Uniform Public Services student continues studies from Romania

A Sunderland College student is taking remote learning to the extreme as he continues his studies 1,500 miles away in Romania. 

Following the government’s decision to suspend face to face teaching in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Marius Mincu returned home to his family. 

Despite strict lockdown measures, which include needing a declaration or valid reason to venture out, Marius has engaged in online lessons via Microsoft Teams, regular one-to-one sessions with lecturers and kept up to date with his assignments. 

“I am good and my family is as well,” said the Occupational Studies in the Workplace (Sport & Public Services) student. “We are staying home because you can’t go out without a declaration and a good reason, but I am doing well, keeping safe and being supported by my lecturers.” 

Marius has achieved his Level 1 qualification and will return to Sunderland for the new academic year in September to continue his studies as well as representing the college’s Football Development Centre. 

David Pounder, Sport, Health and Wellbeing lecturer, added: “Marius has been working extremely well from home in Romania despite the lockdown measures. 

“He also had issues with his laptop that he had to wait, to get fixed, but he has maintained engagement in challenging times, and has stayed up to date with work and completed everything required. 

“Marius has maintained contact and has completed all of the work required of him and will progress on to Level 2 next year, which he can be really proud of.“