GUIDE FOR FOREIGN STUDENTS

Transcription

1 ROMANIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE MILITARY TECHNICAL ACADEMY GUIDE FOR FOREIGN STUDENTS

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT MILITARY TECHNICAL ACADEMY (MTA) ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Registration Arrival and departure Travel expenses Study Visas Finances Student s status Leaves Medical assistance Discipline Facilities Lodging with family (spouse or children) Contact persons Postal address Websites PRACTICAL INFORMATION Language in Romania Climate Time Customs Regulations Public transportation Taxi Rent a Car Telephones Important banks in Bucharest Main attractions Culture Shopping centers Hotels Measurement units Public holidays Useful phones Anexe A... 16

3 The current guide is an important tool for foreign students coming to study at the Military Technical Academy and contains important information concerning administrative aspects according to Romanian regulations and general information about Bucharest and Romania. This guide will be made available to future students of the Military Technical Academy through the military authorities of the sending countries, via Romanian Defence Attachés and the Defence Attachés of the partner countries accredited to Bucharest. This guide should be read very carefully. In case of need, do not hesitate to contact the Romanian Defence Attaché in your country for further clarifications! You can find more information on our website:

4 1. GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE MILITARY TECHNICAL ACADEMY (MTA) Short History The Military Technical Academy was founded on 15 September 1949 in conformity with decree 371 of 14 September 1949, aiming at training engineer officers to comply with the technical characteristics of the various services, necessary to staff the commands, units, and specialized military institutions. The original structure of the academy was: the command, the faculties (armament and ammunition; tanks and automotive vehicles; aircraft; communications; navy), the education planning and research departments and offices, the logistics departments, the military training departments, etc. along the years the structure has been changed according to objective factors and the political and military situation. In 1952, by Order of the General Staff the institution was renamed the Technical Military Academy. In August 1953 there graduated the first class of military engineers in the Romanian Army. The 69 graduates received the degree of military engineers specialized in the mechanical and electrical fields. On 16 October 1954, in conformity with Decree 439 the Military Technical Academy received the Combat Colors. In the academic year , the Military Technical Academy was reorganized in four faculties: Armament; Mechanics; Communications, Military Engineering and Geodesy. Duration of studies in the Military Technical Academy was 4 years originally, 5 years beginning with 1953 and 5 years and a half starting with Following their degree examination, the graduates were granted military engineer diplomas conferring the same rights as those in the civilian polytechnic higher-education. Between , besides the engineer officers the academy also trained technician engineer officers.

5 The revolution in December 1989 allowed for a real revival of education and research. The new statute of the Military Technical Academy an independent higher-education military polytechnic institution was established by the Romanian Government Decisions 550/1990 and 612/1992. The Military Technical Academy is accredited by the Romanian Government Decisions to train engineers in the specialties required by the Ministry of National Defense and by other beneficiaries at home (The Ministry of Internal Affairs, The Special Communications Service, The Romanian Intelligence Service, The External Intelligence Service, The Protection and Guard Service) and abroad. It also carries out postgraduate courses including doctoral training for the specialisation and development of both officer and civilian engineers in the Ministry of National Defence, and other structures of the national defence system as well as other beneficiaries both at home and abroad. The high level of education in our institution has been acknowledged by including the Military Technical Academy in the Polytechnic Universities Consortium in Romania, founded on 15 January 1998 by the Agreement signed by the chancellors of eight most important higher education polytechnic institutions in our country. The academy is also part of the Romanian Consortium of Higher-Education Military Institutions, founded on 29 September 2000, in Sibiu, by the Agreement signed by the commanders (chancellors) of the seven higher-education military institutions.

6 2. ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION 2.1. Registration Application forms should be sent via military attachés 45 days before the starting date of the course. Students data are necessary to prepare the necessary formalities for stay in Romania. Please fill in the Application Form in Annex A and send it to the Romanian authorities via the Romanian Defence Attachés Arrival and departure Students collection from the airport or railway station is provided by a representative of the Romanian MTA on the condition that the sending party provides us at least three days in advance with participants arrival details. Otherwise, MTA will not be able to collect the students from the airport and therefore we recommend them to use the services of the Embassy of their country in Romania. Most flights, both international and domestic, land at the HENRI COANDA International Airport, located in OTOPENI 20 km North of Bucharest. It is the main hub for the Romanian flag carrier TAROM and is used by the major international airlines. The smaller AUREL VLAICU International Airport is located in BĂNEASA, much closer to Bucharest than OTOPENI, and is used primarily by low-cost airlines and private flights. Arriving at MTA: In order to arrive at MTA from HENRI COANDĂ International Airport OTOPENI, the students can choose between: Public transportation - line 783 ( the bus station is situated at Depart & ARRIVALS terminals) brings the students to PIATA UNIRII bus station, in downtown Bucharest. From PIATA UNIRII they take bus 117 or tram 32 to CHIRIGIU station. Taxi fare from the airport to the Academia Tehnică Militară is about 20 EURO. Bucharest is linked through direct daily trains to all neighbouring countries capitals (Belgrade, Budapest, Chisinau, Kiev, Sofia) as well as to Wien, Venice, Thessaloniki, Istanbul, Moscow and of course to the main cities in all of Romania s 42 counties. All international trains and most long distance domestic trains arrive at Gara de Nord (Northern) station, located quite near to the city centre, to which it is linked by subway and several buses, trolley or tramway lines.

7 The timetables for domestic routes are available on In case of arrival by train at GARA DE NORD Train Station, the students can choose between: Public transportation. The subway brings students from GARA DE NORD Train Station to PIAŢA UNIRII bus/tram station (15 min); from PIATA UNIRII they take bus 117 or tram 32 to CHIRIGIU station. Taxi fare from the railway station to Academia Tehnică Militară may be more than 4-5 Euro. Make sure the meter is on once the car has started the journey. It is advisable to check the price/km with the driver prior to getting on. Self-owned taxis charge ten times more than the company-owned ones. We recommend that the students arrive at MTA one day before the course starts and depart one day after the end of the course. Upon arrival at MTA a pass card of access will be issued to the participants. In case students have a car, access can be granted inside MTA upon request Travel expenses The international transportation (plane or train) is the responsibility of the sending country. Exceptions: Azerbaijan and Georgia Romania will provide the reimbursement of the costs for international transportation tickets for students coming from Georgia and Azerbaijan, according to the bilateral agreements. In this respect the students have to bring along a document certifying the exact amount of money paid for the tickets (a receipt from the travel company which issued the ticket) Study Visas In accordance with EU regulations, foreign students who are coming from non-eu countries must present at the Romanian border a passport with a study visa, identified by the symbol D/S. A letter of invitation will be sent by MTA in order to obtain the visa. To this end, the application form has to be sent via the military attaché 45 days before the starting day. For stays in Romania longer than three months, it is compulsory to obtain a RESIDENCE PERMIT, which will be issued to the students by Romanian authorities upon their arrival. For details concerning tax fees and other visa regulations, please contact the Romanian Embassy in your country. Necessary taxes for obtaining or renewing a Romanian visa, either in the country of origin or in Romania, are entirely the responsibility of the sending country.

8 Additional information could be found on the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website Finances The payment for the tuition fee will be made in RON, before the course begins. The tuition fee does not include accommodation, meals and transport. The estimated rate for EUR/RON and USD/RON is around 4.5 and 3.5, respectively. In Romania, for the most supermarkets and restaurants, MASTER/VISA cards are accepted. Meals, accommodation, transportation from/to the airport, internal transportation in the interest of the educational process, emergency medical assistance, are provided by MTA free of charge according to the bilateral agreements Student s status Foreign students attending the MTA courses in Romania have the same rights and obligations as the Romanian students Leaves Foreign students may benefit of leaves and holidays in the same conditions as Romanian officers, with the approval of the course director and the acknowledgement of the military authorities of the sending country. The costs for visiting their country of origin during leaves or holidays is the responsibility of the sending party Medical assistance The Romanian party provides emergency medical assistance during the whole period of training. No vaccinations are required prior to arrival. Foreign students will receive free medical treatment in case of emergency only in military medical facilities, according to provisions of the bilateral agreements. The Medical Centre on the campus is available between and every day.

9 2.9. Discipline Foreign students should observe Romanian laws, customs and traditions. Moreover they have to behave in accordance with military rules and regulations. Students have to be in the classroom on time as it is disruptive for speakers and other participants when there are late arrivals. During the presentations, syndicate discussions and exercises the use of mobile phones is not allowed Facilities The accommodation will be provided in the Military Technical Academy. All meals are provided with non-alcoholic beverages at the MTA cafeteria. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are available and have to be booked 24 hours in advance. Internet access is available. Text books will be provided by the MTA. The electric power is 220V, 50Hz AC. Also, MTA provides the following: access to University libraries international phone with individual card single room accommodation special areas for the smokers hairdresser s within university premises gyms and sports on the university premises orthodox church service on the university premises medical centre on the university premises The electric power is 220V, 50Hz AC Lodging with family (spouse or children) MTA does not support lodging and boarding costs for the members of the students families. In case they are visited by members of their family, participants have to ask for the support of their Embassy to recommend a hotel in the city at reasonable prices. In any case, they have to inform the course staff about such visits.

10 2.11. Contact persons Comandor Petre Barbu-Daniel Phone: (+40) Fax (+40) Postal address For MTA: Academia Tehnică Militară, GEORGE COŞBUC Bvd., Bucharest 5, Postal Code , Romania Websites MTA:

11 3. PRACTICAL INFORMATION Bucharest is the capital and the largest city, as well as the most important industrial and commercial centre of the country. With its 2 million inhabitants, it is also one of the largest cities in Eastern Europe. Bucharest is divided in 6 official districts ( sector, plural sectoare ), numbered from 1 to 6, each with its own mayor and council. They are counted clockwise, starting from PIATA UNIRII Language in Romania The official language is Romanian. Most people speak reasonably good English and French, others speak German or Italian Climate Romania has a temperate-continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. This region gets all four seasons, although spring and falls are brief. The average high daily temperature in summer is about 28ºC and in winter about 0ºC. It can get really hot and dry during the summer (40ºC) and really cold during the winter (-20ºC). Best time to visit is April through June, September through October and early December Time Romania is in the Eastern European time zone (GMT+2) Customs Regulations Romania enforces the international rules of the Convention related to customs facilities for travellers. Any traveller may enter or leave Romania with a maximum of USD 10,000 in cash or traveller s cheques Public transportation Trams, Buses & Trolleybuses BUCHAREST has a relatively efficient public transportation system, which operates from 05:30 am to midnight. Bus tickets can be bought at RATB kiosks, which are located on the main

12 thoroughfares in the city. The current fare is 1,10 Lei (one-way ticket for bus, with needs to be validated when getting on by using the gadgets available on the bus, Ticket inspectors ( controlor ) are widespread, and if you are caught without a ticket you ll pay a fine). On route PIATA UNIRII-OTOPENI, magnetic cards used on the other routes are not valid - trip magnetic card (route 783) fare: 20 lei. Tickets can be purchased from the driver. For more information about RATB rout map and other useful information please check Subway ( METROU ) Magnetic tickets for subway can be bought from subway stations; Tickets valid for two journeys cost 4.00 lei, tickets valid for ten journeys cost lei. Subway trains run between 05:30-23:30 and are supposed to run with a frequency of 3 to 12 minutes Taxi The current rate is between 1,40 Lei and 2,50 Lei per km. A fair price from HENRI COANDĂ International Airport OTOPENI to Military Technical Academy ( Academia Tehnică Militară ) is about 70 Lei (around 15 EUROS). Always ask the driver to turn on the meter before starting Rent a Car All the subsidiaries of the large international companies are present in Romania: Avis, Budget, Hertz, Dollar, National and Euro-car Telephones Public telephones are orange and use a prepaid phone card ( cartela de telefon ROMTELECOM ). These can be used for all kinds of calls, including the direct international calls. Telephone cards can be purchased at the post offices, hotels, and kiosks at prices 10 Lei and 50 Lei. There can also be used prepaid cards from other phone companies, including Voice over IP and cell phones (ORANGE, VODAFONE, ZAPP and COSMOTE) Important banks in Bucharest BCR Calea 13 Septembrie, BUCHAREST, Phone no: BRD Groupe Societe Generale, Calea 13 Septembrie nr.116, Bloc 58, parter

13 Phone no (040 21) Raiffeisen Bank - Western Union, Agentia Sebastian Str. Calea 13 Septembrie nr. Phone no(040 21) ; ING Bank, Self Bank, Calea 13 Sept. nr , bl , Phone no: (040 21) Money can be exchanged at banks, hotels, and private exchange offices ( Casa de schimb valutar ). There can be major differences in rates, especially between banks and private exchange offices. So it is advisable to shop around. It is both illegal and not advisable to change money in the street as the chance to be cheated is very high. Banknotes are in the following denominations: 1 Leu, 5 Lei, 10 Lei, 50 Lei, 100 Lei, 200 Lei and 500 Lei and coins: 1 Ban, 5 Bani, 10 Bani, 50 Bani. Banks are open weekdays from 09:00 to 18:00. The students can also use valid cards to make payments Main attractions Bucharest has 37 museums, 22 theatres, an opera house and concert halls, cinemas, 18 art galleries, lots of libraries and bookstores. Sights: The Historic Center: CALEA VICTORIEI, PIATA PALATULUI, BULEVARDUL BRATIANU, BULEVARDUL REGINA ELISABETA, STRADA LISPCANI, PIATA ROMANA, PIATA VICTORIEI, BULEVARDUL AVIATORILOR, SOSEAUA KISELEFF, BULEVARDUL DACIA, MUZEUL SATULUI (village museum), CATEDRALA PATRIARHALA (the Patriarchy), CISMIGIU (Park). For suggested walks through Bucharest please check: (Bucharest - City Walks) Fore more information on museums and concerts please check: The National Museum of Art/Bucharest - Bucharest Shows and Events Listing - The National Opera of Bucharest Culture Bucharest has a diverse and growing cultural scene, with cultural life exhibited in a number of various fields, including the visual arts, performing arts and nightlife. Bucharest has an eclectic mixture of elements from traditionally Romanian buildings to buildings that are influenced by French architects. It is because of this French influence that Bucharest was once called "THE PARIS OF THE EAST" or "LITTLE PARIS."

14 Bucharest has a number of landmarks that are identified with it throughout the world. Perhaps the most prominent of these is the PALACE OF THE PARLIAMENT, which was built in the 1980 s during the reign of Communist dictator NICOLAE CEAUŞESCU. Currently the largest building in Europe and the third-largest in the world, the Palace houses the Romanian Parliament (the Chamber of Deputies and Senate), as well as THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART. It is also often used as a convention centre. Another well-known landmark of Bucharest is the ARCUL DE TRIUMF (TRIUMPH ARCH), which was built in 1935 and was modeled after the Arc de Triumph in Paris. In terms of visual arts, the city contains a number of museums featuring both classical and contemporary Romanian art, as well as selected international works. THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ART OF ROMANIA is perhaps the best-known of Bucharest museums. It is located in the former royal palace and features extensive collections of medieval and modern Romanian art, including works by the renowned sculptor CONSTANTIN BRÂNCUŞI, as well as a prominent international collection assembled by the former Romanian royal family. Other, smaller museums contain more specialized collections of works. THE ZAMBACCIAN MUSEUM, which is situated in the former home of the Armenian-Romanian art collector KRIKOR H. ZAMBACCIAN contains works by many well-known Romanian artists as well as international artists such as Paul Cézanne, Eugène Delacroix, Henri Matisse, Camille Pissarro and Pablo Picasso. THE GHEORGHE TATTARESCU MUSEUM contains portraits of Romanian revolutionaries in exile such as Gheorghe Magheru, Ştefan Golescu, Nicolae Bălcescu and allegorical compositions with revolutionary (Romania's rebirth, 1849) and patriotic (The Principalities' Unification, 1857) themes. THE THEODOR PALLADY MUSEUM is situated in one of the oldest surviving merchant houses in Bucharest and includes many works by the Romanian painter Theodor Pallady as well as a number of European and Oriental furniture pieces. THE MUSEUM OF ART COLLECTIONS contains the collections of a number of well-known Romanian art collectors and painters, including Krikor Zambaccian and Theodor Pallady. THE MILITARY MUSEUM presents the Romanian military history, includes an interesting collection of weapons, military uniforms and visual information about the Romanian nation from the military point of view Shopping centers CARREFOUR Supermarket/shopping centre, here you can find: fresh meat, a wonderful selection of fresh fish, a wide range of fruit and vegetables, and good delicatessen. It also offers clothes, computer software and household accessories. Address: CARREFOUR ORHIDEEA, Splaiul Independentei nr B (Grozavesti). Opening hours Daily: 09:00-21:30, Sunday: 09:00-20:00 Website:

15 Metro: station GROZAVESTI and BASARAB Bus: 105, 133, 178, 282, 601 Tram: 11, 12, 35, 44 Trolleybuses: 62, 71, 85, 93, 9 UNIREA Shopping Center Once a showpiece of Socialism, this is the largest department store situated downtown. There are fashion stores on the first and second floors while the electronics and household appliance shops situated on floors three and four are also worth a visit. There's a Body Shop and McDonald's on the ground floor, and the excellent La Fourmi supermarket can be found in the basement. Address: Piata Unirii 1. Opening hours: Daily: 09:00-22:00, Sunday: 09:00-18:00. Website: Metro: station Piata Unirii Hotels In Romania there are: hotels rated between one to five stars, motels from one to three stars and rural accommodation between one to four flowers (daisies). Rooms may be looked for through tourist agencies, or direct with the proprietor. You can also book reservation for the major hotels in Romania on an Internet site: www. traveleasteurope.com. Famous hotel chains are to be found in Romania: The Intercontinental, Holiday Inn, The Hilton, Sofitel, Novotel, Ramada, The Crowne Plaza, Best Western, Marriott, Ibis etc Measurement units In Romania the metric system is in use (1000 m=1 km=0.62 miles) Public holidays January 1st - 2nd New Year; The first Monday after the Orthodox Easter;

16 May 1st International Labour Day; October 25 th National Military Day; December 1st National Holiday; December 25th 26th Christmas Useful phones General Emergency Service 112 TAROM flight booking office Anexe A

17 Annexe A APPLICATION FORM The following application form is intended to acquire information about the foreign student who wants to attend courses in Romania. It must be filled out by the foreign student and sent to the Romanian Defence Attaché 45 days before the students arrival. The written information in this form will be used only by the Military Technical Academy. - UNCLASSIFIED - Pag. 17 of 22

18 1. COURSE DETAILS - UNCLASSIFIED - APPLICATION FORM The name of the course The period and military institution 2. CIVIL STATUS of the student Nationality Title Marital status Surname (as in the passport) First name (as in the passport) Second Name (Ms, Mr, Mrs) (Married, Single, Widower, Divorced) Date of birth Place of birth Country Passport Number Issued by Issued on Valid until 3. ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Address in the country of origin Country City - UNCLASSIFIED - Page 18 of 22

19 - UNCLASSIFIED - APPLICATION FORM Postal code Phone number Person or institution to be contacted in case of emergency Food restrictions Address in Romania (if unknown, it will be filled out by the Carol I National Defence University)* Postal code* City Phone number Arrival in Romania Departure from Romania (date, time, flight) (date, time, flight) Student s health data / Blood type 3. MILITARY DATA Service Branch Specialty Current Rank Awarded in - UNCLASSIFIED - Page 19 of 22

20 Security Clearance (N o & Type) - UNCLASSIFIED - APPLICATION FORM Military career Current Position Subordination Date of assignment Date of joining military service Operational experience Name of operation/exercise Place of operation/exercise Job Period Military or civilian diplomas/degrees Diploma Year - UNCLASSIFIED - Page 20 of 22

21 - UNCLASSIFIED - APPLICATION FORM Foreign language skills (add level: beginner, medium, proficient) Language SLP according to STANAG 6001 (Standardized Language Profile) Romanian English French Other 4. FAMILY INFORMATION Spouse Surname Name Birth date Nationality Birth Place Country Will the spouse accompany you in Romania? YES NO For a period of: Children Surname Name Gender Birth date Birth place Stay in Romania Yes/No Period - UNCLASSIFIED - Page 21 of 22

22 - UNCLASSIFIED - APPLICATION FORM 5. Other requests of the foreign students for the Romanian Authorities: Note: * Marked fields are optional Date Signature of the student - UNCLASSIFIED - Page 22 of 22