Preparatory and language courses

Fluency in Romanian greatly enhances your academic and social experience in Romania. Whether you plan to enroll in a Romanian-taught degree or simply navigate daily life more comfortably, developing language skills is essential. Romanian universities, NGOs, and government agencies (like AJOFM) all run various language preparatory programs tailored to foreign students, including Ukrainian refugees.

1. University preparatory year

1. Purpose and structure

   • One-year program: Typically 6–9 months of intensive Romanian language training plus introductory academic subjects.

   • Focus: Vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension, academic writing, and speaking skills to prepare you for university-level courses.

2. Where to find it

   • Major Institutions:

     • University of Bucharest – Offers a recognized Preparatory Year for international students, with advanced reading and research modules.

     • Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iași – Features specialized tracks for those aiming for STEM or social sciences programs.

     • Babeș-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca – Runs an in-depth language course, often combined with cultural orientation.

   • What you’ll find on their websites:

     • Admission criteria (possibly no strict language requirement if you’re a beginner).

     • Tuition costs or potential fee waivers for refugee students.

     • Syllabi detailing how many hours per week are dedicated to Romanian language instruction vs. subject-specific prep (math, sciences, etc.).

3. Benefits

   • Official completion certificate: After you pass the final exam, you typically receive a certificate recognized by Romanian universities as proof of B1/B2-level proficiency.

   • Academic integration: The Preparatory Year also helps you adapt to Romanian academic culture, grading, and classroom expectations—making undergraduate or graduate studies more manageable.

2. Short-term language classes

1. NGO-Funded Courses

   • Organizations:

     • The National Youth Foundation regurarily organizez Romanian language courses for Ukrainians in the youth centres across the country. Follow our social media pages and website (www.rotineret.ro) for more details.

   • What you’ll find:

     • Registration procedures (whether you need to show your temporary protection permit).

     • Class schedules, duration (e.g., 2- or 3-month intensives), and skill levels (beginner, intermediate).

2. Evening/weekend options

   • Ideal for working students: If you juggle a job or family obligations, these courses let you attend sessions outside standard university hours.

   • Check local churches/NGOs: Sometimes, religious organizations or local associations organize volunteer-led classes, especially in larger cities like Bucharest, Cluj, Timișoara.

3. Practical language practice

1. Conversation clubs

   • Campus groups: Many universities have student-led language clubs where you can practice informal speaking.

   • Community centers: Librăriile (public libraries) or cultural institutes (e.g., the British Council, Goethe-Institut, Alliance Française) sometimes host “language exchange” nights, including Romanian conversation corners.

2. Online tools

   • Duolingo / Mondly: Free apps that provide structured lessons, daily practice reminders, and gamified exercises.

   • Cultural apps: Listening to Romanian podcasts (e.g., “Radio Romania Cultural”) or streaming local TV channels can help with comprehension and pronunciation.

3. Real-life immersion

   • Labeling: Place sticky notes in Romanian on household items (cupboard, fridge, table) to reinforce vocabulary daily.

   • Everyday greetings: Even a few polite expressions (“Bună ziua,” “Mulțumesc,” “Ce mai faceți?”) can break the ice with Romanian classmates or neighbors.

4. Exams or certification

1. University language exams

   • Many faculties conduct internal language tests at the end of the Preparatory Year.

   • If you pass, you’re recognized as having B1/B2-level proficiency, which is generally enough for bachelor’s studies.

2. External certification centers

   • Some recognized Romanian language certificates come from official centers, possibly requiring a fee.

   • Check with your International Office or local inspectorate to see which certificates are accepted (e.g., the “Institutul Limbii Române” can issue recognized diplomas).

3. English-taught or French-taught programs

   • If your course is in English or French, you might not need to prove Romanian proficiency. However, it’s still recommended to learn basic Romanian for daily life.

   • Tip: If you plan to stay in Romania longer term or want to work part-time, Romanian skills will be a major advantage.

5. Extra tips for rapid language mastery

1. Find a language buddy

   • Exchange skills: Offer to teach someone Ukrainian or English in return for Romanian practice sessions.

   • University bulletin boards: Post or respond to announcements from other students interested in language exchange.

2. Immerse in Romanian media

   • TV & YouTube: Watch local news (e.g., TVR) or popular Romanian vlogs to hear real-life conversational speech.

   • Radio & music: Streaming Romanian stations can help you pick up idioms and everyday phrases.

3. Use Romanian in day-to-day contexts

   • Shopping & public transport: Ask for items or tickets in Romanian, even if you only know short phrases.

   • Try to write in Romanian: Keep a short diary in Romanian or message your classmates in Romanian chat groups to get used to typing and reading in the language.

4. Stay motivated

   • Celebrate small wins—like your first conversation ordering coffee or successfully navigating local bureaucracy.

   • If you feel stuck, remember that the more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll become.

Additional links & tips

• Romanian Government for refugees: ProtectieUcraina.gov.ro – Învață limba română

  • Updated info on available state-backed or NGO-run language courses, including free modules.

• AJOFM (Employment Agency) Offices: anofm.ro/contact-ajofm

  • Some county agencies sponsor Romanian language classes as part of job integration programs.

• Ministry of Education: edu.ro

  • Look for announcements on official language exam centers or updates about the “Preparatory Year” at different universities.

• Local Facebook Groups: “Ucraineni în [City Name]” or “Refugees in [City Name]” often share leads on volunteer-led classes or conversation groups.

Enrolling in a Preparatory year, taking short-term NGO-funded courses, or simply practicing on your own with apps and conversation clubs can significantly accelerate your Romanian language proficiency. This will not only help you in academic settings—such as understanding lectures, reading course materials, or writing essays—but also in your everyday life, from grocery shopping to socializing with Romanian colleagues and neighbors.

Consistency is key. Even 15-20 minutes daily of structured learning, combined with real-world practice, can lead to remarkable progress. Whether you want to fully immerse yourself in a year-long course at a major university or just do weekend classes to fit around work, there are numerous options to help you learn Romanian effectively.