My Erasmus Experience in Bucharest, Romania by Kevin

Why did you choose to go to Bucharest, Romania?

Because I wanted to experience a real change from our Western societies, and I was not disappointed. You can't help but have a picturesque vision in your head going there, although Bucharest is a very European city. I'd never been to Eastern Europe and I have to say that I went there with no knowledge of Romania at all, just curiosity.

How long's your stay? What financial aid do you receive?

I spent more than 6 months in Romania in total and I did two work internships there. I received 500 euros a month from the mobility grant in addition to my social grants and a small bonus from the internships.

What's the student vibe like in Bucharest?

I did work experience but having spent time with a lot of students, I can say that the atmosphere is really lively! There is of course the advantage that going out to eat or drink in Bucharest doesn't cost much; you can get a beer for 1. 50€, eat from a kebab shop for 2€ which is nutritious enough and going out for a good meal only costs around 5-10€. Bucharest is the capital of Romania and with a historic district full of bars and a friendly and rather Mediterranean vibe, you don't need to find another excuse to go party! In my opinion, the clubs are a lot better than in France as you have free entry, electrorock music and cocktails for 2€. You can find quirky places beyond the city if you make friends with a few of the locals.

Would you recommend the city or university to other students?

I recommend Bucharest a thousand times over; it may not be the most beautiful place I've ever been, but it truly has a charm, which I noticed during my 6 month stay. I was really starting to feel at home there. I wasn't at the university but from what I know from my Romanian friends (but who also don't go there), the level isn't necessarily high and there would be many students there who didn't know what they wanted to do in the future. I think my Erasmus friends had 8 hours of lessons a week.

What's Romania's food like?

The Romanians are Mediterranean therefore they have a good gastronomy. It isn't exactly the same as ours (the French), but you can easily find French items there. Families that don't live in busy cities spend two or three hours in the kitchen to cook delicious small dishes, which is a bit like traditional French gastronomy. Some dishes are worth it. However, it's different in Bucharest. You eat more on the go here, the Shaorma (kebabs) are delicious, the chicken is generally really good and the fruit and vegetables normally come from organic farming. There are French products everywhere for those who like to stick to what they're used to, but they do come at a price. The food is generally fatty and is made up of a lot of pork, potatoes and cabbage.

How did you find accommodation in Bucharest?

I stayed in my boss' company accommodation. The university has housing for Erasmus students, so you should talk to your International Relations coordinator.

How expensive is your rent? And Bucharest in general?

The rent is equivalent to rent in the provinces. Bucharest is an expensive city contrary to what you might think and all Romanians house-share. I'd say that you're looking at 400€ a month for a 50 m² place in a good location. Going out is generally awfully cheap, which means that you actually probably end up spending more than you would do at home (in France) anyway! Travelling isn't very expensive either, like catching the train, you just need to be price-smart. Apart from these things, petrol is fairly expensive and everything that's imported too, like clothes for example.

What's it like learning the language there? Did you take part in a language course organised by the university?

Romanian is a Latin language and is apparently very close to Italian and 20% of the vocabulary are originally French words. Without having ever studied Italian or taking a Romanian course, I was getting by quite well after 6 months and I was able to interact with everybody in Romania. It all depends on how interested you are in languages and who you spend time with; the majority of my friends were actually Romanian so I would listen to them speak in Romanian all day long.

What's the most economical way to get to Bucharest from your home town?

By bike! And that isn't a joke, there is a bike lane. For the less courageous, there are two airlines (Wizzair and Blue Air) which sell tickets for around 100 euros, depending on when you buy it. You can also get there by bus with Eurolines, but if I had to choose between travelling for two days on a bus or three hours in a plane, there wouldn't be much to think about! But it is an alternative for those with a fear of flying.

Where do you recommend to go out in Bucharest?

• The clubs with intelligent dance music and free entry: Kulture Haus, Kontrol and Club A
• Nightclub that puts on gigs at the weekend: Mojo
• Clubs that are a bit more French: Silver Church
• You should go to Lipscani in the historic centre for bars, as well as shisha bars.

There is so much to discover in Bucharest each day and when you genuinely make friends with the locals, you will discover very nice bars and gardens like Gradina Verona.

Outside of Bucharest you should think about visiting the Fagaras Mountains (Transfagarasan road runs through the mountains so remember both names) and if you really want to paint the town red, go to Vama Veche and continue partying on the beach there!

And to eat in Bucharest? What are your favourite places?

• La Mama
• Cara cu Bere (Romanian food)
• Excalibur which is famous for its whole chicken dishes that are served with mains.
• Shaormas only cost between one and two euros and are better than kebabs

There are plenty of others; just take a walk in the city centre and you'll find Romanian, French, Lebanese, Japanese food and more!

And what cultural places do you recommend going to see?

In Bucharest, everyone should visit all the sites mentioned on the tourist map, like the Palace of the Parliament which certainly confirms most of the Ceaușescu era. There are many beautiful churches and buildings which date back to before the communist period too.

Outside of Bucharest, you should visit Sibiu, Brasov and Sighisoara which are medieval cities with German architecture, as well as take a trip to see the Danube Delta and the north of Romania.

Any advice for future students going to Bucharest?

Honestly, don't spend time just by yourself, especially if you're in a university residence. Try to meet up with Romanian students as they are usually quite reasonable, very lively and friendly, and you will get to know Bucharest better (and hopefully even pick up some Romanian) from a different perspective- you're likely to fall under Bucharest's charm. Although Bucharest is a surprising city where you discover new things every day, you should still travel and explore what the country has to offer in full as the capital doesn't really represent the whole of the country.

Have a good stay!