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Content I. AIESEC in Romania ................................................................................................................................ 3 1. History ............................................................................................................................................. 3 2. Short description ............................................................................................................................. 3 II. Discover Romania ................................................................................................................................ 4 1. Romania........................................................................................................................................... 4 2. History ............................................................................................................................................. 4 3. Geography ....................................................................................................................................... 5 4. Interesting places to visit................................................................................................................. 6 Bucharest ......................................................................................................................................... 6 Cluj-Napoca ..................................................................................................................................... 6 Sibiu ................................................................................................................................................. 6 Sighişoara ........................................................................................................................................ 7 Brasov .............................................................................................................................................. 7 Constanţa ........................................................................................................................................ 7 Timişoara ......................................................................................................................................... 7 5. Transportation ................................................................................................................................. 8 5.1. Transport from “OTOPENI” Airport - Bucharest....................................................................... 9 5.2 Transport from International Airport “HENRI COANDǍ” – Bucharest .................................... 10 6. Accommodation in Bucharest ...................................................................................................... 11 7. Customs and traditions in Romania .............................................................................................. 11 8. Cuisine and Drinks ......................................................................................................................... 11 9. Practical information from A to Z about Romania: ....................................................................... 12 10. Money.......................................................................................................................................... 13 11. Visas ............................................................................................................................................. 14 III. Did you Know.................................................................................................................................... 14 IV. Useful words and phrases ................................................................................................................ 15 V. Golden Rules ..................................................................................................................................... 16
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I. AIESEC in Romania 1. History AIESEC Romania was founded in 1990 and since then it has been offering development opportunities for the students through the Global Community Development Program and the Global Internship Program. These opportunities are in perfect accordance with the students own fields of interest. AIESEC in Romania has 15 local committees (Arad, Braşov, Bucuresti, ClujNapoca, Constanţa, Craiova, Galaţi, laşi. Oradea, Piteşti, Ploiesti, Sibiu, Suceava, Târgu Mureş, Timişoara), 450 members and over 200 exchange programs and graduates per year. AIESEC Romania activates in 13 universities in the major cities of the country. 22 years of generating positive impact in society makes AlESEC in Romania the first provider of international experiences for students and recent graduates.
2. Short description The AlESEC aims towards "Peace and fulfillment of humankind's potential". There are six main values on which the global organization relies on: Activating Leadership, Demonstrating Integrity, Living Diversity, Enjoying Participation, Striving for Excellence and Acting Sustainably. On an individual level, AIESEC enables students to live the AIESEC Experience by taking on leadership opportunities, gaining business skills, and connecting to a global network of students by attending international conferences and internships abroad. There are five mainly principles: Taking an Active Role (main goal: proactive behavior), Developing Self-Awareness and Personal Vision (assuming responsibility), Increasing Capacity (learning theory and applying it in practice), Building a Network (networking) and Challenging Worldview (holistic world view). AIESEC is an organization for young people: either students or graduates. AIESEC offers them many opportunities, in order to discover and develop their potential, so that they will have a positive impact in society. Each year, recruitments take place in autumn and spring. Students from all the years of study are selected and those who are chosen, after a preparation program will become part of our team.
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II. Discover Romania 1. Romania General overview: "Considered by many the most beautiful country in Eastern-Europe, Romania still claims regions that seem bastions of a medieval past long since lost elsewhere." CAPITAL: Bucharest FORM OF GOVERNMENT: Republic CLIMATE: temperate continental - hot summers, sunny springs and autumns, and cold winters. Snow covers the area from the end of December until middle of March. Rain falls throughout the year. Depending on the period when you are here you should expect to find rainy springs (March, April, May) with temperatures varying from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius, hot summers (June, July, August) with a maximum temperature of almost 40 degrees Celsius, windy and chilly autumns (September, October, November) 10-20 degrees Celsius and cold winters (December, January, February) from -15 to below 10 degrees. When packing, consider taking adequate clothes and if you want, you can always ask your Buddy for further info. RELIGION: the majority of the population is Christian Orthodox CURRENCY: LEU (RON) plural LEI (pronunciation: lay) 1 EUR0=4.48 LEI 1 USD= 3.55 LEI EU accession: January 1. 2007
2. History Romanians are the sole descendants of the Eastern Roman world, and their language, along with Spanish, Portuguese, French and Italian, is one of the major of-spring of Latin. During the period of Austro-Hungarian rule in Transylvania, and Ottoman suzerainty over Wallachia and Moldavia, most Romanians were in the situation of being second-class citizens (or even non- citizens) in a territory where they formed the majority of the population. In some Transylvanian cities, such as Brasov (at that time the Transylvanian Saxon citadel of Kronstadt), Romanians were not even allowed to reside within the city walls. Later on, in spite of the hostility and open opposition of the same great and powerful neighbors, they managed to achieve national unity in 1859, a process eventually completed in 1918. At the end of World War I, the centuries-old dream of reunification of all the Romanians within the boundaries of one single nation-state came true. The ensuring two decades of economic, political and cultural advance are cut short soon after the outbreak of World War II, in 1940, when one third of the country's area and population is amputated. 4
In 1945 the nearly one-century long democratic traditions (with all the inherent imperfections) are cut short by Soviet troops and the forcible imposition of the communist regime. The hopes awakened by the distance taken from the Soviet model over 19601968 are soon dispelled by the advent to power of most oppressive and absurd totalitarian regime-that of Nicolae CeauĹ&#x;escu. That devastating dictatorial rule is brought to an end by the people's revolt of December 1989, which closes the historical gap Romania lived in for 45 years and opened a new page in Romania's contemporary history. Conditions were created for a final breakaway from the communist regime and paved the way for the restoration of democracy. The adoption of the new Constitution on 21 November 1991, the free parliamentary and presidential elections of May 1990 and September 1992 were as many steps on the path to the irreversible break- away from the communist regime.
3. Geography An interesting fact about Romania's geography is that the plains, the hillsides and the mountains occupy each the same percentage of the landscape- 33%, and 1% is occupied by the Danube Delta. So you can find pretty much everything your heart desires: the Carpathian mountains, covered with ancient forests, carved by deep valise hollowed up by echoing caves, crisscrossed by streams rivers and water-falls, hillsides covered by vineyards and plains with villages.
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4. Interesting places to visit Bucharest
Known for its wide, tree-lined boulevards, Glorious Belle Époque buildings and a reputation for the high life (which in the 1900s earned its nickname of “Little Paris”), Bucharest, Romania‟s largest city and capital, is today a bustling metropolis.
Cluj-Napoca
The main square, resplendent with 18th and 19th century buildings, is dominated by the 15th century St. Michael‟s Church, one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the country.
Sibiu
Designated European Capital of Culture in 2007, Sibiu retains the grandeur of its earlier days when rich and powerful guilds dominated regional trade.
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Sighişoara
Transylvania is also home to the exquisite medieval town of Sighişoara, a perfectly intact 15th century gem with nine towers, narrow passageways and cobbled streets, burgher houses and ornate churches. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Braşov
The location of the city at the intersection of trade routes linking the Ottoman Empire and Western Europe, together with certain tax exemptions, allowed Saxon merchants to obtain considerable wealth and exert a strong political influence. They contributed a great deal to the architectural flavor of the city.
Constanţa
Is located in the southeast of the country and it‟s the oldest city in Romania certified by. The first documentary attestation dates from 657 BC. Currently Constanţa is the largest and most important port of Romania find located on the Black Sea coast.
Timişoara
Timisoara is a city in Banat region of western Romania. The city is called “Little 7
Vienna� because it belong for a very long time to the Habsburg Empire and the entire city center consist on buildings built in the Kaiser era, which is reminiscent of old Vienna. Timisoara was the first European city to be lit by electric street lamps in 1884. Timisoara was the first city in Romania proclaimed on December 20th, 1989 free city after the revolution.
5. Transportation
Bus Most cities offer efficient and very inexpensive bus, trolleybus or tram transportation. There are several bus companies that offer fast and inexpensive connections between Romania's main cities. Car rental Car is the best way to visit Romania as this allows visitors to admire the unique scenery and take advantage of the innumerable photo opportunities that they will encounter even during short drives. Renters must be over 21 and have a valid driver's license and an internationally valid credit card. Train Romania has a well-developed railway network that covers virtually the whole country. Trains are the most popular means of getting around Romania. The cheapest and slowest are Local Trains (Personal). The next fastest and more expensive are Express Trains (Accelerat and Rapid) that require a seat reservation along with the ticket. The fastest and the most expensive are Inter-City Trains (Inter City). The last two types of trains have dining cars and sleepers (overnight or long distance trains only). Taxi
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Taxis are available in every city and larger towns in Romania. They can be summoned by telephone or hailed on the street. Authorized taxis can be recognized by the TAXI sign on the roof. All Taxis should be equipped with meters. Calling a taxi company is always a good idea. Drivers approaching you at the airport or at the train station in Bucharest are likely to inflate their rates; please avoid them. For longer trips outside the city limits it is possible to agree on the fee before getting in. In most cases using a taxi for such trips is affordable and very convenient. If you choose to go by taxi, accept help only from the authorized taxi driver. In case you don’t have any phone number from a taxi company, please go to the information desk in the airport or ask your buddy/reception responsible for assistance.
5.1. Transport from “OTOPENI” Airport - Bucharest
Which Bus? Where?
When?
Express Line 783 (Bus) - to the center of Bucharest (45min) In front of the airport Time line: From Monday to Friday: 05:30-20:00 (every 15 min ) 20:30-23:00 (every 30 min) 23:30-05:30 (every 50 min) Saturday, Sunday and legal holidays: 05:30-23:00 (every 30 min) 23:30-05:30 (every 40 min)
Ticket?
Price?
Stops?
Express Line 780 (Bus) - to the train station In front of the airport Time line: From Monday to Friday: 05:30-20:00 (every 15 min ) 20:30-23:00 (every 30 min) Saturday, Sunday and legal holidays: 05:30-23:00 (every 30 min)
Ticket point: Outside of the airport, in front of “Arrivals” PROGRAM: Every day from 06:00 to 21:00
Ticket point: Outside of the airport, in front of “Arrivals” PROGRAM: Every day from 06:00 to 20:30
Price: 1 ticket: 3.5 Lei = 0,80 euro
Price: 1 ticket: 3.5 Lei = 0,80 euro
Stops: - Terminal Sosiri - Terminal Plecari - Oras Otopeni - Aeroport "Aurel Vlaicu" Baneasa - Piata Presei Libere Arcul de Triumf - Piata Victoriei* - Piata Romana - Piata Universitatii - Piata Unirii*
Stops: - Aeroportul International Henri Coanda - Soseaua Bucuresti-Ploiesti Aeroportul Baneasa - Bulevardul Expozitiei - Piata Presei Libere - Strada Aviator Popisteanu - Strada Clabucet Calea Grivitei - Piata Garii de Nord*
* are with subway stops that can take you
*where the train station is 9
directly to Gara de Nord, where the train station is
!!! PLEASE DO NOT TALK WITH STRANGERS. IN CASE YOU NEED HELP ASK ONLY AT THE INFORMATION OFFICE FROM THE AIRPORT OR CALL AN AIESEC REPRESENTATIVE.
5.2 Transport from International Airport “HENRI COANDǍ” – Bucharest Henri Coanda Express Trains -
they make the connection between International Airport Henri Coanda and Gara de Nord (the train station); The transportation from the airport to the train is made by a bus that travels with a sincronized schedule with the trains. For boarding, the bus stops in front of the „ARRIVALS”; The price of the ticket includes as well the transportation from the airport to the train and it costs 6 lei = 1,49 euro; You can buy the ticket from the ticket points open near „International Arrivals”, as well as from all the CFR points or travel agencies; You can find out at the Information Desk in the Airport the exact hours when the bus/train leaves;
!!! PLEASE DO NOT TALK WITH STRANGERS. IN CASE YOU NEED HELP ASK ONLY AT THE INFORMATION OFFICE FROM THE AIRPORT OR CALL AN AIESEC REPRESENTATIVE.
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6. Accommodation in Bucharest In case you need to spend the night in Bucharest or you wish to travel there and visit, tell your reception responsible to contact AIESEC Bucharest to book a place for you at:
The hostel is really close to the train station and you can stay one night for 13 Euro and… Breakfast is included. For more details you can check www.friendshostel.ro
7. Customs and traditions in Romania Romania's culture is the product of its geographical position and of its distinct historical evolution. It is fundamentally defined as the meeting point of three regions: Central Europe, Eastern Europe, and the Balkans, but cannot be truly included in any of them. The most striking thing about Romanian culture is the strong folk traditions which have survived to this day due to the rural character of the Romanian communities, which has resulted in an exceptionally vital and creative traditional culture. Romania's rich folk traditions have been nourished by many sources, some of which predate the Roman occupation. Traditional folk arts include wood carving, ceramics, weaving and embroidery of costumes, household decorations, dance, and richly varied folk music.
8. Cuisine and Drinks Romanians like to eat, and they eat a lot with a great diversity. Recipes bear the same influences as the rest of Romanian culture: from Roman times there still exists the simple pie called, in Romanian, placintă and keeping the initial meaning of the Latin word placenta. The Turks brought meatballs (fried mititei or perișoare in a soup called a ciorbă); from the Greeks there 11
is the musaca (moussaka); from the Bulgarians, a wide variety of vegetable dishes like zacuscă; from the Austrians there is the sniţel (schnitzel) and covrigi (hot pretzels); from the Hungarians, their ornate pastries; and the list could go on. The only traditional food is Tocaniţă. Wine is the main drink and has a tradition of over two millennia. Romania is currently the world's ninth largest wine producer, and exports have increased in recent years. A wide variety of domestic (Grasa, Tămaioasă) and worldwide (Italian Riesling, Merlo, Sauvignon blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Muscat Ottonel) varieties are produced. Moreover, Romania is the world's second largest grower of plums, and almost all of the plums become either the famous ţuică (a once-refined plum brandy) or pălincă (twice-ormore-refined plum brandy). Also, beer is highly appreciated - generally blonde pilsner beer, after the German style. One of the most common meals is the mamaligă, a common meal mush, for a long time considered the poor man's meal, but it has become very appreciated in recent times. Pork is the main meat used in Romanian cuisine, but also beef is consumed and a good lamb or fish dish is never to be refused. In conjunction with special events or periods, different recipes are prepared. During Christmas, traditionally every family slaughters a pig and cooks it using a wide variety of traditional recipes like cârnaţi- a kind of long sausages with meat; caltaboși - sausages made with liver and other intestines; piftie a jelly made from parts like the feet, the head and ears; and also tochitură (a kind of stew) is served along with mamaligă and wine ("so that the pork can swim") and of course sweetened with the traditional cozonac (sweet bread with nuts or lokum - rahat in Romanian, known in English as Turkish delight).Lamb is traditional for Easter: the main dishes are roast lamb and drob - a cooked mix of off al, meat and fresh vegetables, which is quite similar to Scotish haggis , served with pască (pie made with cottage cheese) as a sweetener.
9. Practical information from A to Z about Romania: Electricity: In Romania, electronic devices run at 220-230 V with a frequency of 50 Hz. Please make sure that your plugs fit a type C or type F socket! If not, please consider purchasing an electronic adapter before your arrival.
Etiquette: Romanians in their own homes are fabulous hosts. You better be hungry, because the food never stops coming. On and on, dish after dish. You must bring something, flowers, chocolates or a bottle of good whisky. You will probably be offered local brandy, ţuică, or its more refined brother pălincă. Get used to it. You 12
may as well because you cannot escape its all-embracing charm. Local Laws & Police: If you are driving, or are out late at night, it is a good idea to carry at least a photocopy of your passport and driving license. Random ID checks are very rare, but it is the law to have some form of ID on you at all times. Drinking: Romanians are not big drinkers. The country has its fair share of old soaks of course, but much like the Greeks or Bulgarians, Romanians drink only in moderation letting their hair down only on special occasions (weddings, christenings, New Year's Eve etc). Serving alcohol to those under the age of 18 is forbidden. Note that driving under the influence of alcohol is strictly forbidden.
Drinking in public (except in designated areas) leaves you open to a fine, while jaywalking is also illegal, although everyone appears to do it. Prostitution is slated for legalization soon, but for now the practice remains illegal. The age of consent is 18 for both heterosexuals and homosexuals. Drugs in Romania: This is a 'zero tolerance' country. Just do not do it! Penalties are draconian: up to seven years for being a user and almost life for distributing. As for the police, you will probably only come in to contact with a traffic officer. If you are arrested ask to speak to your embassy for advice.
10. Money
Always change money in a bank, or in an exchange house but only if it has a big sign with 0% commission, never with people on the street.
ITEM Entrance at Clubs Condoms Pizza Full meal
Price in RON 10 - 20
Price in Price in USD EURO 2.23 – 4.46 2.81 – 5.63
3 - 10 From 15 From 10
0.66 – 2.23 0.84 – 2.81 From 3.34 From 4.22 From 2.23 From 2.81 13
Coffee Beer Soft Drinks (½ liters) Spring Water (½ liters) A pack of cigarettes A Cinema ticket
From 3.5 From 4 From 4
From 0.78 From 1.11 From 1.11
From 0.98 From 1.12 From 1.12
From 4
From 1.11
From 1.12
From 12
From 2.67
From 3.37
From 13
From 2.89
From 3.66
For more information about prices visit: -
www.numbeo.com or just CLICK HERE for Romania (you can also select the city)
For more information about tourism: -
www.romaniatourism.com or just CLICK HERE
11. Visas EU citizens do not need visas to enter the country and may stay in Romania for as long as they please. For the complete list of countries which do NOT need a VISA to come to Romania --- CLICK HERE Holders of almost all other passports must procure a visa from a Romanian embassy outside of Romania before traveling, and on arrival will also need to comply with The Schengen Borders Code (they must hold a valid travel document, supporting documents attesting the purpose and conditions of the trip, as well as be able to make the proof of appropriate financial means for the duration of transit); Exceptions are not made. If you arrive without your paper- work in order, you will not be allowed inside the country and will be deported at your own expense.
For further, more detailed information, see the Foreign Affairs Ministry's website at: www.mae.ro/en section Visa and Consular Affairs.
III. Did you Know... About Romania… -
The Palace of Parliament, located in Bucharest is the biggest office building in Europe and second-largest in the world, after the U.S. Pentagon? Voronet Monastery, located in northeastern Romania, is also known as the „Sistine Chapel of the East‟? 14
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Romania has the second largest underground glacier in Europe (in terms of volume)? The city of Brasov (Transylvania) is home to the largest gothic church (Black Church¬) between Vienna and Istanbul? Hollywood‟s original Tarzan was born in the city of Timisoara, Romania? - The first fountain pen was invented by Craiova-born Petrache Poenaru (1799-1875)? - Insulin was discovered by a Romanian physiologist? - Ten U.S. cities have „sisters‟ in Romania?
IV. Useful words and phrases Romanian is a romance language, and understanding its written version is relatively easy for anyone with knowledge of Italian, Spanish, French, Portuguese or indeed Latin. Where you may have trouble understands the spoken version, especially in Bucharest where words tend to be slurred into each other. But fear not: English of a fashion is spoken liberally (especially by the younger generation) throughout urban Romania. If you want to try speaking Romanian yourself, try our mini-survival-dictionary: ENGLISH Hello Good morning Good afternoon Good evening Good night Yes No OK Perhaps What Where When
ROMANIAN Salut Buna dimineata Buna ziua Buna seara Noapte buna Da Nu In regula Poate Ce Unde Cand
Why
De ce
Thank you Please Excuse me Sorry How are you Pleased to meet you I don't speak Romanian Where is the nearest… Hotel/Restaurant Shop
Multumesc Va rog Ma scuzati Imi pare rau Ce mai faci Ma bucur sa va cunosc Nu vorbesc romaneste Unde este cel mai apropiat.. Hotel/Restaurant Magazin
NUMBERS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
ROMANIAN Unu Doi Trei Patru Cinci Sase Sapte Opt Noua Zece
20 21
Douazeci Douazeci si unu
30 40 50 60 70 80
Treizeci Patruzeci Cincizeci Saizeci Saptezeci Optzeci
90
Nouazeci
100
O suta
15
Toilet/WC What's your name My name is‌ What time is it How much does it cost
Toaleta/WC Cum va numiti Numele meu este Cat este ceasul Cat costa Days of the Week Monday Tuesday Wednsaday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
200 300 400
Doua sute Trei sute Patru sute
1000
O mie
ROMANIAN Luni Marti Miercuri Joi Vineri Sambata Duminica
V. Golden Rules
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- Make sure you always report to your buddy/VP responsible if you intend to visit new places or leave the city/country; - Make sure you complete and receive a copy of all the necessary forms upon arrival (Volunteer contract, accommodation contract, and so on); Take care of the place where you live and when you finish your internship, make sure the place is as you found it (clean and tidy); Report any problems you might have as soon as possible to the OCP/VP responsible; Do not talk with strangers and avoid people who seem to be dangerous; Do not buy things from people if they approach you on the streets – they might be fake or they might not be worth the money (extremely expensive). Enjoy your time here, get involved into as much activities as possible, share your culture, have fun and smile;
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It's always a pleasure for all the local committees to receive you. You can be sure that you will always be very welcomed. You can also be sure that you will be in contact with a lot of people that will be working for (and with) you for reaching the best exchange experience ever.
For extra information please feel free to contact the reception responsible/your buddy or the Vice President from the Local Committee you are in, at: 16
AIESEC Romania GCDP Team 2012-2013 Name Andrei Imbrisca Madalina Pasca Nicoleta Moldovan Simona Meitoiu Raluca Butea Brumaru Alina Beata Szmuc Andreea Leopa Mihaela Sacara George Mada Beaca Cosmin Ionescu Elena
LC MCVP NCD LC Arad LC Brasov LC Bucharest LC Cluj-Npoca LC Constanta LC Craiova LC Galati LC Iasi LC Oradea LC Pitesti LC Sibiu
Email imbrisca.andrei@gmail.com madalina.pasca@gmail.com nicoleta.moldovan@aiesec.net simona.meitoiu@aiesec.ro raluca.butea@aiesec.net brumaru.alina@gmail.com beataszmuc@gmail.com andreea.kiddo@gmail.com mihaelasacara@gmail.com george.mada@aiesecoradea.ro only.cosso@gmail.com helenionescu@gmail.com
Phone number (+4)0742 172 514 (+4)0746 688 185 (+4)0754 955 566 (+4)0751 120 018 (+4)0747 909 025 (+4)0731 434 322 (+4)0745 464 794 (+4)0753 518 987 (+4)0748 553 265 (+4)0744 919 195 (+4)0723 664 790 (+4)0743 235 141
Elisabeta Chiticariu Cătinean Maria Roxana Caragea
LC Suceava LC Tg. Mures LC Timisoara
elisabetachiticariu@gmail.com catineanmaria91@gmail.com roxana.caragea@gmail.com
(+4)0752 323 070 (+4)0751 133 225 (+4)0721 946 762
AIESEC Romania GIP Team 2012-2013 Name Oana Burlacu Adriana Mahu Andoni Dan Madalina Huzum Ovidiu Voina Irina Crivet Gabriela Neacsa Paul Rau Lucian Flavian Cristea Adela Morosan Mihai Dicu Paul Albu Claudiu Cudla Mihai Ginju Manea
LC MCVP CD MCVP Sales LC Brasov LC Bucuresti LC Cluj-Napoca LC Constanta LC Craiova LC Galati LC Iasi LC Oradea LC Pitesti LC Sibiu LC Suceava LC Targu Mures LC Timisoara
E-mail burlacu.oana.maria@gmail.com mahu.adriana@gmail.com andonidan@gmail.com madalina.huzum@aiesec.ro voina.ovidiu@gmail.com irina.crivet@aiesec.net neacsa.gabriela@gmail.com raulucianpaul@gmail.com flavian.cristea@gmail.com adela.morosan@aiesecoradea.ro dicu.mihai.daniel@gmail.com albu_paul_2006@yahoo.com claudiu.cudla@gmail.com mihaiginju@gmail.com bogdan.manea91@gmail.com
Phone number (+4)0748 047 007 (+4)0728 294 179 (+4)0746 838 603 (+4)0735 521 822 (+4)0757 663 599 (+4)0755 947 410 (+4)0745 776 000 (+4)0747 865 273 (+4)0752 440 111 (+4)0742 090 469 (+4)0756 378 892 (+4)0743 361 435 (+4)0755 929 155 (+4)0752 975 869 (+4)0754 073 720
Thank you for reading it through
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