Romanian Learning Community and Resources

If you are reading this article, it means that you are either during or just starting your semester or year as a European Solidarity Corps participant or Erasmus+ student! I bet you are very excited but also nervous about all the preparation that goes into getting ready for such an adventure, from arranging the logistical details to embracing the cultural differences. 

Without further ado, here are 5 steps to help you get ready for your mobility:  

Before embarking on your journey, you might want to learn some basic information about the country you are about to live in. It’s a good thing that we have you covered! You can read all about the things you should know before starting your journey in Romania in this blog post. Additionally, here you can find 10 aspects that Romania is known for. 

Knowing all these will not only help you integrate more easily upon arrival in Romania, but also show respect for the locals and their culture.  

Coming hand in hand with the first step, adapting to a new culture can be both exciting and challenging. To make the most of your experience, be open-minded and willing to learn from the local community.  

You will make lots of friends by engaging in cultural activities, attending local events, and trying traditional foods. You can learn all about where to find these events and how to make friends during your mobility in Romania in this blog post.  

Learning some basic phrases in the local language can go a long way in meeting new people and making friends with the locals. Although it might seem challenging, you have to be patient with yourself and give it time. To help you, here you can find 6 tips to learn Romanian more easily, and don’t forget about the “Practice your Romanian” forum, which can be a great start in your language learning process!  

So now that you have the right mindset and know some cultural facts about your host country and some basic phrases, it’s time to find accommodation. Depending on the program, you might have options such as dorms, host families, shared apartments, or private rentals.  

Before starting your search, think about the aspects that matter to you, such as where you’d like to live, whether it fits your budget, if you want to share the place or not, and the amenities you want to have.   

If the university doesn’t have a dorm or if that’s not what you want, I suggest you start looking on different forums or websites that offer accommodation options. Another great solution is to ask some fellow mobility friends and, who knows, even get a place together. The “Living Abroad” forum could be a great starting place for striking up a conversation!  

Now that you have everything in order, it’s time to pack! As someone who did a European Mobility Corps herself in Portugal and moved to study abroad twice, here are my tips for packing effectively:  

That’s it - five steps to prepare for your mobility in Romania. I hope they were useful and that you will start this journey with an open heart and a curious mind – your adventure awaits! Don’t hesitate to ask in the comment section below or reach out to the OLS Community in the Ask the Community Forum if you have any questions regarding your mobility, the forums and courses available, or anything else related to OLS and the Romanian language!