Gap Year Programs in Romania
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7 Gap Year Programs in Romania
International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
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At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. ...
See All 4 ProgramsGoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
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GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and med
Volunteer World
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Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller g
Oyster Worldwide
4.5
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Interested in taking a gap year? Do it with an organization well regarded for its responsible travel and gap year travel opportunities - Oyster Worldwide. Whether you are taking a break before pursuing higher education or taking time off from university, we have the perfect opportunity for you! Our
A Guide to Gap Year in Romania
Popular Locations
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.
Popular Activities
In Romania, travelers can expand their knowledge while embracing the culture. Whether you want to do that in a classroom or out in the real world, there are endless opportunities for enhancing your gap year abroad. Study, work, or volunteer abroad and you'll get to know the country on a new level while boosting your resume.
Study abroad. With over 60 universities throughout the country, Romania is the perfect location for study abroad. Enroll as a full-time university student of take a couple classes at an international school. Study international relations, environmental studies, or even philosophy, or experience the culture even further by taking a Romanian language course. Combine the two to enhance the experience, and always keep in mind you may need the Romanian skills first to get by in other courses, as English programs are limited.
Internships. Romania's economy has continuously developed since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Today it boasts some of the highest economic growth rates in the European Union, creating job opportunities throughout the country. Spend your gap year interning abroad in Romania, where you can find placements in nearly any field under the sun, from medicine and art to environmental studies and agriculture. Depending on your availability, you can find placements for up to six months.
Volunteering. Though the country is developed, Romania still seeks volunteers all year round. Education is one of the most popular types of placements, whether you want to spend your gap year in Romania teaching English, working in community centers, leading after-school programs, or tutoring. If you want to get outside of the classroom, consider volunteering with the biggest indigenous brown bear population, conserving their environment and creating a beautiful home for these furry friends.
Everything Else You Need to Know About Gap Years in Romania
Costs. Although the economy has developed after the Soviet Union's collapse, it is still building, making Romania a fairly inexpensive destination. While program fees can cost up to several thousand dollars, depending on how long you will spend overseas, local prices are affordable. Choose a program with food and accommodation inclusions, and your spending money can be spent on 2 Euro beers with new friends! If you're worried about the initial costs, consider fundraising to get you there.
Accommodations. Housing options vary depending on what type of program you join during Romania gap years. Typically students will live in university dorms, while other programs offer homestay and apartment options. Apartments will put you smack in the middle of the big cities, while homestays will offer you insight into Romanian family life and allow you to nestle into the quaint Transylvanian mountain towns. Either way you're sure to establish a deep connection with the culture as Romania becomes home.
Visas. Visa options for Romania depends highly on your home country, duration of stay, and type of program. If you're from the European Union, most likely you won't need a visa, even for working purposes. Those non-European students, however, may need to arrange a visa for a stay longer than three months. Check out the Romanian Embassy site for the latest visa tips and advice.
Safety. While Romania is a fairly safe country (you won't get mugged in the street!), there are a few things to keep in mind when planning your travels. English is not widely spoken and street signs are in Romanian, so foreigners are often at risk of getting lost. Locals have been known to take advantage of travelers if you don't know the language, so learn some key phrases or make a Romanian friend to help you get by – just make sure he isn't a vampire!
GoAbroad’s Inside Scoop
When most think of a "Euro-trip," they imagine hopping their way through iconic western cities, like Paris, Barcelona, and Rome. While these cities are better known and easy to get to, Romania is the perfect location for exploring Eastern Europe and spending a gap year unlike any others. Break away from the crowd and spend your gap year in the mythical land of Transylvania where you'll learn more than just the legends.
Romania draws expats from all over the world, creating an international community. Here you will learn about Romanian culture as well as many others. This is the ultimate resume booster, as you'll become open-minded, adaptable, and you'll make global connections that will help in any job field no matter what you decide to do when you return to the "real world."
You won't regret spending your gap year off the beaten Euro-path! Whether you want to earn a degree, learn a new language, gain international work experience, or take a more philanthropic approach, gap year programs in Romania will help you grow as an individual. This different side of Europe will charm you all the same, so book your plane ticket and pack your bags for a gap year in Romania!
Thinking of planning your own gap year abroad? Check out our pros and cons of organized programs abroad.
Latest Program Reviews
My project in Namibia
August 12, 2024by: Emily Ormond - United KingdomI 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!!
Wonderful to read about your experience, thank you Emily! The Oyster Team
Amazing experience. Professional and helpful company.
June 30, 2023by: Bailey Crossland - EnglandThe 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!
Sounds like you made the most of your time Bailey and had a wonderful tour - thanks for sharing!
Teaching in Chile
August 06, 2019by: Amy Green - United KingdomI had a really great time as a volunteer teaching assistant at a school in Coyhaique, Chile. I was teaching a huge range of ages (4-17) and it was great to be able to interact with classes at various stages of their English development. The teachers I was supporting were amazing and very eager for the help, particularly with the younger years and keeping their interest. I absolutely loved my time living with my host family as they were so welcoming. Being able to speak a little Spanish already definitely helped my integration but they were also incredibly helpful in helping me improve and understanding of my many mistakes! Coyhaique in itself is a smallish town with not too much to offer however there are two national parks surrounding it with some good hikes. It is easy to travel out of Coyhaique by bus (just book in advance) either going north or south and getting to Balmaceda airport is also simple should you wish to go further afield. Having people on the ground in Coyhaique was encouraging as you knew you had support should you need it but we didn't interact much. The Spanish lessons were fine but I feel they would be more helpful to someone of a lower level, as for me, I just needed to practice speaking so the best thing was just being with my host family! Overall a good experience and I'm so glad I did it.
Thank you so much for leaving a review!
Best decision I ever made!
February 01, 2019by: Lauren Underhill - United KingdomI had just finished my A Levels and wasn’t sure whether uni was an option for me - so a gap year was on the cards. My friend and I had a passion for animals so decided to go on a trip to see some of the worlds most magnificent. After lots of research, Oysters promise of responsible travel and support was what made us sure they were the best company to go with. I went to South Africa for 4 weeks to volunteer as a wildlife conservationist with the Big 5. I cannot even begin to describe how much I loved the programme. I got to see and experience a culture and lifestyle I never thought possible, made life long friends all over the world and have memories to last a life time. Oyster provided non-stop support as soon as I applied until the very moment I returned home. It would take me a whole book to write all the amazing things I saw and experienced and why Oyster Worldwide was the best choice - cliché as it sounds, taking a gap year with Oyster was the best decision I have ever made and I cannot wait to get on a plane to another one of their awesome projects.
Many thanks for taking the time to review us! <br/><br/>Oyster Team
Turtle conservation project in Costa Rica
April 30, 2018by: Drew Copping - CanadaProgram: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!
Costa Rica's Turtle Conservation Project was one thing I will never forget! Such an eye opening and amazing experience. The IHQV program is an amazing way to explore the world in a feasible way. Not only is it affordable but I would have never experienced anything like it! IHQV Brings so much more, more ham any guided tour, more than a resort, and more than anything you could experience on your own. They have demonstrated such strong dedication to make sure every part of the trip is a great learning exprenice while keeping it fun. One of my most memeroble moments would be seeing the indangered leather back turtle lay her eggs. Because the leather back is in such danger it is critical that her eggs are gathered and re-nested in the hatchery where they can be taken care of and monitered to keep them safe from predators. I was lucky enough to be able to personally collect her eggs and dig a new nest to place each egg carfully. It was truley an amazing experience. I wish I could go back to see them hatch! Not only was this such an amazing experience, but every single person I met on this trip through the program m, I will dearly miss. IHQV brings everyone with similar ambitions together and from all over the world. I loved to meet people from the UK, Australia and Italy. Never could I go anywhere and meet such amazing people in one single place. I would recommend this program a million times. Leaving was hard, I'll miss my friends I have made and most importantly all the work that was done everyday to help such a wonderful project!
![International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ] logo](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.goabroad.com%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Fc_pad%2Cw_67%2Ch_67%2Fv1%2Fimages2%2Fclients%2Flogos%2FMAIN%2Fb7aQwxqKkTQs1TCbQKDnmQAVGPjGCilE6Nj4ktx5.jpg&w=96&q=75){kind=small}
Hi Drew, thank you for sharing your incredible experience on the Turtle Conservation project in Costa Rica! It's amazing that you were able to help in the protection of the leatherback turtles eggs as this is such an important task in the conservation of the turtles. We would love to have you join us again in the future! ^Rachel - IVHQ Costa Rica Program Manager
Amazing!!
April 04, 2018by: Caroline - CanadaProgram: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!
My time volunteering in Portugal was the most amazing experience. It gave me the comfort and growth to travel and experience new adventures on my own. The staff, locals and coordinators ensured my stay was the best possible experience.
Hi Andy - It's awesome to hear about your time on the program, and I'm so glad you enjoyed your experience in Ghana. Our local team is awesome and I'm thrilled to hear you felt supported by them in every capacity during your time on the program. I wish you all the best! ^Caroline - IVHQ Portugal Program Manager
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