Gap Year Programs in Romania

Bordered by Bulgaria, Ukraine, Hungary, Serbia, and Moldova, this Eastern European country is the seventh largest in Europe and home to over 20 million people from different ethnicities and cultural backgrounds. Romania features a beautiful landscape, the River Danube splitting the country in half, and the Carpathian Mountains creating the perfect backdrop for a gap year abroad. The hilly geography has broken the country into charming villages aching to be explored.

Bucharest is the largest city and most popular destination in Romania. It is not only the capital city, but also one of Eastern Europe's cultural, industrial, and financial hubs. Located on the banks of the Dambovita River, Bucharest is a great first stop on your gap year in Romania. Marvel in the medieval architecture, check out the many museums featuring folkloric culture, meet new friends at trendy cafes, and get lost in this energetic city

Cluj-Napoca is Romania's second largest city. It is the place for students and starving artists, where travelers can quench their thirst for knowledge or get in touch with their creative sides. With such a young population, there will always be excitement in the city. Relax at art galleries, public gardens, or bohemian cafes during the day, and dance the night away at one of the many music festivals.

Travelers on a gap year should take some time to venture into the Transylvanian region in the Southern Carpathians to get a real taste of Romanian flavor. Cities like Brasov and Slobozia are smaller, quaint medieval towns with cobbled streets and a middle-ages vibe. Explore the areas that inspired legends and experience Romania's quiet mountain towns.

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Latest Program Reviews

My project in Namibia

August 12, 2024by: Emily Ormond - United KingdomProgram: Gap Year Travel with Oyster Worldwide

9

I have recently come back from my gap year and while I was there I spent a month working on the relationships between humans and elephants. So why would I recommend Oyster? I am so glad I picked to do this project with Oyster because they made me feel very well taken care of and looked after me before and during the project. They talk you though everything you need to know before the project takes place and what clothes and necessities you may need to pack. So what does the project consist of? I would do this project a million times if I could, and if you don’t believe me lots of people who were doing the project had already done it before and had come back because of how much they enjoyed it. So the project is on a two week program and you have the option to stay from two weeks to 3 months. The first week is amazing because you build walls for the local community. Some days some of the locals will come and help, or a few kids will come and keep you company, that is amazing because you feel so immersed, it’s definitely a once in a lifetime experience. The second week is spent tracking elephants. This was my favourite out of the two because you learn all about the elephants foot prints. We also managed to see a two day old elephant which we were lucky enough to name !!! So why pick this project? I think this project and Oyster have a lot of selling points. For starters Oyster takes very good care of you and help you organise yourself before the project starts so it doesn’t feel overwhelming. Secondly you are in the middle of the desert, I don’t think you could get anymore rural than that. You don’t really have much service so it’s lovely to disconnect for two weeks. You get to spend some time with lovely people who you may not meet on a day to day basis, people from different countries, locals, and different ages. You camp under the stars which is also amazing. Overall I would always recommend this amazing project, such a special experience!!

Amazing experience. Professional and helpful company.

June 30, 2023by: Bailey Crossland - EnglandProgram: Gap Year Travel with Oyster Worldwide

10

The last few weeks I have been travelling around South East Asia with Oyster Worldwide, completing my Gold The Duke of Edinburgh's Award.   This has been a truly once in a lifetime experience, meeting many new people from all around the world and learning about the Asian culture and lifestyle.   From volunteering at an ethical elephant sanctuary in Chaing Mai, Thailand to partying on a yacht in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, I enjoyed every second of it.    Oyster Worldwide have been super professional and helpful throughout the whole experience and made a complex and daunting trip, a breeze in the park!

My project in Namibia

August 12, 2024by: Emily Ormond - United KingdomProgram: Gap Year Travel with Oyster Worldwide

9

I have recently come back from my gap year and while I was there I spent a month working on the relationships between humans and elephants. So why would I recommend Oyster? I am so glad I picked to do this project with Oyster because they made me feel very well taken care of and looked after me before and during the project. They talk you though everything you need to know before the project takes place and what clothes and necessities you may need to pack. So what does the project consist of? I would do this project a million times if I could, and if you don’t believe me lots of people who were doing the project had already done it before and had come back because of how much they enjoyed it. So the project is on a two week program and you have the option to stay from two weeks to 3 months. The first week is amazing because you build walls for the local community. Some days some of the locals will come and help, or a few kids will come and keep you company, that is amazing because you feel so immersed, it’s definitely a once in a lifetime experience. The second week is spent tracking elephants. This was my favourite out of the two because you learn all about the elephants foot prints. We also managed to see a two day old elephant which we were lucky enough to name !!! So why pick this project? I think this project and Oyster have a lot of selling points. For starters Oyster takes very good care of you and help you organise yourself before the project starts so it doesn’t feel overwhelming. Secondly you are in the middle of the desert, I don’t think you could get anymore rural than that. You don’t really have much service so it’s lovely to disconnect for two weeks. You get to spend some time with lovely people who you may not meet on a day to day basis, people from different countries, locals, and different ages. You camp under the stars which is also amazing. Overall I would always recommend this amazing project, such a special experience!!

Amazing experience. Professional and helpful company.

June 30, 2023by: Bailey Crossland - EnglandProgram: Gap Year Travel with Oyster Worldwide

10

The last few weeks I have been travelling around South East Asia with Oyster Worldwide, completing my Gold The Duke of Edinburgh's Award.   This has been a truly once in a lifetime experience, meeting many new people from all around the world and learning about the Asian culture and lifestyle.   From volunteering at an ethical elephant sanctuary in Chaing Mai, Thailand to partying on a yacht in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, I enjoyed every second of it.    Oyster Worldwide have been super professional and helpful throughout the whole experience and made a complex and daunting trip, a breeze in the park!