything that followed.

Finding my place

Moving from Romania to London was a big step, and like many international students, I had my share of worries about settling in, keeping up academically, and, realistically, managing life in an expensive city.

To add to that, I started my degree during the pandemic, when everything was online, which wasn’t exactly the university experience I had imagined.

But despite the screens, the occasional Wi-Fi struggles, and the strange reality of getting to know people through a laptop, the sense of community was still there. The lecturers made efforts to keep us connected and engaged. They encouraged discussion, made space for questions, and created an environment where we still felt part of something, so when we eventually returned to campus, it didn’t feel like strange in any way; it felt familiar.

Learning beyond the textbook

My degree gave me a strong understanding of child development, behaviour and mental health. But more importantly, it changed how I think.  

We learned to look beyond behaviour and understand the wider context: family, environment, emotion. This was especially important when thinking about children with additional needs, where the right support can make a lasting difference.

During my studies, I also came across research within the School linked to Duchenne muscular dystrophy, which stood out to me immediately. My cousin has Duchenne, and I had seen how limited support can be for families back home. At the same time, being in London exposed me to a different perspective, one where support systems are more developed, more visible, and more holistic.

It made me realise something simple: things can be done differently.

Learning by doing

In my final year, I worked as an intern within the School of Childhood and Social Care. On a practical level, this helped me support myself financially (which, in London, is no small thing), but also gave me the chance to work across teams and see how different parts of the School connect and support students. I got involved in areas I wouldn’t normally have access to, and it made me feel more connected to the University as a whole.

Turning experience into action

After graduating, I returned to Romania with a clear sense of purpose and I founded an NGO to support children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and their families: DUCEM Association.

The motivation was personal, but the way I approached it was shaped by what I learned during my degree. Understanding child development and family dynamics helped me think more holistically about support, focusing not only on what is needed, but also on how it is delivered.

At the same time, my experience as an international student gave me a broader perspective. I had seen different approaches, different systems, and a stronger emphasis on inclusive, structured support. That combination is what drives my work today.

More than a degree

Looking back, my time at UEL was about more than studying: it was about adapting to a new country (during a pandemic, no less), finding a supportive community, and gaining the confidence to turn ideas into action.

If you’re considering studying abroad, it’s normal to feel uncertain. But those experiences, even the unexpected ones, often shape you the most. For me, they led to work that is challenging, personal, and deeply meaningful.

And, looking back, I can say it was one of the best decisions I made, even if at the time I had absolutely no idea what I was doing!