Erasmus in Romania

Transylvania International Film Festival TIFF

2009-05-10T10:30:00.000+03:00

Each year, Cluj becomes the Cannes festivity awards for the most non-conformist film productions.
You can easily say that only by looking at these short funny sports for the festival:

Description of the TIFF:

proudly presenting... gymnastics highlights

2009-05-07T21:44:00.001+03:00

Today we're getting a liiiiittle bit emotional... :D
(ps: at the beginning the cute Nadia states that this is the most beautiful sport in the world).

ENJOY!

There was a loud bang! and that's when ...

2009-05-06T16:10:00.003+03:00

it all began!

The idea hit us: there are so many unsuccessful attempts to present our country to people that don't know much about it yet. Why so many trials and errors? Because we are a bit of a mystery to most of the world, a weird mixture of European and Balkan, Latin and Slavic, Communism and Capitalism, a country on a border in time and even geographically speaking.

This is our blog, our student campaign (by students for students), no sponsors, no official messages: just what we wanted to say, said our way.

Romania, like any other country, should be talked about after you get to know her. (yes, we decided it's a she!). We can all read newspapers and then use those ideas as our own, but in the end you are what you live, what you really came in contact with, for more than just a day or two.

Let's face it, trying to convince you to visit Romania as a tourist won't really make you know it any better. Yes, you'll see the sights, yes, you'll sleep in a hotel/tent/hostel...but does that really mean you know the country?Its customs, its people, its flaws? (and no, we won't lie..we have plenty. But that, we think, is our charm).

So what other way can you get to know a country that has , since 2007 been part of the European Union, and yet a country whose history is unknown to so many fellow Europeans?

How will you get to know more than Dracula and communism, poverty and immigrants, more than the old stereotypes?

By making a more exotic and out-of-the-ordinary choice for your Erasmus destination: Romania.

Because Erasmus means fun, and we've got plenty.
because Erasmus means challenge and growing up, and we'll help you oh so much with that.

parties, Latin blood and Balkan music, good food, cheap everything, untamed nature, with fields all shabby and unprepared, serious studying for those interested, culturally open people, and many many paradoxes.

It makes for the real youth experience. Just dare to step outside the pattern...

Introducing...the INTERVIEWS

2009-05-06T13:25:00.001+03:00

The interviews are an essential part of our project, because through them we will show you what other Erasmus students from all over the world think about Romania, and you'll get the most diverse answers to questions such as:

Why do you choose a country for Erasmus? What criteria do you use?
Would Romania be a good choice? If yes, why so?
What comes to mind when you say Romania?

and much much more.

Watch our friends speak their mind, and if you have answers to the same questions or wish to add something that escaped their replies, send them to us at erasmus.in.romania@gmail.com

Why Romania?

2009-05-06T13:20:00.001+03:00

Or..the interviews strike back!

Another series of answers to our inquiries.
Hear what our international friends had to say!
Once more, let us know what reasons there are for Romania being an Erasmus destination.

leave us your comments here our your vast replies at erasmus.in.romania@gmail.com

Bucharest in short...

2009-05-05T23:05:00.004+03:00

Why study in Bucharest?

Because it is the greatest Romanian city with a lot of extra learning resources. It was nicknamed the little Paris a long time ago. It was a cosmopolite metropolis in the 1930s. Today, Bucharest is
experiencing renewed vigor. The city reflects an interesting heritage of mixed cultures influenced by: the old Romanian aristocracy educated in France, the royal family of the Hohenzollern, and the communist society.

Some of the Main Attractions:
The National Art Museum
The collection of European art bequeathed by King Carol I to the State is the nucleus around which the great collections of the National Art Museum are organized today. Van Eyck, El Greco, Rembrandt meet in its halls the Romanian impressionists and surrealists.
http://www.museum.ro/museum.html

The National Museum of History
In more than sixty halls, the museum displays the history of the Romanian territory and that of the formation of the Romanian people and nation. It has a very rich collection, including ancient hoards, weapons, art and jewelry among which there are some of great value not only for the Romanians, but also for the universal heritage.
http://www.mnir.ro/

The Village Museum
The idea of an outdoor ethnographical museum was a consequence of the sociological research conducted in the 1930s by Professor Gusti and his enthusiastic team. The Museum evolved from small exhibitions with items brought from all over the country, which put on display peasants’ houses and their outbuildings: watermills, stables, pottery, workshops etc. Nowadays, the Museum consists of 298 genuine folk constructions, among which 42 houses, 163 outhouses, 15 workshops and 3 churches, all organized according to the regions they were brought from, in a very picturesque corner of Herăstrău Park.
http://www.ici.ro/romania/cultura/mz_satului.html

The National Museum of Cotroceni
A former monastery and princely residence, the National Museum of Cotroceni lodges nowadays the Romanian Presidency. The museum presents the history of the building, some of the ancient halls of the monastery, as well as the various epochs of its history as a royal residence.
The Palace of Parliament
The huge building covers an area of 64,800 sq. m. Erected after 1984 and still not finished, the Palace has 440 offices, dozens of reception halls, and dozens of conference and meeting halls. This ranges it on the second place in the world in point of total area, after the US Pentagon.

Herăstrău Park
Shades of pink, yellow and red roses greet visitors to Herăstrău Park. In a small conservatory, freshly picked flowers are arranged daily in the Romanian style. Beyond the gardens is Herăstrău. Arched bridges lead to an island and the other side of the park where there is a bar, restaurant, sports complex and rowing boats for hire. There is also a ferry across the lake and, next to the Village Museum, a fun-park with rollercoasters and carousels.

Dimitrie Brandza Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden is an important center of conservation of different plants, scientific research and education, as well as a center for environment studies.
Founded in 1860 near the Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, by Dr. Carol Davila, it occupies the territory at the left and right side of the Cotroceni highway. The skilful botanist Ulrich Hoffman has completed the suitable equipment of the garden, so that the first garden in Bucharest reached in short time European standards.

The Triumphal Arch
The Triumphal Arch was erected in 1935 to commemorate the victories of the Romanian army during the WW I and the union of all Romanian provinces on December 1st 1918. The monument has a classical appearance, copying the pattern of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

Lipscani area
This district developed around the princely court since the Middle Ages. It was the area of trade and manufacturing as the name of the streets still bear witness today. The great number of inns is token to the fact that Bucharest represented a real crossroad of important trade roads linking East and West. The area maintains its oriental aspect, but modern civilisation is clearly dominant as one arrives in the Banks’ Center.

The Stavropoleos Church
The Greek monk Ioanichie, who became afterwards Metropolite of Stavropoleos, built the church in 1724. It has a three-cusped plan and it is considered one of the most beautiful churches in Brancovan style. The yard of the church provides shelter for a lapidary. It consists of tombstones and ornaments from several churches and monasteries in Bucharest.

Manuc’s Inn
The Armenian Dragoman Manuc-Bei Mirzayan built in 1808 an inn on the very spot of the ruins of a former princely court. His inn became the most famous in town due to its founder’s special sense for business. The building is one of the very few civilian constructions that are left from that period. Nowadays it is part of the hotels’ network.

You can find more information about Bucharest and its tourist attractions on www.bucurestionline.as.ro
source: http://www.unibuc.ro/uploads_en/images/71/ERASMUS2.pdf

Places to see

2009-05-05T22:57:00.002+03:00

Romania offers a rich tapestry of tourist attractions and experiences unique in Central-Eastern Europe: medieval towns in Transylvania, traditional villages in Maramureş, the world-famous painted monasteries in Bucovina, the magnificent architecture of Bucharest, the romantic Danube Delta, fairy-tale castles, the Black Sea resorts, the majestic Carpathian Mountains, spas and much more.

Transylvania is probably the first travel destination for most international students enrolled to the University of Bucharest. In case you want to visit this region in search of the bloodthirsty Count Dracula, you are about to discover that Transylvania offers many sources of excitement and adventure. So pack your bags for an imaginary journey to the beauty of this legendary place.
Most Transylvanian cities (Alba-Iulia, Braşov, Sibiu, Cluj-Napoca, Sighişoara) are very old settlements. Some of them date back to the Roman era, some were first built in the 12th century by Saxon colonists. Each has a captivating story to tell to the interested traveller. Braşov, Sibiu and
Sighişoara are some of Europe's best-preserved medieval towns. They are living symbols of Transylvania. Visitors can stumble upon unique architectural treasures, small ancient tiny houses that line narrow streets, cobblestoned passageways and covered stone steps as they wander. Tiny shops purvey a range of antiques and fine hand-made products of artisans and artists who have established little communities in the countryside.
Wander through their charming plazas, and unveil the secrets of centuries-old castles. Romania's numerous castles perhaps best illustrate the country's medieval heritage. While castles built from the 14th to the 18th centuries are strong and austere fortresses built mainly for defense against invaders, those erected beginning in the late 1800s are imposing and luxurious. Universal literature found valuable sources of inspiration in some of Romania's castles, with the most famous novels written about them being The Castle from the Carpathians by Jules Verne and Dracula by Bram Stoker. Some of the best-known castles and fortresses in this area are: Bran Castle, Peleş Castle, Hunedoara, Castle or Râşnov Fortress.

Maramureş is located in the mountains of northern Transylvania. Men are amazingly skillful wood carvers, and you shouldn't be surprised that all the old houses and churches are entirely made of wood. The most respected man in the village is the one who has the biggest and most elaborately carved front gate. The women, on the other hand, weave woolen clothes and blankets, in red-white-black patterns and the traditional outfit is still proudly worn every day. Both men and women have a wit and humor that traveled way beyond their land. They are famous for the merry inscriptions they write on their tombstones. Here is an example from the cemetery of Săpânţa:
Here lies my mother-in-law.
Had she lived another year,
I would have lied in her place.

From old monasteries to 21st century busy towns, Wallachia is an inspired mix of old and new.
The Western part of Wallachia, spread on the hills south of the Carpathians, is traditionally called Oltenia, because it lies on the river Olt. If you ever decide to visit this region, ask about the potters and people will guide you to their houses, which are also their workshops. Everything in this job is a family secret, from the choice of the clay to modeling, painting, cooking and finally glazing. The resulting plates, mugs, pitchers, and even toys and flutes, display specific colors (especially white, rich browns and grays, and sometimes green) and a specific design. Often symbolic drawings appear on these works. One of the most popular is the rooster, and another one is the fish. But most of the earthware is decorated in delicate, yet powerful geometric patterns, skillfully painted by the masters' wives using age-old tools such as cows horns and goose feathers.

This entire southern region is also famous for its spas. The modern resort at Herculane is beautifully placed in majestic scenery, and can be a great place to relax away from the busy towns. There are a number of comfortable hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops, and the city square proudly displays a large statue of Hercules. The legend has it that Hercules himself used to come here and enjoy the famous mineral water springs. Archaeological discoveries show that the rich mineral waters at Herculane were known well before the Romans conquered the region, in the first century AD. But since they were great engineers, the Romans developed the region, building public baths for everyone to enjoy. Today, little remains of the original constructions, but nevertheless the tradition is carried on.

Land of the brave kings, Moldavia reveals its softer side in the unique painted monasteries.
The fame of these Moldavian churches reaches well beyond the borders of Romania. Actually, most of them are protected by UNESCO as part of humankind’s world heritage. Probably the best known tourist attraction in the country, they are visited daily by hundreds of travelers from all over the world. What is so special about them?
They were all built in the 15th and 16th centuries, in a time of great political and cultural development of Moldavia. The period is related to the 50-year long rule of king Ştefan cel Mare (Stephen the Great). He used to build churches and establish monasteries in moments of great importance for the country, usually to thank God for an important military victory or to celebrate a prosperous period. What makes all these churches unique is the painting. Frescoes were typical to all Byzantine churches of that time. But here, the frescoes are on the outside! Painted more than 400 years ago, they still preserve their gorgeous colours, amazing the visitor with the mastery of the drawing and the wonderfully balanced tones. The most cherished of all monasteries is Voroneţ. It is widely known throughout Europe as the Sistine Chapel of the East, because of its interior and exterior wall paintings, which offer an abundance of blue-chromatic frescoes featuring a color that has come to be known as Voroneţ blue. The frescoes of this church and many other painted churches illustrate biblical scenes, prayers, episodes of sacred hymns and themes such as The Last Judgment and The Ladder of St. John.
Moldavia has also the advantage of well-preserved natural treasures or interesting natural phenomena. Among these, the Mud Volcanoes seem to be the most famous. This is a place where hot gases from the depth escape to the surface. When you combine this with underground water and minerals, you get geysers and boiling pools of mud. Local people have always associated this place with evil forces and feared the spot, calling it the gates of hell. But apart from that, the landscape is truly bizarre and deserves a visit.

Danube Delta is the last great wildlife refuge in Europe. It covers more than 2,000 sq. miles comprising channels and canals widening into tree-fringed lakes, reed islands, and pools covered with water lilies, oak forests intertwined with lianas and creepers, desert dunes and traditional fishermen villages. In this huge sea of reeds and water, animals outnumber humans 1000 to 1. Danube Delta is home to more than 300 migratory and permanent bird species; 160 kinds of fish that include caviar-bearing sturgeon and 800 plant families.
Wonderful as it is, this is a fragile paradise which needs good care and preservation efforts. That's why some of the Delta territory has been designated as restricted areas and natural reservations, and are on the list of UN natural monuments.

The Black Sea was cruised by the Greek sailors since the 8th century BC. Practically all of the Romanian Black Sea shore is a chain of resorts, among which: Mamaia, Eforie Nord, Eforie Sud, Costineşti, Neptun, Olimp, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn. The beach is wide and public, with fine golden sand and calm waters.
This area is also famous for its Greek ruins dating from the 7th century BC.

The majestic ranges of the Carpathians are a perfect getaway for hikers and wildlife lovers.
It is very easy to find a great hiking trail. Romania has more than 400 parks and nature reservations protecting hundreds of species of flora and fauna. The variety of terrain, from mountainous to gentle, offers something for every hiker regardless of skill or level. Rock-climbing enthusiasts should head for the main rock-climbing gateways: Buşteni with its 400 meters wall of Valea Albă, Zărneşti giving access to the 2.500 meters peaks of the Făgăraş mountains and Bran, overlooked by the limestone range of Piatra Craiului.
A multitude of mountain resorts offer slopes from easy to challenging. Many of these resorts provide a multitude of other activities including cross-country skiing, snowboarding and tubing. The highest ski point in Romania has an altitude of 2.100 meters. The major ski resorts are Poiana Braşov, Sinaia, Predeal, Păltiniş and Runcu.

Brief History

2009-05-05T22:54:00.002+03:00

Welcome to Romania
Why should you choose Romania for your studies?
The straight answer is because it is one of the most beautiful countries of Central-Eastern Europe. No journey to this region would be complete without visiting Romania as well.

Romanian History at a Glance
Stretching over the Carpathians Mountains and as far as the Black Sea, Romania has the only population of Latin origin in this area. Due to its geographical location, Romania was always the meeting point of political and territorial interests. The Romans, and later the Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian and Russian Empires tried in turn to take over this land. This makes Romanian history particularly interesting, as the local people always stood up against foreign occupation, managing to preserve its culture and traditions.

The ancient history is characterized by the Roman conquest of the Dacians. The Roman emperor Trajan celebrated this victory for 123 days and in its honor he also erected a column covered with marble reliefs to tell the story of the conquest. Trajan's column still stands in Rome. The Latin led to the birth of the Romanian people and language.
The period between the Roman retreat in 271 A.D. and the 10th century A.D. represented dark times for Eastern Europe, when countless warrior tribes roamed the land destroying everything on their way. The three historical regions that form Romania today – to the West of the mountains lies Transylvania, the Southern plains are called Wallachia, and the North-Eastern plateau is Moldavia – were first mentioned as states in the 14th century. They all had to fight the oppression of their neighbours. Yet, great commanders such as Mircea cel Bătrân, Vlad Ţepeş, Mihai Viteazul, and Ştefan cel Mare made it possible for the three provinces to resist all attempts of subjection.

Modern Romanian history is marked by the reformers’ struggle to redefine a nation. The revolution in 1848 called for the union of all the Romanian people in the three provinces, for the
cease of foreign domination and abuse (by the Ottoman, Russian and Austrian Empires), for equal justice under law and human rights in the tradition of the French Revolution.
In 1859 Moldavia and Wallachia, who were allowed by the European powers to elect their own princes, chose the same person: Alexandru Ioan Cuza, thus forming a new state called Romania. In 1866, Cuza abdicates and Prince Carol of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen ascends the throne. Under his reign, Romania became independent (1877), a new constitution was passed, and the country entered a period of great economic development.
On December the 1st, 1918, Transylvania united with the other two regions under the reign of King Ferdinand. This is Romania’s National Day.

After the WWII, the Soviet Army set up a communist regime in Romania, and forced the King to abdicate. During the 50's Romania was ruled with an iron fist by communist hardliners, a situation common throughout Eastern Europe. The wind of change that was sweeping through Eastern Europe during the 80s, reached Romania in December 1989, when a nationwide upheaval led to the overthrow of the Ceauşescu regime.
Today, Romania is a multi-party democracy and human rights have been restored. The economy is on its way to shift to a free market system.

Romania is member of the European Union since 2007.

source: http://www.unibuc.ro/uploads_en/images/71/ERASMUS2.pdf

"Erasmus per 5 mesi, a Bucarest - esperienza unica e irripetibile, è stata prolungata di altri 5 mesi"

2009-05-05T17:10:00.006+03:00

Dario Inturri

Università degli Studi di Milano, Italia

Sono Dario, uno studente siciliano della provincia di Siracusa che studia Lettere Moderne all’Università degli Studi di Milano, la quale, in seguito ad una selezione, mi ha dato l’opportunità di studiare a Bucarest (Romania) assegnandomi una borsa di studio Erasmus per 5 mesi, che, in seguito ad una esperienza unica e irripetibile, è stata prolungata di altri 5 mesi! Bucarest...chi di voi ha mai pensato di andare a Bucarest per più di un week-end?
Molti considerano questa scelta una follia!!
Tutti pazzi per la Spagna, Grecia, Portogallo (perchè paesi caldi...); per l’ Inghilterra, Germania, Francia (perchè paesi se non altro sviluppati).
Ma a mio avviso, se si considerano altri parametri, questa soluzione non è poi così folle!!
I Paesi appena citati suscitano sicuramente grande interesse, nessuno può metterlo in dubbio,ma reputo altrettanto interessante il fatto di vivere per una anno in un Paese dove nessuno penserebbe mai di farlo, poichè totalmente diverso dai Paesi occidentali...ma a mio avviso deve essere proprio questo lo stimolo che dovrebbe indurre uno studente di età compresa tra i 20 e i 25 anni a scegliere una città dell’Est (quale Bucarest) come meta del suo soggiorno Erasmus, proprio per poter scoprire un “mondo nuovo” e poter valutare se in effetti esso sia migliore o peggiore rispetto a quello di provenienza...

Bisogna prendere coscienza che non tutto ciò di cui ci nutrono i mass media sia vero, in specie per quanto riguarda la Romania e i suoi abitanti, disegnati come una popolazione violenta e priva di una normale vita sociale solo perchè i telegiornali ci presentano solo i fatti di cronaca nera che li riguarda; ma si può davvero pensare che il 100% dei Rumeni siano degli assassini e degli stupratori?

Sarebbe come dire che il 100% dei Siciliani siano mafiosi! O che il 100% dei Napoletani siano dei ladri e dei truffatori!

La Romania, un Paese la cui cultura è totalmente differente dalla nostra: stile di vita, mentalità...un Paese che, contro ogni aspettativa, si basa sulla proattività...che ha voglia di migliorarsi e sa che ha le possibilità per raggiungere lo scopo prefissato...lo dimostra il fatto che la maggior parte della popolazione rumena sotto i 30 anni parla, o quantomeno capisce, almeno 2 lingue (italiano, spagnolo e inglese combinate in maniera differente) oltre a quella d’origine, segno tangibile che la popolazione rumena non si sente inferiore a nessun’altra, che è inserita in un contesto europeo allo stesso modo di un Paese quale l’Italia o la Spagna, e che addirittura, al contrario dei due paesi appena citati che si trovano in una condizione sociale, politica ed economica stagnante, quella rumena è in via di sviluppo!

"Un erasmus en Rumania, hora mismo!!! "

2009-05-05T16:15:00.002+03:00

Gerri Prat,
former student at Univ. of Girona,
Spain

Yo no he estado en Rumania de erasmus estuve en Budapest, pero en Rumania he estado viajando y por trabajo.
Intentare contestarte las preguntas:
1-. La experiencia erasmus casi debería ser obligatoria como una forma de crecimiento humano o personal, debido a todas las experiencias que pasas, tu ya lo sabes…jajaja.
1.1 la cosa más importante de un erasmus es: saber aprovechar el máximo todas las experiencias y gente qe puedas conocer.
2.-Para mi ir a los países del Este era para conocer un mundo nuevo, y creo que muy diferente con los países del norte (no oeste) donde ya había estado de Erasmus, en Holanda. Creo que fui el primer estudiante de la facultad de Derecho qe fui a Hungría.....supongo pq aquí a la gente le cuesta salir y si deciden hacerlo quieren ir a un sitio que conocen o de habla parecida como Italia.
3.- Yo creo que la experiencia del este, es de vivir en países no tan desarrollados como España, y tener la oportunidad de conocerlos y tratar con su gente y entender el pq de muchas cosas.
4.- en cuanto a conocimientos y formas de aprender yo creo que no hay mucha direferencia, pero si que la gente relaciona país pobre =mala educación, aunque yo no lo creo al menos con la experiencia que tengo, y de la gente que he conocido de erasmus de los países del Este, suelen ser gente muy culta y que además hablan varios idiomas.
5.- Un erasmus en Rumania, hora mismo!!! (si pudiera iria... pero creo que a mi esto del erasmus ya ha pasado….jajaja) seguro que va a ser una muy buena experiencia, después de dos erasmus considero que no importa el sitio sino tus vivencias!!
Aunque puedo entender que para una persona qe no haya estado nunca en Rumania tenga respeto en ir, porque des de aquí se tiene una visión que es un país pobre, y en algunos sitios peligroso ( yo he estado 4 veces y nunca he tenido ningún problema)
6.- De Rumania, antes no conocía nada y ahora lo que se, ha sido de viaja y conocer un poco el país...pero me faltan todavía muchas cosas para conocer y saber.
7.- creo que esta pregunta ya esta respondida con lo que he explicado...pensaba que sería mucho más peligroso para una persona de los países del Oeste por lo que me habían contado…..y su pobreza pero yo no tuve ningún problema, aunque esto no significa qe no haya peligro o puedas encontrarlo.
8.- de la Oferta de ir a Rumania, yo me apunto...jajajaj!!!no problem...
9.- Pobreza, Etnia gitana y pui (pollo, no?? Es lo que me ha venida a la cabeza, jajaja)
10.- Personas, atracción cultural, idioma de las clases, transporte( de mi pais a Rumania) el del pais me da igual…, money.

"I think it is a good way to get to know the country"

2009-05-05T16:13:00.002+03:00

Patricia Tores,
University of Girona
Spain

I think that to consider an Erasmus experience is important to choose a country that you like or that you want to know and that you can understand the language of the courses there.

About an Erasmus experience in the Western Europe I do not have any problem with that, in fact, I was in Slovenia for a semester studying.

The main difference about an Erasmus experience in Western Europe in my opinion can be the culture.

I think that an Erasmus experience in Romania can be interesting, I have never been in this country, so it would be a good way to knowing it. I think culture is an attractive issue of that country and maybe the economic situation can be an unattractive one.

What I know about Romania is that the capital is Bucharest, that in 2007 they entered into the EU and there is a region named Transylvania there.

Of course I am interested in the offer of staying in Romania for free during the summer with a student; I think it is a good way to get to know the country.

The 3 words I associate with Romania are: Dracula, Castles and Western Europe.

The 5 most important thing I care about when comes to studying in other country are: language, study program, money, duration and people.

Dan Puric - theatre artist

2009-05-05T15:54:00.005+03:00

A complex personality of Romania. Actor, director, philosopher.

Gheorghe Zamfir- musician

2009-05-05T15:44:00.004+03:00

Maria Tănase, musician

2009-05-05T15:35:00.004+03:00

One of the greatest voices of Romania.

Viţa de vie (music)

2009-05-05T14:59:00.002+03:00

OCS (music)

2009-05-05T14:54:00.002+03:00

EMIL (music)

2009-05-05T14:49:00.002+03:00

Ska!!!

Loredana (music)

2009-05-05T14:39:00.002+03:00

At least she fills us with energy :). Balkan rhythems.

Zob (music)

2009-05-05T14:38:00.000+03:00

Zob & Mara clip.

Blazzaj (music)

2009-05-05T14:26:00.002+03:00

Live in concerts:

Urma (music)

2009-05-05T14:19:00.002+03:00

Hope you like their style.

Sziget Peninsula Festival- concerts

2009-05-05T13:53:00.003+03:00

A very popular music festival in Transylvania!

Medieval Festival: Sighisoara

2009-05-05T13:39:00.003+03:00

These clips can offer you an image about the medieval atmosphere around the Sighisoara Festival, a summer point of reference for students.

Sword fighting:

Medieval Dance:

The spirit of the street singers :)

This is how easy people meet, gather and sing:

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Fire Walking at Sighisoara Festival 2008:

Tour of the city:

sightseeing

2009-05-05T13:30:00.005+03:00

Short presentations we found on you tube and we considered to be relevant for students interested in visiting Romania.

Castles in Romania:

Romania, simply surprising!

2009-05-05T13:24:00.003+03:00

This time, we share with you parts of a visual campaign for Branding Romania.
Enjoy traveling for a few minutes across the country!

TRAVEL GUIDE for Erasmus Students

2009-05-05T10:46:00.000+03:00

This is something definitely useful for the ones interested in coming to Romania.

You can find the pdf version here.

But we will try to make all the content available here, on this blog, for future Erasmus students who will not come necessarilly in Bucharest, but all across the country ;).

Brought to you by the University of Bucharest.

Romanian- Erasmusian Dictionary

2009-05-04T23:07:00.000+03:00

Short Dictionary of Idiomatic Romanian

Romanian is closer to classical Latin than it is to other Romance languages, and the grammatical structure and basic word stock of the mother tongue are well preserved. Speakers of French, Italian and Spanish won't be able to understand much spoken Romanian but will find written Romanian more or less comprehensible. Romanian is spelt phonetically, with one exception, the sound noted by the characters â (used inside the words) and î (used at the beginning or the end). So once you learn a few simple rules you should have no trouble with pronunciation.

Specific Sounds and Characters
Ă, ă: like in to err
Î, î, â: dark posterior vowel, no English equivalent
J, j: like in French garage
Ş, ş: sh
Ţ, ţ: ts
Ce, ci: ch
Ge, gi: dj
Che, chi: like in Italian perche, chiaro
Ghe, ghi: like in Italian ghetto, funghi
All the other sounds and characters are more or less like in Italian.

Survival Romanian
Greeting formulas
Hello! Hi! = Salut!
Good day! Good afternoon! = Bună ziua!
Good evening! = Bună seara!
Good night! = Noapte bună!
Good bye! So long! = La revedere!

Politeness formulas
Please = Vă rog
Thank you = Mulţumesc
Thank you very much = Mulţumesc foarte mult
Excuse me = Scuzaţi-mă
Welcome = Cu plăcere

Time and date
What time is it? = Cât e ceasul?
A quarter past (seven) = (Şapte) şi un sfert
Half past (eight) = (Opt) şi jumătate
A quarter to (ten) = (Zece) fără un sfert
Twenty past (four) = (Patru) şi douăzeci
Twenty to (six) = (Şase) fără douăzeci
Monday = luni
Tuesday = marţi
Wednesday = miercuri
Thursday = joi
Friday = vineri
Saturday = sâmbătă
Sunday = duminică
Today = azi, astăzi
Yesterday = ieri
Tomorrow = mâine

Useful phrases
I don’t understand. = Nu înţeleg.
I don’t speak Romanian. = Nu vorbesc româneşte.
Do you speak English? = Vorbiţi engleză?
What is your name? = Cum vă numiţi?
How do you do, Nice to meet you = Mă bucur să vă cunosc.
How are you? = Ce mai faceţi?
I’m fine. = Bine.
I’m not so good. = Nu prea bine.
So and so. = Aşa şi aşa.

Shopping
How much does it cost? = Cât costă?
I would like to try it. = Aş vrea să probez.
I’ll buy it. = Îl cumpăr.
Do you accept credit cards? = Acceptaţi cărţi de credit?
Open = Deschis
Closed = Închis

Directions
Left = Stânga
Right = Dreapta
Straight = Drept [înainte]
Up = Sus
Down = Jos
Far = Departe
Near = Aproape
Map = Hartă
I’m lost. = M-am rătăcit.
I am looking for the University of Bucharest. = Caut Universitatea din Bucureşti.
Where is Intercontinental Hotel? = Unde este Hotelul Intercontinental?

source: http://www.unibuc.ro/uploads_en/images/71/ERASMUS2.pdf

self-ironic capacity

2009-05-04T19:07:00.000+03:00

we think that we, Romanians, have a special sense of humour, slightly self-ironic. and we consider it part of our wisdom :D because some people take themselves way toooooooo seriously.

an advertising campaign, with a clever insight, made for Cosmote.

To couchsurf or not to couchsurf?

2009-05-04T12:52:00.000+03:00

That is the really silly question...

Why should you choose to know a country through couchsurfing? What is couchsurfing?

It is a cultural exchange experience that goes beyond the tourist approach and lets you visit the country outside the hotels and hostels.

It means contacting people that are from the country, staying in their homes and letting them show you their culture through their way of hosting you. Who knows the country beter than those in it?

Visiting a country without knowing the people is like having an empty image, based on the skeleton, but not the flesh and spirit of the place.

So contact us and tell us what you want to see and when, and we'll make it happen!

Pass it on

2009-05-04T12:20:00.001+03:00

Naturally, no online campaign can survive without the beautiful people that discover it and want to pass it on.

You might not be directly attracted by our message, or by studying in Romania, perhas you´re no longer a student, or have already finished your erasmusing months. But you might know people who would e interested.

Let our message reach them! Share our website´s link with your friends:)

How you can help

2009-05-04T11:13:00.000+03:00

If you´re not from Romania, are intrigued by our site, you could help by answering what questions you see fit from the ones listed below.

If you were an Erasmus in Romania...then we need your memories and your feedback, so all other people interested can learn from your experience.

Name, where you study, where you’re from
If you have been in Romania, tell us where and for how long.
what did you think you knew about Romania, and what do you know now?
What do you think about an Erasmus experience in Eastern Europe?
would you be tempted to experience an Erasmus in Romania? If you already have, what made you choose it?
what differences do you think there are between studying in Western Europe and studying in Eastern Europe?
If you would have the opportunity to stay for free at a Romanian student for 1 or 2 weeks during the summer and visit Romania, would you be interested in this offer?
Tell me 3 words you associate with Romania.
What things do you think are important in order to have a wonderful Erasmus experience?
Which are the first 5 most important elements that you care about when comes to studying in another country? Choose between: people , language, housing,money, cultural attractions, leisure time, transport, study programme, duration (time)

Romanian Cuisine

2009-05-03T23:04:00.000+03:00

All foreigners coming to Romania are impressed with the taste of traditional dishes. Although international cuisine is available in best quality restaurants, make sure that you savour the local Romanian dishes. Romanian cooking is rich, tasty and substantial, as befits a country where all food is still naturally grown, and fruits and vegetables follow their normal season.

The Romanian cuisine can be divided according to different regions: for example, the Moldavian cuisine with its old traditions using sour-cream, the Transylvanian which specializes in sweetened sauces and spices and the Oltenian which savors soups, meat and fish, as well as highly spiced dishes. Besides these regional aspects, the Romanian cuisine is also influenced by the seasons: summer brings an abundance of fruits and vegetables, while in winter there are very few, except, of course, for pickles. Dairy products are highly appreciated in our country.
Pork takes the place of honour during winter, especially at holiday time. You can buy small sausages, blood sausages, piftie (highly seasoned pork in aspic), head cheese, ham and many other kinds of highly appetizing varieties. Especially popular are the pork meat balls wrapped in sour cabbage leaves known as sarmale.

Mămăliga – a cornmeal mush – used to be the Romanian all purpose staple food. Hot, cold, fried, it is delicious in melted butter, sour cream or yogurts, garnished with salted herring and cottage cheese, or eaten with eggs for breakfast, and added to meat dishes.
A kind of broth called ciorbă is also typically Romanian. It is made out of vegetables, with or without meat.

A range of excellent white and red Romanian wines of the famous vineyards of Murfatlar, Cotnari, Jidvei, Dealu Mare, Odobeşti, Valea Călugarească, accompany local and international dishes to perfection, while ţuica – the local plum brandy – is often drunk as a digestive. But beware, it carries a sting in its tail! The local Romanian beers are excellent.

source: http://www.unibuc.ro/uploads_en/images/71/ERASMUS2.pdf

Romanian Holidays and Traditions

2009-05-03T23:03:00.000+03:00

From South to North or from East to West, Romania is full of customs and traditions. A lot of them have long histories. Some are funny and some are strange, but they all are interesting. Many are strictly connected to Christianity or assimilated by the Romanian Christianity, but they can also be dedicated to divine forces, people, animals, and plants, or to earthen and heavenly phenomena, which take place at different moments of calendar.

Two of the most important spring celebrations are, for instance: Mărţişor (1-8 March) and Easter (variable). Mărţişor is dedicated to the arrival of the spring. Its symbol is represented by a two-coloured cord: red, which means love for everything that is beautiful, and white, which symbolizes the purity of the snowdrops, the first flowers that appear in spring. To this cord are attached tiny figurines (3-20 mm) which men offer to the women they are fond of. Women are expected to wear those amulets throughout the whole week.

Easter is the most important event in the Orthodox Christian calendar. Traditionally, celebrations in Romania begin on Easter Saturday evening. Dressed in their finest clothes and holding candles, people gather round the churches. At the Easter Resurrection Mass (Slujba de Înviere) just before midnight, the priest comes out of the church to give a blessing, distribute holy bread and provide the flame from which everyone will light their candles. Suddenly the darkness is lit up and thousands of candles take to the streets. Everyone tries to keep the flame alive until they arrive home. There, around the table, the family comes together for a special Easter meal. Painted eggs, roast lamb and home-made cozonac (sponge cake with nuts and poppy seeds) are the traditional dishes. The painted eggs are probably the most beautiful. The shells of hard-boiled eggs are dyed in colourful patterns, with a rich red the prevailing colour. They are often decorated with folk motifs. Traditionally designs are made with an implement called a condei – a small cartridge filled with hot wax with a sharp point on the end. There are a myriad of motifs used on painted eggs. The most popular ones are the cross, the star, the sun, the wave, the zigzags, and stylised flowers. Sometimes motifs are applied using natural leaves. Traditionally, it's the women who paint Easter eggs, and they have to do it on the Thursday before Easter.

The most important summer celebration is Saint Mary’s Day. Saint Mary’s Day is celebrated in Romania on the 15th of August every year. This holiday announces the time of autumn fairs for traders. It is known that Saint Mary is the patroness of the humble and it brings health, prosperity and happiness to everybody.

All autumn celebrations – Cross Days, Saint Andrew’s Day, Drăgaica – are connected to the harvest period and to the preparations for the long winter ahead.
Wintertime is dominated by important religious celebrations such as Saint Nicholas’ Day and Christmas.

The old Saint Nicholas arrives in Romania on the 6th of December, every year. His coming announces the beginning of the winter holidays. St. Nicholas brings small gifts to the young children who have polished their shoes and placed them in front of a window in their home.
The Christmas celebration starts with a six-week fast prior to the holiday. The orthodox fasting pattern excludes from the diet any animal product such as meat, eggs, fish, milk or cheese.
Christmas carols, traditional foods and decorated trees are part of the Christmas traditions.

In Romania, the Christmas and New Year celebrations practically merge, and elements of the Christian faith are blended with magic propitiatory rituals for the New Year.

source: http://www.unibuc.ro/uploads_en/images/71/ERASMUS2.pdf

"Hello, nice to meet you" Social Survival Guide.

2009-05-03T23:01:00.000+03:00

People to Meet
Foreign visitors consider Romanians among the friendliest and most hospitable people on earth. Romanians are by nature fun loving, warm, hospitable, playful, with an innate sense of humor. Foreigners are usually made very welcome. Chatting with visitors is very common for Romanians and they will find a way to communicate with you even if they do not speak your language.

Here are some features of the way Romanians behave on social occasions:

- Older people particularly appreciate old-fashioned politeness. It is respectful to use Mrs. or Mr. when using the name of a person that you have just met.
- Handshaking is the most common form of greeting. When a Romanian man is introduced to a woman, he will probably kiss her hand.
- Female friends usually kiss each other twice, on both cheeks, every time they meet.
- A man accompanied by a woman should never enter a room before her; as a sign of respect, you should always let her enter first by keeping the door open, be it the door of a cab, bus, restaurant, house, etc.; into a restaurant, help her take off her coat, hold her chair, and never sit before she does.
- Romanians like to invite friends to their homes; they will most probably cook fine dishes on these occasions. They love to talk about their achievements, to sing and dance.
- If one refuses what a host offers to eat or drink, this will often be taken as a mere politesse, which calls for more insistance. If you want to refuse an offer of food find a polite excuse and say it firmly or ask for a replacement.
- It is common to linger once the meal (lunch or dinner) is over.
- When visiting someone at home bring a small gift. Most common gifts include flowers or chocolate (for women only), a bottle of wine or liquor. The number of flowers that one offers must always be odd.
- All gifts should be wrapped, but many Romanians might not unwrap their gifts in your presence.
- In Romania as in many Latin countries life is lived at a more relaxed pace. Normal European courtesies should be followed on social occasions. Although casual dress is fine in most occasions, wearing a suit and tie, or the women's equivalent, is important at business meetings. Appointments are necessary and punctuality is expected.
- It is not considered impolite to ask a person's age, politics, income or religion, so don't take such questions amiss.

source:http://www.unibuc.ro/uploads_en/images/71/ERASMUS2.pdf

a world without Romania

2009-05-03T18:57:00.000+03:00

Campaign launched in more countries, showing what those countries brought the world. This is the video made about our country.

Despite some mean remarks on how the world without us would be a better place...we think the opposite. We think we added a bit of spice, a bit of culture, a bit of inventions.

Watch and find out what very few people know:

ROM chocolate - though sensations since 1964

2009-05-01T19:17:00.010+03:00

Another self-ironic campaign.
Product: a well known chocolate for our friends from Erasmus :) ROM.

Watch what happens when you're dealing with communist stereotypes or...more Balkanik ones... :D

Hard Core senzations since 1964!

balkanik :P

and next:

last one:

"one has to visit the country to realize that the stereotypes that we have are not true"

2009-05-01T12:59:00.000+03:00

METTE Hoeivang

University of Southern Denmark
Denmark

How do you consider an erasmus experience? What things do you think is important in order to have a wonderful erasmus experience?
My expectations for an erasmus experience would be a mix of meeting new people, learning more about a foreign culture and thereby also learning more about myself and of course following some interesting classes, which might not be offered by my own university.

How do you consider an erasmus experience in Eastern Europe?
I have never considered going there on an erasmus stay, mainly because i don’t know anyone who went there and often i would choose an erasmus destination that other people had positive experiences in or if a lot of information on the country is available and it seems interesting.
Especially, I would be worried the language barriers since i would be dependent on following classes that are offered in English.

What differences would make such an experience?
To change my concerns about studying in Romania it would be important either to meet Romanian students who could tell how it is in Romania or other international students who already went there and had a good experience.

What differences do you think there are between studying in Western Europe and studying in Eastern Europe?
I don’t think that there is a that big different it is mainly a longer travelling distance and the fact that i don’t know enough about the universities in Eastern Europe. The difference is mainly that in Western Europe i know which countries has a reputation for offering courses in English and not only the national language, whereas in Eastern Europe i don’t know anything about this.

Would you be tempted to experience an erasmus in Romania? What do you consider attractive? Or what do you consider unattractive?
I have used my opportunities for going abroad on an erasmus program already, which means that it is not possible anymore. But if i still had a semester abroad i would go. On my last study abroad i heard about Romania from Romanian students, who told about the history in Romania which was interesting and in general gave me a positive impression of studying in Romania.

What do you know about Romania?
I don’t know that much about Romania, only where it is situated and that Transylvania is one of their largest tourist attractions.

What did you think you know about Romania, and now you discover that it isn’t true?
Romania was one of the countries i imagined it would be hard to manage in if you don’t speak the language, but over the last year i realized that the young people in Romania are quite well in English (or at least people who i meet : )
But else i think one has to visit the country to realize that the stereotypes that we have are not true.

If you would have the opportunity to stay for free at a Romanian student for 1 or 2 weeks during summer and visit Romania, would you be interested in this offer?
If i had the opportunity earlier during university i might have taken this opportunity, since it would give a better impression about the culture and the life of a student in Romania by living at his or her place than if i just visited a hotel in Romania and a few attractions.

3 words that I associates with Romania?
Dracula
Children in an orphanage (because years ago it was in the medias a lot)
EU country

Which are the first 5 important elements that you care about when it comes to study in another country? Choose between people,language, housing, money, cultural attractions, leisure time, transport, study program, duration (time).
Language, people, study program, transport, cultural attractions.

"to have fun – definitely go to Romania"

2009-05-01T12:27:00.003+03:00

Tsvetomir Nikolov
Bulgaria

1. I think Erasmus experience is first of all opportunity. Opportunity to visit places, opportunity to meet new people, to make new friend, opportunity to be part of the globalisation. In order to make your Erasmus experience as much as pleasant as possible and useful I personally think that you need to socialize, meet and travel with people. You need to exchange ideas and opinions.

2. I live on the Balkans and I have visited most of the countries there. Personally to me I am not attracted about the idea, because part of the so called Erasmus experience is to meet more or less different cultures. Apart from that I love Eastern Europe and specifically Balkans so I would advice all future Erasmus to go somewhere there if they have chance – we know how to have fun!

3. What difference? Enormous difference. After Erasmus most of the students normally suffer from “Gone Erasmus” depression. You get to know people sometimes entirely different from you and you learn how to live with them and they learn how to live with you as well.

4. Educational system between Eastern and Western Europe is in a big gap. The style of teaching, the infrastructure the mentality of the teachers – everything is so different.

5. I live on the border with Romania – 80 km from Bucharest. I have been several times in the capital. Due to this fact I will not be tempted to go there as an Erasmus student. But again it depends what the student expect from his Erasmus – to have fun – definitely go to Romania, for the educational system I am not acquainted.

6. Romania – country in Eastern Europe, capital Bucharest, there is the home of notorious Dracula. It poses a lot of beauty and charm.

7. I will be definitely interested in the offer. I like Romania.

8. Dracula, Mamaliga, Nicolae Ceauşescu

9. Language, People, Money, Culture, Study programme

Taxi (music)

2009-04-30T14:35:00.000+03:00

"Luna"- the Romanian song for Eurovision... some years ago...

StufStock- music festival

2009-04-30T13:57:00.000+03:00

Our beloved festival on the seaside :). Makes us remind of highschool adventures.

A bit about us

2009-04-30T13:10:00.003+03:00

We are Ex Erasmus students, all three of us from Romania:
(and proud of that!)

Ana - Erasmus in Ilmenau, Germany

Mara - Erasmus in Perugia, Italy

Maria - Erasmus in Girona, Spain

This project began from our desire to make other students like ourselves experience Europe's variety. For us, that meant studying in the Western countries, going from our Eastern-balkanic home to the older members of the EU. Now that our Erasmus is over, we want it to go on through all of you.
This time, it's your turn to experience something different...
But, can you handle it?

Do you have the cojones for it?

Let's put you to the test. It's gonna be different, and that's a promise!

and a more official wish:

We hope to be only the beginners of this project, the trailblazers, that in the future this becomes an online space supporting the idea of Erasmus in Romania and helping all international students that come to this country.

But for this...we need to be more than three:)

"Il confronto con una cultura differente mi ha fatto capire tante cose"

2009-04-30T12:38:00.005+03:00

Danilo

Università G. D’Annunzio

Italy

Ciao.

Io sono stato a Sibiu (in Transilvania) a fare l’erasmus da settembre 2006 fino a marzo 2007.

Ho scelto la Romania come meta perché avevo voglia di conoscere la cultura dei popoli dell’est. Poi mi ha sempre affascinato la Transilvania con le sue storie di vampiri e del conte Dracula. Inoltre nel 2007 Sibiu è stata la capitale europea della cultura quindi vi sono stati molte manifestazioni culturali. Altro motivo che mi ha indirizzato ad effettuare questa scelta risiede nel fatto che la lingua romena è simile all’italiano e quindi non avendo grandi capacità linguistiche ho scelto così!!!

La Romania è una possibile scelta per fare l’erasmus perché è un paese in via di sviluppo ed è in forte crescita economica, e questo per gli studenti di economia deve essere una buona motivazione.

Per quando riguarda l’analisi dei punti di forza e di debolezza ti faccio una tabella esemplificativa:

PUNTI DI FORZA	PUNTI DI DEBOLEZZA
Esperienza forte a livello di emozioni legate all’impatto con una cultura differente Popolo ospitale e accogliente sotto tutti i punti di vista Bellezze paesaggistiche e artistiche (nel centro storico delle città) Molti divertimenti e svaghi Università disponibile ed accogliente	Paese ancora arretrato a livello di infrastrutture e servizi Povertà ancora molto diffusa Università di scarsa rilevanza a livello europeo Lingua non sviluppata a livello europeo

Io ho studiato “scinze economice” presso l’universitatea “L. Blaga” di Sibiu e provengo dall’università degli studi “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti Pescara facoltà di Economia Aziendale.

In seguito alla mia esperienza posso dire che ho aperto la mente a 360°: infatti ho fatto tante esperienze a livello di viaggi, incontri etc.

Il confronto con una cultura differente mi ha fatto capire tante cose.

"I have also tasted some Romanian typical food and I like it"

2009-04-30T12:32:00.007+03:00

DANIEL Quintero

Italy

1) Yes I have been in Erasmus and I can say that it is one of the greatest experiences in live, you can know people from all over the world; you can learn, not just about one culture, but a bunch of new cultures because of the people that you meet during your stay in the foreign country, plus you can learn a thousand times better the foreign language that you are studying than in your country. I think these kind of programs (exchange programs) are not just about the experience of studying in another University or in another country, it is not just the school stuff here, they are about the knowledge that you acquire, by living far away from “home”, you mature a lot and you learn more about other persons and, principally, about yourself.

2) Yes I would, because I think Romania is a very interesting country. It has the biggest Palace of the World that is The Parliament Palace in Bucharest, it has one of the most known Castles around the World: The Dracula’s Castle and I think, the Romanians are very nice people and for sure they have a lot to offer.

3) Sure I would, I think the educational program in Romania has a lot to offer, plus I have some friends that are from Romania, friends that I knew, by taking an exchange program and it would be very nice to see them again.

4) Unfortunately, I have not been in Romania, but I know some things about this great country and well, I have also tasted some Romanian typical food and I like it. For sure, travel to Romania, would be a very nice experience.

"I have heard that they have a good level of English."

2009-04-30T12:27:00.007+03:00

JULIE R. B. Hermansen

SDU, Denmark

1: An Erasmus experince for me includes experiencing the country´s culture (food, traditions, art, history), learning something about the language, the way of living in the country and of course meeting both people from abroad but also people for the country.
2:An Erasmus experince in East Europe would be something not a lot of people from Denmark do, or at least I do not know anyone who went to East Europe. I guess it has something to do with history, just 20 years ago, a lot of East Europe was more or less closed for us. But I thing it would be interesting to go to East Europe because actually I have a lack of knowledge about East Europe.
3:I thing Erasmus stays in East Europe would help people becom more open minded towards East Europe, and in the long run help making the countries Europe work more together.
4:Well as I wrote before; it is still not so common to go to East Europe as West Europe in general, like when we go on vaccation etc. I do not know what the differences would be, however, I think some people chose not to go to East Europe because they are a bit "affraid". Here in Denamrk for example; there are a lot of problems with criminals comming from East Europe to Denmark. Every week a new incidence is on the news, and even though people know that everyone in East Europe are not criminals, it still contributes to a negative image of East Europe. And I think that is the real stopper for people, they do not know anything about East Europe except from what they hear on the news and most of that is unfortunatly negative!
5: Would I consider it; I hope I would, the attractive side would be to learn something about Romania, and I have heard that they have a good level of english.
6:Actually I only know that it is the home of Dracula and they should have better weather than in Denmark.
7: Well if I get the chance I would go either on Erasmus or on holiday.
8: Staying for free is always a good opportunity to get to know the country, and at a price students can afford. So jep I would go.
9: He he sorry but Dracula still comes first to my mind, and the oldest skelletons of Homo Sapiens were found in Romania, and then again better weather than here (it really does matter:))
10:People, language, culture, study program, transport.

"a different Europe"

2009-04-30T12:23:00.010+03:00

Francesc Aromir

University of Girona, Spain

The country
For me, the brand Romania means Europe (from European Union since 2007), but still a different Europe, modern but old at same time. When we hear it’s from East it reminds us of near Russia, next to Russia, maybe more than Europe. So it inspires me a poor country.
At same time, I usually hear it’s a country where there is much corruption and prostitution.
Romania has rivers and also sea, the Black Sea. I know its capital city is Bucharest, but not Budapest.
The tourism
I know that Spanish tourists are increasingly in its interest to go to Romania. There are more and more Spanish tourists that want and travel to Romania as destination. And I know that at same time Romania is one of the origins/countries that bring more and more immigrants to Spain. So we both countries share a common feature –even though because of different reason whys–, which is the influx of tourists between both countries, so it’s mutual.
The people
I think that people in Romania are more cold that people here in Spain, but that’s the same comparison with other countries. We are hotter because we are Mediterranean, and Romanian are colder because it’s also colder because of its temperature and also because of its culture, its geography... So I think that people in Romania, in general, are less sympathetic, physically stronger, and more or less with the same intellectual level.
What I have just said is a general idea, and I can say that Romanian people are famous by being stronger, with big bodies, and maybe colder talking about personality; but I think that like talking about anything, there are different people in every place.
I also can say that young people in Romania know more languages and better than young people here in Spain, and I think it’s like this because they are in a poorer country and they have to study hard, in order to ‘go out’ of its country and travel over Europe looking for a better investment.
The contacts
I met three students this year at University (Universitat de Girona; Catalonia, Spain) that were from Romania. They three were good and hard workers, sympathetic, friendly, but one of them seemed shyer than the others.
I also know a Romanian couple in my village. They are very sociable, at least at first contact, but then they seem to be a bit angrier and more stubborn.
Erasmus
For me, Erasmus means going out of home, practicing a lot English and making new friends. Of course, it also means studying in another country, so knowing another culture and people. All of this is the most important for me.
So in the Eastern Europe, it would be an opportunity to know it better the people and culture near to the East/Orient. For me it would be an opportunity to see and touch snow closer, and also to see and visit its museums and sculptures and cities and streets I know it has at least because of a student of those three that said once to me.
Offer
Of course if I had it I would accept the opportunity to visit Romania at a student for one or two weeks during the summer."

" Bucharest, Mircea Lucescu, Dracula"

2009-04-30T12:19:00.005+03:00

MUSTAFA Ergun

Hacettepe Üniversitesi, Turkey

Suitability of the subjects that I will attend for my department, the language that natives speak in that country, attitudes of local people, cost of living are mainly important factors for me in order to have a wonderful Erasmus experience. In addition, while choosing the country where I will study I pay attention to the country's location, climate and tourist attractions.
Erasmus experience in the Eastern Europe would be nice. To be frank I do not know much about these countries. However, it is always enjoyable to visit new places and to learn new cultures. Studying in Western Europe is always more attractive comparing to Eastern Europe because countries in that region are more developed and there are lots of different people from different countries and education systems are thought to be more advanced.
I would be pleasant to be in Romania for Erasmus Program. I think attitudes of Romanian people would be positive towards foreign students. I would be really interested in staying for free at a Romanian student during the summer. I know hardly anything about Romania. Top three words that come to my mind are Bucharest, Mircea Lucescu, Dracula. Study program, housing, duration, money, cultural attractions are the first 5 most important elements as for studying in another country.

"there’s not really such big difference related with studies."

2009-04-30T12:10:00.006+03:00

Neus Colome,

University of Girona,

Spain

How do you consider an Erasmus experience? What things do you think are important in order to have a wonderful Erasmus experience?

For me the most important thing is get involved with the inhabitants of the region that I would go. I think that if you go abroad it’s nice know the people, the culture, how the live… discovered that there is more people in the world than your friends, family, etc.

· How do you consider an Erasmus experience in the Eastern Europe?

Well, actually I was living in Slovenia for four months and I have to say that at the beginning I was little scared to go there, mainly cause the people still remind all the political problems that they had. But after living there four months I can say that it’s a safe place where all the people could live. So, regarding the question I would say that I wouldn’t mind go there like Erasmus experience but right now it’s not my first choice.

· What differences do you think there are between studying in Western Europe and studying in Eastern Europe?

Regarding my experience in Slovenia I can say that there’s not really such big difference related with studies.

· Would you be tempted to experience an Erasmus in Romania? What do you consider attractive? Or what do you consider unattractive?

As I said before Romania wouldn’t be one of my first choice if I could choose among all the countries in Europe, mainly because I don’t know at all the country so I would prefer go to a country that I know some information about it than go to a country that the only information I perceived from the news are negative.

· What do you know about Romania?

I don’t know anything at all.

· What did you think you know about Romania, and now you discovered that it isn't true?

Like I said before I don’t think anything about Romania.

· If you would have the opportunity to stay for free at a Romanian student for 1 or 2 weeks during the summer and visit Romania, would you be interested of this offer?

Of course! All the free things are perfect for me!

· Tell me 3 words you associate with Romania. Top of mind.

I can’t say anything.

· Which are the first 5 most important elements that you care about when comes to studying in another country? Choose between: people, language, housing, money, cultural attractions, leisure time, transport, study programme, duration (time)

I put all the issues from the most important for me to the less important:

Language, people, housing, duration (time), money, cultural attractions, leisure time, study programme, transport.

"un gran desconocido"

2009-04-30T12:03:00.005+03:00

CHILLA, Hungary
University of Girona
Spain.

How do you consider an erasmus experience? What things do you think are important in order to have a wonderfull Erasmus experience?
Creo que es bastante importante tener un organismo o personas que se ocupen del bienestar de los estudiantes Erasmus, como por ejemplo: velar por su seguridad en el nuevo país, recomendárles sitios para visitar, y hasta proporcionarles un guía, y proporcionar estudiantes nativos que les ayuden a relacionarse con los nuevos compañeros.

How do you consider an erasmus experience in the Eastern Europe, in Balkans?
Me encantaría, porque creo que hay muchos sitios interesantes para visitar, que para unas vacaciones normales no escogería.(Preferiría irme a Italia, Francia, Reino Unido,etc.)

What differrence would make such an experience?
Conocería otras culturas, otras costumbres que me enriquecerían tanto personal, como profesionalmente.

What differences do you think there are between studying in Western Europe and studying in Eastern Europe?
Supongo que estudiar en el Oeste de Europa, es más parecido a la enseñanza de España,sobretodo en cuanto a recursos. Europa del Este, es por lo tanto, un gran desconocido, y puede estar bien ver cómo se enseñan las mismas cosas, con diferentes técnicas.

Would you be tempted to experience an erasmus in Romania? What do you consider attractive? Or what do you consider unattractive?
Atractivo: es mi país de origen
No atractivo: está bastante lejos, y aún no hay muchas compañías low cost que permitan viajar con frecüencia.

What do you know about Romania?

Everything...Es un país del Este de Europa, de unos 23.000.000 de ciudadanos, la capital del cual es Bucarest, etc…

What did you think you know about Romania, and now you discovered that it isn't true ?
Iţve heard the reccession isnţt there zet..but it is...
If you would have the opportunity to stay for free at a Romanian student for 1 or 2 weeks during the summer and visit Romania, would you be interested of this offer?
Sí, por supuesto.

Tell me 3 words you associate with Romania. Top of mind.
Hogar, Frío, Pocos recursos.

Which are the first 5 most important elements that you care about when comes to studying in another country? Choose between: people, language, housing,money, cultural attractions, leisure time, transport,study programme, duration (time).

Language, housing, cultural attractions, study programme, leisure time.

"a special flavour that I really like"

2009-04-30T11:45:00.004+03:00

ROBERT Botey Beguiristain

University of Girona, Spain

"An Erasmus is something that I have thinking about even before going to the university, because I have been always adventurer and also in every travel I had made I thought how can be me life living there.

From my point of view there isn’t so many things important to have a wonderfull Erasmus experience, through my friends erasmus experience, after visiting them, I realized that wherever you go, whoever you meet, whatever that happen to you will be such a great experience in your life that the rest doesn’t really matter.

Eastern europe seems to be very different from western europe, where I live. I thinks that’s a real different culture, a real diferent way of live and that one of the things that more attract me.

Of course I am tempted to experience an erasmus in Romania, that’s reason I wil have it. The most attractive thing is that for me all the east-european countries have a special flavour that I really like. Like a walk in the immediate past. On the other hand, my dreads are focus to insecurity of the unknown. Although that unknown is becoming more know because of a marvels persons I meet from Romania.

If I am honest I have to say that in Spain we don’t really know Romania. Most of the people (I am ashamed to say it) associate Romania to immigration in a negative way, but that is no true, It is a cognitive bias.

I thought about Romania that all the people were vampires, an unfortunetly it’s no true.

Because I will have my erasmus experience in Bucharest it will be a real pleasure to have the opportunity stay for free at a Romanian student for 1 or 2 weeks during the summer and visit Romania. In that way, I will discover a little what can I expect from my entire year there.

If I had to say three words that I associate with Romania I will say rural, hospitality and Dacia.

The first 3 most important elements that I care about studying in another country: people, cultural attractions and leisure time."

A series of interviews, videos and insights from abroad about Romania

2009-04-30T11:34:00.007+03:00

Erasmus in Romania. Trying to find out how foreign students consider such an experience, we asked them to answer the following questions.
This is how we got to make a content research on written material, and also on multimedia material. All the material will be posted, in order to be transparent :P.

It will help us to better understand what lacks in the information about Romania, which are the stereotypes, and how these can be changed or completed by personal contact with Romania & Romanian students.

Wanna see the questions?

For the answers, check out the next posts :).

You can easily find the students that participated at this research by checking their facebook account or by asking us their e-mails.

... you're more Romanian than we are!!!!

2009-04-30T11:16:00.007+03:00

... You're more Romanian than we are, if you know all the "info" below.

It's nice even for us to learn new stuff about our country. :)

So, hoping you have the sense of humour, here it is: exclusively for you, a range of "common beliefs "about Romania.

You know you're Romanian when..

1. All you eat tastes like garlic and onion.

2. You try to recycle flower wraps, present wraps, and, of course, aluminium foil.

3. You're sitting next to the largest bags in the whole airport.

4. You arrive one or two hour late at parties and it seems perfectly normal.

5. Your kids have nicknames which are far from their real names.

6. After you visit someone, you keep on talking to them in front of their door for another hour.

7. Your parents never ever throw anything away and if you manage to actually throw something away, it misteriously reappears back.

8. Your curtains are made out of lace.

9. Your rugs cover every square inch of your house.

10. You have or had rugs on your walls.

11. Your mother says you're skinny even if you weigh 110 kg.

12. You have hangings at least on one door in your house.

13. Your mother recycles plastic glasses, carton plates and sandwich bags by washing them.

14. Your table-cloth is made out of vinyl.

15. Your kitchen drawers are full of empty jam jars and various other recipients.

16. Your parents call you animal diminutives when you piss them off.

17. Your mother washes clothes at 40°C. Only.

18. When you cook, you never use measuring devices.

19. You can't leave on trips unless 5 or more people accompany you to the bus, airport or train.

20. You call interurban only after 11 PM.

21. Your parents call you to ask if you ate, even if it's midnight.

22. Your parents don't realise that technology got better and when they call international they scream in the phone.

23. You've got used covers on your couches so your upholstery doesn't get dirty.

24. You don't know half the people at your wedding...because your parents invited them.

25. You can see the ground from a train's WC. While it's moving.

26. Your kid wears three jackets and a hat in September, even if outside there's 25°C.

27. You weat an overcoat from September to May.

28. If you see someone in shorts in December you think he's crazy, even if outside there's 20°C.

29. You think that milk+fruits is a good laxative.

30. You think that "urda", "mamaliga", "telemea", "zacusca", "parizer" are international foods.

31. When you have visitors you have fun by giving them the strongest liquor in the house...and if they can drink it in one shot you pour them more.

32. When you have guests and you ask them if they want anyhting, "NO" from them means "YES" to you.

33. Sour cream is a must on every food.

34. In every room, you must HAVE to find a picture or either Jesus, Mary or Joseph

35. The common cure for arthritis/back pain/common rashes/parkingson/cancer is Crema Chinezeasca (Chinese Cream) which can be found in those small red boxes with a tiger and a dragon on them.

36. Your lower drawer contains a whole pharmacy's supply, ranging from paracetamol to aspirina, tightly pressed between two paper sheets.

37. At least one of your family members drives a Dacia. (Alternative: You know what a Dacia is)

38. You get sniffed by the dogs at the airport and they find 3 Salam de Sibiu in your luggage and 4 bottles of tuica.

39. Your country's corrupt president gets suspended by an even more corrupt communist parliament.

40. You keep all the windows closed on public transport even though it's 25 degrees C outside.

41. you pretty much never wear seat belts

42. You know someone with 20 kids

43. Your mom is a doctor and force feeds you medicine for anything ranging from a headache, stomach ache to a stubbed toe

44. Your mom chased you with anything ranging from a rolling pin to a broom telling you to stop so that she could hit you

45. When your parents meet strangers and talk for a few minutes, you discover you're talking to a distant cousin

46. You have mastered the art of bargaining in grocery shopping

47. Even if you score 26/26 points at the Driving Licence Test, you will still pay 250 RON as BRIBE to the policeman at the Practical driving Test (Orasul).

48. Every public servant yells at you in a public office, for any question you ask.

49. People push you everywhere, even if it's not crowded

50. Your faculty profesors keep teaching until they are 95 years old.

51. Your alcohol levels are way beyond normal limits after you go to your countryside house (la tara)
52. It's "normal" if your wedding has 600 people.

all this available thank to facebook group: You know you're Romanian when...

Test your Romanian Resistance Level!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :P

2009-04-30T11:14:00.003+03:00

under construction... :D

coming soon

2009-04-30T11:12:00.002+03:00

How to visit Romania for free

2009-04-30T11:11:00.005+03:00

This part of our blog is dedicated to helping foreign students to come visit Romania, whether they want to come here on Erasmus or not.

Are you curious about our country?

Do you want to travel and visit the world but want to keep your budget low?

Would you consider Romania as a possibility for Erasmus but want to "investigate" first?

We offer you our desire to share our culture with you and we invite you to come visit and stay at our places , for free! You've got no excuse now to leave this part of the world unknown to you!

What you need to do is first write us an email at erasmus.in.romania@gmail.com and let us know in what period you would like to come visit (including details such as: what you would like to see, what city you would like to live in, how many people you'll be travelling with) and then we'll spread the word to our friends and networks and find you a suitable host!

Want to be a host?

If you live in Romania, have an extra bed and an extra bit of time to show people from all around the world about your country...

if you have been an Erasmus student and want to help out other future Erasmus students...or if you are simply keen on sharing Romania with the world---

here's what you can do for the project:

create a profile on www.couchsurfing.org
send us a link to your profile together with your email address and phone number
spread out our idea through your foreign friends!

our email is:

erasmus.in.romania@gmail.com

Cultural Survival Kit

2009-04-30T11:08:00.004+03:00

we are the same

Live Streaming Experience

2009-04-30T11:06:00.007+03:00

In this section, we invited Robert to tell us the story of his journey with Erasmus in Romania.
Student at Advertising and Public Relations at University of Girona, Spain, he decided that he could handle Romania.
So, we are all now looking forward to him coming in October in Bucharest, at the Communication & PR Faculty of SNSPA.
Keeping in touch with our blog will let you have the live streaming experience that Robert agreed to share with us and with you.

A glimpse into his thoughts: click here.

Facts and Figures

2009-04-25T22:52:00.000+03:00

The Flag
The national flag of Romania is a tricolour: blue, yellow and red. Basically, the three colours so dear to the Romanians are to be found in banners dating back to the time of Mihai Viteazul and even Ştefan cel Mare. The colours are placed vertically as follows: blue (hoist), yellow (in the middle) and red (fly).

National Anthem of Romania
The lyrics of the national anthem belong to Andrei Mureşan (1816-1863), a Romantic poet, journalist, translator, a genuine tribune of the times marked by the 1848 Revolution. The music was composed by Anton Pann (1796-1854), a poet and ethnographer, a man of great culture, a singer and author of music textbooks. The poem became an anthem in 1990 under the title Deşteaptă-te române (Awaken, Romanian) and spontaneously earned recognition owing to its energetic and mobilising message.

National Day: December 1st
Form of Government: Republic, with two legislative bodies: Senate and Chamber of Deputies.
Currency: Leu (pl. lei)
Surface: Romania spans a total surface of 237,500 square kms. (roughly 91,800 sq.miles). The teritory is divided into 41 counties.
Official language: Romanian
Population: 21,698,181 (2002 estimate)
Romanians: 89,5%
Hungarians: 6,6%
Rroma: 2,5%
Germans: 0,3%
Ukrainians: 0,3%
Major cities
Bucharest (capital ever since 1659), Iaşi, Timişoara, Braşov, Cluj-Napoca, Constanţa

source: http://www.unibuc.ro/uploads_en/images/71/ERASMUS2.pdf

Kumm (music)

2009-04-20T14:11:00.000+03:00

A Romanian undergound band appealing for foreigners (the guys prefer English for lyrics)

well, this clip is in Romanian :D

Phoenix (music)

2009-04-20T14:07:00.000+03:00

A legendary band- a "must"on your list for the Cultural Survival Kit.

With subtitles:

when these guys were young:

The youth spirit:

no fear, thousands of destinations.... anywhere on the GLOBE

2009-04-19T14:17:00.000+03:00

Well, we really were impressed by this guy!

Take a look at the video and taste the feeling of no fear for new cultures and new countries!
After all, we're all the same :)