ERASMUS+ EXPERIENCES

INTERNATIONAL EVENTS

RAU International Staff Week
Summer edition 2023

19-23 June 2023

Between June 19-23 2023, RAU Erasmus+ Office organised a new summer edition of the International Staff Week in the field of Intercultural Communication with the topic „Preparing Students for an Intercultural Environment”. For this event, we had the pleasure to host the representatives of our partner universities in n 10 countries from North and South America, Europe, Asia and Africa.
During the International Staff Week, the participants have been engaged in training activities, workshops & discussions, as follows:

• Intercultural Communication Course
• Romanian Crash Course
• Meetings & discussions with RAU Schools’ management & RAU representatives
• Exchange of Best Practices
• Networking with colleagues from other universities
• Presentation of own university
• Discovering RAU campus

Moreover, they discovered the Romanian history, culture, traditions and nature, as the program includes a visit to the Village Museum in Bucharest, a Bucharest City Tour, as well as a Cultural Trip to Bran Castle and Brașov City.
Details here

RAU Summer Schools 2023

June-July 2023

Between June and July 2023, URA organized 3 summer schools, financed as Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programmes, dedicated to students from European partner universities.

• "ASTRA - APPLIED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FOR REAL-WORLD APPS", organised between July 1-9, by the School of Computer Science for Business Management, together with the "Center for Computational Science and Machine Intelligence" (CSMI) and the "Center for Research in Artificial Intelligence” (CRAI). ASTRA is a transdisciplinary school aiming to provide an overview of computational tools for studying complexity and adaptive systems. The school will show how these tools and techniques could be used for investigating different open questions related to international relations, global politics, cooperation, or conflict.
• "3CS - CYBER-CRIME & CYBER-SECURITY", organised by the Human Rights and Migration Center of the Faculty of Law, took place between July 1-9. The program covered a broad range of topics such as online identity construction, disinformation, hate speech and online harassment, online sex crimes, online frauds, illegal markets online, cyberwarfare, cyberterrorism and “political deviancy”, approaches to prevent and counter cybercrimes and the future of cybercrimes.
• "ISSTTA - INTERNATIONAL SUMMER SCHOOL IN TRAVEL, TOURISM AND AVIATION", organised by the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management between June 29 and July 8. The program included a wide variety of activities: courses in aviation, cruises industry and gastronomy; study visits to OTP Airport (assisting a turnaround flight operations) and 5* hotels (Hilton, Marriott, Radisson); simulation games at Tuzla Airport; sea survival training at Tuzla Training Center; cultural activities (Bucharest City Tour, Village Museum, trip to Peleș and Bran Castels); extracurricular activities.

Details here

RAU students participated in Blended Intensive Programmes

April-August 2023

The Romanian-American University students recently had the opportunity to participate in short-term blended mobilities funded through the Erasmus+ programme, in order to take part in Blended Intensive Programmes or Spring / Summer Schools offered by our partner universities!
By participating in such mobility programs, students have the chance to benefit from international learning experiences, to improve their academic skills, to explore new areas of interest and to develop their intercultural awareness.
The programs our students participated in were:

• ”Delightful Cappadocia”, spring school blended program organised by Istanbul Aydin University, Turkey (April 2023)
• ”Soft Skills”, blended intensive programme organised by Haute École de la Province de Liège, Belgium (May 2023)
• ”Digital & Social Media Marketing”, blended intensive programme organized by École de Management de Normandie, France (June-July 2023)
• ”Delightful Istanbul”, summer school blended program organised by Istanbul Aydin University, Turkey (July-August 2023)

We thank our partner universities for the wonderful experience offered to our students!
Details here
If you are interested in participating in such a program, you can find more information on the webpage dedicated to Erasmus+ short-term mobilities here.

Visit at Lapland University of Applied Sciences, Finland

14-16 September 2023

Representatives of the Romanian-American University visited Lapland University, Finland, to discuss new options for academic cooperation.
A delegation of the Romanian-American University led by Tudor Edu Ph.D. Habil. Professor, Vice-Rector for Scientific Research, Innovation, and Internationalization, was in Finland at the invitation of Lapland University of Applied Sciences (UAS), a partner of the Romanian-American University since 2011. Over the years, the two universities have jointly organized courses and mobility programs specifically aimed at the academic development of students and the continuous training of teaching staff.
The delegation, consisting of 10 representatives from the Romanian-American University, discussed options for the development of academic cooperation, analyzed best practices, and identified new collaboration opportunities for local and European projects. The meeting with Ms. Dr. Riitta Rissanen, the Rector of Lapland University of Applied Sciences (UAS) has led to the development of ideas for educational cooperation in the form of double-degree educational programs. Another crucial point addressed was formulating new directions for collaboration in the educational field and research projects.
Details here

RAU participation in EAIE 2023 Rotterdam

26–29 September 2023

Between September 26-29, 2023, the Romanian-American University participated in the EAIE (European Association of International Education) Conference and Exhibition in Rotterdam, as an exhibitor.
The EAIE Annual Conference and Exhibition is the most important European event in higher education, with this year's event registering a record number of over 6700 participants from over 100 countries. RAU participation in the conference was an opportunity to identify new partners, strengthen existing relationships and understand new trends in internationalization of higher education.
The Romanian-American University was strongly involved in the organisation of the Romanian pavilion at EAIE, the Romanian universities participating under the national "Study in Romania" pavilion.

Guest Courses Program

October-December 2023

During the academic year, the Guest Courses Program featuring international professors is a transformative initiative that injects a global perspective into the traditional academic setting. By inviting esteemed professors from around the world, students are exposed to a diverse collection of teaching styles and cutting-edge expertise. These courses go beyond conventional curricula, offering students the opportunity to explore the benefits of these courses. The presence of international professors not only enhances the academic experience but also promotes a dynamic learning environment where students are encouraged to think critically, engage in cross-cultural dialogue, and extend their horizons. This program serves as a gateway to global connectivity, providing students with invaluable networking opportunities and preparing them for success in an increasingly interconnected world.

In the first semester of the current academic year, we had the pleasure to host professors from partner universities around the world, as well as representatives of the business environment. Between October and December, more than 230 students participated in the 15 courses that have been offered as part of the Guest Courses Program:

• A Journey into Portugal's Wine Regions and Wine Tourism, Paula Fonseca, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu (Portugal)
• How to provide value to your customers, Suzanne Amaro, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu (Portugal)
• Customer Experience, Mohamed Latib, CX University (USA)
• Intercultural Competence for Healthcare Professionals, Raya Mahdi & Carlos Nunez, NM Consultants (the Netherlands)
• Cultural diversity-different roots, same tree, Cristina A. Bejan, Metropolitan State University of Denver (USA)
• Digital communication, Filipe Carrera, Filipe Carrera International Lda. (Portugal)
• Presentation Skills, Filipe Carrera, Filipe Carrera International Lda. (Portugal)
• Innovation and Creativity in Business, Filipe Carrera, Filipe Carrera International Lda. (Portugal)
• Facing globalization: the past and present of modernity in Japan, Iwanaga Shinji, Meiji Gakuin University (Japan)
• Learning How Microprocessors Work by Using Arduino Hardware, Costel Constantin, James Madison University (USA)
• A Short Course in Computational Geometry, Min-Te Sun, National Central University (Taiwan)
• The elections of 2024 and the future of the transatlantic relationship, John A. Scherpereel, James Madison University (USA)
• A series of lectures on Cyber Law (online), Niteesh Kumar Upadhyay & Ivneet Walia, India
• Korean Politics and Inter-Korean Relations (online), Steve Lee, South Korea
• An introduction to Indian culture and civilization (online), Bhalchandra Dhekane, India

Find out more about our Guest Courses offer here

ERASMUS+ EVENTS

Student Exchange Fair

March 2023

During the Student Exchange Fair, students seized the opportunity to engage in discussions with advisors from the Erasmus+ office. These insightful conversations revolved around potential destinations and the diverse array of opportunities available to them. Additionally, the students had the privilege of engaging in discussions with esteemed special guests, including representatives of our partner universities and institutions:

• James Madison University (USA),
• Talent Odyssey | Hospitality Recruitment Agency (Cyprus),
• University of Georgia (Georgia)
• Vilniaus Kolegija / University of Applied Sciences (Lithuania).

Digital Art Contest – Endless Adventure with Erasmus+

May 2023

All Romanian-American University students had the opportunity to engage in a competition organised by the Erasmus+ office, centering on the theme "Endless Adventure with Erasmus+." Demonstrating their talent, participants were tasked with crafting a visual story that best captured the essence of the theme. The winner will not only receive a prize but will also have the exclusive opportunity to showcase their work, which will be utilized by the Erasmus+ Office as the official graphic for the event.
Details here

Erasmus+ Incoming Orientation Day

October 2023

Orientation Day at Romanian-American University is an essential introduction for incoming Erasmus+ students, offering a comprehensive initiation into their academic journey. This event provides a good understanding of the university's culture, academic programs, and campus logistics. With warm welcomes from mentors and faculty, students had created connections with peers and gained valuable insights to navigate their new academic home. The day served as a foundational step, ensuring that Erasmus+ students at Romanian-American University commence their international experience well-prepared.

October Erasmus+ Info Session:
Navigating Global Horizons

October 2023

This October, students eager to embark on a transformative academic journey gathered for an enlightening Erasmus+ Info Session. This session served as a compass, guiding students through the intricate pathways of the renowned Erasmus+ programme. During the session the students have been informed about the study and placement mobilities and also about the short-term mobilities. At the end of the session our partners had a few presentation about their offers for students and also a Q&A session.

Erasmus+ Days

October 2023

Erasmus Days+ at Romanian-American University, held in October, emerged as a vibrant celebration of cultural exchange and international collaboration. This dynamic event showcased the experiences offered by the Erasmus+ program, highlighting its transformative impact on students' academic and personal growth. Beyond informative sessions and engaging activities, the event included an exciting tombola. With each correct answer to questions the Erasmus+ Programme, RAU and Romania, students received a prize from the Erasmus+ office.

Erasmus+ Experience Competition

October 2023

In October, the Erasmus+ office was thrilled to announce an exciting competition where the prize was a POLAROID CAMERA 📸! The contest was open to students with past Erasmus+ mobilities, inviting them to showcase their creativity and experiences within pictures on social media. In this contest, students were provided with a unique opportunity to narrate their Erasmus+ experience by expressing it through captivating photographs.
Congratulations to our winner!
Detalii aici

Erasmus+ Integration Events

October-December 2023

In the first semester of the current academic year, our Erasmus+ volunteers and mentors, Anda, Hanna, and Zebn, with the support of the Erasmus+ Office, organised a variety of integration events for the incoming students:

• Welcome Dinner – The Erasmus+ volunteers organise a Welcome Dinner for incoming students on each semester. This time the evening was full with a delightful combination of dinner and bowling, creating an enjoyable and interactive platform for all participants to connect. Our volunteers aimed to establish a comfortable and engaging atmosphere, ensuring everyone had the opportunity to get acquainted in a fun and relaxed setting. Through this dynamic mix of dining and bowling, they set the stage for lasting connections and a warm welcome to our university.
• Bucharest City Tour with the English Club – The English Club (also managed by one of our Erasmus+ volunteers) offered its full support in guiding our incoming students through Bucharest in an extended tour of the city. This has been a good opportunity for our incomings to mix and bond with the full-time RAU students, either Romanian or international.
• Bonding Day – Behold another snapshot from our memorable day with the Erasmus students during our Bonding Day!. Transporting them to an expansive outdoor park teeming with group activities, the Erasmus+ volunteers provided a chance for students to engage in activities beyond the ordinary. Erasmus+ volunteers are dedicated in creating moments that go beyond the conventional and they are unforgettable.
• Board games hangout with English Club – An absolutely great opportunity to know everyone better over games. We couldn't think of a more fun way to spend a rainy Saturday afternoon! We hope everyone had a great time!
• Christmas Market – This December, the incoming Erasmus students and our volunteers visited one of the biggest Christmas Market from Bucharest. The Christmas market visit is more than just a festive excursion, it serves as a cross-cultural celebration, providing an opportunity for students to exchange traditions, taste local treats, and create cherished memories.

Big thanks to our Erasmus+ volunteers and mentors for the huge support they offer to our incoming students!

TESTIMONIALS

Filipe Carrera

Invited lecturer from business Filipe Carrera International Lda (Portugal)

We have a long-term cooperation with Romanian American University, which has resulted in multiple projects in Bucharest in November 2022 and 2023 and March 2023, as well as a training program in Lisbon in February 2023 for a group of Romanian-American University professors. Our collaboration has created the potential to transmit best practices in digital environment content and pedagogy, allowing us to innovate in our own enterprises. Given the outcomes obtained thus far, we anticipate expanding our collaboration in the future.

Oksana Pryshliak

Invited staff from Ternopil Volodymyr Hnatiuk National Pedagogical University (Ukraine)

Participation in the Preparing Students for an Intercultural Environment program contributed to: increasing the level of my intercultural competence; improvement of management and leadership skills; participants from five countries (USA, Romania, Chile, Spain and Ukraine) are now in the process of writing the free edition of the activities "Intercultural Communication Activity Book". This project is a continuation of cooperation with the partner institutions in the field of intercultural education.

Kera Bush Turner

Invited staff from Hilbert College (USA)

My experience at RAU was enlightening and extremely beneficial for my own professional development. Through the lectures and interactive activities based on multiculturalism are going to be a major asset to the promotion of internationalization here at Hilbert College. I believe with this experience, I will be able to bring these ideas to our students to improve their cultural competencies, thus placing them on the path to being global citizens.

Junyoung Lee

Invited staff from Dankook University (Republic of Korea)

Having new experiences can be exciting but also nervous at the same time. I, who participated Erasmus+ program - Staff Training Mobility at Romanian-American University also did too. However, through various meetings and cultural activities arranged by RAU, I could broaden my horizons a lot. My mobility will also lead to enhancing the partnership between Dankook University and RAU.
If you consider participating in this program, my answer is this:
I highly recommend it because having new experiences is always meaningful.

Crețu Cristian

Romanian-American University student

My Erasmus experience in Savoie Mont Blanc:
This academic semester I am in my 6th Erasmus experience and from the moment I arrived at Savoie Mont Blanc University in Chambery, France until now almost 3 months have passed. Three months full of unforgettable experiences and memories with foreign and local students.
In order to integrate more easily and have more interesting experiences, I started by making friends and meeting as many foreign students as possible from the first days. We came up with various initiatives, from the opening of a group on social media which from 15 people reached 85 and is still growing, to organizing some outings through the city center or even small trips through the neighboring towns, all this helping us to we have a closer connection. During the semester, the university organized various events in which all the Erasmus students could participate together with the locals, and I can enthusiastically say that I am looking forward to the next activities.
I would like to mention that an Erasmus internship is more than studying at a partner university, it is an experience, even a life lesson that a student can have.
"Once Erasmus, Always Erasmus"

Roșu Teodora

Romanian-American University student

Since I was a child, my dream was to study in Japan and by becoming a student of the Romanian-American University, I could fulfill this dream.
With the help of the Erasmus+ programme, I studied for one semester at Meiji Gakuin University in Tokyo, where I learned many interesting things, I have made many friends form Japan and from all over the world and I also visited many places and participated in many cultural events.
This experience helped me a lot to develop both personally and professionally. It also motivated me to continue my dream and participate in a virtual mobility at another Japanese university Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, since the physical mobility could not be organized due to the covid-19 pandemic.

Yahya Ismail Daqour

Incoming student from Jordan University of Science and Technology (Jordan)

Living abroad was one of the main goals to achieve, but never expect that much of experience to gain. Moving from the comfort zone for the first time also played a role, the difficulties that have been faced was such a challenge for a one who was always living under the shoulders of his parents.
A lot of lessons were learned, I never imagined that just saying hello to a person can change the whole experience or even the campus. Different cultures and principles are not an obstacle to enjoying the time with a people having different background, actually, it is more interesting to get to know them as there will be a lot of discussion that can open a new gate in the mind.
Planning before taking any step will decide the good or the bad way that would be taken.
Studying at Romanian American University, with people who do not share the same mother tongue, knowing their passion, and their ways of reaching their goals are a new experience that can be added. Meeting new people, new cultures, new dreams was so overwhelming for me, but I will repeat it every time.
Finally, the time passes, so either you add a new story and experience to your life or you just stay the place where you are.
Thus, take advantage of every moment in an exceptional great way!

Mucahid Isik

Incoming student from Sakayra University (Turkey)

I truly recommend Erasmus+ programme to everyone, who just want to feel and experience living abroad. It was an experience that changed my life and gifted me with wonderful people and unforgettable memories. Romania is such a lovely place to enjoy, learn, and feel like it’s never-ending holidays. Professors and lecturers at Romanian American University are calm and kind, so you can feel safe and not alone. I have met a lot of friendly people and visited everything that I could in Romania. The University is located in a good place and next to the University you have the Student Accommodation which looks great. I was still doing my Erasmus when it hit me that this wasn't going to be my life forever.
So, if you just want to experience something new, try studying abroad, don’t hesitate and take this opportunity!