Erasmus experience in Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Why did you decide to go to Cluj-Napoca, in Romania?

I won a scholarship of 4 months for an internship abroad within the Erasmus Placement project. After sending my CV to several European companies (in Ireland, England e Danemark) without any success, my university offered me to go to Cluj-Napoca where there were some vacancies for internship in a local broadcasting TV channel, the NCN. So, I decided to leave for Romania, even though it wasn't exactly one of my intended destination, because anyway I didn't want to miss the opportunity to live in another country.

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How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

The internship promoted by the Erasmus Placement project lasted 4 months. The scholarship provided 2400 euro for every student throughout all the period (around 600 euro per month).

How is the student lifestyle in Cluj-Napoca?

I arrived in Cluj when (beginning of June-end of September) the university activities were mainly stopped ( actually, this internship abroad, required that I could leave in every moment of the year, not having any exam to attend). Anyway, for as far as I could see, I really liked it. Before closing, I had the opportunity to visit the faculty of Journalism, where I met some very prepared and kind students. By talking with them I could understand that their theory lessons are supported by quite an amount of practice as well (internship with newspapers, radio, local tv), which is not bad at all.

Would you recommend the city and university of Cluj-Napoca to other students?

Yes, I would. In the city there are 21 faculties, from journalism to medicine (and I know that many students come from all over Europe to become doctors or dentists. I heard that here doctors are really prepared and available for internship activities ). Having so many foreign students makes the city very interesting and exiting.

How is the food?

I really liked the traditional Romanian food! They eat lots of meat especially pork (they cooked it in thousand ways! ), and you can find lots of vegetables, also in local markets. Very popular are also their "ciorba", soups or broths of various ingredients (vegetables, chicken... ). The traditional dish is "mamaliga cu branza si smantana" (I'm sorry for my terrible Romanian! ), which is boiled cornmeal with a local cheese served with a white sauce. Well, I know it doesn't sound that great but I can assure you it's really tasty. "Sarmale" as well are a renowned dish, which somehow it reminds of typical dish from Abruzzo, le "mazzarelle" (rolled meats). It's a kind of roll made of vine leaves filled with rice and mince meat. These too I really liked. I also tasted a traditional dessert, whose name I don't recall now: basically some "bistrita" (a kind of plum) wrapped in a potato paste, rolled over with bread crumbs and sugar... amazing! Not to mention the drinks! You definitely need to try the palinca or tuica, similar to italian grappa, obtained from plums (but also from pears or apples). And the wines: excellent was the "Lacrimul lui Ovidio" (ovidio's tear). Still, the desserts:"kurtas kolacs" was very good, which it should be from Hungary though: a cylinder of dough that reminds a lot the flavor of "maritozzi" (Italian pastry), but sweeter. They are actually covered with sugar, coconut and nuts.... mmm!

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How did you find your accomodation?

I was first put in contact with the faculty director, which then arranged some students to contact and help me. It was her then, that took the responsibility to find and book an hostel for my first three days in Cluj, and to visit some apartments that could host 3 students for 4 months.

How much is the rent? How is the general cost of living?

I would say according to the standards, and very honest. As for me, I was paying 450 euro (150 euro x3 persons) per month, but the rent was including really everything. Even internet connection.

How is the language? Did you attend any course at the university?

Students are really good in languages. We were speaking English, but I have to admit that many could understand Italian too. But I always preferred to speak English. Romanian language is not so far from Italian (they both come from Latin after all). I haven't attended any course and I'm a bit sorry for it, but I'm sure there are schools that organise language courses for foreigners, which can also provide you a certificate within reasonable time.

What is the most economical way to reach Cluj-Napoca from your city?

I flew to Cluj from Rome. By plane is the cheapest way: the low cost airline Wizzair has very good fares and you can reach Cluj also from other Italian airports.

Where would you recommend to spend a night in Cluj-Napoca?

If you like dancing, the most glam club was (and I think still is) the Obsession...great place! Or you could go to the After Eight... where I believe many university parties are having place. Also the Bamboo shouldn't be bad: I've never been, but I remember that the first week I was in Cluj, the famous dj Bob Sinclair played there! Another club is Club Midi: also there some renowned dj are not unlikely to perform.

If you enjoy listening to music while eating, I suggest you the Irish & Music Pub, a very cozy and pretty pub, where often local and not bands are having concerts.

Another place where you can dance, listen to music and drink well is the Janis (which maybe now is called Myway). If then you prefer a more quite place, where to enjoy a conversation with your friends while listening to good music and a great menù, then you should go to Zorki (I hope it's still there! ). If you like Drum 'n Bass, then you MUST go to Gazette! Small, but very cool music! Anyway there are many places in Cluj to hang around... they're all very nice!

If you want to know more...

http://www.clujlife.com/

http://www.zilesinopti.ro/

And where to eat in Cluj-Napoca? Which are your favourite places?

I loved the kebab (which of course is not a traditional food, but many students are tempted by it) of Ali Baba, in Piata Uniri.

As for the traditional cuisine, I suggest Casa Ardeleana and the Irish & Musc Pub. If you miss pizza, I recommend you the Pizzeria Montana (my destiny wanted it to be just under my flat! ) or Napoli Centrale (the owner is Italian. I swear I've been there only once, with the intention of eating Romanian cuisine! ).

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Which cultural sites should be visited?

Cluj is all to discover and very multicultural. Every corner is hiding something! I had the chance to visit some cities in the north of Romania: Bistrita, Turda (there is a salted lake where I swam... so cool! like the Dead Sea! ), Sibiu, European city of culture 2007, Sighisorara, the city where Dracula was born (! ), Brasov, Bran ( Vlad Castle, but the Peles Castle is more beautiful), Suceava (where you can find the monasteries with external paintings, an UNESCO heritage site), Targu Mures (where I camped for the annual Festival Felsziget-Peninsula, a small version of the more renowned festival Sziget in Budapest, but where I got the chance to listen to, among the others, artists like Nine Inch Nails and Prodigy...! )... very pretty places, in a way similar to some Swiss or German villages (as a matter the French side was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire).

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Louvain-la-Neuve in the future?

Leave without worries. Keep yourself in touch with the university, both your departing one and the Cluj one. Take advantage of this experience and live fully the city. Obviously, I think that it's a small world, so, what you wouldn't do it in your town, you would definitely never do abroad. Be aware that the Romanian law is quite strict, therefore, avoid unpleasant situations. (For those who are interested in cannabis, check the Romanian law before being caught with some in your pocket) As for me, in spite of being a girl, I've never had a problem. Be conscientious, that's the best advice I could give!