An American in Iași: A professor’s experience in late 1980s Romania

David Hadaller spent an academic year in Romania in the late 1980s as a Fulbright professor teaching literature and writing in Iași. He arrived in the country not expecting he would have to put up a struggle to be allowed to teach, learn to operate within a system of double-entendres or meet his wife. He kept a visual record of his time in Romania, which he shares, alongside photos taken in the country at later times, on a dedicated Facebook page. More on his experience below.

This exclusive Romania Insider article tells the story of an American professor who had the chance to experience life in communist Romania in the late '80s. A fascinating trip back in time (accompanied by photos from David Hadaller's personal archive) with a twist of humour and nostalgia. You can read this article and support us to write more such interviews by getting a Romania Insider membership. With our Premium membership, you will access all our exclusive articles and also get seven premium newsletters.