content - International Relations Department
Transcription
content - International Relations Department
Practical Guide for International Students in the City of Sibiu! CONTENT FOREWORD … __________________________________________________1 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS DEPARTMENT PRESENTATION _____2 1 ABOUT ROMANIA____________________________________________4 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 2 4.1.1 4.1.2 4.1.3 4.2 4.2.1 4.2.2 4.3 13 14 15 19 19 Application process __________________________________________________ 21 Application process for international students (EU and non-EU students) _____________ 21 Application process for Erasmus students______________________________________ 22 Application process for Erasmus Mundus students_______________________________ 23 Visa requirements and other formalities ________________________________ 23 Visa requirments _________________________________________________________ 23 What documents will be required for study visa? ________________________________ 23 Don’t forget to bring _________________________________________________ 24 YOUR ARRIVAL IN SIBIU ____________________________________25 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 6 “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu _____________________________________ Bachelor and master structure_________________________________________ Faculties ___________________________________________________________ Accreditation _______________________________________________________ Departments________________________________________________________ REQUIREMENTS BEFORE YOUR DEPARTURE ________________21 4.1 5 History of the city of Sibiu _____________________________________________ 9 Tourism & sightseeing _______________________________________________ 10 HIGHER EDUCATION: ”Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu ________13 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 4 4 5 5 6 7 7 SIBIU________________________________________________________9 2.1 2.2 3 Tourism & sightseeing ________________________________________________ Climate _____________________________________________________________ Traditional food and drinks ____________________________________________ Code of conduct: Do’s and Don’ts _______________________________________ National Holidays ____________________________________________________ Famous people from Romania __________________________________________ Registration at the host institution _____________________________________ Registration at the City of Sibiu: the Immigration Office___________________ Important addresses: ________________________________________________ Your departure _____________________________________________________ 25 25 25 26 TRANSPORT & TRAVEL _____________________________________27 6.1 6.1.1 6.1.2 6.1.3 6.1.4 6.2 6.2.1 6.2.2 6.2.3 How to get to Sibiu __________________________________________________ 27 By air __________________________________________________________________ 27 By bus _________________________________________________________________ 27 By car__________________________________________________________________ 27 By train ________________________________________________________________ 27 Transport in Sibiu ___________________________________________________ 27 Public transportation ______________________________________________________ 27 Rent-a-bike _____________________________________________________________ 28 Taxis __________________________________________________________________ 28 I Practical Guide for International Students in the City of Sibiu! 7 LIVING IN SIBIU/ ACCOMMODATION _______________________ 29 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.3.1 7.3.2 7.3.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 8 The deposit _____________________________________________________________ 29 Supplementary costs ______________________________________________________ 30 Keep in mind____________________________________________________________ 30 Respect your neighbours ______________________________________________ 30 University’s student dormitories _______________________________________ 31 Laundries __________________________________________________________ 31 FINANCIAL MATTERS______________________________________ 32 8.1 8.2 8.2.1 8.2.2 8.2.3 8.2.4 8.2.5 8.3 9 Private Housing _____________________________________________________ 29 Youth Hostel, Hotel, Bed & Breakfasts __________________________________ 29 The rental agreement_________________________________________________ 29 Money & banking____________________________________________________ 32 Shopping and markets ________________________________________________ 32 Shopping City Sibiu ______________________________________________________ Other supermarkets and department stores _____________________________________ Art & antiquities _________________________________________________________ Markets & fairs ________________________________________________________ Shopping in the central area ________________________________________________ 32 33 33 34 34 Bookshops __________________________________________________________ 34 STUDENT SERVICES _______________________________________ 35 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 9.6 9.7 9.8 Student jobs ________________________________________________________ 35 Student restaurants __________________________________________________ 35 Libraries ___________________________________________________________ 36 ICT facilities ________________________________________________________ 36 Language Courses ___________________________________________________ 36 Student Unions for international students________________________________ 37 Student organisations at LBUS_________________________________________ 37 The University Cultural Center Sibiu ___________________________________ 38 10 KEEPING IN TOUCH________________________________________ 39 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 Using public phones __________________________________________________ 39 Mobile phones_______________________________________________________ 39 MONEY MATTERS _________________________________________________ 39 CYBER CAFES _____________________________________________________ 39 Post offices _________________________________________________________ 40 11 CULTURE & LEISURE ______________________________________ 41 11.1 11.2 Cultural Events _____________________________________________________ 45 SPORTS ___________________________________________________________ 45 12 HEALTH & INSURANCE ____________________________________ 46 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 12.5 Health care: practical information______________________________________ 46 Pharmacies _________________________________________________________ 46 General Hospitals____________________________________________________ 46 IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS_____________________________________ 46 BASIC ROMANIAN FOR BEGINNERS ________________________________ 47 II Practical Guide for International Students in the City of Sibiu! FOREWORD … Dear students, Dear international colleagues, The human society today needs universities. Those are not an option, but a must in building up a civilisation, a sustainable educational resource and shared knowledge. It is not just a simple statement but an incontestable true. We are privileged to encourage the wish of knowledge improvement of the new generations and to assist, to guide them through this qualitative process. I am very pleased to welcome you to ”Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu. We are particularly proud to offer our over 20,000 students a wide range of subjects, going from foreign languages to engineering sciences, and from economics to medical science. Our goal is to link and interconnect this impressive range of assets to create surplus value in the fields we promote. The realization of an ambitious and stimulating internationalization policy is one of the priorities of ”Lucian Blaga” University for the coming years. We realized that integrating an international dimension in the study path of each of our students is important and should become a main focus within our international policy plan. To reach our goal we work closely together with numerous European and non-European institutions and students’ organisations, leading to increased incoming and outgoing student and teacher mobility, joint curriculum development and research. We are situated in one of the most beautiful cities in the region of Transylvania. The city of Sibiu was chosen the European capital of culture in 2007 and it was nominated by Forbes as one of the most idyllic places to live in. This brochure offers a lot of practical information and advice that would make your stay here as easy and comfortable as possible. Best regards, Prof.Sc.D. Ioan BONDREA, Rector of ”Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu 1 Practical Guide for International Students in the City of Sibiu! INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS DEPARTMENT PRESENTATION The mission of the International Relations Department is to develop, promote and implement the internationalisation strategy of ”Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu as well as to promote the image of LBUS as a forum for education, science and culture both in Romania and in the world. The International Relations Department initiates, promotes and develops activities such as European and international cooperation. In order to fulfil its mission, the Department of International Relations follows two main directions: • Programs: Life Long Learning Programme (Erasmus), Erasmus Intensive Romanian Language Course (EIRLC), Intensive Programs (IP), Erasmus Mundus Mobility with Asia (EMMA), global bilateral agreements with universities worldwide, possibilities to study abroad for the Romanian students. • Public Relations: dissemination of information, organization of special events, technical assistance for international projects, etc. What does our office offer you? • • • • • • • • • • • • • • promotes the University's educational programmes abroad; gives informative materials about LBUS to teachers and students visiting foreign universities; brochures from Romanian and foreign universities, information about studying abroad and possibilities of financing them; presents international programmes in which our University is a partner: Lifelong Learning Programmes (Erasmus, Leonardo, Comenius, Grundtvig), Erasmus Mundus Mobility with Asia (EMMA), European Economic Area (EEA); provides information and establishes contact with organizations such as Fulbright, etc. offers guidance for outgoing students, teachers, researchers and staff (including information about visa issues); helps prospective international students, lecturers, professors, with information about LBUS study programmes and admission procedures; offers comprehensive advice to international students and staff before leaving home, upon arrival in Sibiu and during their stay here; facilitates high-standard accommodation in an international student house; gives cultural adjustment counselling to the newcomers; provides information about how to obtain a foreign scholarship offered by different national and international institutions; contributes to the organization of seminars and conferences and organize schedule for visiting scholars; draws up official correspondence entailed by establishing international partnerships with universities abroad; budget management for the international projects where our university is involved; The University Rectorate and the International Relations Department is located on Victoriei Bvld., no. 10, close to the town hall, the Army Club and the Palace of Justice. The building dates back to the 19th century and is painted yellow. The Department of International Relations is located on the premises of the Rectorate. Access is gained on the right side, the ground floor. 2 Practical Guide for International Students in the City of Sibiu! By car Traveling on National Road 1, coming from Bucharest, follow General Vasile Milea Avenue, to the Bulevard Hotel, then turn left. Traveling on National Road 1, coming from Sebes-Alba, follow Alba Iulia Street to the intersection where the town hall is located, then turn right. By train From the railway-station, take trolley-bus no 1 or 2 and ride to the Theatre station. Then cross the pedestrians zebra to the Boulevard Hotel, take the underground passage, walk past the town hall, the Army Club, and you will see the blue Rectorate building opposite the Building of the Faculty of Letters and Arts. You can also get on bus no. 5 that will take you to the University Station. On the right side you will see the Rectorate building. By plane When you exit the airport, turn right and walk to the bus station which is close. Take bus no. 11 to Banatului Street. When you get off, in front of you is the Army Club. Turn right and you will see the blue Rectorate building on the right side of the street. 3 Practical Guide for International Students in the City of Sibiu! 1 ABOUT ROMANIA is a country located at the crossroads of Central and South-eastern Europe, on the Lower Danube, to the north of the Balkan Peninsula, within and outside the Carpathian arch, bordering on the Black Sea. Romania shares a border with Hungary and Serbia to the west, Ukraine and Moldova to the northeast and east, and Bulgaria to the south. With its mountains, hilly territories, lake complexes, Danube Delta and sea shore, Romania is beautiful geographically diversified place worth visiting. 1.1 Tourism & sightseeing • Sibiu and its surroundings: the most beautiful and important cultural centre of Romania. Sibiu and its surroundings (from the great Astra Museum to the idyllic country sides of Rasinari, Gura Raului, Poiana Sibiului and Jina); • The fortified citadels and churches from Transylvania: the Citadel of Brasov, Brasovului, Prejmer, Rupea, Saschiz, Biertan, Slimnic, Calnic, Corvins’ Castle and Sighisoara, are just a few of the historical sights worth seeing in Transylvania • The North of Moldavia, Bucovina and Maramures: Sucevita, Moldovita and Voronet monasteries, the wooden churches of Iza’s river valley, The Pain Memorial in Sighet, the happy cemetery in Sapanta are just a number of attractive places. • Transfagarasan and Transalpina: roads across mountains that worth being visited during the week, in the early summer when the snow is still present but not abundant. • The Danube Delta: is the most interesting place in Romania, unique in the world and part of UNESCO World Heritege. With over 300 species of birds , 45 kinds of fishes and an incredible vegetation, the Danube Delta is indelible. • The Black Sea: is the main touristic area of Romania and it stretches out for 244km/153 miles with soft sand and safe, gently sloping beaches. 4 Practical Guide for International Students in the City of Sibiu! 1.2 Climate Romania has a climate that is transitional between temperate and continental, with four distinct seasons. Spring is pleasant with cool mornings and nights and warm days. Summers are generally very warm to hot (June to August). Autumn is a short season of transition with long dry periods alternating with rainy weeks. Winter is a chilly season, with temperatures going down to -20 ºC or even bellow. But, the temperatures are rising quite quickly and the frosts are over in April. 1.3 Traditional food and drinks • Traditional Christmas foods: different pig sausages, forcemeat rolls in cabbage leaves (“sarmale”) , polenta (“mamaliga”) • Traditional Easter foods: red painted eggs, “drob”, lamb roast, lamb soup • Deserts: sponge cake (Christmas), pasture (“pasca”), pancakes, cheese doughnuts. Beverages (Alcoholic): A traditional drink served as appetizer is “ palinca” or “ rachiu” ( a kind of strong brandy made of plums) which varies in alcohol strength and consistency from region to region. Wherever you travel in Romania: across the sea shore or in Dobrogea platform near the Danube Delta, in Moldavian area near the Carpathian valley, in Transylvania or Oltenia, or in any other agricultural region, you will find yourself in a wine yard area. Romania is one of the top countries in producing numerous and diversified fine wines. Beverages (non-Alcoholic): “Socata” is a traditional refreshing drink made of elderflower, lemons, honey and water, all mixed and let to ferment. It is a very healthy beverage, full of vitamins and a tasty refresher for hot days in the early summer. Socata must be held in the fridge and it is an excellent source of vitamins and energy, good for both kids and adults. 5 Practical Guide for International Students in the City of Sibiu! 1.4 Code of conduct: Do’s and Don’ts Do´s 1. DO wear suits for business occasions, conferences etc. 2. DO dress conservatively if visiting a church or monastery. Women should wear full length skirts or pants and a shirt that covers their shoulders. 3. DO expect to be served food even if you decline the offer. Refusals are often seen as being polite and not always taken seriously, so if you really don't want food, you must be firm. 4. DO use bread to soak up sauce or gravy. 5. DO indicate that you are still eating by crossing your fork and knife on your plate. 6. DO indicate that you are finished eating by placing your knife and fork across your plate with the handles facing to the right and the prongs facing downwards. 7. DO give roses or carnations as a gift. 8. DO open your gift upon receipt, though some Romanians may not do this. 9. DO wrap gifts. 10. DO give gifts such as chocolates, wine, or Western cosmetics and clothing. 11. DO exchange handshakes upon greeting. 12. DO expect older men to greet a woman by kissing her hand. 13. DO cheek kiss with close friends. Kiss once on each cheek, starting with the left. 14. DO arrive on time if going to a Romanian's home for dinner, or no more than 15 minutes late for a party. 15. DO check to see if your hosts are wearing shoes. If not, you will probably have to remove yours. 16. DO bring flowers, chocolate or liquor for your hosts, and bring a gift for their children, too. 17. DO take time to build a personal relationship before getting down to business. 18. DO be patient. Romanians can be tough negotiators and decisions often need to go through many layers of approval. 19. DO expect to have to repeatedly refuse if you are offered something that you don't want. In Romania, "no" doesn't always mean "no" because it's considered polite to refuse. Don’t`s 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. DON'T eat until the host says "pofta buna," which means "good appetite." DON'T put your napkin on your lap. Leave it on the table. DON'T give flowers in even numbers. Even numbers are for funerals. DON'T sit until told where to sit. DON'T be too direct. It can be seen as rude. DON'T mistake the Romanian language for being a Slavic language, or related to Hungarian, Turkish, or Albanian. It will be very offensive. 7. DON'T incorrectly assume that Romania was part of the Soviet Union or the Russian Empire. 6 Practical Guide for International Students in the City of Sibiu! 1.5 National Holidays • • • • • • • 1.6 Christmas, New Year’s Eve Easter, Pentecost (“Rusaliile”) St Mary National Day ( 1st December ) Labour Day ( 1st Mai) Famous people from Romania Hermann Oberth (1894 –1989) was a great physicist and engineer. He is considered one of the founding fathers of rocketry and astronautics and he was born to a Transylvanian Saxon family in Hermannstadt, today Sibiu, Romania. Oberth was an early member of the "Society for Space Travel" (Verein fuer Raumschiffahrt or VfR) formed in 1927. In 1930 the VfR successfully tested a liquid fuel engine with a conical nozzle which developed a thrust of 70 newtons (about 10 newtons will lift 1 kg). By 1932 it was flying rockets with 600-newton motors. Constantin Brâncuşi (1876 – 1957) was a Romanian-born sculptor considered the pioneer of modernism. Famous Brâncuşi works include the Sleeping Muse (1908), The Kiss (1908), Prometheus (1911), Mademoiselle Pogany (1913), The Newborn (1915), Bird in Space (1919) and The Column of the Infinite (Coloana infinitului), popularly known as The Endless Column (1938).Today Brâncuşi is worldwide known as the patriarch of modern sculpture. Emil Palade (1912 – 2008) was a Romanian cell biologist. Described as "the most influential cell biologist ever", in 1974 he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine.The prize was granted for his innovations in electron microscopy and cell fractionation which together laid the foundations of modern molecular cell biology. Palade also received the U.S. National Medal of Science in Biological Sciences for "pioneering discoveries of a host of fundamental, highly organized structures in living cells" in 1986, and was previously elected a Member of the US National Academy of Science in 1961. Vlad Tepes (DRACULA). Most authorities believe the character of Dracula in Bram Stoker’s novel was based upon the historical figure Vlad Tepes (pronounced tse-pesh), who intermittently ruled an area of the Balkans called Wallachia( part of today’s Romania) in the mid-15th century. He was also called by the names Vlad III, Vlad Dracula and Vlad the Impaler. The word Tepes stands for "impaler" and was so coined because of Vlad’s propensity to punish victims by impaling them on stakes, then displaying them publicly to frighten his enemies and to warn would-be transgressors of his strict moral code. Despite his cruelty, Vlad III experienced success in fending off the Turks and protecting the country. Mircea Eliade (1907 - 1986) was a Romanian historian of religion, fiction writer, philosopher, and professor at the University of Chicago. He was a leading interpreter of religious experience, who established paradigms in religious studies that persist to this day. His theory that “hierophanies “ form the basis of religion, splitting the human experience of reality into sacred and profane space and time, has proved influential. Traian Vuia (1872 - 1950) was a Romanian inventor and aviation pioneer who designed, built and tested the first powered monoplane. His first airborne test traveled about 12 meters (39 feet) on March 18, 1906, and his best distance was 24 m (79 ft.). This was the first short flight or "powered hop" by a monoplane. 7 Practical Guide for International Students in the City of Sibiu! Aurel Vlaicu (1882 –1913) was a Romanian engineer, inventor, airplane constructor and early pilot. With his Vlaicu Nr. II model, built in 1911, Aurel Vlaicu won several prizes summing 7,500 Austro-Hungarian krone (for precise landing, projectile throwing and tight flying around a pole) in 1912 at Aspern Air Show near Vienna, where he competed against 42 other aviators of the day, including Roland Garros. The press of that time considered Aurel Vlaicu the second pilot of the contest after the famous French aviator Roland Gaross. Nadia Elena Comăneci is a Romanian gymnast, winner of three Olympic gold medals at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal and the first female gymnast to be awarded a perfect score of 10 in an Olympic gymnastic event. She is also the winner of two gold medals at the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow. She is one of the best-known gymnasts in the world. In 2000 Comăneci was named as one of the athletes of the century by the Laureus World Sports Academy. Gheorghe Hagi is a former Romanian footballer. He was one of the best attacking midfielders in Europe during the 1980s and 1990s[4] and is considered the greatest Romanian footballer of all time. Galatasaray fans called him 'Commandante' (The Commander) and the Romanians called him 'Regele' (The King). 8 Practical Guide for International Students in the City of Sibiu! 2 SIBIU 2.1 History of the city of Sibiu Known in German under the name Hermannstadt, Sibiu has always been the most important center of the German minority in Transylvania. Nowadays, Sibiu has the most numerous German community in Romania but also a fairly important Hungarian community. Still, Sibiu is a city with a predominant Romanian population (95% of the population is of Romanian origin) which knew how to preserve and mingle the 3 cultures to which the culture of other existing minorities was added. Legend has it that the lost children of Hamelin came out of the ‘Almasch’ caves (Varghis) in Transylvania, somewhere near the nowadays location of Sibiu. This is the romanticized explanation of a unique phenomenon which explains the appearance of a blond-haired blue-eyed people on these lands, who spoke German and lived by the customs of peoples living thousands of kilometers away. In effect, the fortresses and fortified villages in Transylvania were founded in the 12th century by immigrants coming from the Moselle valley area, known under the name of Saxons. The first documentary mentioning referring to the Sibiu area dates back from 1191, when Pope Celestine III confirmed the existence of the free prepositure of the Germans in Transylvania, the prepositure having its headquarters in Sibiu, named Cibinium at that time. Brought here by the Hungarian kings, the Saxons were granted numerous rights and benefits in exchange for their help in defending the lands against the attacks of the Tatars and Turks. They created ‘the land of the 7 fortresses’, 7 fortified cities, as well as numerous villages in which fortified churches were erected to serve as a shelter in the event of an attack. At the beginning of the 20th century, Sibiu is a vibrant city, tuned to the realities of its time, the third city in the Austro-Hungarian Empire using the electric lighting system and the second city in which the electric tram is produced. The first cinema house opens in 1909 and the first public toilets appear in 1910. The name of the city is officially changed into Sibiu in 1919, and the streets received Romanian names as well. In 1945, after the Second World War, the deportation of the Germans to USSR began. A number of 2800 persons of German ethnicity were deported, many of them never to return. With but a few exceptions, the communist regime never tampered with the old city, and Sibiu becomes in 1968, under the same name, the county residence. On December 21st, 1989 the anti-Communist demonstrations begin in Sibiu and continue on December 22nd. Sibiu was the second city in the country after Timisoara to rise against the communist dictatorship. Nowadays, Sibiu presents itself as a true cultural and touristic capital of Romania, appealing to the tourists due to its medieval charm, due to the wonderful beauties of its surroundings, its local gastronomy and traditions and due to its charming natural landscape. Milestones in Sibiu history 1292 1380 1494 1534 1544 1551 1671 1782 1795 1817 1852 The first hospital in Romania. The first documented school in Romania The first pharmacy in Romania The first paper mill in Romania The first book in Romanian is printed here. The first experiment with rockets in the world by Conrad Hass The methane gas is discovered near Sibiu Franz Joseph Müller discovers the chemical element Telur At Cisnadie is installed the first lightning rod in SE Europe. Brukenthal Museum, the first museum in Romania First issue of Telegraful Roman the oldest newspaper in SE Europe 9 Practical Guide for International Students in the City of Sibiu! 1859 1875 1896 1904 1928 1989 2.2 The Liars Bridge, the first cast-iron bridge in Romania The first engineering manufacturing in Transylvania The first electric power in Romania and the first power line in this part of Europe. The second city in Europe where an electric tramway is used The first Zoological Garden in Romania The second city in Romania rising against the Communists. Tourism & sightseeing Within the city: • The Large Square is the historic centre of Sibiu, first time mentioned in 1411 as corn market. • The Small Square is the second largest historic place of Sibiu and one of the most beautiful in town. 10 Practical Guide for International Students in the City of Sibiu! • The Huet Square, dominated by the Evangelic Church, is the oldest in Sibiu. • • In 1751 Sibiu had 39 defence towers. Nowadays, only 9 of these have been preserved. In the Middle Ages, Sibiu was a very powerful fortified city. Some of the defence walls are still preserved Surroundings: • Marginimea Sibiului is a unique ethnographic area in Romania situated west of Sibiu, limited in the southern part by Sadu valley and north by Saliste valley including 18 villages: Boita, Sadu, Rau Sadului, Talmaciu, Talmacel, Rasinari, Poplaca, Gura Raului, Orlat, Fantanele, Sibiel, Vale, Saliste, Gales, Tilisca, Rod, Poiana Sibiului and Jina. he greater part of the villages in this area preserved strong spiritual and ethno-folkloric traditions. Although modern constructions progressively replaced the old and traditional ones, the atmosphere in Marginimea Sibiului remained unaltered. The festive costumes of a rare elegance, embroidered in black and white, are proudly worn during the holidays and the crafts inherited from generation to generation are still practiced nowadays with great success. 11 Practical Guide for International Students in the City of Sibiu! Starting a long time ago, these populations of sheep raisers have always been and still are masters in the processing of wool and leather. While visiting these lands, one has the opportunity to find old churches, museums (the museum in Sibiel, where the largest collection of glass stained icons in Europe is displayed; The Village Museum in Răşinari, displaying usual ceramic items, painted furniture, household and craftsmanship objects; the museum in Galeş, with an impressive collection of folkloric costumes and the Orthodox Parish Museum comprising old religious objects and books), memorial houses and traditional peasant constructions. With time, Mărginimea Sibiului became an important highlight of the Romanian rural tourism, numerous lodging houses appearing here and offering the necessary comfort for an unforgettable stay. The typically peasant atmosphere, the intact preservation of traditions and customs, the hospitality of the locals make these lands even more appealing. • Ocna Sibiului resort, also named “The seaside of Ardeal”, is situated 15 km away from the city of Sibiu and its uniqueness consists in salty lake and mud with healing properties. • Paltinis skiing resort is located in Sibiu County, in the Cindrel Mountains. The scenery is an eye-catching one, with smooth mountain plateaus, rounded subalpine hills diving into gorgeous valleys. *For more details about tourism in Sibiu check www.turism.sibiu.ro 12 Practical Guide for International Students in the City of Sibiu! 3 3.1 HIGHER EDUCATION: ”Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu To open a school is not a minor event, because education means enlightenment. It means approaching new horizons and shaping young destinies. It means changing the future by modelling the minds of young people. But to have had a school opened already in 1380 is a landmark in the history of a city. And it was the city of Sibiu which saw the opening of this school. The truth is that the citadel of Sibiu was permanently motivated by the desire to see its residents improve their knowledge, as knowledge has always meant power. The name of the university is actually the name of a very important person in the Romanian culture. Lucian Blaga stands out as the greatest creative personality of the 20th century. His work as a poet, philosopher, essayist, playwright and translator of poetry – is a synthesis of great originality. He represents a profound ethical inspiration nourished by an amazing openness towards the various aspects of the human mind: philosophy and science, history and religion and, above all, the complex and controversial field of art. In a highly interconnected and interactive world, LBUS could keep in the mainstream of academic events only by promoting international cooperation. After 1992, the year which marked the beginning of Dr. Ciocoi-Pop’s administration, LBUS adopted a policy of unprecedented academic contacts and links. It was the leadership’s strong conviction that, among the forty-eight state universities, eight military academies and forty-nine private universities of Post-Revolutionary Romania, LBUS could be successful only by interaction and cooperation. Consequently, LBUS has established academic links and partnership agreements with eighty-five universities in thirty-five countries. A special place is held by the partnerships drawn with American, German, French and English universities, which materialized in student exchange programmes, fact-finding data trips for academics as well as a precious cooperation which has kept the University tuned in to what happens in the world. Worth mentioning are also the new ties with Chinese, Russian, Italian, Greek and Polish Universities. In recognition of its steady development towards academic excellence and social renewal, LBUS was granted full membership in various prestigious international academic organizations: The International Center of Tübingen, the International Association of European Universities, and the Alliance of Universities for Democracy. In cooperation with its partners abroad, LBUS has established a number of organizations for students. Among them, CAS and UBA hold a special place. C.A.S. – The Career Advisory Service, founded in 1996, in cooperation with the British Council and supported by the Know How Fund, aims at establishing links between students, graduates and the job market. Its activity consists in offering students, graduates or employees daily consulting and in facilitating interviews in order to help them define their needs in employment and career. The centre organizes workshops, seminars and long-term courses. The Summer Job Fair, organized by C.A.S. each year, offers a great opportunity for students to meet employers and to get internships or full-time employment. U.B.A. – The University Business Association is a club which facilitates constant interchange among faculties, business people and students. The main purposes of the club are to assist students in developing business skills and contacts, English language skills, and to provide support in getting jobs and summer internships. The club is a result of collaborative program funded by the United States Information Agency (USIA). The Missouri University (MU) – Columbia, USA has assisted LBUS in developing a business school meant to be nationally recognized as a centre of academic and research excellence in business management and applied research. 13 Practical Guide for International Students in the City of Sibiu! I.C. – The International Centre, Tübingen, is a consortium of 18 universities, in 8 countries, which have joined their efforts for the purpose of establishing and intensifying academic cooperation between Eastern and Western academics. C.R.E. is the association of executive heads of universities in Europe. In the autumn of 1984, its membership was drawn from some 360 universities and equivalent institutes of higher education in 23 European countries. Since 1964, its headquarters have been situated at the University of Geneva. CRE’s main objective is to promote cooperation among European universities. A.U.D.E.M. – The Alliance of Universities for Democracy is a consortium of institutions of higher education formed to enhance the role of education in promoting democratic institutions, economic development, decentralized decision-making, human health, and common moral and social values. At its inception, the Alliance included institutions in Central and Eastern Europe and in 1993 the organization voted to expand membership to Western Europe institutions. I.A.U.P. – The International Association of University Presidents was founded in 1964 in Oxford, England. It is an association of university chief executive officers from higher education institutions around the world. Its primary purpose is to strengthen the international mission and quality of education of the member institutions in an increasingly interdependent world, and to promote global awareness and competence as well as peace and international understanding through education. The European University Association (EUA), in its capacity as an organization of European Universities and National Associations of University Presidents, it functions as a speaker for the higher education community in Europe. EUA`s mission is to promote the development of a coherent system of European higher education and research. Since higher education institutions play an essential part in the development of European areas of higher education and research, the fundamental aim of EUA is to provide active support and guidance to its members as autonomous institutions in enhancing the quality of their teaching, learning and research as well as their contributions to society. The University Agency of Francophonie (AUF), headquartered at the campus of the University of Montreal (Canada-Quebec), was set up in 1961. AUF supports cooperation and solidarity among Francophone higher education institutions and it fosters the development of academic education and research. The University Network of the European Capitals of Culture (UNeECC), an international nonprofit association, was founded in Pécs, Hungary, in December 2006, by 40 founding members. The creation of UNeECC originates from the idea that it would be useful for Universities and establishments of Higher Education in European Capitals of Culture to use this well-known and prestigious European institution, to stimulate new forms of academic and educational institutional collaboration. 3.2 Bachelor and master structure Most of the faculties educational structure id based on Bologna system (3 years bachelor degree, 2 year masters) except engineering and medical science that have longer periods and different structure. 14 Practical Guide for International Students in the City of Sibiu! 3.3 Faculties THE FACULTY OF THEOLOGY Address: 20, Mitropoliei Bd., Sibiu, 550179, Romania Phone: +40-(269) 21.03.82 Fax: +40-(269) 21.59.05 E-mail: [email protected] Web: http://teologie.ulbsibiu.ro Departments: Pastoral Theology, Teaching Theology, Social Theology MA Study Programs • Historical Theology • Systematic Theology • Biblical Theology • Practical Theology • Theology and Social Project (in partnership with UCO, Angres – France) • History and Philosophy of Religion THE FACULTY OF LAW Address: 34, Calea Dumbravii Street, Sibiu, 550324, Romania Phone: +40-(269) 23.39.24 Fax: +40-(269) 23.32.95 E-mail: [email protected] Web: http://drept.ulbsibiu.ro Departments: Law, Public Administration, Community Police. MA Study Programs • European Public Administration • Local Police Management • European Law • Romanian Private Law Institutions • Criminal Sciences • Private Judiciary Law • Police Management and Community Institutions THE FACULTY OF LETTERS AND ARTS Address: 5-7, Victoriei Bd., Sibiu, 550024, Romania Phone: +40-(269) 21.55.56 Fax: +40-(269) 21.27.07 E-mail: [email protected] Departments: Romanian Language and Literature, Applied Modern Languages, Sciences of Communication, Theatre. MA Study Programs • British and American Language and Literature • German Language and Literature • Romanian Language and Literature • Modernism and Postmodernism in Literature • Romanian Literature Revisions and Recuperations • Anglo-American Literary Paradigms and their Reception in Romanian Literature • German and European Intercultural Studies 15 Practical Guide for International Students in the City of Sibiu! • • • • • • • • • Romanian-French Linguistic, Cultural and Literary Interactions Translation and Interpretation Theory and Practice. English Translation and Interpretation Theory and Practice. French Translation and Interpretation Theory and Practice. German Business English Intercultural Business Communication. German Researcher Teacher Performing Arts. Drama Institution and Cultural Management. Theory and Practice FACULTY OF SOCIAL AND HUMAN SCIENCES Address: 3 Brutarilor Street, Sibiu, 550201, Romania Phone: +40-(269) 21.43.01 Fax: +40-(269) 21.13.13 E-mail: [email protected] Web: http://socioumane.ulbsibiu.ro Departments: International Relations, Political Science, Security Studies, History, Heritage, Protestant Theology, Journalism, Public Relations, Sociology, Psychology MA Study Programs • History: Protection and Capitalization of Historical Patrimony • History: Regional History and Central and South-Eastern Europe. Transylvania (18th – 20th centuries) • History: Romania Political Elites (18th – 20th centuries) • History: Romania and International Relations during the 20th century • History of the Danube Basin in the 1st Millennium of the Christian Era • Central and South-Eastern Europe in the 1st Millennium of the Christian Era • Art History • Polychrome Wood Restoration • Journalism and Public Relations • Communication and Advertising • Brand and Advertising • Thematic Journalism • Philosophical Ideas and Concepts in Literature and the Press • Book Editing • Defence Diplomacy • Diplomacy and Foreign Policy • Management of European Institutions • Management of European Integration and Public Administration • International Relations. Security Systems • Promoting Security through Foreign Affairs • Terrorism Control and International Crime Management • Judicial Security • Political Parties, Election Analysis and Political Marketing • International European Studies 16 Practical Guide for International Students in the City of Sibiu! THE FACULTY OF ENGINEERING Address: 4 Emil Cioran Street, Sibiu, 550025, Romania Phone: +40-(269) 21.79.28 Fax: +40-(269) 21.27.16 E-mail: [email protected] Web: http://inginerie.ulbsibiu.ro Departments: Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mines, Oil and Gases, Engineering and Management, Computers and Information Technology, Electronic Engineering, Environment Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Applied Science and Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electronic Engineering and Phone communication. MA Study Programs • Industrial Management • Project Management • Computer-Assisted Design and Manufacturing • Manufacturing Management • Quality Management • CAD/CAM/CAE Techniques in Manufacturing Systems • Optimization of Technological Processes for the Textile Industry • Natural Gas Capitalization • Parallel and Distributed Processing Systems (advanced study program) • Computer Science and Engineering • Computer-Assisted Electrical Engineering • Industrial Business Management • European Project Management • CAD/CAM/CAE Systems in Plastic Deformation • CNC System Structuring, Programming and Maintenance • Industrial Logistics • Digital Factory • Embedded Systems. English • Advanced Computing Systems. English • Computer Engineering in Industrial Applications THE FACULTY OF SCIENCES Address: 5-7 Ion Raţiu Street, Sibiu, 550012, Romania Phone: +40-(269) 21.66.42 Fax: +40-(269) 21.66.17 E-mail: [email protected] Web: http://stiinte.ulbsibiu.ro Departments: Mathematics, Informatics, Ecology and Environment Protection, Biology, Physics, Physical Education and Sports. MA Study Programs • Mathematics and Applied Informatics • Didactics of Mathematics • Numerical Methods and Applied Software • Real and Complex Analysis • Mathematical Models and Applied Software • Information Technology 17 Practical Guide for International Students in the City of Sibiu! • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Information Technology and Communication. English Managerial Informatics Economic Informatics Physical System Modelling Modern Techniques of Substance Analysis Ecological System Expertise and Management Applied Ecology Military Psychology Deaf Audiology Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy Organizational Psychology: Corporate Diagnosis and Intervention Knowledge and Prevention of Crime Psycho-sociology of Negotiation Human Development in the Information Society Hospitality Management. Ethno-identity and Eco-Tourism Social Analysis and Diagnosis Managerial and Organizational Psycho-sociology Organizational Diagnosis and Intervention Organizational Leadership and Management Organizational Negotiation and Arbitration Family Psycho-sociology and Social Assistance Delinquency Psycho-sociology. Delinquent Prevention and Social Assistance Family – Resource and Social Assistance Human Resource Selection and Management Information Technologies Applied to the Management of Sports Organizations Training and Motor Performance Sports and Physical Education in Schools THE FACULTY OF MEDICINE Address: 2A Lucian Blaga Street, Sibiu, 550169, România Phone: +40-(269) 21.23.20, +40-(269) 43.67.77 Fax: +40-(269) 21.23.20 E-mail: [email protected] Web: http://medicina.ulbsibiu.ro Departments: Medicine, Dental Medicine, Health Care, Dental Technique, Dental Care. MA Study Programs • Management of Occupational Medicine (Concept Center) • Health Management (Concept Center) THE FACULTY OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES, FOOD INDUSTRY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Address: 5-7 Ion Raţiu Street, Sibiu, 550012, România Phone: +40-(269) 21.13.38 Fax: +40-(269) 21.25.58 E-mail: [email protected] Web: http://saiapm.ulbsibiu.ro MA Study Programs • Food Safety and Quality Assurance 18 Practical Guide for International Students in the City of Sibiu! • • • Management of Modern Technology for Food Processing Management of Agricultural Environment Protection Management of Sustainable Development in Rural Areas THE FACULTY OF ECONOMICS Address: 17 Calea Dumbravii, Sibiu, 550324, Romania Phone: +40-(269) 21.03.75 Fax: +40-(269) 21.03.75 E-mail: [email protected] Web: http://economice.ulbsibiu.ro Departments: Finance-Banking, Management, Accounting, Economy trade, tourism and services. MA Study Programs • International Business Administration • Business Administration in Tourism and Hospitality • Business Communication and Public Relations • Stock exchange and Insurance • Finance • Banking • Economics and Management of Multinational Companies • European Economic Strategies and Policies • Sustainable Development and Company Economics • International Integration of Tourism and Hospitality • Corporate Financial Management • Financial and Bank Policy and Strategy in the EU 3.4 Accreditation Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu received from Romanian Agency for Quality Assurance in Higher Education - ARACIS certificate from institutional assessment, with a "high trust". 3.5 Departments • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Department of International Relations University library The Department for Scientific Research The Department of Quality Research & Assurance Department of general administration Financial Accounting Payroll and Human Resources Service Legal office Chief secretary Protocol department Department of internal audit Internal Service for Prevention and Protection in Occupational Safety and Health at Work Confucius Institute The Department for Teacher Training The Department for Doctoral Studies The Integrated Department of Communication and Marketing University press The Department for Student Career Orientation 19 Practical Guide for International Students in the City of Sibiu! 4 4.1 REQUIREMENTS BEFORE YOUR DEPARTURE Application process 4.1.1 Application process for international students (EU and non-EU students) The candidates from the E.U. countries, the European Economic Area (E.E.A.) and the Swiss Confederation may be enrolled at ”Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu based on the certificate of recognition of the studies completed in the countries of domicile issued by the National Center for Recognition and Equivalence of Diplomas from The Ministry of Education, Research, Youth and Sport. For this certificate of recognision of the studied completed in the countries of domicile to be issued, the students from EU countries, the European Economic Area (E.E.A.) and the Swiss Confederation that wish to study at our university should send to the Department for International Relations the following documents: a) APPLICATION FOR RECOGNITION OF STUDIES FOR ENROLMENT TO UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES (http://www.cnred.edu.ro/#cerere-recunoastere-studiicetateni-europeni) b) High school diploma – Xerox copy of the original, and notarized translation into Romanian (original) c) University diploma and transcript of records – Xerox copy of the original, and notarized translation into Romanian (original) d) Passport or other ID – Xerox copies e) Receipt of paying the file processing of 50 RON – Xerox copy. This fee should be paid by bank transfer or to the Romanian post office. The payment has to be made on the name of the student that intends to study at our university. The information needed for the payment is the following: Beneficiar: Ministerul Educaţiei, Cercetării, Tineretului şi Sportului Cod Fiscal: 13729380 Banca: Direcţia de Trezorerie şi Contabilitate Publică a Municipiului Bucureşti - DTCPMB Cod IBAN: RO27TREZ7005003XXX000069 After the verification and approval of the documents, the Department for International Relations will forward the student’s file to the National Centre for Recognition and Equivalence of Diplomas from The Ministry of Education, Research, Youth and Sport in order to issue the certificate of recognition of the studies completed in the countries of domicile. After receiving the certificate of recognition of the studies completed in the countries of domicile, the student from the E.U. countries, the European Economic Area (E.E.A.) and the Swiss Confederation may be enrolled at ”Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu Non-EU citizens willing to study in Romania have to apply to ”Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu, in order to receive the pre-enrolment. The Letter of Acceptance will be issued by the Ministry of Education, Research and Innovation. The following application papers are requested: Application form (filled in 2 copies); Certified copy of the Baccalaureate Diploma or equivalent - for undergraduate studies; Certified copy of the graduation certificate - for postgraduate applicants or PhD; Academic record translated into Romanian, English, French or German; Language certificate (see further instructions regarding this issue) 21 Practical Guide for International Students in the City of Sibiu! Certified copy of the Birth Certificate; Certified copy of the passport; Medical certificate. These documents have to be accompanied by legalized translations in a language of international circulation (by case), certified for authentication by the Embassy of Romania from the issuer country or with Apostille of Hague (for EU citizens). Before coming to Romania, the non –EU citizens should obtain a valid visa for study in Romania from the Romanian embassies in their own countries. The quantum of tuition fees for foreign citizens from non-EU countries is provided by Government Decision no. 22/29.08.2009. These fees are minimal and the final values will be decided by the universities. The fees should be paid in advance for a period of 9 (nine) months for full time courses and 3 (three) months for part time courses. Admission to higher education institutions is based on the selection of application files. In order to apply to study architecture, arts and sports, international students are required to present their portfolio. International students have to prove good knowledge of the teaching language (Romanian, English, French or German). Usually, international students learn Romanian during the preparatory year. The candidates who speak Romanian can skip the preparatory year after having passed a test of Romanian language. The candidates, who can formally prove that they have studied in Romanian for at least four years consecutively, do not need to pass the Romanian language test or to attend the preparatory year. Students will have to take language tests, during the academic year, in order to check their speaking and writing abilities. Foreign students, who have begun to study in their home country or in another country, can finish their studies in Romania. This is possible according to each individual case, after the recognition and equivalence of diplomas by the Romanian universities where they wish to study. All enquiries should be sent to the following e-mail address: [email protected] 4.1.2 Application process for Erasmus students How to apply? Attention: Application deadlines: Autumn semester: June 30th Spring semester: November 30th You will have to complete and send us 2 forms: 1. Student Application Form 2. Learning Agreement (for Erasmus Placements: Training Agreement) All documents can be found on our http://international.ulbsibiu.ro/download.html web site at the following address: Make sure that all your forms are SIGNED by you and the responsible of your university. Send the scanned documents to the following e-mail address: [email protected]. If you cannot send the forms by e-mail, you can also use post or fax. When we receive all the forms, they will be checked and signed by the Erasmus Coordinator from the Faculty. We will send the Letter of Acceptance by e-mail and by post The procedure will take 4 – 6 weeks. During the holidays it can take longer. 22 Practical Guide for International Students in the City of Sibiu! 4.1.3 Application process for Erasmus Mundus students After selection you will check the International Relations Department website where you will find information about your further steps. Should you have any questions please contact the EMMA coordinator Dana Preda – [email protected] 4.2 Visa requirements and other formalities There are certain requirements from the university and embassy 4.2.1 Visa requirments Student from following countries DO NOT require visa to enter in Romania. Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Guatemala, Holy See, Honduras, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Salvador, San Marino, Serbia (excluding holders of Serbian passports issued by the Serbian Coordination Directorate (in Serbian: Koordinaciona uprava)), Seychelles, Singapore, South Korea, United States of America, Uruguay, Venezuela nationals • Special administrative regions of the people’s republic of China: o Hong Kong SAR(1) o Macao SAR(2) • British citizens who are not nationals of the United Kingdom, of Great Britain and Northern Ireland for the purposes of community law: British Nationals (Overseas) • Schengen area members. Student from the rest of the countries require visa to come to Romania. 4.2.2 What documents will be required for study visa? Normally all the students entering Romania require D-type visa. The application shall be accompanied by the following documents: Summary documents needed specifically for Erasmus Mundus students are as follows. • Filled visa application form D-type • Letter of acceptance including proof of tuition fee • Valid passport • Ministry Approval from Romania • Letter of stay in Romania • Medical Insurance • Two recent passport size photographs • Birth certificate (Attested By Ministry of Foreign Affairs original + Photo copy attested) • Police certificate (Attested By Ministry of Foreign Affairs original + Photo copy attested) • Air ticket Booking • Last studies Transcript (Attested by HEC+ Attested By Ministry of Foreign Affairs original +Photo copy attested) also attested by Romanian Embassy • Last Degree (Attested by HEC+Attested By Ministry of Foreign Affairs original +Photo copy attested) also attested by Romanian Embassy Visa Requirements for international Self-funding students are the same as Erasmus students except self-funding students have to show • Proof of available funding for their studies and stay. • A bank statement showing available funds. • Medical Health insurance from registered company. 23 Practical Guide for International Students in the City of Sibiu! 4.3 Don’t forget to bring Before coming here there are some important things that you need to take care of: *1 There is no Mosque, no Mandir but there are churches in Sibiu, in case of Muslim students Friday prayers are held on the 5th floor in the dorm and Hindu students can also perform their collective prayer in common room if they find it compulsory. Those of you who don't know how to cook please learn a few things to cook for yourself unless you are fine with eating non halal food. There are many festivities and occasions that are celebrated, and all the EMMA candidates are requested to wear traditional clothes, therefore kindly pack 2-3 traditional clothes with you, to wear on Eid, National days, EMMA parties, etc to represent your country. As a Christian you can find religious things here in Sibiu. As for as other religions are concerns like Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism you need to bring religious things, • Stationary/Study Purpose • Scientific Calculator • Alarm Table Clock • Laptop • USB Flash Disk • Winter Clothing • Traditional Costume • Bring Traditional clothes, Shoes, Caps etc. • Spices Masala etc. • Sewing kit (threads with needle) • Medicine you need, Bandages, etc • Keep your important documents in your hand bags because you are going to need them on arrival in Bucharest. So don’t put them in main luggage because once you handover main luggage to crew you cannot access it. • The dorm does not have Wi-Fi internet services and neither can anyone get one in the dorm. (For those who have Apple products etc, since they don’t have LAN sockets) • There are some packets of cooked meat available. They are sealed in either packets or tins. • It’s useless to buy cooking stuff like pans, spoons, knifes or any other sharp thing from your country because they will only add weight. You can buy them here. But if you have some of these things don’t put them in your hand bags put them in main luggage. 1 for Erasmus Mundus Students 24 Practical Guide for International Students in the City of Sibiu! 5 5.1 YOUR ARRIVAL IN SIBIU Registration at the host institution After arrival you are required to come to our office at the International Relations Department Contact details: Rectorate Building, International Relations Department 10 Victoriei Blvd, 550024 Sibiu, Romania Registration hours: Monday - Friday open from 9:00 – 13:00 E-mail: [email protected] Our Erasmus Sibiu Initiative oraganisation can give international students a warm welcome and help them before and after their arrival at LBUS. They can help you with questions about: first steps to take, registration procedure, language preparation & voucher, visa, insurance, sports, health problems, personal problems, student life, financial problems, banks, tourism etc. Academic Matters: Erasmus coordinators Each faculty has an Erasmus Coordinator. The Erasmus Coordinator will be able to help you with most of your questions about academic matter (courses, exams, transcripts, professors, faculty regulations, deadlines, etc.). List of Erasmus Coordinators can be found on our web site at the following address: http://international.ulbsibiu.ro/download.html 5.2 Registration at the City of Sibiu: the Immigration Office Students from non-EU countries and Erasmus students from Turkey have to apply for the residence permit few weeks before their Visa expire. You have to prepare a file with the following documents: 1. Application form (you can receive it from our Department or from the Immigrations Office) 2. Statement form (you can receive it from our Department or from the Immigrations Office) 3. Copy of Passport 4. Ministry approval for non-EU students 5. Accommodation contract (you can receive it from our Department for those staying in the Dormitory) 6. Medical certificate 7. Certificate for your grant (from Home University) 8. Receipt of 4 RON fee paid at the City Hall (1-3 Victoriei Blvd.) 9. Certificate from Rectorate 10. Medical insurance (for those older than 26) 5.3 Important addresses: City Council: Address: 2 Samuel Brukenthal Street, Sibiu, 550178 Phone: +40 269-208800 Fax: +40 269-208811 E-mail: [email protected] Immigrations Office: Address: 2-4 Revoluţiei Street, Sibiu Phone: +40 269-208496, +40 269-208482, +40 269-208495 Fax: +40 269-210591 25 Practical Guide for International Students in the City of Sibiu! 5.4 Your departure At departure you have to bring to the Department of International Relations the following documents: 1. Copy of your Transcript of Records 2. Proof of paying the dormitory for the last month of stay 3. Library clearance 26 Practical Guide for International Students in the City of Sibiu! 6 6.1 TRANSPORT & TRAVEL How to get to Sibiu 6.1.1 By air The air connections of the city are insured by the Sibiu International Airport, located on national road DN1, at 3 kilometres from the city. Direct connections with the international airports in Bucharest, Targul Mureş and Timişoara, and with the international airports in Germany, Spain, Ukraine, Austria, Moldavia Greece and Italy, by means of regular flights. Address: 73 Alba Iulia Street Flight information center: +40 269 253 135 Opened 6.00 - 22.00 6.1.2 By bus There are several international transportation companies that drive to Sibiu, such as: Eurolines, Atlasib, Tavi Raisen, Pletl, Amad Touristik, Trans Europa. Just search the names on Google and you will find local representatives in different countries. 6.1.3 By car Sibiu is passed by two major European roads: E 68 (Arad - Sibiu - Brasov) and E 81 (Cluj Sibiu - Pitesti - Bucuresti). Check here the road map: http://www.map2web.cc/map4/index.php?fdimx=6&fdimy=4&fpnr=151&PHPSESSID=ccf4f8b f66b118b2dc94856b1fe1ccdf . 6.1.4 By train Please check: www.mersultrenurilor.ro 6.2 Transport in Sibiu 6.2.1 Public transportation Sibiu is a compact city, with relatively short distances between extremities. It is recommended that one visits the old city on foot due to the short distances and the beautiful local architecture. The local public transportation in Sibiu is ensured by Tursib, a company under the guidance of the Local Council of Sibiu. There are 20 bus routes inside the city and 2 bus routes connecting the city with the adjoining villages. Where to buy TURSIB tickets and passes The fee for a ticket is 1.5 lei and it can be purchased from the ticket vending machines, ticket booths or Tursib Agencies. Ticket vending machines Recently installed in three major bus stops (Railway Station, Cemetery and the Museum of Natural History), the vending machines represent a quick and efficient manner to purchase tickets. They allow the purchasing of 1 to 4 tickets simultaneously and they work with coins of 10 or 50 bani or bills of 1 or 5 lei. Tursib ticket booths: V.Aurie, P-ta Rahovei, P-ta V.Aaron, Compa, Nufarul (B-dul Coposu), 27 Practical Guide for International Students in the City of Sibiu! Universitate, P-ta Cibin, Magazin “Plus” (A.Iulia Street), Obor; Tursib address: 133-135 Calea Dumbrăvii Phone: +40 269 426100 Fax: +40 269 210771 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.tursib.ro Download the bus route map at: http://www.turism.sibiu.ro/img/hartatursib-l.jpg 6.2.2 Rent-a-bike Discover a unique way to experience the magnificent views of Sibiu's skyline or just get some fresh air and exercise! There is no better way to get around, see new things, stay healthy and active. You can find the renting point, very close to the city centre, at Cazarma 90 (the big parking area). 6.2.3 Taxis Phone. +40 269 953 Phone. +40 269 949 Phone. +40 269 942 Phone. +40742242942 Taxi stationing points Vasile Aaron - statie viaduct Semaforului - Piata V.Aaron Semaforului - Liceul Energetic Calea Cisnadiei int. cu str. Rahova Valea Aurie la farmacie Cartier Strand - Bancpost area Autogara Turnisor Str. Lunga - Sibiul Nou Tg.Fanului - Libertatea Calea Gusteritei - Complex Str. H.Coanda - Compa B-dul C. Coposu - Teatru Piata Mare Targu Obor Str. Luptei - V.Milea Piata Cluj Stefan cel Mare - Comp. Trei Stejari Piata Rahova Str. N.Iorga - Cedonia Piata 1 Decembrie 1918 - Gara Piata Cibin Calea Dumbravii - Oituz Piata Unirii - HoPhone Continental Forum Str. H.Oberth - Policlinica veche 28 Practical Guide for International Students in the City of Sibiu! 7 7.1 LIVING IN SIBIU/ ACCOMMODATION Private Housing Most students in Sibiu rent a private room or a room provided by ”Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu. There are several student residential areas in Sibiu. The price for a room or studio varies between 150 and 300 EUR per month depending on the area and the type of accommodation. Please take into account that it won’t be easy to find a room on the private housing market for less than 10 months. Students need to inspect the property, negotiate with the landlord and sign the rental agreement personally. This makes it is almost impossible for international students to arrange permanent accommodation from outside Romania. You are therefore strongly advised to come to Sibiu as early as possible and use temporary housing for the first few days. For more details about temporary housing, check the following section: ”Youth Hostel, Hotel, Bed & Breakfasts”. The following web pages will certainly help you on your way: www.tocmai.ro/Imobiliare www.grandimobiliar.ro/ www.mercador.ro/chirie-garsoniere www.cauta-imobiliare.ro/inchirieri-apartamente.php?judet=SIBIU www.imobiliare.ro http://apartament-sibiu.ro/anunturi_imobiliare_inchiriere_Apartamente-2-1.html www.intermedcasa.ro www.ziarulimobiliar.ro 7.2 Youth Hostel, Hotel, Bed & Breakfasts Another possibility is to stay in a hotel or youth hostel during the first days of your stay and in the meantime look for a room yourself. You can visit the website of the City of Sibiu to find a hotel at www.sibiu.ro Hostel Sibiu - Sibiu, str. Ogorului, no. 26A ,Phone. (004)0748 114741 Old Town Hostel - Sibiu., Piata Mica, ( 004) 0269 216 445, http://www.hostelsibiu.ro Flying Time Hostel in Sibiu – 6 Gheorghe Lazar Street, (004) 0726278330, http://www.sibiuhostel.ro Villa Teilor – Sibiu, 4 Teilor Street, no.4, (004) 07 66242874, http://www.sibiutravelershostel.com 7.3 The rental agreement The rental agreement will specify several things: the amount of the security deposit, the duration, the rental price, the notice period(s), obligations, rights and prohibitions, etc. When you sign an agreement for a specific duration, the period you sign it for is binding, which means that, under normal circumstances, the contract cannot be terminated before the end of the rental period. 7.3.1 The deposit Keep in mind that you will also be required to pay a deposit to the equivalent of one to three months’ rent when you start renting the room. Make sure the landlord gives you a receipt! The landlord may ask you to open a joint bank account for the deposit, which will be returned to you upon departure if no damage to the room or its furniture was detected. The deposit should never be considered as payment for the rent! Should you experience trouble recovering the deposit, ask for help and advice at the Housing Office of your host institution. 29 Practical Guide for International Students in the City of Sibiu! 7.3.2 Supplementary costs If the costs for heating, electricity and water are not included in the rental price, it has to be stated clearly in the agreement how these costs will be calculated. Very often a landlord will ask for an advance on these charges. At the end of the rental period, the landlord will compare this sum with the actual bills and will calculate the difference. He will calculate the bill by taking a meter reading at the start and at the end of your rental period. Make sure to read the meters yourself when moving into your student room, and keep a note of the numbers! 7.3.3 Keep in mind - to carefully read the rental agreement before signing; - to write down all verbal promises; - to record the meter reading when you move in; - to make an inventory. Pay attention to: - the duration of the rental agreement; - the period of notice. 4. Keep your room locked Students often keep valuable personal items at their room, such as a phone, computer, Phone vision, DVD and CD player, etc. You will also have valuable papers, such as your identity card and driving licence. Losing any of these through theft will cause a lot of annoyance, and extra costs in replacing them. Losing important computer files is also lost time and effort. Before leaving your rooms, we advise you to check whether all windows and doors have been properly closed. Even when you go to another room in the same building, it is better to lock your door behind you. A thief only needs a couple of minutes! Personalize all valuable objects by marking them with an engraving device or a special marker pen. Draw up a list of the brand, type, production number and special identification marks of the appliances you least want to lose. Should you become the victim of a burglary, always notify the police. 7.4 Respect your neighbours Students tend to throw parties at their rooms instead of in a pub or club. This is not usually a problem, as long as you do not keep the neighbours awake. Having parties at your student room may be more fun, but they should be strictly limited to your room and should not keep the entire neighbourhood awake. Avoid endless midnight conversations and discussions with your friends. They could be a nuisance to your next-door neighbours. Most of the housing in Ghent has very thin dividing walls! Nobody wants to be kept awake until 4 in the morning by someone else’s fun. We therefore ask you to keep things quiet every day between 22h00 and 6h00. When you go home after a wonderful night out … respect the silence and let the people sleep. They will be very grateful. With mutual respect it is nice to live in our beautiful city! The city of Sibiu fully supports all activities and projects in which inhabitants as well as students participate, meeting each other and talking together. The dialogue has to result in an open society with mutual respect. 30 Practical Guide for International Students in the City of Sibiu! 7.5 University’s student dormitories Student Dormitory I II III 7.6 Address 31 Victoriei Boulevard 31 Victoriei Boulevard 31 Victoriei Boulevard Capacity No. of beds/ room Bathroom 164 4 1/ room 236 4 1/ floor 1/2 1/ room Lecture Room X Kitchen Medical office Fitness centre X X X X Laundries You can find laundries in student dormitory 3 (in the basement) and close to student dormitory 1 (take right after getting out of the dormitory and you will find it). 31 Practical Guide for International Students in the City of Sibiu! 8 8.1 FINANCIAL MATTERS Money & banking The Romanian currency is the Leu (plural: Lei), (1 Leu = 4.6 EURO) and its subdivision is „Bani”( singular „ban”). There are 4 coins and 7 notes: - Coins: coins of 1 ban, 5 bani, 10 bani and 50 bani. - notes: notes of 1 leu, 5 lei, 10 lei, 50 lei, 100 lei, 200 lei 500 lei. All prices in Romania include VAT. The general value of the WATT is 24 %. Different banks have several branches in Sibiu. Most banks are open on weekdays from 09h0012h00 and from 14h00-16h00. During the weekend, you can use the numerous ATMs to withdraw money. It will not be easy to open a bank account, as most banks will not allow you to open a bank account when you’re only staying for a few months. To open a bank account, you will need your passport or identity card and an address in Sibiu. It can also be useful to take your Sibiu student card with you. Some banks, moreover, require the “Appendix” you received when registrating at the Foreigners Registration Office of the City of Sibiu. 8.2 Shopping and markets 8.2.1 Shopping City Sibiu Selimbar, DN 1, Km 306 Situated on the national road, at the exit towards Bucharest, the Shopping City Sibiu Commercial Park is the main element of the retail market in Sibiu. At the present, the commercial park includes Real (hypermarket), Media Galaxy (electronics), Baumax (DIY), Mobilia (furniture) and Promenada Mall (10.500 square meters of commercial spaces). Another 4.000 square meters were added to the park including Hervis Sport, Takko Fashion, Deichmann and New Yorker. Promenada Mall offers the visitors a pleasant way to spend their leisure time shopping. The stores offer quality products by local and international retailers in a pleasant and warm environment. Every weekend the management of the Mall offers surprises and events for the entire family. Promenada Mall offers its clients a wide range of local and international brands such as: United Colors of Benetton, Kenvelo, Levi's, Lee Cooper, Benvenuti, Puma and many others. Shopping City Sibiu includes as well a Carrefour hypermarket, a Mobexpert store (furniture producer), a Flanco World store, a Proges store and an extension of the Promenada Mall. 32 Practical Guide for International Students in the City of Sibiu! 8.2.2 Other supermarkets and department stores METRO CASH & CARRY 79A Alba Iulia Street Opening hours: Monday - Saturday: 06.00-22.00, Sunday: 08.00-22.00 KAUFLAND DN1 on the right side. The complex includes a Demo electronics store Opening hours: Monday - Saturday, 07:30 - 22:00, Sunday, 07:30 - 20:00 OBI DN14 on the left side. Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 08:30 - 21:00 CASA AMBIENT 100 Alba Iulia Street Opening hours: M-F: 7-21; S: 8-18; Su: 9-16 PENNY MARKET DN1 on the left side LIDL Supermarkets 47 A Alba Iulia Street, 47A Rusciorului Street Opening hours: Monday - Saturday : 08:00 - 22:00, Sunday : 09:00 - 17:00 BILLA Supermarket 2 Papiu Ilarian Street (entry from Balcescu street) Opening hours: Monday-Saturday: 7:00-22:00, Sunday: 9:00-20:00 8.2.3 Art & antiquities ART ANTIC Piata Huet 2 Opening hours: Monday- Fiday 10- 18, Saturday: 10 - 13 Galeria ART-VO 10 General Magheru Street Hotel Ana - 120 Alba Iulia Street Opening hours: Monday - Fiday10 – 18, Saturday: 10 - 13 ANTIK PLANET 34 N. Balcescu Street Opening hours: Monday - Fiday 10-18, Saturday: 10-14 Magazin Antichitati 23 Piata Mica Opening hours: Monday - Fiday 10-18, Saturday: 10-14 33 Practical Guide for International Students in the City of Sibiu! 8.2.4 Markets & fairs CIBIN MARKET The largest fruit and vegetable market in Sibiu is situated at the end of Turnului Street, near the Cibin Bridge. Open daily RAHOVA MARKET Fruit and vegetable market situated at the end of the Mihai Viteazu Boulevard Open daily 8.2.5 Shopping in the central area The stores situated in the historical centre are usually opened from 10 am to 7 pm during working days. Nicolae Balcescu Street remains the main commercial street where one can find clothing, shoes, book shops, jewellery and souvenirs as well as numerous banks, coffee houses and restaurants. Among the stores situated here we mention Feeling, Leonardo, Mustang, Zara, Massimo Dutti and a Christmas Fair will function in the Large Square starting with the end of November. 8.3 Bookshops Humanitas book shop, the largest in Sibiu: city centre, Nicolae Balcescu Street Diverta Bookshop: city centre, Large Square The Bookstore of "Lucian Blaga" University Sibiu: 10 Victoriei Blvd. Second hand bookshop: Cazarma 90 (on the street) POLSIB Bookshop: 40 Alba Iulia Street. 34 Practical Guide for International Students in the City of Sibiu! 9 9.1 STUDENT SERVICES Student jobs Ask for details and advice about getting a job a Romania at The Department for Student Career Orientation (Lucian Blaga Street, Faculty of Medicine, 5th floor. 9.2 Student restaurants In Sibiu there is a wide range of student restaurants. They are all situated in the vicinity of the various faculties and departments. The service they offer is based on the three mainstays of “quality, variety and low prices”. The prices are the lowest in the city: hot meals usually cost between 10 and 20 Lei (including main course + second course + dessert in some of the cases), snacks and sandwiches cost between 4 and 8 Lei. Student Cafetaria 31 Victoriei Blvd Phone number: 0269/21.83.26 Snack Cafeteria Lucian Blaga Street, Faculty of Medicine, basement Simba Fast Food & Restaurant 12 Calea Dumbravii Supporter Quick Food 26 Victoriei Blvd. Other Restaurants (traditional and international): Nr. Crt. 1 2 Restaurant Adress Butoiul de Aur Taverna Romaneasca 4 Turnului Street 4 Targul Pestelui Street 3 La Dobrun 1 Dobrun Street 4 Union 6 Piata Mica 5 Izi D'oro 8 Stefan cel Mare 6 Crama Ileana 2 Piata Teatrului 7 8 Tango Grill Crama Sibiana 23 Piata Mica 31 Piata Mica 35 Phone number +40729500677 +40751323210 +40269240040, +40751242754 0730519996 +40269/214586 +40726685197 +40269/434343 +40744841048 +40754709373 Practical Guide for International Students in the City of Sibiu! 9.3 Libraries Lucian Blaga University Library (Lucian Blaga Street, Faculty of Medicine) With a current books and magazines and numerous and operating a modern new building, opened in 2009, University Library offers its users a modern technology of auto-loan and autoreturn, via the issuance of personalized cards for users integrated with the UMS ( University Management System). It has been nominated as one of the most complex and modern library in Europe and you can find here books related to various subjects. Astra Library (5-7 G. Baritiu Street, Astra Parc ) 9.4 ICT facilities All institutions provide free use of computers and free internet access. In the city library you can use the internet for free also. You will need a library card. Ask for the card at the information desk. Moreover most of the pubs and café bars have Wi-Fi. 9.5 Language Courses Erasmus Intensive Language Courses (EILC) Who can apply? - Students who have been selected for an Erasmus study/placement period in one of the organizing countries (or regions) where the course is organized. They may receive a supplementary mobility grant awarded and paid by their home institutions to help cover extra costs. Students whose main subject of study is the language of the country or region organizing the EILC are normally not eligible participants. - Comenius and Grundtvig Assistants may also participate, provided that there is a surplus of places on a course. How to apply? - The application form should be filled electronically by the Erasmus students and sent, signed and stamped, by their home institution to the EILC organizing institution. The addresses to be sent to are provided in the Organizing Institutions Information Forms. Basic information regarding the EILC Romanian course It is organized by the”Lucian Blaga” Universityof Sibiu (2012 - 2013 academic year) Dates of the courses: Summer course: From the 3rd of September to the 28th of September Schedule: Mondays to Fridays from 9:00 AM to 13:00 AM. 36 Practical Guide for International Students in the City of Sibiu! Places where the courses will be held: Sibiu, Romania Registration already opened. Deadline to receive students’ applications: 1st June. *You can also choose to study a foreign language as part of your curriculum if the faculty you are going to have those kinds of linguistic subjects. All enquiries should be sent to the following e-mail address: [email protected] 9.6 Student Unions for international students ESI (Erasmus Sibiu Initiative) ESI - Erasmus Sibiu Initiative is a group of students who feel that they have to give something good back to their great Erasmus experience. The Mission is: - to work in the interest of international students - to try to make their integration as easy, funny, and constructive as possible - to promote multiculturalism within students and encourage volunteering - to promote international mobilities and offer the necessary information for students who want to study abroad. The main goal is to soon become a section of ESN - Erasmus Student Network , one of the biggest interdisciplinary student associations in Europe, that since 1989 is supporting and developing student exchange. AIESEC Sibiu Student Organisation The local committee of the largest student organisation in the world, present in over 90 countries. (http://www.aiesec-sibiu.ro/) European Students Association - AEGEE AEGEE is one of the largest interdisciplinary student associations from Europe. AEGEE is represented in 256 cities from 30 countries and has 19 000 members. AEGEE is a non for profit, non-political organisation. 9.7 Student organisations at LBUS SOLIDUS Student Organisation Student organisation of the students from the Engineering Faculty. START Student Organisation Student organisation of the Computer Science students from the Engineering Faculty. The “Hippocrates” Organization of Medicine Students Representative for the students of “Victor Papilian” School of Medicine, “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu, the “Hippocrates” OMS consists of students who have freely consented to join it in order to defend their professional, humanitarian, social and cultural interests as future physicians. The “Hippocrates” OMS aims at defending the dignity, rights and interests of its members, reinforcing law-observance and democratic practices, as well as university autonomy; it also promotes competence and value criteria, endeavouring to ensure a stimulating academic atmosphere among students and teaching staff alike in order for the educational process to increase its efficiency. Art and Letters Faculty Students League Student organisation of the students from the Faculty of Arts and Letters. 37 Practical Guide for International Students in the City of Sibiu! The Economists Students Club The Organization "Economist Students Club" was founded in 1995 with the support of teachers from the Faculty of Economic Sciences. We are a non-profit organization, apolitical and nongovernmental and we have as primary target the students of the Economic Sciences Faculty of „Lucian Blaga” University in Sibiu. In 1997 the organization has obtained legal status and has managed to be a very active non-governmental student organization. ELSA Sibiu - The European Law Students Association ELSA is the largest law student and recent graduates association in the world, with over 30.000 members from 37 European countries and 200 universities. It is an association that has nothing to do with politics and no profit is gained from the activities she conducts, ELSA has benefited of the help provided by other student associations. ELSA has a strong relationship with international organizations, relationship in which she is active, as proof of activity she became a consulting member with a special status beside UNESCO, UNCITRAL, ECOSOC being represented permanently at ONU, New York, Geneva and Vienna. ELSA Romania became an association on the 6th of December 1990. ELSA Romania has 8 local groups in: Bucharest, ClujNapoca, Constanta, Craiova, Iasi, Oradea, Sibiu, Timisoara. Students Association in Psychology Sibiu (ASPS) Students Association in Psychology Sibiu obtained its status in 2002. The main idea of this nonprofit organization is to involve in active way in cultural and scientific students life activation but also to represent and fight for students rights. ASPS want to offer their members the opportunity to test the needed know-how in their psychological activity. Students Association in Sociology Sibiu (ASSS) The objectives of Students Association in Sociology Sibiu are: student learning and personal development; initiation and realization of study, research, symposium, conference, work-shop, communication session or other activities in the field of sociology, ethnology, social assistance; realization, publication and distribution of informative materials with scientific character; promoting, sustaining and presenting the students interests of sociology department; alliance and partnership establishment with other persons or organization (foreign or not). 9.8 The University Cultural Center Sibiu The University Cultural Center functions as a living body, opened to the offers and initiatives of youngsters. These initiatives become programs that are analyzed and turned into reality by the young people under the guidance of the referents working at the center. The object of its activity is creating the necessary environment for the young people to be able to express themselves freely, to express the dimension of their minds and energy. The University Cultural Center 34 Calea Dumbrăvii, Sibiu Phone: +40 269 212883 Fax: + 40 269 211494 e-mail: [email protected] 38 Practical Guide for International Students in the City of Sibiu! 10 KEEPING IN TOUCH 10.1 Using public phones In Sibiu there are public telephone booths where you can call anywhere in the world. The Romanian Telecommunication agency is called Romtelecom and the postal service is Posta Romana. To use a public phone you need a phone card which is sold in post offices, some newsstands or at Telecom office. The phone numbers have ten digits: the first four digits – 0269 - indicate the Sibiu code and the rest six the number. When calling from abroad dial 0040269 following by the six digits number 10.2 Mobile phones There are also other cellular companies like Orange, Cosmote, RCS&RDS, Romtelecom, Vodafone Romania and Zapp Mobiles, if you are calling from abroad then you have to dial International Access Code +40 (country code) + 269 or 369 (area code) + telephone number (six digit number) Program for the companies are Monday- Friday from 09h to 16h 10.3 MONEY MATTERS The Romanian currency is called LEU and is the only currency accepted in shops and restaurants. The most accepted foreign currencies are the American dollar and the EURO, so be sure that you have some of these before enters the country. The best way of carrying funds in is cash Euros. ATMs are available throughout the city and MasterCard and Visa are accepted in large hotel and shops, but not in smaller towns and villages. You can exchange money at banks and privately owned bureaux de change, called "Casa de schimb valutar". Please beware of the commission charged for transaction. 10.4 CYBER CAFES Surfing, mailing, gaming, downloading... all across Sibiu you’ll find spots where you can access the internet. Besides the specialised, fully equipped cybercafés, you will also find some smaller pubs where you can browse the internet and make international phone calls. Almost 90% of the pubs near student’s hostel have wireless some of them include. ANDIAMO 31 Victorei Blvd, Program Monday to Saturday from 8:00 to 24:00 Sunday from 8:00 to 2:00AM MAI LOUNGE 31 Victorei Blvd, Program Monday to Saturday from 8:00 to 24:00 SUPPORTER 30 Victorei Blvd, Program Monday to Saturday from 8:00 to 24:00 Some of the cyber cafes and internet spots available in city center are 39 Practical Guide for International Students in the City of Sibiu! ATRIUM CLASSIC CAFE 16 Piata Mica, next to Liers' Bridge 0269 242 000 www.atriumcafe.ro IMPERIUM PUB 24 Nicolae Balcescu Street Phone: 0722 - 244456 Opening hours: 17:00 - 02:00 CAFE WIEN 4 Piata Huet Email:[email protected] Phone: 0269 223 223 Opening hours: zilnic 9.00 - 2.00 CAFE EINSTEIN 13 Piata Mica Phone: 0269242424 Opening hours: UNION CLUB & PUB 6 Piata Mica Phone: 0740681833 Opening hours: Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 21:00 - 05:00 You can also use internet in the university library with given account name and password. There is also wireless internet EDUROM available in all the faculties that can be accessed by the username and password provided by Marketing Department. 10.5 Post offices Post offices in Sibiu have different operating hours in week. Post offices display a postal horn symbol and the word Posta. Main post office information is given below. Address: 14 Mitropoliei Street Phone: (+40) 269 323.179 Open: Mon. – Fri. 7:00am – 8:00pm; Sat. 8:00am – 1:00pm; Sun. Closed 40 Practical Guide for International Students in the City of Sibiu! 11 CULTURE & LEISURE The path from merely a medieval city to the European Capital of Culture was not an easy or a simple one; however, Sibiu has taken this road for the past hundreds of years, thus setting a good example for the whole country. Actually, Sibiu has always been a city where culture ranks high. One can easily testify this by mentioning the name of Baron Samuel von Brukenthal, one of the most outstanding men of culture in Transylvania, or to mention that Franz Liszt and Johann Strauss performed in Sibiu. Ever since the Middle Ages, the inhabitants of Sibiu have evinced a great desire for culture. The Theatre in Sibiu was founded in the 16th century thus initiating a long and successful tradition. The first actors were students of various schools, who attempted to re-enact in their performances the battles they learned about in their history classes. Gradually, theatre appealed more and more to the Sibiu audience and, consequently, a great many wealthy people were willing to either accommodate or financially support theatrical performances. In 1778 a theatre review, called “Theatral Wochenblatt” was published in Sibiu. The first location of the Sibiu Theatre was set up in 1789 in the Fat Tower of the city, being run by Martin Hochmeister. During the 17th century significant theatrical performances took place in the Large Square of the city. The fragmentary performances took place on a mobile, rotating stage in front of a numerous audience, while the actors performed the same part of the play. “Radu Stanca” National Theatre, well known to all theatre lovers, and the “Gong” Theatre, as well as the Philarmonics, was all founded in 1949. The “Astra” library – set up has in 1861 by the “Astra” Association - always been an important centre of the cultural life in Sibiu. Nowadays, the “Astra” library accommodates over 750,000 volumes thus being the largest library in Sibiu. The “Astra” Library boasts the oldest book printed in Romanian in 1580 – “Sbornicul slavonesc” – as well as numerous other volumes of great significance for both national and European culture. Nowadays, Sibiu is a prominent cultural centre of Romania and boasts important international festivals that take place every year such as: the International Jazz Festival, the International Theatre Festival or the International Anthropological Film Festival, “Astra Film Fest”, attracting thousands of tourists to Sibiu. Mention should be made that the International Anthropological Film Festival, “Astra Film Fest” is one of the most valuable festivals, in a class by itself, appealing to a large audience and attracting participants – directors and students - from all continents. In Sibiu boasted two theatres, one philarmonics, five libraries, five cultural centres, six cultural institutes, three universities and two museums – including more than ten museum sections. Sibiu was a European Capital of Cultural thoughout the year 2007. 41 Practical Guide for International Students in the City of Sibiu! The State Philharmonic of Sibiu Address: 3-5 Cetatii Street Phone. (+40) 269 210.264 [email protected] www.filarmonicasibiu.ro www.filarmonicasibiu.ro/index2.php Weekly classical music concerts take place in the newly renovated Thalia Hall, a concert hall and theatre dating from 1787. Radu Stanca National Theatre Address: 2 C. Coposu Blvd Phone: (+40) 269 210.092 [email protected] www.sibfest.ro/TNRS-National-Theatre-Radu-Stanca-Sibiu.aspx One of the leading Romanian theatres, with origins dating back to 1787, it attracts some of the best-known Romanian directors. This theatre has both Romanian-language and Germanlanguage sections and presents an average of five shows a week. Gong Theatre Address: 4 Alexandru Odobescu Street Phone: (+40) 269 211.349 Specializing in puppetry, mime and non-conventional shows for children and teenagers, this theatre presents shows in both Romanian and German. Cinemateca Astrafilm Address: 12 Piata Huet, Sibiu Phone: (+40) 269 202 430 E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://www.astrafilm.ro/ (http://www.astrafilm.ro/) Brukenthal Museum (Muzeul Brukenthal) Address: 4-5 Piata Mare Phone: (+40) 269 217 691 Email: [email protected] http://www.brukenthalmuseum.ro/ Summer Schedule: Tue. – Sun. 10:00am – 6:00pm; Closed Mon. Closed first Tuesday of every month. Winter Schedule: Wed. - Sun, 10:00am - 06.00pm; Closed every Monday and Tuesday. Admission charge Sibiu is home to Transylvania’s finest art museum, the Brukenthal Museum. Founded in 1790 by Samuel Brukenthal, the governor of the province, the museum opened to the public in 1817. It is the oldest museum in Romania and one of the first museums in Europe. The art collection includes paintings by Rubens, Van Dyck and Teniers, as well as works of German, Austrian and Romanian masters. Additionally, it features a 16th century silverware collection, painted glass icons and 350 rare books, many dating to the days of the first printing press. 42 Practical Guide for International Students in the City of Sibiu! ASTRA Open Air Museum (Muzeul in aer liber ASTRA -Dumbrava Sibiului) Address: 14 Calea Rasinarilor (2miles south of Sibiu) Phone: (+40) 269 242.419 www.MuzeulAstra.ro Open: Tue. – Sun. 9:00am - 6:00pm (wintertime 10am – 5pm); Closed Mon. Admission charge How to get here: From Piata Unirii take bus #1 or the tram (which goes all the way to Rasinari). At peak times (7am – 9am and 1pm – 3pm), the tram runs every 30 mins and every hour the rest of the day. ASTRA is the second largest open-air museum in the world (250 acres) Located in the middle of a dense forest and surrounded by a beautiful lake, ASTRA features more than 300 buildings as well as watermills and windmills, gigantic presses for wine, fruit and oil, hydraulic forges and structures representing village architectural styles from many parts of Romania. The museum illustrates the technological legacy of the Romanian people. There is a wonderful collection of wooden farmhouses, a cherhana (a traditional collecting and storage point for fish) and sheepfolds, as well as a wooden church and two traditional inns. Guided tours are available. Another option is a visit by horse-drawn carriages (ladies, the driver will kiss your hand in greeting, an old Romanian custom). The History Museum (Muzeul de Istorie) Address: 2 Mitropoliei Street Phone: (+40) 269 218 143 Open: Tue. – Sun. 9:00am – 5:00pm (wintertime 10am – 6pm); Closed Mon. Admission charge This museum is housed in the Old City Hall (Primaria Veche), which dates to 1470 and boasts typical Transylvanian gothic civil architecture. Here, you can learn the history of the city and the region from Neolithic and Roman times to the present. In addition to rich collections from the Middle Ages and the baroque era, there is a fine silverware exhibit. Natural History Museum (Muzeul de Istorie Naturala) Address: 1 Cetatii Street Phone: (+40) 269 213 156 Open: Tue. – Sun. 10:00am – 6:00pm; Closed Mon. Admission charge One of the oldest and richest of its kind in Romania, this museum was founded by the Transylvanian Association of Natural Science (Siebenburgischer Verein für Naturwiessenschaften in German) in 1849. An astronomic observation centre also is located here. Sigerus Saxon Ethnographic Museum (Muzeul de Etnographie si Arta Populara Saseasca Emil Sigerus) Address: 12 Piata Mica Phone: (+40) 269 218 195 Open: Tue. – Sun. 9:00am - 6:00pm (wintertime 10:00am – 5:00pm); Closed Mon. Admission Charge Collections of painted furniture, costumes-textiles-embroideries and pottery, initiated by Emil Sigerus, the most important collector of Transylvanian Saxon Folk Art at the end of the 19th century. The museum also includes the original collections of the Carpathians Transylvanian Museum or MSVK opened in 1895 by the Siebenbugishen KarpathenvereinAssociation. 43 Practical Guide for International Students in the City of Sibiu! Museum of Hunting Weapons and Trophies (Muzeul de Arme si Trofee de Vanatoare) Address: 4 Scoala de Inot Street Phone: (+40) 269 217 873 Open: Tue. – Sun. 9:00am – 5:00pm (wintertime 9am – 4pm); Closed Mon. Admission charge Founded in 1966, the museum features a collection of weapons, medals and stuffed animals. Some of the exhibits are over 100 years old, such as the hunting trophies brought after a long safari in Africa by Colonel Spiess, who was a Master of Hunting of the Royal House of Romania. Franz Binder World Ethnographic Museum (Muzeul de Etnografie Universala Franz Binder) Address: 11 Piata Mica Phone: (+40) 269 218 195 Email: [email protected] www.franzbinder.sibiu.ro Open: Tue. – Sun. 10:00am – 6:00pm; Closed Mon. The Franz Binder collections, housed in the “Hermes House” (initially called “The House of the Small Handicraftsmen's Association”) built between 1865 and 1867, were established in the 19th century through donations and acquisitions from travelers and collectors. The permanent exhibition, “From the art and culture of the world – the people of the world,” displays objects from various parts of the world, including northern Africa and the springs of the Nile, China, Japan, Oceania, Asia Minor, Brazil, Lapland and Australia. Pharmacy Museum (Muzeul de Istorie a Farmaciei) Address: 26 Piata Mica Phone: (+40) 269 218 191 Open: Tue. – Sun. 10:00am – 6:00pm; Closed Mon. Admission charge Housed in a 16-th century building where the oldest pharmacy in Romania, La Ursul Negru (The Black Bear), operated for over 150 years, this museum showcases some 6,000 pieces of medical equipment from the 16th to the 19th centuries, coming from chemist’s shops, medical institutions and individuals. It should be noted that Sibiu had more chemists than any other town in Transylvania. The collections of the museum cover the whole range of medical instruments, from surgical pouches, microscopes, different bowls made of wood, china, glass, bronze mortars, stands with balances and weights in the Viennese style to the oldest piece of the collection, a 1597 bronze mortar used for preparing medicines. At the front, a reconstructed shop is decked out with wooden Viennese counters and stacks of glass jars creating the atmosphere of an 18-th century “apoteka” (German for “pharmacy”). The Steam Engine Museum (Muzeul de Locomotive cu Aburi) Address: 22 Dorobantilor Street Phone: (+40) 269 431 685 Admission charge Opened in 1994, this museum displays 23 standard gauge steam engines, 10 narrow gauge steam engines, three snowplows and two steam cranes. The steam engines were built between 1885 and 1959 in Romania (the Resita Factory and the Malaxa Factory in Bucharest), Germany (Henschel, Borsig, Schwartzkopff) and USA (Baldwin). The museum is located opposite the main railway station. 44 Practical Guide for International Students in the City of Sibiu! 11.1 Cultural Events − Sibiu Jazz Festival (May) − Sibiu International Theatre Festival (June) − Carl Filtsch International Piano Competition and Festival (July) − National Festival of Folk Traditions (August) − Craftsmen’s Fair (August) − Annual Pottery Fair (September) − Astra Film Fest (October) − Dance Festival (November) 11.2 SPORTS There are several gyms and swimming pools in Sibiu. GYMS: University Cultural Center 34A Calea Dumbravii, Sibiu Club Sportiv Transilvania sibiu 29-31 Nicolae Teclu Street, Sibiu Fit for fun 2 James Watt Street, Sibiu , Sibiu Global gym 3-5 Victoriei Blvd, Sibiu (Cercul Militar) SWIMING POOLS: Olimpia 31-33 Victoriei Blvd, Sibiu Neptun 4 Andrei Şaguna Street, Sibiu 45 Practical Guide for International Students in the City of Sibiu! 12 HEALTH & INSURANCE 12.1 Health care: practical information Before coming to Romania please make sure you have a medical insurance that can cover any expenses and hospitalization here in Romania. 12.2 Pharmacies In Romania, medication and certain health products are only for sale in pharmacies. A list of pharmacies can be found on the following http://www.paginafarmacistilor.ro/farmacii/sibiu/ . Pharmacies are usually closed on Saturdays and Sundays. A limited number of pharmacists are on duty during the weekend and at night for in urgent need of medication. In that case, however, an extra fee will be charged. Non-stop opened pharmacies Farmacia San Marco 7 Iorga Nicolae Street +40 269-232187 Polisano Pharma 11 Mihai Viteazu Blvd +40 269-421418 12.3 General Hospitals Name Address Phone. Web Page Emergency Clinical Local Hospital Emergency Military Hospital 2-4 Corneliu Coposu Blvd 46 Victoriei Blvd (+40) 269 215 050 (+40) 269 211 209 http://www.scjs.ro 12.4 IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS International Relations Department –”Lucian Blaga” Universityof Sibiu : (+4)0269210512 Emergency Call: 112 Police/ Ambulance/ Firemen 46 Practical Guide for International Students in the City of Sibiu! 12.5 BASIC ROMANIAN FOR BEGINNERS hello! Bună! good morning! Bună dimineaţa! good afternoon! Bună ziua! good evening! Bună seara! good bye! La revedere! or Ceau! (informal) How are you? Ce faci? Fine, thank you. Bine, mulţumesc Do you speak English? Vorbeşti engleza? I don’t speak Romanian. Nu vorbesc romaneşte. My name is… Numele meu este... What’s your name? Cum te numeşti? I am from… Eu sunt din... Nice to meet you. Îmi pare bine de cunoştinţă. I don’t understand. Nu înţeleg. How much does it cost? Cât costa? Please. Te rog. Thank you. Multumesc! or Mersi! (informal) You’re welcome. Cu placere. Yes Da No Nu Sir Domnule Miss/madam Domnişoară/Doamnă Can I use your phone? Pot folosi Phoneefonul tău? I need your help. Am nevoie de ajutorul tău. It’s an emergency. E o urgenţă. I’m sick. Sunt bolnav. I’m injured. Sunat rănit. I need a doctor. Am nevoie de un doctor. 47 Practical Guide for International Students in the City of Sibiu! EDITORIAL TEAM Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu – International Relations Department ESI (Erasmus Sibiu Initiative) Organisation Georgiana Bradescu, Mohsinnis Khalil Ahmed Contact details: Daniela PREDA - Institutional Coordinator Ioana MIRCEA Corina MARIN Cristina POTROPOPU Rectorate Building, International Relations Department 10 Victoriei Blvd, 550024 Sibiu, Romania Office schedule: Monday - Friday open from 9:00 – 13:00 E-mail: [email protected] Phone. / Fax +40 269 210 512 48
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