1
Reception Booklet
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents …………………………………………………………………………. 2
About Brasov ……………………………………………………………………………... 3
Surroundings of Brașov: ………………………………………………………………….. 4
Poiana Brasov ………………………………………………………………………. 4
Râșnov Fortress …………………………………………………………………….. 4
Bran Castle …………………………………………………………………………. 4
Peles Castle …………………………………………………………………………. 5
Fast facts about Romania …………………………………………………………………. 5
10 Reasons to come to Brașov ……………………………………………………………. 6
How to arrive to AIESEC Brașov ………………………………………………………… 6
Arriving by car ……………………………………………………………………... 6
Arriving by train ……………………………………………………………………. 6
Arriving by plane …………………………………………………………………… 7
Public transport in Brasov ………………………………………………………………… 7
Other important information ……………………………………………………………… 9
Special service numbers …………………………………………………................. 9
Post Office / Mobile phones ……………………………………………………....... 9
Currency ……………………………………………………………………………. 9
Eastern European Time Zone ………………………………………………………. 10
Electricity ………………………………………………………………………....... 10
Check list (Don’t forget to bring …) ……………………………………………………... 10
Romanian Vocabulary …………………………………………………………………….. 11
Price list …………………………………………………………………………………... 13
About the LC ……………………………………………………………………………… 14
Contact details …………………………………………………………………………….. 14
Impressions of other trainees ……………………………………………………………... 15
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About Brasov
Braşov (pronounced Bra-shov), known as
Kronstadt in German or Brassó in Hungarian has a
population of 283,901 and is the 7th largest city in
Romania. It is located almost in the centre of the
country and surrounded by the Carpathian
Mountains. The city provides a mix of wonderful
mountain scenery in the nearby Poiana Braşov and
medieval history with German influences in the old
town. The city is 176 km from Bucharest. 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 links Cerbului Street with Poarta Schei Street. The street
was initially used as an access route by fire-fighters.
Braşov is up there with Sinaia and the surrounding mountain resorts as the most
visited city in Transylvania, Romania, and this is
something that's not in vain. Braşov boasts
everything from dynamic modern city life to old
world charm and fascinating scenery. As some
people say, "Why bother coming to Romania if
you're not going to see Braşov?"
Braşov has relatively old and wet weather,
especially at night. This region of Romania enjoys
four seasons (i.e. spring and autumn as well as
winter and summer). The average temperature is
7.6°C only, even though in summer temperatures
may reach up to 35°C.
Due to fairly large minority populations, Hungarian and German are also spoken in
addition to Romanian. Many locals also speak English.
Brasov for tourists:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUmIzpYZuIc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4gV0KWdFwE&feature
=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRKqPt97KRk&feature=r
elated
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUPeDISfimY&feature=r
elated
4
Touristic destinations
Brasov Castle
Where: Is situated in the midle of Brasov in the top of a hill called Straja.
The first documentary informations about Brasov Castle, dates from 1529, when the
castle was preparing to stop a millitary atack. In
the midle of 16th century, the castle became the
most important defenceve point, of the city.
Betweeen the years 1553-1554 are build
new artilery towers, sand waves and defence
moat. In 18th century the fortress was
surrounded by sand waves and a defence moat,
but new construction extending was made after
1773 and the sand waves and defece moat were
replaced with the castle’s walls.
In the next century’s, the castle was
funtioned like prison, between 1955 and 1975 was warehouse for Ntional Archive and after
1981 became a medieval touristic complex.
Black Church
Where: Johannes Honterus Yard, No. 2, Brasov.
Access: From Sfatului Square
On the N-W side of the Sfatului
Square is the imposing Black Church. Since
1385, when construction began, to the fire
from 1689, the Church was called Saint Mary.
After the fire, because the walls were
black, the Church was called Black Church,
being a well know symbol of the Gothic Art
from Transylvania.
There you can see 5 portals, executed
in the second half of the 15th
century, whit
rich decors, specific for the last fazes of the
Gothic Art from Central and Eastern Europe.
In church is presented a important and
valuable collection of oriental carpets (over 100). And also in church can see the organ whit
4000 tubes, installed in 1839.
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Saint Nicholas Church
Where: Unirii Square, No.2-3, Brasov.
The Saint Nicholas Church was documentary attested in 1292
and after 1495 was reconstructed from stone, whit help from prince
Petru Cercel and Mihai Vitezu, being added another 3 buildings.
The monument has Gothic and Baroque influences, being
synthesized with the Byzantine Art. Here is burry Nicolae Titulescu,
ex External Relationship Minister of Romania.
Graft Tower
Where: Dupa ziduri Alley, Brasov.
Access: From Muresenilor Street
The Graft Tower was build in 15th
century, was a
connection for White Tower and in 16th
century was build
in the nearby area a defensive wall with 8 towers.
Also then was dig the Graft Canal, which should
collect the water from the Warthe Hill and in 1809, the
base of the wall was wicked, so was constructed some
arches to hold the wall.
Black and White Tower
Where: Dupa ziduri Alley, Brasov.
The Black Tower was buld in 14th
century and in
1559 was hit by a lighting and begun to burn, remaining with
the name of Black Tower. Inside the Black Tower can visit a
collection of white and fire weapons.
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Ecaterina’s Gate
Where: Beethoven Alley, Brasov
Ecaterina’s Gate is the most
well preserved access gate in the city.
Was build in 1559, being the principal
access gate from Schei and being also
defence tower.
Schei Gate
Where: Schei Gate Street
Was build between the years 1827-
1828, for a better circulation between Brasov
Fortress and Up Suburb with financial
contribution from Romanian merchandisers.
The construction is in neoclassic style, with a
central opening, for vehicles, with 2 lateral
opening for pedestrians. Schei Gate was
restored after the earthquake in 4 march 1977
and repaired many times, last time in 2004.
Rope Street
Where: Schei Gate Street
The Rope Street has a various width between 111 and 135 cm
and first time was find in documents in 17th century. The street was
rehabilitated in 2003.
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History Museum
Where: Sfatului Square
In Central Square of the old Fortress, in 1420 was
constructed the City Hall. The first floor still has original
elements from Gothic style. From 1950 the building is
hosting the History Museum.
The permanent exposition is: “Brasov – history,
culture, civilisation”, organised in 17 rooms with 3334
pieces. The exposition is structured on 3 sectors:
archaeology on basement, medieval history on first floor and
modern history at the second floor.
Romanian First School’s Museum
Where:Unirii Square, No. 2-3
Romanian First
School was constructed in
1495 and between the years
1760-1761 were made
some modifications.
Between 1557-1583, Coresi
Deacon typed here 17
volumes in Romanian and
Slavon, on paper made in
factory in Brasov. Nearby
is, recently restarted, the
museum complex inside the
Saint Nicholas exposed in
30 rooms. Thematic are
organized expositions like
“Brasov’s Junii”, “Ex libris Museum”, “Museum Nicolae Titulescu” or “Museum Ion Colan”.
8
Art Museum
Where: Eroilor Boulevard, No.21
The building was constructed
in1902 and in the rooms from the first
floor are hosting a National Gallery of the
most important Romanian artists. The
expositions are various and represent the
evolution of art in Romania, from the
Transylvania’s anonyms to
contemporaneous artists.
At Art Museum is hosting and the
second largest collection of paintings
created by Nicolae Grigorescu in the
country. At museum’s basement is a
exposition of Oriental and European of
Decorative Art, with pieces of glass and porcelain made in well know workshops like Meissen,
Delft, Sevres, Capo di Monte, Murano and in important workshops from Romania.
“Muresenilor House” Museum
Where: Sfatului Square, No. 25
“Muresenilor House” was
founded in 1968, being a donation
made by the descendants of
Muresenilor family. They offered the
necessary space for a museum, a
very valuable collection of furniture,
paintings, sculptures and over 25.000
books and documents.
Muresenilor Archive is one
of the most rich and important family
archives. Museum “Mureenilor
House” became a complex of
memorial houses dedicated to
memory of great personalities from
Brasov.
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Sica Alexandrescu Theatre
Where: Theatre Square, No. 1
The theatre was founded in 1946
and it was called “State Theatre”. After
that in 1968, the director Sica
Alexandrescu, the manager of the
institution, changed the name in “Dramatic
Theatre”. The theatre has 2 rooms: the big
room with 750 seats and a smaller room
called
“Studio ‘82”, with a capacity of 60 seats.
Brasov’s Opera
Where: Bisericii Romane Street, No. 51
Brasov’s Opera was founded in 1953 and
named “The Musical Theatre”. After few great shows
and some national and international successes,
transformed The Musical Theatre in Brasov’s Opera.
Reduta Cultural Center
Where: Apollonia Hircher Street, No.8
The Redutas’s Cultural Center old building, was build
in 18th century and was used for theatre, concerts hall and
proms hall. The building was demolished in1892 and
reconstructed beetwin the years 1893-1894 with money from a
German Bank from Brasov.
Was called Reduta, after the name of a famous hall
from Wien and used for theatre, cinema, prom’s hall and
concert hall. Now the build is part of Brasov’s Historical
Center, wearing the name of Architectural Reservation. Also
now is use for cultural activities, Philharmonic’s concerts,
expositions, modern music concerts and theatre.
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Cinema
Go Multiplex Cinema
Where: Eliana Mall, 1 floor, Cristianului
Restaurants
For Sale Pub
Where: 15th
November Boulevard, No.24
Tudor House
Where: Avram Iancu Street, No. 58
Romanian cuisine and fish specialiti.
Ceasu’ Rau
Where: Iuliu Maniu Street, No. 56
Traditional cuisine.
Belagio
Where: Michel Weiss Street, No.18
Mediterranean cuisine.
Forest ranger’s House
Where: Tiberiu Brediceanu Alley, No.2
Wild animals meat and traditional food.
Romanian House
Where: Unirii Square, No. 15
Romanian cuisine specifically from Brasov’s area.
Deane’s Irish Pub & Grill
Where: Republicii Street, No.19
Swing, Live Jazz, Karaoke, Irish music.
Faberge
Where: Enescu Square, No. 13
French cuisine.
Sergiana Restaurant
Where: Muresenilor Street, No. 27
Transylvanian cuisine.
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Trattoria del Chianti
Where: Branduselor Street, No. 100
Italian cuisine.
Clubs
Tequila Bowling
Where: Avram Iancu Street, No. 32
Kasho
Where: Train Station’s Boulevard, No. 7
Sofa
Where: Grivitei Boulevard, No. 65
Oya
Where: 15 November Street, No. 78
Social Pub
Where: Mihail Kogalniceanu Street, No. 23
Times
Where: Eroilor Boulevard, No. 17
Surroundings of Brașov: Poiana Brasov
Where: 5 miles north of Brasov
Access: Bus #20 leaves every half-hour from Livada
Postei bus station.
A 15-minute drive or 30-minute bus ride from Brasov
leads to Poiana Brasov (3,300 feet), a mountaintop ski and
summer resort. During winter months, Poiana Brasov
offers some of the best skiing in Romania. In the summer,
it is a great place for hikers to launch treks into the
Southern Carpathian Mountains. For a panoramic view of
Brasov and the more distant Bucegi Mountains, take the
cable car to the summit of Postavarul Mountain (5,756
feet).
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Râșnov Fortress
Location: Transylvania – Central Romania
Nearby large towns: Brasov (9 miles northeast)
Nearest train station: Brasov
Admission charge.
Bran Castle
Location: Transylvania – Central Romania
Nearby large town: Brasov (16 miles northeast)
Nearest train station: Brasov
Surrounded by an aura of mystery and legend and perched
high atop a 200-foot-high rock, Bran Castle owes its fame to
its imposing towers and turrets as well as to the myth created
around Bram Stocker’s Dracula.
Peles Castle
Location: Sinai – Southern Romania
Nearby large towns:
Brasov (40 miles north)
and București (80 miles south)
nearest train station: Sinaia
Nestled at the foot of the Bucegi Mountains in the picturesque
town of Sinaia, Peleș Castle is a masterpiece of German new-
Renaissance architecture, considered by many one of the most
stunning castles in Europe.
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Romanian Food
Country beef soup
Guts soup
Fish soup
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Meatballs soup
Roll cabbage
Green pepper with meet
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Mici
Lamb drob
Mamaliga with chesse
Eggplant salad
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Zacusca
Donuts
Fried dumplings
Apple pie
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Sweet bread
Pancakes
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Fast facts about Romania
Average annual temperatures in Romania: 11°C in the south and 8°C in the north.
Population: 21 680 974 in March 2003 according to National Statistics Institute.
Ethnic structure: 89.5% Romanian, 6.6% Hungarian, 2.5% Roma, 0.3% Serbian, 0.3%
Ukrainian, 0.3% German, 0.2% Russian, 0.2% Turkish, 0.4% other.
Language: Romanian, a Romance language, has features of Latin with Slavic, German,
Greek, Hungarian and Turkish influences. Other languages spoken are Hungarian and
German.
Religion: 86.7% - Eastern Orthodox, 4.7% - Roman-Catholic, .2% - Protestant, 0.9% - Greek-
Catholic, 0.1% - Evangelical, 0.3% - Unitarian, 0.4% - other religions.
10 Reasons to come to Brașov
1. People are friendly and nice
2. You will experience a cool winter
3. Brașov has a very long history
4. Great surroundings (landscapes and landmarks)
5. Pubs, clubs and other ways to enjoy nightlife
6. You will come to the most beautiful city in
Romania
7. In the centre of the country
8. Get in touch with other 30,000 students
9. Cultural life
10. Parks and walking promenades
How to arrive to AIESEC Brașov
Arriving by car
Speed limits are 50kph in built-up areas and up to 90kph on main roads. If you come
by car to Romania, bring your driving licence, car papers and green card. Romania applies the international regulations of Convention for the Customs.
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Facilities for Tourist Traffic
Highly valuable good will and foreign currency (over the value of $ 1,000 per person) must be
declared when entering the country.
All roads are marked in accordance with the international regulations. Driving is on
the right side of the road and overtaking on the left. Driving under the influence of alcohol is
forbidden.
Arriving by train
If you are coming by train, all the international trains which
cross Brașov will surely stop in the train station of the city. If
your train is not coming through Brașov, you will probably go
through the ”București Nord” railway station, which is the
train station of the capital city of Romania. Trains are coming
from the Bucharest train station to Brașov regularly, about
each hour between 6am and 8pm. The train schedules for the
internal trains you get at: http://www.infofer.ro or for international trains at
http://www.bahn.de .
Arriving by plane
Romania has three international airports:
1. Airport Otopeni (Bucharest):
The biggest international airport in Romania. Henri Coandă Airport is connected to the
public transport company RATB system. The 780 route provides express bus service to Gara
de Nord railway station in Bucharest and the 783 route
provides express bus service to the city center.
2. Airport Băneasa (Bukarest)
The airport is situated 8 km north of Bucharest city
center and is accessible by RATB buses 131, 335 and
Airport Express 783, RATB tramway 5 and taxi. An
extension of Line M4 of the Bucharest Metro to Aurel
Vlaicu International, which will link it to the Main Train
Station “Gara de Nord”.
3. International Airport Sibiu
From Sibiu you have regular buses coming to Brașov. For schedules check
http://www.autogari.ro.
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Public transport in Brasov
Romania has an efficient public transport system, which operates from 5.30 a.m. till
midnight. Tickets can be bought at RAT BV kiosks but they close at 5:00pm. If you are caught
without a ticket you will be fined and expected to pay on the spot.
To your dorms you can arrive with busses 5, 14, 15,15B and 28. The central bus station
of the city Livada Poștei is about 10-15 min walk away, and the city centre just at the same
distance.
Bus Station Bus Number
Train station 51 42 4 29 35
Livada Postei 1 2 4 6 12 14 14B 15 15B 16 17 20 28 34 36 37 41
50B 50
Poiana Brasov 20
A bus number followed by the “B” letter stands for the number crossed by a line, as you can see
it on the bus.
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Cab numbers
Taxi TodFax +40-268-321111,
Martax: +40-268-313040, +40-268-944
Rey Taxi +40-268-411111
Ro Taxi: +40-268-319999 ,
State and private taxis are equipped with metres. As with many things in Romania
prices are more than reasonable but you should not ever get in a cab which doesn't have the
name of the company on the top of the car; they will cheat you. And you should ask the driver
to start the metre. The prices per km are always written on the doors of the cabs.
Other important information
Special service numbers
112 – police, ambulance, fire
Post Office / Mobile phones
Post offices are located all around the city. At the every post office you can buy
stamps, post cards, use fax machines and make international calls. Post card to the world costs
less than $ 1.00.
Romanian numbers start from +40 (city or operator code) for Brașov (XXX-XXX-
XXX), for example +40268-718133 is a land phone in Brașov.
Major mobile operators are:
Vodafone
Orange
Cosmote
All the operators have different special offers also for prepaid cards and you can get a
lot of minutes inside your network and some national minutes for prices between 3-5€.
Currency
The national currency is the LEU (plural LEI), in the international system called RON.
1 EURO: 4.2685 LEI
1 USD: 3.0368 LEI
Coins come with denominations of 1, 10, and 50 Bani. (1 Leu=100 Bani) Notes in
denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 200 lei.
Major credit and charge cards Visa, MasterCard and
American Express are accepted only in few hotels and
restaurants. To buy something in a shop asks first if they
accept credit cards. In generally Visa, Visa Electron,
22
MasterCard and Maestro cards are usable in almost any place where you can pay with your
credit card.
The currency system has changed since 1th of July 2005, when 10.000 lei became 1 Leu
(ROL=the old Lei, RON=the new Lei). So if you see the price written in RON and not Lei, you
should know that they are the same.
Foreign currency can only be exchanged at banks and authorized exchange Offices. As
rates can vary from one place to another it is wise to shop around. Do not exchange currency
from dealers in the street. No matter how good the rate they offer is, they will find a way to
cheat you. For exchanging money you most often need an identity card or passport.
Eastern European Time Zone GMT +2 hours
When noon in Romania(12.00) it is 11.00 in Paris and Berlin, 10.00 in London, 05.00 in
New York, 19.00 in Sydney and 13.00 in Moscow.
Summertime: GMT +3 hours, from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October.
Electricity 220 volts and 50 Hz. 2 prong plug.
Romania is considered a safe country in European terms,
but we wouldn't advise you to take walks at nights in parks or
peripheral areas.
Always keep your bags and purse in front of you,
especially when in buses and be careful when you are surrounded by many persons. The pocket thieves are agile. In case of emergency call the Police.
Check list (Don’t forget to bring….)
There are few things that you should not forget to include into your luggage when
coming. We are going to give you some hints here:
- some typical sweets or dishes
- your national flag and traditional cloths
- if you take any sort of medicine, bring the prescription with you
- if you wear glasses and contact lenses, also bring the prescription with you
- your dictionary, from your language into English
- some recipes of your traditional dishes
- warm clothes if you’re coming during the winter time( we have sometimes
temperatures around -20 - 25ºC )
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Romanian Vocabulary
Yes Da
No Nu
Hello Bună!/Salut!
Good bye! La revedere!
Take care! Ai grijă!
Please Te rog
Thanks Mulțumesc
Good morning Bună dimineața!
Good afternoon Bună ziua!
Good evening Bună seara!
Good night Noapte bună!
How are you? Ce mai faci?
I am fine. Sunt bine.
Leave me alone. Lasa-mă în pace.
What’s your name? Cum te numești?
My name is… Numele meu este…
How old are you? Câți ani ai?
Where are you from? De unde ești?
I am from…. Sunt din….
Pleased to meet you! Încântat de cunoștiința.
How much? Cât costă?
How many? Cât de multe?
Expensive Scump
Cheap Ieftin
Small Mic
Big Mare
Credit card Carte de credit
Beer Bere
Wine Vin
Breakfast Mic dejun
Lunch Prânz
Dinner Cină
Pub Pub/Bar
Hospital Spital
Drug Store Farmacie
Department store Magazin
Airport Aeroport
Train station Gară
Bus station Stație de autobuz / Autogară
Yesterday Ieri
Today Azi
Tomorrow Mâine
Day Zi
Week Săptămână
Month Lună
Year An
Man Bărbat
Woman Femeie
Beautiful Frumos
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I love you ! Te iubesc.
Entrance Intrare
Exit Ieșire
Open Deschis
Closed Închis
First aid Primul ajutor
Excuse me. Scuză-mă
Sorry! Îmi cer scuze.
Help! Ajutor!
Stop! Stop!
Call the Police! Sună Poliția.
I am a foreigner. Sunt strain.
I don’t understand. Nu ințeleg.
I am looking for…. Caut….
Please speak more slowly. Vorbește mai rar, te rog.
Please write it down. Scrie, te rog.
How do you say…… in Romanian? Cum spui….in română?
What time is it? Cât e ceasul?
Early Devreme
Late Târziu
Monday Luni
Tuesday Marți
Wednesday Miercuri
Thursday Joi
Friday Vineri
Saturday Sâmbătă
Sunday Duminică
Merry Christmas! Crăciun fericit!
Happy New Year! An nou fericit!
Happy Easter! Paște fericit!
Happy Birthday! La mulți ani!
1 Unu
2 Doi
3 Trei
4 Patru
5 Cinci
6 Sașe
7 Șapte
8 Opt
9 Nouă
10 Zece
20 Douăzeci
30 Treizeci
40 Patruzeci
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50 Cincizeci
60 Șaizeci
70 Șaptezeci
80 Optzeci
90 Nouăzeci
100 O sută
Price list
Product Lei Euro Dollar
Sliced bread 750g 2.5 0.58 0.83
Still mineral water2L 3,39 0,79 1.13
Coca- Cola 2L 6 1.4 2
Chocolate 100g 3 0.7 1
Ice cream 1kg 15 3.5 5
Nuttela 400g 9.5 2.23 3.16
Fast food sandwich 6.5 1.5 2.16
Hamburger McDonald’s 3.5 0.82 1.16
Cigarettes 12 2.81 4
Beer in a pub 500ml 6 1.4 2
Beer 2L 6 1.4 2
Bus ticket (Brașov) 1.5 0.35 0.5
One month pass busses (one line) 35 8.21 11.66
One month pass busses (all lines) 80 18.77 26.66
Pasta (in restaurants) 12 2.81 4
About our LC
AIESEC Brașov is one of the 13 local committees in Romania. In recent year it had a
big growth on Exchange, and several trainees who returned from their internship in Brașov
have taken Leadership positions in their home country. If you would like to have a CEED
opportunity you can check also our website: http://aiesecbv.ro/new/ and we recommend you to
tell this wish of yours before your arrival to the TN Manager and then at the beginning of your
internship you will agree together with our VP HR about your decision.
Andreea Tincu Nicoleta Moldovan Adriana Ababei
AIESEC Brașov President Social Development VP Human Resources VP
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
+40749 372 268 +40754 955 566 +40743 318 474
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Impressions of other trainees
Kamen Tabakov :
“Spending time in the city and the outskirts is great, but not what I
came for. I came for the experience of enriching, even a little a bit,
the knowledge and view of the world of the pupils in the local
highschools. Working with the pupils is a challenging and fulfilling
experience. The kids are very smart, open-minded and full of energy.
It is as they say – the kids are like a blank paper and on it can be
written any scenario and it is our responsibility to help them make it
as good and as positive as possible.
In the same time I started my CEED as well, enabling me to work in a
team with AIESECers from another country yet again. The feeling of people with different
background, from different cultures and countries working together and walking in the same
direction for no money at all makes me happy again.
Natalie Monica Kartikasari:
“My experience so far has taught me how to adapt to new
environment, culture and live beyond my comfort zone. A number
of Brasov AIESECers who I met here make an effort to make us feel
comfortable and happy. My job in the kindergarten is really
wonderful because of the nature of the job, my love for children and
my wonderful colleagues and boss. I really love the company of the
other 4 trainees too and they make my stay enjoyable.
For other impressions: http://aiesecbv.ro/exchange/?page_id=17
You can check also our facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/AIESECBV
and our Incoming Exchange page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/InComing-eXchange-in-Brasov/110219515721339
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We can’t wait to see you in
Brașov!!!
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