guide for international students - Universitatea Constantin Brancoveanu

“CONSTANTIN BRANCOVEANU” UNIVERSITY

GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS 2013 - 2014

www.univcb.ro

Content

1

“Constantin Brancoveanu” University

3

Faculties

5

English Corses for International and Erasmus students

6

Romanian Grading system. Visa. Insurance. Accomodation

7

Administrative formalities prior to departure

7

How to get to Pitesti, ROMANIA

9

Living in Campus

12

Students concerts and parties

13

International students about us

15

Romania at a glance

17

History

18

Geography

20

Crafts of Romania

23

Romania’s treasures

27

Did you know that…

33

Life In and around Pitesti

34

Pitesti, “The city of tulips”

36

Its main attraction points

38

Recommended Restaurants and Pubs

39

Survival Dictionary

42

Contact persons from “Constantin Brancoveanu” University

43

Special thanks

“Constantin Brancoveanu” University

Constantin Brâncoveanu University is a private higher education institution founded in 1991 as one of Romania's first six private universities. In the year 2011, following institutional evaluation made by the Romanian Agency for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ARACIS), Constantin Brâncoveanu University was awarded the highest degree which can be granted to higher education institutions in Romania: "HIGH CONFIDENCE RATING".

Guide for International Students 1

The university runs its activities in three academic campuses situated in the towns of Piteşti, Râmnicu Vâlcea and Brăila, and has its headquarters in Piteşti. It currently provides study programmes in the fields of Management and Business Administration, Marketing, Economics, Foreign Affairs, Finance, Accounting, Law, Foreign Relations and European Studies, Communication Sciences, Administration Sciences, Social Assistance. Its Master programs provide specialization in the fields of Management, Marketing, Accounting and Communication Sciences.

Constantin Brâncoveanu University is a member of the European Network for Business Studies and Languages (SPACE), along with other 91 universities in 25 countries.

Constantin Brâncoveanu University now ranks among the top three Romanian private universities. It is also important to add that only 57% of Romania's public and private universities have succeeded in obtaining the highest degree ARACIS has awarded in Romania so far. The strengths and good practice which can be applied in other public or private universities, too, have been emphasized by the evaluation commission members in their reports posted on ARACIS web site and have envisaged the university's modern academic leadership and management, exceptional infrastructure, teaching staff, good student-tutor relations and partnerships, extracurricular activity support, foreign partnerships and ongoing contacts the University Board and academic community members keep with graduates, local authorities and employers of those who graduate from the study programs provided by the university.


Faculties Pitesti Faculty of Management Marketing in Economic Affairs Field Bachelor Level Management Marketing Business Administration Master Level

Specialization Management (Full and Part time courses) Marketing (Full time courses) Business Administration (Full time courses) Business Management Human Resources Management Management in Public Administration and Services Financial and Banking Management Service Marketing Business-to-Business Marketing

Management

Marketing

Faculty of Finance and Accounting Field Bachelor Level Accounting Finance Master Level Accounting

Specialization Accounting and Management Informatics System (Full and Part time courses) Finance - Banking (Full time courses) Accounting Standards, Reglementations and Policies

Faculty of Juridical, Administrative and Communication Studies

Field Bachelor Level Communication Studies Administrative Studies Law International Relations and European Studies Master Level Communication Sciences

Specialization Journalism (Full time courses) Communication and Public Relations (Full time courses) Public Administration (Full time courses) Law (Full time courses) International Relations and European Studies (Full time courses) Organizational Communication and Public Relations


Brăila Faculty of Management Marketing in Economic Affairs Field Bachelor Level Management Accounting Finance Master Level Management Accounting

Specialization Management (Full and part time courses) Accounting and Management Informatics Systems (Full and part time courses) Finance - Banking (Full time courses) Business Management Accounting Standards, Reglementation and Policies

Faculty of Administrative and Communication Studies Field Bachelor Level Communication Studies Administrative Studies Social Work

Specialization Journalism (Full time courses) Public Administration (Full time courses) Social Work (Full time courses)

Rm. Vâlcea

Faculty of Management Marketing in Economic Affairs

Field Bachelor Level Management Business Administration Accounting Finance Administrative Studies Master Level Management Business Administration Accounting

Specialization Management (Full and part time courses) Economy of Trade, Tourism and Services (Full time courses) Accounting and Management Informatics Systems (Full and part time courses) Finance and Banking (Full time courses) Public Administration (Full time courses) Business Management Tourism, Hospitality and Hotel Management Accounting Standards, Reglementations and Policies


English courses for international and Erasmus Students First Semester: No

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

SUBJECT

Marketing Management Management in Economical Affaires I Financial and Economical Analysis Public Finances Intercultural Management Romanian Language, Culture and Civilisation Business Communications Interactive Intercultural Tools for Entrepreneurs Internship (in the hotel of the school or in the International Relations Office)

No. of classes (hours)

ECTS

56 (28+28) 56 (28+28) 56 (28+28) 56 (28+28) 56 (28+28) 60 (30+30) 56 (28+28) 56 (28+28) 60 (30+30) 90 (0+90)

6 6 6 6 6 7 5 6 7 10

602

65

TOTAL

Second Semester: No

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

SUBJECT

Management in Economical Affaires II Management and banks technics International Economic and Organization Human Resources Management Capital Markets; Foreign Funds Projects National Economy of Romania Intercultural Management Romanian Language, Culture and Civilisation Business Communications Interactive Intercultural Tools for Entrepreneurs Internship (in the hotel of the school or in the International Relations Office) TOTAL

No. of classes (hours)

ECTS

56 (28+28) 56 (28+28) 56 (28+28) 42 (28+14) 56 (28+28) 42 (28+14) 60 (30+30) 56 (28+28) 56 (28+28) 60 (30+30) 90 (0+90)

6 6 6 6 7 6 7 5 6 7 10

630

72


ROMANIAN GRADING SYSTEM IN ECTS

Local grade

ECTS grade

1-4

FX, F

Fail

5

E

Sufficient

6

D

Satisfactory

7-8

C

Good

9

B

Very good

10

A

Excellent

Visa for foreign students: http://www.mae.ro/en/node/2035 Insurance: - http://www.ceass.ro/index.php?nav=eu&lang=en - http://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/health/unplanned-healthcare/temporarystays/index_en.htm

Accomodation: For the informations about accommodation please contact the International Relations Office.


Administrative formalities prior to departure

Before coming to Piteşti you will need the following papers: + Application form + Accommodation form + Learning agreement + Transcript of records translated into English + A valid national identity card or passport. (Please note: Applicants not belonging to the EU need to make inquiries within their Embassy to know if they need a visa.) Regarding accommodation you can stay in Campus hotel http://www.campushotel.ro/en/index.php, which is right next to the University, with a rent of 210 Euros per month, or you can try to find an apartment in town for a cheaper price. You can contact the International Office with such request, or you can try to find an apartment yourself by checking the websites of local companies such as Remax http://www.remax.com/

How to get to Piteşti, ROMANIA Piteşti is about 120 km from our two main airports in Bucharest: Otopeni (main flights) and Băneasa (for low-cost flights). After booking your flights there are different ways to get to Piteşti: From the airport to Bucharest a. By the airport bus (783 or 768) to Bucharest, Unirii Station. (Tickets cost about 3 or 4 Lei) b. By Metro to Gara de Nord Train Station. (Tickets cost about 2 or 3 Lei) c. By Taxi to Gara de Nord Station. (You may want to be careful with the taxi drivers at the airport) d. By Taxi to Autogara Ritmului e. By Taxi to Autogara Militari Guide for International Students 7

From Bucharest to Piteşti By Train to Piteşti. Please consult online the schedule of trains to Piteşti: http://www.infofer.ro/ By Bus to Piteşti. Please consult online the schedule and the station from where the Bus will depart: http://www.autogari.ro/

From Piteşti to “Constantin Brâncoveanu” University Taxi is recommended (1,80 RON/ km – 0,40 euro/ km) Taxi drivers are generally reliable in Piteşti. You can ask to be taken to the University or to Campus hotel since they are both located in the same perimeter. Please note: Gara de Nord Station – Train station Autogara Ritmului – Bus station Autogara Militari – Bus station You can also RENT A CAR from the airport. Please see: http://www.autonom.ro/ http://www.cronoscar.ro/


Living in Campus

We know that living away from home within a new, different and diverse community will allow you many opportunities for friendship, fun and personal growth. We hope you find everything you need for a successful accommodation here at Campus Hotel. We are committed to make your stay a successful one!

Presentation Included in Business Class category, CAMPUS Hotel is part of an exclusive complex especially created for those of you who don’t want to give up comfort and traveling in style. The hotel is the result of a perfect mixture between the modern architecture and the intimate and relaxing atmosphere of ZEN type design. The hotel was designed to include the modern concept of travel intelligence and living new sensations without missing contact with the dynamic rhythm of business. The chic restaurant, the HEALTH&FITNESS facilities follow all the same uptown atmosphere of CAMPUS Hotel and give you a great alternative to a day full of meetings and responsibilities. The exceptional campus infrastructure is completed by a residence aiming students out of the area, with a capacity of 100 double rooms and full equipment. The minimalist design brings a touch of modernism while the warm-toned colors of the rooms make them intimate and cozy. Of course, we haven’t forgotten about technology and the importance to be up to date with the world news and happenings. Services and Facilities Oxgen Club: fitness, cardio, aerobic, sauna, massage therapy Dining and drinking: Alkazar Fashion Restaurant, Zebrano Café conference rooms and briefings


Health and Fitness

Oxygen Club

fitness, cardio, aerobic, sauna, massage therapy Oxygen Club has been created in order to help you find the energy and the well-being sensation. We have designed everything in order to give you the possibility to concentrate your attention on the physical, mental and emotional well-being condition. Oxygen Club is directed both to fitness addicts and to those who haven't tried the beneficial experience of sports and moving offering you the following amenities: latest generation equipment – Technogym Italy trained staff climatic maintenance and ventilation installation 100 individual locker rooms 2 Finnish saunas 20 shower rooms

The concept of Massage Therapy has been created especially to help you release from the daily stress and intensify the positive thinking. The relaxing massage helps you get your energy back while the toning and ant cellulite massage allows the general acceleration of metabolism, the optimum weight adjustment and musculature strengthening.

Dining and Drinking

Alkazar

Conceived as a lounge restaurant, Alkazar Fashion Restaurant is a modern interpretation of high class restaurants. It is the perfect place where you can dine, drink a glass of wine or have a conversation without being disturbed by the town noise. Alkazar Fashion Restaurant is the perfect representative of the contemporary restaurant, combining the vanguard design with the creativity of the fusion menu. People who enjoy an exquisite dish and those who seek a varied menu will find here recipes cooked with passion and a creative mix of ingredients. Alkazar Fashion Restaurant is also an ideal location if you want to organize a party or an event.


Zebrano

The chillout Café Zebrano is the white and very trendy Cafe where you never get bored. It is a pleasure to just admire the way it was arranged, as a playground where white and fresh green are facing out for supremacy. Everything is light, large, optimistic and extremely cool. That is why you can "serve it" every moment of the day. The front terrace is perfect for an alfresco snack in Mediterranean style. Zebrano Café is the place to go if you want to escape from the urban crowd in a relaxing oasis. Zebrano Café is also an ideal location if you want to organize a party or an event.


Students concerts and parties

Being a student in "Constantin Brâncoveanu" University does not only means attending courses and seminars, projects and reports but also spectacoles and student's parties. "Freshman Prom" organized by student's clubs became relevant events in the life of Piteşti, Râmnicu Vâlcea and Brăila, the whole community looking forward for them.


International students about us

Name: Eva Zapolskaja Field of study: Tourism and Hotel Administration Country of origin: Lithuania

“A part of the courses that I attended at Constantin Brancoveanu University were specially created for Erasmus students, with modules lasting two weeks. They were much more interesting than those taught in my university. In Pitesti, there are a lot of pubs, restaurants, museums and parks and the university campus has many facilities like the accommodation and the sports club. Thank you Constantin Brâncoveanu University!”

Name: Francisco Rodrigues Field of study: Marketing Country of origin: Portugal

“If there is anything that should be underlined about Constantin Brancoveanu University, it is surely the preparation of the courses, completely designed for the Erasmus students. They are completely in English, very practical and well scheduled, which gives us some free time to visit other places”.


Name: Diogo Sousa Internship: International Relations and Communication Office Country of origin: Portugal

“Piteşti overcame all my expectations: a city that is not big enough to get lost inside, but also not too small to get bored in. It’s a clean city, with an interesting night life and lots of places to go and have a good time. In the end, if you don’t want to go home walking, don’t worry about transportation. There are taxis everywhere and very, very cheap! During day or night, the city is generally safe. Especially during the night I was surprised with the security I felt, even more then in my city, Porto”.

Name: Pedro Couto Internship: Communication Office Country of origin: Portugal

“When I accepted to do an internship at Constantin Brancoveanu University, I had no idea I would be so well accepted at this university where I feel at home. This experience is very good for me because it allows me to expand my professional training and helps me deﬁne my future career. Why chose CBU? Because it’s a modern university, with great facilities to study or work as an intern”.


Romania at a glance


Located in Southeastern Europe, Romania is surrounded by Ukraine and Moldova in the Northeast, Hungary in the Northwest, Serbia in the West and Bulgaria in the South. With a coast of 225 km the country has access to the Black Sea on its East side. Romania is the 13th biggest country in Europe with 238.391 sq.km. It stretches 514km from North to South and 720 km from East to West.

Facts about Romania • Capital

Bucharest

• Area

238,391 sq.km

• Population

19,043,767 (2011 census)

• Currency

Romanian leu (RON)

• National day

1st of December


History

At the intersection of the Balkans, the Orient, the Occident and the Slavic Region, Romania owns a turbulent past but got nevertheless its own identity in spite of the invasions and occupations. In the 1st century B.C. Dacia was created on today’s Romanian territory. Later, between 101 and 106 A.D., the Romans invaded this land and settled here. Marks are still easy to notice in nowadays architecture, language (which is considered a “latin rooted” one), proverbs and popular tales. From the 3rd to the 12th century, the territory came across many other invasions from the Slaves, Huns, Hungarians, Turks and Mongols. The Slaves (in the 6th century) left some marks in the current Romanian language and the Hungarians are the only ones who settled for a longer time, in Transylvania. During medieval times, the Romanians lived in three provinces: Wallachia, Moldavia and Transylvania. The provinces got united for good in 1918, to form the present Romanian state. Every year on the 1st of December Romania celebrates the Great Union Day which became the National Holiday. As decades pasted, and after the Second World War, Romania experienced a communist regime, the totalitarian regime of Nicolae Ceauşescu. In 1989, the dictatorship was pushed down and a democratic political system was re-established. A new constitution was adopted in 1991. Today Romania is part of important international organisations like NATO (2004) and the European Union (2007).


Geography Location and boundaries Located in Southeastern Europe, Romania is surrounded by Ukraine and Moldova in the Northeast, Hungary in the Northwest, Serbia in the West and Bulgaria in the South. With a coast of 225 km the country has access to the Black Sea on its East side. Romania is the 13th biggest country in Europe with 238.391 sq.km. It stretches 514km from North to South and 720 km from East to West.

Relief The Carpathian Mountains (the highest peak is Mt. Moldoveanu at 2544 m) cross Romania from the North to the Southwest. They were glaciated and in Fagaras and Retezat Mountains glacial lakes and mass of rock can be found. These were created when the ice melted around 10,000 years ago. In the Northeast of Transylvania, the mountains form Europe’s longest volcanic chain. The Carpathian Mountains account for about a third (31%) of the country’s area. Another third of Romania (33%) is covered by hills and plateaus full of orchards and vineyards. The final third is a fertile plain of dark chernozem soil, where cereals, vegetables, herbs and other crops grow. The lowest point is the Black Sea at 0 meter.


Climate Romania enjoys a temperate-continental climate, which ranges between hot summers and very cold winters with a lot of snow from mid-December until the end of March. Romania’s average annual temperature is 11°C in the south and on the coast, and 2°C in the mountains. In June, July and August, the hottest places in Romania are in the South Plain, where average temperatures reach 24-30°C. In summer, there are frequent showers and thunderstorms in the mountains. The mild and sunny days of autumn last from early September until late October. Spring starts in mid-March in most of Romania’s regions, but only in April in the mountains and in the north part of the country. Annual rainfall is from 600 mm to 700 mm, especially in the spring. Precipitations are the heaviest in Transylvania and in the Carpathian Mountains, where an average of 134 centimeters of rain and snow fall can be observed each year. Dobrogea is e warmest and driest region, with less than 38 cm of annual rainfall.


Crafts of Romania While there are great Romanian fine artists, among whom 20th century sculptor Constantin Brancusi is probably the most famous, the typical zest for life and almost naive optimism that the world is really a beautiful place seem best expressed in the traditional art and craft of Romanian peasants, extending even to their colorful, unique grave markers.

In the “Merry Cemetery” of Sapanta,” bordering Ukraine, carved wooden crosses are painted traditional Voronet blue (named for the nearby painted monastery) and embellished with fanciful borders, renderings of the deceased and often anecdotes of their lives.

An erstwhile town mayor is

memorialized

with

anecdotes

of

his

womanizing ways.

The most readily recognizable examples of Romanian art are the famed painted eggs, especially prominent around Easter time. Painting of real hollowed-out eggs was an integral part of preparations for this festival of renewal. Women and children gathered in someone’s home and spent a day painting and

gossiping.

Intricate

patterns

were

actually secret languages known only to residents of the regions where they were painted.


Ceramics Romanian pottery is still made mainly on traditional kick-wheels with simple finishing tools. Shapes, sizes and patterns reflect the different clays and cultures of diverse areas where are produced.

Color glazes and

decorations vary from strong geometrics, to delicate florals, animals and humans. There are

approximately

30

pottery

centers

throughout the country, each with its own distinctive style, but the main areas are in Horezu in Oltenia;

Miercurea-Ciuc and

Corund in western Transylvania; Baia Mare near the northern border, and Radauti and Marginea in Moldavia.

Wood

Maramures is the area to see the art of woodwork.

Homes

are

trimmed

in

elaborately carved wood, wooden gates and even

fences

Historically,

in

are

intricately

this

area,

a

carved. family’s

community status was displayed through the gate – the more elaborate, the more important the family. Trees of life, twisted rope, moons, stars, flowers and wolf teeth to ward off evil spirits are associated with myths and superstitions.


Textiles

Textile weaving is the most widespread craft in Romania, handed down from generation to generation, using distinctive family patterns along with those specific to different districts. Looms still are common in homes and women weave and embroider from childhood through old age. Some Romanian weavers and embroiderers still work with threads and yarns they produce themselves, but younger weavers tend to purchase their raw materials. They weave and embroider just about every cloth article used in their homes, from colorful linen and cotton towels to window draperies, bedspreads, rugs, wall hangings, furniture throws and clothing. In a village near Sibiu, part of a bride’s dowry is still a tolic, used to decorate horses of those who ride from house to house issuing wedding invitations.


Romania’s treasures Black Sea Resorts Warm climate, miles of sand beaches, ancient monuments, vineyards and modern resorts invite travelers to seriously consider Romania's Black Sea Coast as their summer vacation destination.

Castles & Fortresses of Romania Romania’s collection of castles and fortresses perhaps best illustrates the rich medieval heritage of the country. While castles built from the 14th to the 18th centuries are strong and austere fortresses built mainly for defense against invaders, those erected beginning in the late 1800s are imposing and luxurious. The most popular include the 14th century Corvinesti Castle, built on the site of a former Roman camp, the elegant 19th century Peles Castle with its 160 rooms filled with priceless European art and, of course, the Bran Castle, built in the mid-1300s and legendary home to Bram Stoker’s Count Dracula.


Corvinesti Castle

Peles Castle

Bran Castle

Biertan Fortified Church

Prejmer Fortified Church


The Danube Delta - A UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site The mighty Danube River flows 1,788 miles from its springs in Germany’s Black Forest to the Black Sea. Just before reaching the sea it forms the second largest and best preserved of Europe's deltas: 2,200 square miles of rivers, canals, marshes, tree-fringed lakes and reed islands. The Danube Delta is a wildlife enthusiast’s (especially a bird watcher’s) paradise.

The Painted Monasteries of Bucovina Among the most picturesque treasures of Romania are the Painted Monasteries of Bucovina (in northeastern Romania). Their painted exterior walls are decorated with elaborate 15th and 16th century frescoes featuring portraits of saints and prophets, scenes from the life of Jesus, images of angels and demons, and heaven and hell.


Romanian traditional food Romanian traditional food is influenced by both neighbors and invadors. Turkish, Hungarian and Austrian cuisines played an important role. For example the popular main dishes are meat, cabbage rolls, sausages and stews. Romanian food is also influenced by Latin cuisine. Thus you can frequently find Italian and French dishes. A good example of these influences is Mamaliga, kind of Italian polenta. This corn porridge was traditionaly the basic dish of the Romanians.

Soups can be made with meat (Ciorba de Perişoare) or fish (Ciorba de Peşte) and are usually offered on menus at the restaurant. Besides you can not leave Romania without testing the Mici or Mititei, grilled, grinded or minced meat in the shape of sausages; Sarmale, minced meat, half beef - half pork, rolled like a sausage and wrapped in cabbage leaves; or also Tocană, spiced stew along with Mamaligă. To conclude a delicious traditional Romanian meal, you may eat Clătite, Crepes, with various filling and toppings. Poftă bună, the Romanian way of saying “Enjoy your meal! Source of this chapter were collected most from Romania is waiting for you: http://www.univcb.ro/java_script/uploaded/DRI/GHID_Romania_is_waiting_for_you.pdf


»Did you know that... » With an area of 92,043 square miles (238,391 square kilometer), Romania is the largest country in Southeastern Europe. It is roughly the same size as the United Kingdom and slightly smaller than the U.S. state of Oregon.

» The Carpathian Mountains are home to one of the largest undisturbed forests in Europe. 400 unique species of mammals, including the Carpathian chamois, call the Carpathian Mountains home. 60% of European brown bear population lives in the Carpathian Mountains. » The second largest underground glacier in Europe (in terms of volume) can be found in Transylvania - Romania. The 3500-year old Scarisoara glacier, located in the Bihor Mountains – 90 miles southwest of Cluj Napoca. It has a volume of 2,649,000 cubic feet (75,000 cubic meters).

» The statue of Dacian king Decebal, carved in the rocky bank of the Danube river, is the tallest rock sculpture in Europe (135 feet tall). The monument celebrates obduracy, audacity and pride. It is a homage to the last king of Dacia (today's Romania), from Prof. Dr. Giuseppe Constantino Dragan. » Romanian Inventor Traian Vuia was the first European to built and fly a fully self-propelled, fixed-wing 'automobile airplane' (March 18, 1906).

» The first substance proved to have a normalizing effect on blood sugar levels - pancreatine (the predecessor of insulin) was discovered by Romanian physiologist, professor of medicine: Nicolae Paulescu! Between 1914 and 1916, Dr. Paulescu performed experiments in which he obtained an antidiabetic pancreatic extract. In 1916 his extract, injected into diabetic dogs, reduced blood glucose levels.

» The jet engine used by modern airplanes was invented by Bucharest-born inventor Henri Coanda. Romanian inventor and aerodynamics pioneer, Henri Coanda designed and built in 1910 the world's first jet powered aircraft, known as the Coandă - 1910, which he demonstrated publicly at the second International Aeronautic Salon in Paris. Romania's main international airport, Bucharest Otopeni - Henri Coanda, is named after the great inventor.


» The first fountain pen was invented by Craiova-born (1799-1875). Mr. Poenaru's invention was patented in May 1827.

Petrache

Poenaru

» The Romanian city of Timisoara was the first in Europe to have electric street-lighting (in 1889). Timisoara was also the first European city to introduce horse-drawn trams, in 1869.

» The Peles Castle was the first European castle entirely lit by electrical current. The electricity was produced by the castle’s own plant. The castle’s central heating system, built in 1888, is still functional and in use today.

» The world's first industrial oil refinery opened at Ploieşti (southern Romania) in 1857. Oil was exploited commercially in Romania since 1857, two years before oil was discovered in Pennsylvania.

» The first natural gas compression station in Europe was built in Sărmăşel - Romania, in 1927.

» The Danube - Black Sea canal - in south-east Romania - is world's third longest man-made navigation route, after the Suez and the Panama Canals.. This 61 miles long, Y-shape canal, was opened to navigation in 1984, it makes the water distance from the Danube river to the port of Constanta 249 miles shorter and keeps trade ships away from the Danube Delta. » Hollywood's original Tarzan was born in the city of Timisoara, Romania. Considered by movie-makers "the only man in Hollywood who's natural in the flesh and can act without clothes", Johnny Weissmuller (1904-1984) was a box-office hit in the 1932 'Tarzan the Ape Man'. The ship's roster from his family's arrival at Ellis Island lists his birthplace as Freidorf, now a district of the city of Timisoara. Freidorf maintains beautiful architecture, old German homes, and lots of green spaces.

» Soprano Alma Gluck - the first lyrical was born in Bucharest, Romania on May 11, 1884.

artist

to

sell

one

million

records

-


» Romanian gymnast Nadia Comaneci was the first to achieve a perfect routine and get the first score of 10.00 in the history of gymnastics, during the Olympics in Montreal (1976). The scoring displays of the time lacked the technical capability to show a perfect 10.00. They could only display threedigit grades (0.00 to 9.99 but not a 10.00) In 2000 Nadia was named as one of the athletes of the 20th century by the Laureus World Sports Academy.

» The real the real Dracula (Vlad Draculea) nicknamed Vlad Tepes (Vlad the Impaler) was a Romanian prince and military leader who fought the Turks in the Middle Ages. Count Dracula the Vampire - was created by an Irish writer, Bram Stoker in 1897.

» The longest career as a motor racing driver is 39 years 364 days and was achieved by Laurentiu Moldovan (Romania) who raced in rally cars and formula 1 style cars from 7 July 1968 to 6 July 2008. www.guinnessworldrecords.com

» Goalkeeper Helmuth Duckadam saved a record four consecutive penalty kicks in the 1986 European Football Champions Cup Final, securing victory for his team Steaua Bucuresti. (Steaua Bucuresti defeated FC Barcelona in Seville, Spain)

» Romanian gymnastics trainer Octavian Bellu is perhaps the most successful sports trainer is the world. Under his guidance, Romania's national women gymnastics team has won 305 Olympic and European and World championship medals. Mr. Bellu's gymnasts have won 16 Gold Olympic medals. » The Romanian language currently spoken by over 25-milion people is 1,700 years old.

» Romanian is one of the five languages in which religious services are performed in the autonomous monastic state of Mount Athos (Greece).


» Voronet Monastery, located in northeastern Romania, is also known as the 'Sistine Chapel of the East'. The monastery – built in 1488 – is known worldwide for its abundance of interior and exterior frescoes (wall paintings) featuring an intense shade of blue commonly known as ‘Voronet blue.’

» The tallest wooden church in the world, and the second-tallest wooden structure in Europe, can be found in Sapanta Peri - Maramures (northwestern Romania). A 23 feet cross that wheights 1,000 lbs tops the 257 feet tall church which is dedicated to St. Michael.

» The Brukenthal museum in Sibiu opened its doors to the public three years prior to the Louvre Museum in Paris. It is the oldest museum in Romania and one of the first museums in Europe.

» Romania has the second-largest outdoor museum in the world. Astra Museum in Sibiu 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.

» Universal literature found valuable sources of inspiration in Romania's castles. The most famous novels written are "The Castle in the Carpathians" by Jules Verne, and "Dracula" by Bram Stoker. » On March 1 Romanians celebrate the beginning of spring in their own, unique way. To show their friendship, respect or admiration, men and boys offer to their (female) family members, friends and colleagues a "Martisor" (small trinket attached to a red/ white lace - red for love and white for honesty). The tradition is said to have originated in Roman times. Just seven days after the 'Martisor' Day, on March 8, Romanians celebrate the Women's Day - a tradition similar to Mother's Day celebrated in the USA, but extended to all adult women. More about Martisor

» The Merry Cemetery (or the Happy Graveyard) in the village of Săpânța - Maramureş is one of the world's most unique resting places and a popular tourist attraction! It is famous for its over 800 colorful gravestones, carved in oak, are decorated with colorful paintings and funny epitaphs about the deceased.


» Romania's national poet - Mihai Eminescu - used to relax and reflect under this linden three. Eminescu's creation "The Evening Star" (Luceafarul) is considered to be the longest love poem ever wrote. It's a miracle how this tree survived for so long" - says Dr. Mandache Leocov, former director of Iasi botanic garden. » Romania and wine started their common history 4000 years ago (2000 BC) when the Greeks arrived from the Black Sea, making it one of the world’s oldest viticulture regions (in comparison the Greeks introduced wine in France around the 6th century BC and it was further developed during the Roman time). » Because too much wine was produced, and consumed, in 50 BC King Burebista had to set a limit to cultivation of wine grapes and wine production through his empire: Dacia (present-day Romania). » Today Romania is the nine wine producer in the world! 11 "indigenous" varieties of grapes that cannot be found anywhere else in the world are still produced by some wine growers.

» The 10-bani note issued by Romania's Ministry of Finance in 1917is the smallest paper money ever printed (dimensions: 1.08 x 1.49 in).The banknote is in fact a divisionary note (100 bani = 1 leu), more like a paper coin. (Source: World Record Academy)

» According to the World Records Academy, The Palace of Parliament, located in Bucharest, is the world's largest and most expensive civil administration building in the world. It also ranks as the biggest office building in Europe (3.9 million square feet) and second-largest in the world, after the U.S. Pentagon. More than a million tons of marble, steel, crystal and wood have been used to build this palace!

» Bucharest's mass transit network (RATB) is the fourth largest in Europe.


» The city of Brasov (Transylvania) is home to the largest gothic church east of Vienna (Austria). Brasov's famous landmark and Romania's leading gothic church, the Black Church was built between 1385 and 1477 and got its nickname after the Great Fire of 1689 blackened its the walls.

The Black Church has the largest organ in Europe with 4000 tubes (built by Buchholz, Berlin’s famous organ builder, in 1836) as well as the largest bell in Romania, weighting 41,000 lbs (6.3 tons).

» Brasov is home to what is said to be the narrowest street in Europe. The Rope Street (Strada Sforii) is approximately four feet wide and connects Cerbului Street with Poarta Schei Street. The street was initially used as an accessroute by firefighters.

Strada Sforii – Brasov

» A game very similar to baseball, and called "Oina", was played in Romania long before baseball has become one of America's most favorite sports .

Source of this chapter: http://www.romaniatourism.com/did-you-know.html


Life in and around Pitesti


Pitesti, “The city of tulips”

The city of Pitesti is situated in Arges County, in the central – Southern part of the country,

being

an

important

historical,

economic, cultural and sporting center of Romania. Pitesti is 120km away from Bucharest – the capital of the country – and it is connected with it by a highway and a railway

road.

The

city

is

highly

representative as the blending between the traditional

values

and

the

European

aspirations of the Romanian community.

Pitesti is one of the most developed economic towns of Romania and is also a powerful industrial centre. The tulip is the city’s symbol. Each year, the City Hall from Pitesti organizes an international floral exhibition – symbolically called “The Tulip Symphony” – which brings to Pitesti thousands of visitors from inside the country and from abroad. The tradition of the people from Pitesti is to keep their town clean, to have many green areas, many parks and famous public gardens.


There are many old architectural buildings in the centre of the city:

Piteşti is one of the most developed economic towns of Romania and is also a powerful Nearby

the

industrial city,

there

centre. is

the

Automobile Factory Dacia- Renault.

Pitesti dancing Fountain

Designed by Mr.Laurent Ferron in Romania Pitesti City. the concept was developed on the beginning of 2008 and was finished on the 9 may 2008. The main idea was to relook the city hall square with dancing water and change the design of the basin on two levels with water fall.


Its main attraction points

Făgăras Mountains - the highest mountain ridge of the entire Romanian Carpathians, with the highest attitudes of our country (Moldoveanu peak – 2544m and Negoiu peak – 2535m).

A road called the Transfăgărăsan constructed across the Făgăras Mountains, being the highest and most dramatic paved road in Romania– at 2034m altitude.

Among the attractions along the southern section of the road, near the village of Arefu, is the Poienari fortress. The castle served as the residence of Vlad III the Impaler, the king who inspired Bram Stoker's Dracula character. To reach the castle, visitors need to climb 1,426 steps.


Vidraru Lake Dam is an arch dam built on a foundation of rock to produce hydroelectricity. Its height is 166 meters, arch length 305 meters, water accumulation volume 465 million cubic meters, having a total length of 28km. It it ranked 5th in Europe, and 9th in the world.

The city of Curtea de Arges is one of the oldest settlements in Romania, situated on the river Arges, at 38 km from Pitesti. It was the first capital of Wallachia, established in 1330. The city is the site of several medieval churches.

Among them, Curtea de Arges Monastery is an architectural jewel in Romania. In its neighborhood lies the Fountain of Manole, the Craftsman. As the legend says, this fountain was built on the place where he fell from the roof of the monastery.


Recommended Restaurants and Pubs Recommended Shopping places

Recommended restaurants: Alkazar (Located in the Campus Hotel), Casa Sattler (Florăriei street), Zahana (Targu din Vale street), Calabria (Eroilor street), La Butoaie (Crinului street), Mansion Pub. Recommended pubs: Zebrano (Located in the Campus Hotel), Guinness Pub, Pavone Pizzeria, Garden Pub, Hush Pub (Located in the city centre) and Cuba (from 7p.m to 8p.m is happy hour – half price the drinks).

Recommended Shopping places You have one large supermarket located within 5 minutes from Campus which is Kaufland and a smaller market called Praxis. In the city centre you have the supermarket Crrefour City and other smaller markets, open 24h. Further away, by taking a free bus you can visit the hypermarkets Real, Auchan or Carrefour. Also, 5 minutes away from Campus, by taxi, you can go to Euromall.


Survival dictionary Basis Hello Good morning Good evening Good night Good bye Thank you Yes / No Please Excuse me Where ?

Bună ziua Bună dimineaţa Bună seara Noapte bună La revedere Mulţumesc Da / Nu Vă rog Scuzaţi-mă Unde ?

When? How much? Why? How are you? I don’t understand I don’t speak Romanian Could you write it? What does ... mean? You’re welcome

Când? Cât? De ce? Ce mai faceţi? Nu înţeleg Nu vorbesc româneşte Puteţi să notaţi? Ce înseamnă ? Cu plăcere

Doamna Domnul Orar

Open Close WC

Deschis Închis Toaletă

Daily life Mrs. Mr. Schedule

Time Today Yesterday Tomorrow Morning Evening Night Day

Week days Astăzi Ieri Mâine Dimineaţă Seară Noapte Ziuă

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Public holiday

Luni Marţi Miercuri Joi Vinery Sâmbătă Duminică Zi de sărbătoare

Stradă Piaţă Parc Staţie de autobuz Gară Piaţă Poştă

Stamp Embassy ATM Taxi Tramway Subway

Timbru Ambasadă Bancomat Taxi Tramvai Metrou

Spital Doctor Farmacie

Police Could you help me?

Poliţie M-aţi putea ajuta?

In the city Street Square Park Bus stop Train station Market Post office

Emergencies Hospital Doctor Pharmacy


Accommodation Hotel Pensiune O cameră dublă O cameră de o persoană / Simplă

With bathroom Without bathroom Is the breakfast Included?

Cu baie Fără baie Este inclus micul Dejun?

Restaurant Mic dejun Prânz Cină Meniu Nota Bere Cafea Ceai Vin Apă plată Apă minerală Brânză / Caşcaval Telemea

Desert Fruits Milk Vegetables Bread Fish Meat Pepper Salt Soup Sour soup Salad (without) Sugar

Desert Fructe Lapte Legume Pâine Peşte Carne Piper / Ardei Sare Supă Ciorbă Salată (fără) Zahăr

Lac Mare Plajă Munte

Monastery Church (outside) Museum

Mânăstire Biserică Muzeu (în aer liber)

Where is ... ? I am looking for ... Is it far? Left Right Straight ahead Arrival / Departure Entrance / Exit North South

Unde este ...? Caut ... E departe? Stânga Dreapta Drept înainte Sosire / Plecare Intrare / Ieşire Nord Sud

East

Est

Petrol station Road Highway Bridge Train Ticket Ticket office Platform Airport At what time arrives / leaves ...? I would like a ticket for a one way (roundtrip) for...

Benzinărie Drum Autostradă Pod Tren Bilet Ghişeu Peron Aeroport La ce oră soseşte / pleacă ...? Aş dori un bilet dus (dusîntors) până la ...

West

Vest

Hotel Pension Double bedroom Simple bedroom

At the restaurant Restaurant Breakfast Lunch Dinner Menu The bill Beer Café Tea Wine Still water Mineral water Cheese Salty cheese

Visits Lake Sea Beach Mountain

Direction and transport


Figures 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Zero Unu Doi Trei Patru Cinci Şase Şapte Opt Nouă

10 11 12 20 21 100 101 200 1000

Zece Unsprezece Doisprezece Douăzeci Douăzeci şi unu O sută O sută unu Două sute O mie


Contact persons from International Relations Department of “Constantin Brancoveanu” University

Tudorel POPESCU

Ionut BURLUSI

Director of the International and Public Relations Department Erasmus Institutional Coordinator E-mail: [email protected] Tel/Fax: +40-248-61.00.88

Trainee at International Relations and PR Department E-mail: [email protected] Tel/Fax: +40-248-61.00.88


This guide has been made by the International Relation Office of “Constantin Brancoveanu” University with the support of “Constantin Brancoveanu” University, ANPCDEFP and Erasmus program.

Our many thanks for supporting us in realizing this brochure go to: - Tudorel Popescu - Serbanica Cristina - Burlusi Ionut - Madalina Ticu - Roxana Matei
