ECOTOPIA Program Description
Babeș-Bolyai University has been a member of the European university alliance EUTOPIA European University Alliance since 2022, alongside leading universities at the European level. Founded in 2019, EUTOPIA has positioned itself as a key player in education for a sustainable future. The alliance promotes internationalization, diversity, and inclusion, offering faculty members, researchers, and students joint opportunities for education, research, and development programs.
ECOTOPIA is the first joint certificate offered by 7 of the 10 universities within the EUTOPIA alliance (including Babeș-Bolyai University). This program provides undergraduate students with an international and innovative learning experience in economics, management, finance, and business. At the same time, ECOTOPIA aims to prepare its graduates to embrace their careers with enthusiasm, remain adaptable, and maintain a lifelong commitment to learning and collaboration. Naturally, sustainability is a core component of the program, which is why graduates learn to integrate it into their projects and professional approaches throughout their lives, demonstrating that they are engaged and responsible citizens.
The seven ECOTOPIA partners are:
- Babeș-Bolyai University (Romania)
- Ca’ Foscari University of Venice (Italy)
- CY Cergy Paris University (France)
- ESSEC Business School (France)
- University of Ljubljana (Slovenia)
- Pompeu Fabra University Barcelona (Spain)
- Stellenbosch University (South Africa)
Students Testimonials
Diana-Maria Panaitescu
BA Student
When I initially signed up for the project I not did not know what to expect exactly, but now I can confidently say, it was one of the best. The online classes were nice and interesting, but the in-person experiences are what truly makes the project so special. The Ljubljana Summer School was a week spent together with all the international students, it was so nice to meet everyone and do various activities about sustainability, while also enjoying the city. For my 2nd year, I was abroad in Barcelona studying at ESCI, an Ecotopia member. I had the best time there, being away for a full year allowed me to fully integrate into the country and culture. I formed so many friendships, made so many beautiful memories. It also was so helpful to be there with fellow Ecotopia students, that way we could help each other in any way needed. The faculty members were so kind and treated us very well, we had the chance to work even closer with them then normal international student. I also had to compose a final paper together with 3 other students, the coordinators were very accommodating and helpful, my team even had the chance to interview a professor form Arizona for our work. Every experience was new and an opportunity to learn and develop. So, overall, I highly recommend the experience, it entails some extra work, but the benefits gained far suppress that.
Anda Greta David
BA Student
For me, ECOTOPIA is more than just a program or a year spent abroad, it’s a moment in time that opened my eyes to truly see what I could and want to become, a moment that changed who I am. This opportunity showered me with knowledge about what the world could look like if we respect each other, ourselves and our planet more through sustainability, bringing with it friendships that I know will last a lifetime. During the time I’ve spent studying at universities such as CY and ESSEC I found out how important are the people that you surround yourself with in order to have succes and that is why I strongly advise you to create your own moment in time and have the courage to find out who you are.
Miruna-Ioana Onea
BA Student
My Erasmus student experience was truly enriching. The Ecotopia project started in the spring of my first year, with online classes on sustainability applied to the business field, and continued with the summer school in Ljubljana, where I met and collaborated for a week with the other students. In the autumn, each of us then moved to our chosen university. I studied both at CY Cergy Paris Université and at ESSEC Business School. I can’t say it was easy, but it was worth it. Of course, the excitement of moving for 10 months to a new place, where you can visit anything, anytime, also helps. Finally, I spent three wonderful weeks at the summer school in Rabat, where I reconnected with all the students, a few professors, and more. I wholeheartedly recommend making the most of every opportunity to study abroad!
Șerban-Andrei Lăzărescu
BA Student
The ECOTOPIA program has been the most transformative chapter of my journey, offering a global vision through hands-on learning and international exposure. The Ljubljana summer school was a pivotal milestone, turning virtual classes into genuine connections. Collaborative workshops there sharpened my critical thinking, preparing me for my year at ESCI Pompeu Fabra Barcelona.
In Spain, I was welcomed with warmth into an elite academic community with colleagues from all around the globe. Barcelona has truly become my city of heart. Evolving in such a vibrant atmosphere left a profound mark on me. Another highlight was the three weeks at ESSEC Business School in Rabat, where I gained unique insights into the African business landscape while discovering a fascinating culture.
ECOTOPIA challenged me to step beyond my comfort zone and helped me forge lifelong friendships. It has opened doors to endless international opportunities, and I would choose to embark on this journey again without a single hesitation!
Cătălin Bud
BA Student
My Ecotopia journey began as a mystery — New people, new experiences, a new world. My preconceptions about sustainability were minimal. I only understood that being sustainable means recycling, which was not wrong, but it was not complete either. Through the specialization chosen in university, together with the one in Ecotopia, I am sure that in any business I will be active in, I will be able to develop it in a truly sustainable way — not only economically, but also socially and ecologically. I gained the skills in this regard in the various physical workshops and online courses, but especially in the 2nd year, where I studied for 2 semesters at the partner University Ca Foscari. Last but not least, Ecotopia is an opportunity for connection. My favorite part was that I met people from very different spheres than mine, whom I am sure I can turn to in the future, both professionally and socially. I wholeheartedly recommend the Ecotopia story.