Romania: Semester in Cluj

With more than 39,000 students, Universitatea Babe-Bolyai (UBB) is a large, public University with students from all over the world. The University is spread throughout the city of Cluj, so this offers students a more urban campus environment. Since Cluj is a university town, there is a large student population, creating a youthful energy to the area. Students should expect to use public transportation in this well-connected city. Cluj is home to much of Romania’s art and culture, meaning the city is littered with museums, galleries, and theaters.

UBB was originally established in 1581 making it one of the oldest Universities in Romania. It is a comprehensive university with academic programs offered in different languages, depending on the department. UBB offers a very welcoming and open campus and embraces multiculturalism as a core value of the institution. Students will primarily take courses from one academic department, rather than from multiple different disciplines across campus. For example, a business student will primarily take all of their courses from the Faculty of Business. The exchange is open to all majors.

Host University Website

International Relations Office

Exchange Students

Erasmus + International Student Website Note: The application information on this page is only relevant for students who are applying for the Erasmus + scholarship. All other students should refer to the "exchange students" link.

GVSU's partner universities are largely independent programs; prospective participants should carefully consider if this form of study abroad suits their needs before registering. These partnerships allow students to experience a more independent international study abroad, but also require students to have a high level of flexibility and the ability to navigate much of the program independently. Those who prefer additional support may wish to consider other study abroad options such as external study abroad providers and our faculty-led options.

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Partnership

GPA Requirement
2.5 Undergraduate
3.0 Graduate

No Language
Requirement

Issue Friendly

Graduate

Program Dates and Application Deadline

Fall 2023

Estimated Program Dates: September 2023 - February 2024
Application Deadline: February 1, 2023 (Closed)

Academic Year 2023 (Fall 2023-Winter 2024)

Estimated Program Dates: September 2023 - July 2024
Application Deadline: February 1, 2023 (Closed)

Winter 2024

Estimated Program Dates: February 2024 - June 2024
Application Deadline: September 1, 2023

Fall semester students must attend for the full duration of the semester. December returns are not possible through this program.

Courses

This program is open to all majors. Students will be required to take the majority of their courses from one primary academic department. Students will not be free to select any course taught in English across the university. For example, students majoring in business will be required to take the majority of their courses from the Faculty of Business at BBU. Students will not register until they arrive in Cluj. Student timetables are available 3-5 days prior to the start of the semester.

Course Options Use this button to see a list of departments that offer courses in English. BBU does not have a comprehensive course search page so it may be useful to browse the links below for courses in particular disciplines.

Pre-Approved Courses Note: This course list indicates courses that have been previously approved. It is not a list of available courses on this program.

Course Approval Process Students registering for courses that have not been pre-approved will need to follow the course approval instructions.

Students interested in satisfying general education courses abroad can find more information on our General Education page.

Links to Department pages for available courses:

American Studies courses

Anthropology courses

Link to BBU Business website for International Students

Computer Science courses

European Studies courses

History courses

Human Resources courses

International Relations courses

Journalism courses

Mathematics courses

Philosophy courses

Physical Education and Sports courses

Sociology courses

Undergraduate students may be allowed to take Masters level courses at BBU. This is subject to approval by the Department Erasmus Coordinator.

Students applying for the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration may have the option of participating in an internship during the semester.

Housing

Students can apply for on-campus residence halls which cost around 220 Lei per month or around $55 USD per month. On-campus housing is limited, and not guaranteed so it is recommended to complete your application materials on time. Rooms are double or quad occupancy. There are no single units available. Also, students will have public toilets, showers, and sinks. The bathrooms are cleaned and maintained. Students who apply by the deadline will be offered a housing placement in the on-campus residence halls. There are several residence hall buildings located on the Hasdeu complex. Most of the halls house at least 400 students. There is a cafeteria on the Hasdeu campus, and many of the academic buildings around town also offer a small cafeteria for students. Wifi is available in the residence halls.

Students will be required to purchase sheets, towels and other necessary items. Each of the dorms has a front desk with an attendant available 24/7. Many of the halls do not have elevator access. Buildings with over 10 floors do have elevators, but students should expect to take the stairs in many buildings.

Students will be allowed to check-in to their dormitory 3-4 days prior to the start of the semester. Students will not be allowed to check-in earlier than this.

Meals are inexpensive in Romania. A typical meal in a cafeteria will cost around $2 - $3. Map of Hasdeu

Cost and Scholarships

* Very Affordable Program * The estimated cost of this program is less than a semester at GVSU.

NOTE: "Other Expenses" listed above are general cost estimates. Due to COVID-19, costs may increase for basic goods and housing. These estimates are provided as a guide to help students in their planning, but they are subject to change.

Cost Breakdown

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:

Questions? Contact [email protected] or 616-331-3898

PADNOS SCHOLARSHIP: (Up to $15,000): The Barbara H. Padnos International Scholars program provides scholarships for year long study abroad programs (Students must study abroad for 2 semesters or more). The average scholarship ranges from $5,000-$15,000. APPLY NOW: https://gvsu.academicworks.com/opportunities/13328

SEIDMAN COLLEGE OF BUSINESS SCHOLARSHIP: offers a study abroad scholarship for SCB majors who wish to participate in a qualified study abroad or international internship program. Awards are based on program costs and financial need. Apply online using GVSU MyScholarships: www.gvsu.academicworks.com/opportunities/12080

Additional Scholarships

How will I pay for this?

Financial Aid FAQ's

Eligibility

Students must be degree-seeking, have attended at least one semester at GVSU, and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 at the time of application.

No Covid restrictions

Additional Information

Host University Website

http://cci.ubbcluj.ro/

Campus Info / Campus Life

BBU has a robust Erasmus Student Network that organizes events and activities for international students. They also serve as an important resource for students as they adjust to the life and culture of Cluj-Napoca and BBU. Information about the ESN can be found at: http://cluj-napoca.esn.ro/ You can also check them out on Facebook

BBU has campus buildings throughout the city of Cluj. Most students will live in the Hasdeu Complex which is walking distance from the city centre. Depending on the area of study, students may need to travel by bus or tram to the academic buildings. There is a large student activity building which hosts many events throughout the year.

Google Map

Already Applied

Visa Requirements

At this time, a visa is not required to enter Romania. Students will be required to apply for a residence permit within 30 days of entry into the country. Students who fail to apply for the residence permit will not be permitted to complete their semester of study. Information regarding the documents required for the residence permit application can be found on the UBB website or by following this link Temporary Residence Permit

Arrival Information

Students will fly into Avram Iancu International Airport in Cluj, Romania which is about 15 minute drive to the Hasdeu Student Complex. From the airport, students can take a taxi to the student housing.