The University of USAVM (University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine), in Cluj-napoca, Romania, Faculty of Zoology and Biotechnology, is a place where the boundaries between human and animal worlds blur, creating an extraordinary platform for understanding the intricate interplay of animal behavior, human-animal interaction, and animal welfare, among others. The new bachelor degree program Animal Behaviour and Welfare mirrors these values.

My recent time there as an Associate Professor has been an awe-inspiring journey. I'm thrilled to share some notes about the great experience and exceptional individuals, the visionary programs, and the harmonious campus that makes USAVM a sanctuary for studying these crucial aspects.

First, I want to share something about the transformative process of the students. Starting a first-year bachelor's degree may be, at times, very disorienting. You are coming right out of high school, you may not have clarity on where you are going and how to proceed. Students at that stage are required to make a big jump in maturity. Well, this is what I witnessed in students throughout the course "Introduction to Animal Behaviour and Welfare," which I had the opportunity to teach in October 2023. They started with many doubts, and they got to the end of the course fully enthusiastic and eager to learn more. Starting with the right foot is sometimes essential and can determine students' path.

Side note: Students were coming from different backgrounds, such as social studies, anthropology, biology, computer, visual arts, math, agronomy, and natural sciences, among others. Yet, they were so interested in free-ranging dogs, dogs, wolves, hyenas, and the welfare of animals. They made so many questions from which I learned a lot too.

In general, students in this programs have great teachers and a fantastic tutor, Prof. DR. Alina Rusu, who accompanies them at any stage. She also brought this program to life alongside another visionary program already active at USAVM for two years, the Master in Ethology and Human-Animal Interaction. She and the Dean, Prof DR Daniel Dezmirean, have been on the frontline to bring to life those two remarkable programs.

This links well with another relevant facet of my experience, namely, the incredible people at USAVM who share my passion for animal behavior, human-animal interaction, animal welfare, and veterinary medicine, you name it. My colleagues were kindred spirits who, like me, were enthusiastic, compassionate, and dedicated to understanding and improving the process of students.

The University stands out with those programs that bridge the gap between academic excellence and animal advocacy. The forward-thinking approach ensures that USAVM remains at the forefront of modern universities worldwide.

The USAVM campus is more than just a setting; it's a sanctuary. The campus is immersed in nature, surrounded by lush greenery, and buzzing with life. The harmonious coexistence of humans and some animals in this serene environment is a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving the natural world and its inhabitants.

My journey here has been transformative, thanks to the exceptional individuals, visionary programs, and the harmonious campus. If you're passionate about animals and aspire to make a meaningful difference in their lives, USAVM is where you can embark on an extraordinary educational journey that will leave you inspired and empowered.