Program Details: Romania Babes-Bolyai University
Is this program for me?
With more than 39,000 students, UBB is a large, public University with students from all over the world. It was originally established in 1581 making it one of the oldest Universities in Romania. UBB 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. The University is spread throughout the city of Cluj, so this offers students a more urban campus environment. 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 with UBB offers a special exchange under the Erasmus + framework. Erasmus + partner institutions are eligible for funding from the European Commission which allows for substantial scholarships to students, faculty and staff. Even without the scholarship, the regular cost of a semester at UBB is less than a semester at GVSU due to the low cost of living in Romania. GVSU students can apply for a scholarship for the Winter semester which includes a stipend of 750 Euro per month and airfare up to 820 Euro. The scholarship is limited to students majoring in business, political science, journalism, or MBA.
The exchange is open to all majors. This program is ideal for students interested in a full immersion into a highly regarded Romanian University.
International Relations Office
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.
Location
Babes-Bolyai University is located in the city of Cluj-Napoca, the second most populous city in Romania. Cluj-Napoca is in the heart of the region of Transylvania which is most often recognized because of author Bram Stoker's fictitious character Dracula. The city offers a great deal to students who choose to venture to this less-traditional study abroad location. It hosts very well-known film and music festivals, many restaurants, clubs, and beautiful parks. It prides itself on offering a great blend of strong traditions and modernity, as well as being an open and welcoming environment and embracing its multicultural roots.
Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunity to hike the Carpathian Mountains near Cluj. Also, Romania offers the largest beaches along the Black Sea.
Historically, Romania was part of the Austrian-Hungarian empire which has influenced its cuisine. Romania is the 7th largest country in Europe and has been apart of the EU since 2007. Before 1989, Romania was under communist rule for 40 years.
Cost
GVSU recently signed an Erasmus + agreement with UBB which opens up funding from the European Commission in the form of scholarships for students. The scholarship is competitive, so students are not guaranteed funding. Students who are not selected may still apply for the program as regular exchange students. The estimated cost of this program without the scholarship support is less than a semester at GVSU. Those who are selected to be funded will receive 750 Euro per month stipend AND an airfare stipend of up to 820 Euro. The total estimated cost for a semester is with the Erasmus+ scholarship is $5,758.
ERASMUS + SCHOLARSHIP is available to students majoring in political science, journalism, or business (including MBA students).
The cost of any study abroad program depends to a large extent on the participant's personal spending habits and lifestyle.
Visa Information
The student visa guide will provide you with information regarding the visa application. Please note that the appropriate consulate or embassy must be consulted for the most up-to-date visa information.
Housing and Meals
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. 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.
Students will be provided with sheets for their bed, but they will be required to purchase 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. More information
Students who prefer more independent living arrangements can rent a local apartment. BBU recommends that students work through a real estate agency to find an apartment. Students can usually find a local apartment for between 200-250 Euro per month.
Meals are inexpensive in Romania. A typical meal in a cafeteria will cost around $2 - $3.
Programs Dates
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Fall: October - February (students must attend for the full duration of the semester. December returns are not possible through this program.)
Winter: February - June *recommended semester
Academic Year: October - June
Academic Program & Courses
Courses available at the Babes-Bolyai University
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.
Website link for programs offered in English
Links to Department pages for available courses:
Anthropology courses
Business courses (and MBA courses), Link to BBU Business website for International Students
Hospitality Services courses
Human Resources courses
International Relations courses
Physical Education and Sports courses
Political Science courses
Sociology courses
UG 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.
How will the courses I take at BBU transfer back to my GVSU transcript?
Host University Application Process
Step 1 - Students must apply and be accepted into the GVSU OASIS application system.
Step 2 - The Padnos International Center will provide all applicants with application instructions after the OASIS priority deadline.
Step 3 - Students must complete all required application materials for University of Babes-Bolyai.
Step 4 - Students receive admission into the program and are provided with additional pre-arrival instructions.
UBB Erasmus + Marketing/Outreach and Application Review Process
UBB Application Forms:
Students will be required to obtain medical insurance in Romania which will cost about $40 per month and can be purchased from the State.
Campus Information
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: https://cluj-napoca.esn.ro/ 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.
Travel 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.