FOREWORD Dear future EuroCO delegates, It is with great pleasure that I introduce you to the journey of EuroCo 2012! We have looked with high admiration and consideration at the work that our colleagues from Russia have done in delivering the IC 2012. EuroCo is far from being as well-known as the IC in the AIESEC network, but that’s why one of our objectives is to increase the notoriety of EuroCo all across the globe by delivering you a memorable conference. On behalf of AIESEC in Romania, AIESEC in Cluj-Napoca and the CC Team, I want to ensure you that we strive for the best and although we try to make sure that everything is perfect for you, however, contrary to popular belief, this is not always possible . So, on this note we kindly ask for your cooperation in any inconveniece that might occur and we want to let you know that we are here to support you every step of the
way to attending EuroCo 2012. And to give you some highlights of what’s to come, here are some of the things that we have in store for you - Opening Ceremony, Youth to World forum with students in Cluj, Global Village, Romanian Night, Gala Dinner, three genuine Romanian post study-tours, Cool Branded Merchandise and, of course, plenty of enthusiasm, joy and Romanian grappa. I am sure that together, through EuroCo, we can take our organisation to the next level. We are eagerly waiting to meet you here, in Cluj-Napoca! Best regards, Alexandra Beșe Project Coordinator for European Congress 2012
„Use the power of the team in crafting young leaders, through an impeccable, sustainable and impactful project for society”.
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Foreword Participating countries EuroCo 2012 EuroCo 2012 Events Romania – a land of diversity Cluj-Napoca EuroCo 2012 Venue Transportation Visa requirements and procedures Study Tours Fee and payment policies Stay in touch with us
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From 18th to 24th of October 2012, EuroCo (“European Congress”) will take place in ClujNapoca, Romania for the first time ever and will be hosted by AIESEC Cluj-Napoca. The conference will act as an intern ational meeting platform for more than 40 countries. The Annual Meeting is designed to host approximately 200 – 230 Local Committee Presidents especially from the CEE and WENA regions and shall facilitate cooperation and communication at the European level, as well as the development of LCPs’ understanding of the global direction and the new initiatives and thus providing them with efficient tools to run their LCs. This is the platform for each LC to “make a debut” in the international network, as EuroCo is the basis of cooperation for the year, and also plays a big role in how the LCs will be perceived. So, the content of the sessions is just as important as the outside-agenda meetings and agreements.
The main goal for the seven days of workshops, discussions and seminars is to provide the participants with important “soft” and “hard-skills” for their work in the organizations they come from and interact with AIESEC’s partners. Moreover, EuroCo 2012 represents a platform for networking and discussing relevant world topics as well as exchanging international and cultural experiences. What previous participants say about EuroCo: “The experience of a lifetime, truly transformative, crazy, new and memorable!” We hope you are as excited as we are. And know this: we'll work very hard for you to have an amazing experience!
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18th of October
The Opening Ceremony of AIESEC European Congress 2012 will mark the official start of one of the biggest international conferences within the global AIESEC network. Creating an electrifying atmosphere with music and dance, the Organizing Team will welcome over 200 international delegates, Romanian students, sponsors, media partners, authorities, international representatives of AIESEC and provide an extraordinary opening with cultural performances and an entertaining introduction of the European Congress.
18th of October
Youth to World Forum is the event that facilitates the exchange of ideas between the congress’ delegates, students of Cluj-Napoca’s universities and companies. It will take place at Napoca Conference Center.
19th of October
ROMANIAN NIGHT
18th of October
GLOBAL VILLAGE Global Village creates the space for an international come-together, where all the participating countries and “EuroCo 2012” delegations share their specialties, cuisines, stories, experience, dances and a lot more. This amazing AIESEC tradition connects the participants across cultures and shows a sparkle of global unity and openness in a comfortable and diverse atmosphere. The colorful “culture exhibition” will be opened for the public and invites more than 1000 people to a journey through 45 different countries, cultures and traditions. Global Village will take place at Museum Square. Each participating country will have a stand decorated according to each culture’s traditions.
Romanian Night is an event meant to familiarize the delegates with the history, culture and the traditions of Romania through typical stories, traditional dance performances and music. This interactive presentation will be made by Romanian singers and dancers, in a special location with Romanian “flavor”.
22nd of October
GALA DINNER The concept of the Gala Night is to create an unforgettable evening for the delegates by introducing them to the tradition of the Romanian culture of balls/proms. After a delightful dinner, there will be a special evening in an elegant atmosphere that will reunite the delegates, as well as the Congress partners and AIESC Romania Alumni, offering them the chance to discuss with valuable people, to interchange successful ideas or, why not, to learn new dances, in a typical Romanian ball atmosphere.
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A land of diversity Authentic, natural and cultural are the words that best capture the essence of Romania, a dynamic country rich in history, arts and scenic beauty. Romania is situated in Central Europe, around the Carpathian arch with the Danube on the south and the Black Sea to the east. It is home to many rivers, lakes, splendid mountains and beautiful rolling hills. You can also find medieval fortresses, ancient towns, numerous castles and wooden painted churches. Bucharest is the capital and largest city. Tourism focuses on the country's natural landscapes, its rich history and it is a significant contributor to the Romanian economy. There are almost 10,000 km² (about 5% of the total area) of protected areas in Romania, covering 13 national parks and three biosphere reserves: the Danube Delta, Retezat National Park and Rodna National Park. The Danube Delta Reserve Biosphere is the largest and least damaged wetland complex in Europe.
A country of contrast Romania's culture is the product of its geographical position and of its distinct historical evolution. It is defined as the meeting point of Central Europe, Eastern Europe, and the Balkans, but cannot be truly included in any of them.The Romanian identity formed on a substratum of mixed Roman and Dacian elements, with numerous other influences like: Slavic, German, Hungarian, Turkish. In December 1989, Romania was reborn as a free nation. This diverse country now welcomes tourists who can enjoy a wonderfully varied heritage of traditional culture, scenic splendors and opportunities for leisure.
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Curious? If you are curious to find out more geographical, historical, political or touristic details about Romania, here are some useful links: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romania http://www.romaniatourism.com/ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/country_profiles/1057466.stm http://www.lonelyplanet.com/romania
Try this :) While reading descriptions about Romania here’s a small playlist to take you to our lands: http://www.trilulilu.ro/lupsanrares/69adc8cd6aaf94 http://www.trilulilu.ro/bilocatul/862cdbcea48c15 http://www.trilulilu.ro/septimosaur/56d458795a7a9c
Romanian cuisine is a blend of dishes from several cultures with which it has come into contact, but maintains its own character. It has been greatly influenced by Ottoman cuisine, but also includes influences from the cuisines of other neighbors. Romanians like to eat, a lot, but they eat with diversity :) Recipes bear the same influences as the rest of Romanian culture: from Roman times there still exists the simple pie called, in Romanian, “placinta”. The Turks brought meatballs (“fried mititei” or “perisoare” in a soup called “ciorba”); from the Greeks there is “musaca” (moussaka); from the Bulgarians, a wide variety of vegetable dishes like “zacusca”; from the Austrians there is the “snitel” (schnitzel) and “covrigi” (hot pretzels); from the Hungarians, their ornate pastries; and the list could go on.
One of the most common meals is “mamaliga”(polenta). Pork is the main meat used in Romanian cuisine ("The best fish is always pork" as Romanians like to say), but beef is also consumed and a good lamb or fish is always hard to refuse.
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The Palace of Parliament, located in Bucharest, ranks as the biggest office building in Europe and second-largest in the world, after the U.S. Pentagon? The Romanian city of Timisoara was the first in Europe to have electric street-lighting? Voronet Monastery, located in north eastern Romania, is also known as the “Sistine Chapel of the East”? Brasov is home to what is said to be the narrowest street in Europe ? The meaning of the word “Transylvania” is “the land beyond the forest”? The movies Cold Mountain, Modigliani, Callas Forever, Blood and Chocolate were filmed on location in Romania? Romania features the youngest continental land (Danube Delta) in Europe? The Bruckenthal museum in Sibiu opened its doors to the public three years prior to the Louvre Museum in Paris, being one of the first museums in Europe?
Cluj-Napoca is the second most populous city in Romania. Located in the Someșul Mic River valley, the city is considered the unofficial capital to the historic Transylvania. Once in Cluj, one finds it difficult to leave. The city has a distinguished charm, given by its almost 2000 years old history, its geographic location and life itself. In Cluj, time flows differently, and people take the time to say hello to each other, to take a stroll in the Botanical Garden, to watch the reflection of the sun beams in the twin buildings on the "mirror" street and to smile. The city is a cosmopolitan and multicultural one. It is enlivened by the over 100.000 students, who come from all over the country and abroad. The city hosts a number of cultural festivals of various types. These occur throughout the year: "Sărbătoarea Muzicii" (Fête de la Musique), the Transilvania Philarmonic hosts the Classical Music Festival, a number of beer festivals throughout the summer, among them the "Septemberfest" and the “Transilvania International Film Festival” (TIFF). If you come to Cluj, you’ll have the chance to feel on your own the famous Transylvanian calm and reflexive mind, humbleness and specific hospitality.
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Sightseeing
Botanical Garden Occupying 14 ha of abrupt and hilly land in the south of the city, it is the largest green area of ClujNapoca, displaying a large variety of flora.
National theater
UNESCO patrimony, the monument of architecture which host the theater and opera, was built in 1906 in baroque with rococo style, by Austrian architects Helmer and Fellner.
St. Michael Cathedral
The Orthodox Cathedr
Was built between 1350 and 1487, probably immediately after the settlement had officially become a town, in 1316.
Built in 1923-1933 with a Romanian Brâncovenesc style, a synthesis of Renaissance and Byzantine architectur it lies on the Avram Iancu Square.
Central Park Slabbed alleys and narrow paths, benches and playgrounds, the familiar artesian well and an irregular scenic pond, all make up the favorite recreation place of the inhabitants.
Tailors’ tower Built in the 15th century, it guarded the southern access way in the medieval fortress. Today it holds the center for urban art.
Ethnographic Museum
Endowed with a collection of more than 65,000 ethnographic items, the museum offer excellent introduction to Transylvania folk art and traditions. . National Art Museum
The Baroque German palace, former residence of count Banffy, now hosts Cluj Napoca Art Museum, offering a fivecentury synthesis of Romanian art
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EUROCO 2012 Venue The congress itself will take place in Cluj-Napoca, at Grand Hotel Napoca****, which is the biggest Conference Center in Transilvania and can accomodate 4000 people in conference, from which 1600 people in one conference room (“Europa”). Grand Hotel Napoca is also the largest banqueting venue in all It is located in downtown Cluj, on the banks of Somes River, near the Central Park, at a distance of only: 2 minutes from the Central Stadium 5 minutes from the CFR Stadium Dr. Constantin Radulescu 4 minutes from the Centre of the town (km 0) 5 minutes from the Central Station 3 minutes from the Sports Arena 20 minutes from the airport Grand Hotel Napoca has 5 apartments, 48 double matrimonial rooms and 102 double twin rooms, so you will be accomodated 2-3 people per room.
PRE and POST Accomodation If you decide to come to Cluj Napoca before the conference, and stay a couple of days after the congress, we recommend you these 3 accommodations: Grand Hotel Napoca **** The venue where the congress will
take place. The fee / night is 20 euros (breakfast included) and 30 euros (3 meals per day).
City Center hostel City Center Hostel offers affordable accommodation in the heart of Cluj-Napoca. It is air conditioned and has an on-site restaurant serving local and international cuisine. Unirii Square and Museum Square can be reached on foot within 1 to 3 minutes. Set with modern furnishings, the hostel has double rooms as well as dormitory rooms of varying sizes. All shared bathrooms feature hydro-massage showers. The fee / night/ person is around 15 euro.
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Retro Hostel Quietly situated in a pedestrian area inside Cluj-Napoca's mediaeval city wall, Hostel Retro offers 24-hour reception. The shared bathrooms are next to the rooms and there are 2 common kitchens. Different maps of the region and international telephone cards are provided at the reception. Safe luggage storage is available. Guests of the Retro Hostel can start their day with a breakfast or prepare food in the well-equipped common kitchen. Hostel Retro is a 2-minute walk from the Main Square and 500 metres away from the Babes-Bolyai University, the second largest university in Romania. Guests can also visit the Museum of History, the Botanical Garden or the Ethnographic Museum of Cluj. Cluj Airport is 6 km and the train station is 2 km away. The fee / night/ person is around 15 euro.
Travelling
Our Transportation Partner - Holiday Dreams Travel - will help you find the most convenient travel option to Romania. All you need to do is complete the on-line form we have on our site (http://euroco2012.eu/travel-support/) with your traveling preferences and as soon as possible you will get the traveling suggestions from our specialized Partner. You can find details about traveling to Romaniaon our websitehttp://euroco2012.eu/travel-support/.
VISA REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES
Visa requirements: Since Romania is an EU member state, delegates from other EU countries and some exceptions do not require a visa. Therefore, if your citizenship is among the lucky non-visa countries from the list below, you don't need a visa and just come to Romania.
Visa non required: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland , United Kingdom.
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Visa requiring countries: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia Herzegovina, Georgia, Kyrgyzatan, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Macedonia, Russia, Serbia, Tajikistan, Turkey, Ukraine.
Even though Romania is not in the Schengen space, don't worry - by reading carefully the steps below and by keeping a clear communication with the Delegation Servicing Team, getting your visa will not be an obstacle.
1. The countries that still need a visa, please carefully fill in the Visa part of the application during the registration. 2. Call the Romanian Embassy in your country and ask for the list of documents (eg. Invitation letter, passport, visa application form, insurance) you need to prepare and how your visa application process will unfold. (Note: according to certain diplomatic treaties, some countries from the list above may not require all the documents; for details, carefully check with the embassy or the delegation servicing visa responsible). 3. Receive confirmation e-mail from Congress Committee . 4. Apply for a visa at the Romanian Embassy. Please keep in mind that you, as EuroCo delegate, are also responsible for getting your Romanian visa on time. 5. Get your visa and have a nice trip to Romania!
The Congress Committee will start the Invitation letter preparation only after getting the approved list of delegates from MCPs at the end of delegates’ registrations. If you have any questions regarding the visa do not hesitate to contact our Delegates Servicing Visa Responsible Anca Robu (contact: midori.anca@gmail.com; +40742 862 921)
STUDY TOURS
Choose your study tour! Discover authentic and unique places in Romania by going in one of the Study tours that we have prepared for you! Find more details about each route and book a place on our website: http://euroco2012.eu/study-tours/
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Fee & Payment Policies The FEE: The conference fee is 200 Euro + 20 Euro damage fee + the bank transfer commission (depending on your bank tax policies). The payment need to be made per country through bank transfer, by September 30th with the following bank account details: AIESEC Cluj-Napoca RO 37 BTRL 0130 4205 9195 14XX Payment reference: [AIESEC Country, Conference Fee].
Cancellation Policy For the ďŹ rst round of Applications: After the 7th of September and until the Congress Committee receives the approved list of delegates.Cancellations or Replacements are possible for a penalty fee of 20 Euros *. After the approved list of delegates is announced and until the 30th of September, you will need to pay 50% of the fee *. After 30th of September, the fee will not be returned anymore *. *In case you do not pay the cancellation fee, it will be billed to your country's invoice for the Conference. For the second round of Applications: After the 18th of September and until the Congress Committee receives the approved list of delegates. Cancellations or Replacements are possible for a penalty fee of 20 Euros*. After the approved list of delegates is announced and until the 30th of September, you will need to pay 50% of the fee*. After 30th of September, the fee will not be returned anymore*. *In case you do not pay the cancellation fee, it will be billed to your country’s invoice for the Conference. Delegates who cannot attend the conference due to rejection of their VISA or a lack of reply on their application, may cancel without a charge until the 8th of October 2012. This only applies to delegates who applied for VISA by the 14th of September 2012(including) and following the guidelines of the Congress Committee. Delegates who did not receive an answer regarding their VISA by the 8th of October(including), but choose not to cancel their participation are fully liable for the entire conference fee if they do not obtain the VISA afterwards. For any question you may have, we are here to support you. Please do not hesitate to write to our Delegates Servicing Responsible - Simina Ilea, at simina.ilea@gmail.com.
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STAY IN TOUCH WITH US! Delegates Servicing Coordinator: Simina Ilea E-mail: simina.ilea@gmail.com Tel: +40 746 562 590 Website: http://euroco2012.eu Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/euroco2012 Twitter: https://twitter.com/EuroCo2012 Our blog: http://www.euroco2012.blogspot.ro/
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