- BE THE CHANGE -

1

Chapters

UMFT

Buildings

University Credits (ECTS)

Moodle

Summer practice

VADA

Scholarships

Courses and lecture

Erasmus

ISOT

Events and workshops

Volunteering

Students rights and issues

Residency permit

Insurance

The city

Transport

Accommodations

Entertainment

Night life

Cafes and libraries

Sponsors

ISOT Board message

Map

2

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The creation of the ISOT student guide was produced by the international

students’ Organization of Timisoara. We would like to send out a big thank you to

everyone who contributed to the ideation and production of this guide and anyone

who takes the time to read it.

The makers of this guide have worked to provide accurate and up-to date

information. If you notice any incorrect or missing information, please contact us

on our Facebook page.

Non-affiliation disclaimer: The information contained in this guide id for general

informational purposes only. His guide features some company names that are not

directly affiliated, endorsed or sponsored with ISOT. The use of company names is

for recommendation purposes only and do not imply any association with ISOT,

unless otherwise stated.

3

INTRODUCTION

Welcome! When you begin your studies at UMFT, you will become part of a

dynamic community. However, committing to a program in a new country can be

overwhelming. We have made this guide to help make your transition as smooth

as possible and we are excited to share this guide with you. You won’t know

everything from reading this guide, but it will surely provide you with key

information and help you start off on the right foot. On behalf of the ISOT team, we

wish you a rewarding experience in Timisoara and we look forward to meeting you!

4

UMFT

Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy opened its doors in 1945. Since then, the university has had approximately 25,000 graduates, of which over 4,000 graduates were international students from all over the world.

The university was named in honour of Victor Babes, a Romanian physician, bacteriologist, and a professor. Born on July 28 1954, Dr Victor Babes is considered one of the founders of modern microbiology. He contributed significantly in the study of rabies, leprosy, tuberculosis, diphtheria and other infectious diseases. Discovering more than 50 unknown germs and foreseeing methods of bacteria and fungi staining.

5

BUILDINGS

The university has several buildings distributed all over the city, in which different subjects are taught.

The main building (Medicina “unu” 1) situated in “Piața Eftimie Murgu Nr.2” Consists of the:

Basement - Printing shop, books retail shop

Ground floor – The Rector office, The Vice Rectors office, The Registrars’ office, the Office for Doctoral Studies, The Administrative Office of Medicine and Dentistry, The Financial Department, Part of the Department of Anatomy and Embryology.

First floor - The department of anatomy and embryology, The Department of Biochemistry, The University’s Library, Copy centre.

Second floor – The department of Genetics, The cashier, Histology Lecture hall.

Third Floor – The department of Histology, The department of pathology, The department of languages.

Fourth floor – the Anatomy lecture hall

The international office is where all international students have to register upon arrival. It is located in the camin 1-2 building beside Medicina 1, There students can register, take information regarding fee payment and apply for Erasmus programs.

The Medicina “doi” 2 building found at Splaiul Tudor Vladimirescu Nr.14, which is about a 10 minute walk from the downtown “centru”. Consisting of the:

Ground floor – The department of psychology, the department of biophysics, Amphitheatres I, II, III, Preventive Medicine, and Oral Health.

First floor – the Department of Pathophysiology, the Department of Cellular Biology

Second floor – the Department of Physiology.

The Dentistry faculty “Dentara” located at Bulevardul Revoluției din 1989 Nr.9

The Pharmacy faculty located at Piața Eftimie Murgu Nr.3

6

The Medicina “trei” 3 building is for microbiology and Hygiene. Located at Bulevardul Victor Babeș 3.

In addition, UMFT has 7 hospitals around the city, where different subjects are taught during the preclinical and clinical training. The buildings include:

The first county clinical hospital “Spitalul Judetean”

Bulevardul Liviu Rebreanu 156, Timișoara 300723, Romania

The city hospital “spitalul Municipal”

Strada Gheorghe Dima 5

The institute for cardiovascular diseases

Strada Gheorghe Adam 13A

The “Louis Turcanu” third paediatric clinical hospital

Strada Doctor Iosif Nemoianu 2

The “victor Babes” hospital for infectious and lung diseases

Strada Gheorghe Adam 13A

The “Dumitru Popescu” clinical hospital of obstetrics and gynaecology

Bulevardul 16 Decembrie 1989 22-24

The “Bega” clinical hospital of obstetrics and gynaecology

Bulevardul Victor Babes 12

The clinical hospital of Romanian railway company

Splaiul Tudor Vladimirescu 13-15

The “Ascar” clinical cardiology hospital

Bulevardul Revoluției din 1989 12

7

University Credits (ECTS)

The university applies a system of 2 academic semesters a year, each semester is 14 weeks long and contains subjects that complete the total of 30 credits, gathering up to a total of 60 credits a year. In order to pass, you have to obtain 50 out of 60 credits a year.

The first semester exams begin in the 2nd week of January. In case of missing an exam or failure to pass the exam from the first try, you get the chance to re-take the exam in February at the re-session, and in case you missed the exam again, you have a third chance in the beginning of July. On your third try, you have to pay a repetition fee of 10 euros at the university cashier in the 2nd floor in the Medicina unu “medicine 1” building.

The second semester exams begin in the 2nd-3rd week of May, in case of missing an exam or failure to pass the exam from the first try. You get the chance to re-take the exam in June, and in case you missed the exam again, you have a third chance in the beginning of July. On your third try, you have to pay a repetition fee of 10 euros at the university cashier in the 2nd floor in the Medicina unu “medicine 1” building.

The credit system applied is ECTS and is defined as the European credit transfer and accumulation system framework by the European commission. It can be used to help you transfer your credits for some subjects, if you have already completed a related university course in a different university.

Moodle

Moodle is a university website related to your subjects and your progress in those subjects specifically. you can access lectures, grades and assignments as well. Although it’s a bit limited to a few subjects, still it’s necessary to have a Moodle account to pass some subjects and submit your assignments. To get your Moodle account you can contact the biostatistics and informatics professor to assist you further with it. The Moodle can be accessed on the following website:

http://moodle.umft.ro/

8

Summer practice

Students at UMFT have to finish a 20-day training summer practice (practica de vara) at a hospital in either Romania or another country. The training will be proved by signing a form by the chief doctor leading your training. Prior to your summer vacation, you will receive a form/booklet to guide you more about the training you will be performing. You can obtain the form from either the administrative secretaries or the representative of your year.

VADA

If you are interested in a particular subject and would like the chance to teach fellow students, the university offers you this opportunity through the program called Voluntariat in activitatea de dezvoltare academica (VADA).

The subjects available include, but are not limited to: anatomy, histology, cellular biology, pathology, physiopathology, physiology, biophysics, immunology, IBM, Biochemistry, microsurgery, parasitology, microbiology, etc.

More information can be obtained by asking the professor of the desired subject or by visiting the university website at the following link.

http://www.umft.ro/voluntariat_41

9

Scholarships

The Romanian ministry of education has launched a scholarship program for Non-EU international students, to encourage them to perform better in their education and have higher ambitions. In order to be eligible to apply for the program you have to respect some conditions. It is eligible for:

Students who have completed at least one academic year, excluding the preparatory year.

Students who have an average of at least 7.00 in the previous academic year.

Students who have graduated with an overall average of minimum 7.00.

Students who have not benefited from another scholarship from the Romanian ministry of education

Students must also commit to having not failed any exam or credits from previous years. If you have accomplished all the previous mentioned regulations, then you have to prepare a folder of documents required to complete you application. The documents needed are:

Application form (annex 1)

Transcript of records for each academic year

curriculum vitae (C.V)

notarized copy of birth certificate

notarized copy of passport

notarized copy of Romanian residence card (permis de sedere)

a photograph attached to the application form

Affidavit, given in front of notary public, in which candidates assume full responsibility of the accuracy of given information.

The folder is submitted at the university international office and you will be informed about further procedures. For more instructions, you can visit the following link of the university website:

http://www.umft.eu/scholarships-rmesr_390

10

Courses and lectures:

Subjects in UMFTVB, consist of both laboratory classes and lectures in which attendance differs. In order to attend the final exam, you must have 80% attendance in laboratories, and approximately 70% presence in lectures depending on the professor and the subject itself. Labs require you having a lab coat. Lectures and labs take place in distinct locations. We will explain here, where you can attend every subject in the first year and how can you reach your classes.

Medicina unu “Medicine 1” building contains the following subjects:

Anatomy: from the side door, the lecture hall is situated in the 4th floor, and the lab on the 2nd floor, there is a hallway to your right that leads to the lab.

Biochemistry: from the side door, once you enter the basement will take you to the lecture hall, and you can reach the lab from the main door, where you go up the first floor and you can find the biochemistry department on your right hand side.

Medicina doi “Medicine 2” building has the following subjects:

Physiology: lectures take place in the main amphitheatre 1, and labs in the second floor, you can find the physiology department in the 2nd floor on the right side

Cell biology: lectures are held in amphitheatre 1, labs take place in the first floor in the cell biology department

Biophysics: lectures take place in amphitheatre 2, and labs in the second floor on the left side of the building

Biostatistics and informatics “IBM”: lectures are held in amphitheatre 1, and labs in the ground floor in the informatics lab

The academic year will be split into 2 semesters (winter and spring), you can find the schedule of each semester explained Here.

11

Erasmus

An EU program for students in fields of training, education and sport.

You can enrol in the 3rd and the 4th year for the following academic year. The program could last either an academic semester or a full academic year depending on your selection. UMFT has collaboration with several international universities in countries like Austria, Belgium, Italy, France, and plenty more. Students can apply from medicine, dentistry and pharmacy for the program. To be suitable for the selection, you must finish the academic year with good results and no failed exams.

The documents for your application for the program are:

Letter of intention

Curriculum vitae

2 photos

Copy of your ID/passport

Application form

Certificate issued by the secretary reflecting the students average in the previous year

Internationally certified language certificate of a minimum level B2 (IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge, DELF, Deutsches, sprachdiplom, etc.)

The university offers numerous valuable information on their website at the following link:

http://www.umft.eu/key-data_280

For additional information you can contact the university staff at relint@umft.ro

12

ISOT

ISOT was inspired by a group of international students within UMFT who sought to create an environment where students can socialize, gain knowledge, and take part in making a positive change in the community.

Officially established in 2016, ISOT’s mission became to promote the rights of international students and to create a positive and memorable experience for students. As an organization that functions under values of integrity, ISOT works to represent the international students within UMFT and to be the intermediate between students and university staff.

Over the past two years, ISOT has had over 200 members, solved more than 15 academic issues, and has organized over 45 academic and social events and workshops. ISOT events and workshops combine both social and academic aspects and take place throughout the academic school year.

ISOT invites you to join us and become part of the change! We provide opportunities to become a member, volunteer, and take leadership.

For more information and for updates on our latest events, make sure you follow:

FB: https://www.facebook.com/ISOTimisoara/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isotimisoara/

Website: https://www.isotimisoara.com

13

Events and workshops

Academic events:

Workshops can boost your medical knowledge by exploring different ranges of science and experiencing procedure first hand. Enjoy attending medical related courses with friends and colleagues while preparing for the future by adding to your education. Until now, we have had several workshops and courses in which more than 100 students have participated and some workshops were rewarded with certificates for students that attended the entire event. Our events promote awareness and aim for student development.

First aid and CPR training 1st Ed.: One of our first academic events that included students from diverse faculties in UMFT. Students were trained to face numerous cases that might happen in a day to day life. In addition to, few procedures that are performed in the emergency department.

Residency around the world: Students spoke about their experience in preparing for the journey following graduation. How they started, what to expect and why think of specialization. Everything you need to know about speciality in countries considered to be a Hub for doctors looking for residency.

14

Social events:

ISOT is always proud to organize events that bring together diverse individuals from all over the world for gatherings, parties, and festive nights. We celebrate the cultural diversity in our community and host events where students can share art, culture, books, hobbies and more. Through our events, we strive to foster new friendships and create memorable experiences for students.

Spring camp: a 3 day camp to the wonderful gems of Romania. Discovering historic places, relishing brilliant activities and enjoying trips around the rural areas. At the same time, we raise awareness about matters that concern us in our lives.

Welcome to the club: A warm welcome for students in their journey to help them plan for the year ahead of them. Valuable information was offered to students and tips on various aspects of university life.

Romanian course: A Romanian course for the duration of 2 months taught by a language professor at the west university. A way to integrate with the Romanian community and enhance the language skills.

15

So far, ISOT has organized more than 45 academic and social events. Our events

begin as simple ideas and ISOT works collaboratively as a team to bring them to life. We value our volunteers as they play a vital role in making all events possible. We invite you to get involved and share with us what kind of events you would like to see happen in the future. You can contact our Board and they will further assist you.

Academic VP: Sam jerej (facebook)

Social VP: Luis Puosi (facebook)

Volunteering

Volunteering is an act with many virtues. In ISOT we promote volunteering to help students gain experience and enjoy their time in Timisoara. If you are looking for a way to get involved in the community, enhance your knowledge and fill your free time, here is your chance. Volunteers will be informed by the board about their responsibilities and will work in the department they desire. Of course an act of kindness like this does not go unrewarded, volunteers would obtain certificates after the end of academic year proving their contribution in addition, to further benefits during the academic year.

You can participate in events by signing up on ISOT’s website in the following link:

https://www.isotimisoara.com/volunteer/

Or by contacting the recruitment manager on their email address:

recruitment@isotimisoara.com

16

Students rights and issues:

As a student, you have rights that will both protect and help you from discrimination and unjust actions. The rights are stated by the university and support the staff and the students in the same time. You can read all the university rules Here. While attending university, if you ever feel being treated unfairly or find yourself facing an issue that you need assistance with, you may contact us on our Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/ISOTimisoara

Residency permit

After settling into an apartment, international students wishing to have a resident permit are required to enlist at the state police office. In order to apply for a permit, the following documents are required:

- certified copy of the acceptance letter

- certified copy of letter of admission from UMFT

- Proof of payment of study fees

- health insurance

- passport

- 2 recent passport photos

- house contract

- application fee of 4 lei paid at CEC Bank

- document of subsistence for the entire academic year from the bank (the document is called “extras de cont” obtained from your bank in Romania and should have the value of approximately 2500 euros)

The resident permit requires a period of time from 2-5 weeks to be extracted from the police office.

17

Health Insurance:

As a student in Romania, you have the right to benefit from medical services which require having a health insurance card. You can obtain the card by applying at the Health insurance house, situated at str. Corbului nr. 4. You will need the following documents to apply:

o Residence permit (the original and a copy)

o University certificate (Adverinta)

o Filling out the application form

You can apply from Monday to Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 13:30 p.m. or on Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

If you are over 26 years old, you will have an extra procedure to perform. You have to visit the finance house at str. Gheorge lazar nr. 33. And fill out the 604 form which might require the payment of 190 lei/month. Later you can proceed to the health insurance house, with the required documents in addition to the 604 form and the receipt of payment.

The city

Timisoara is a diverse and vibrant city. Known as the main social, economic and cultural hub of western Romania, Timisoara has numerous attractions and holds a rich mix of historical background. Named as the European capital of culture of 2021, this city will never fail keeping you entertained.

18

Transport

You can get around through Timisoara by different means. Timisoara is a modest city, where you can get to most places on foot if you have to. However, many options are provided for you.

Bicycles: Bike lanes are marked throughout the city. Bicycles price range from as affordable as 100 lei (25euros) up to 2500 lei (500euros). You can purchase them either online on Facebook groups, websites such as olx.ro, emag.ro or from bike stores around the city. One of our recommendations for Facebook groups is:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/536191286455910/

Buses: For long distances, buses go through most the main places in Timisoara including hospitals, universities, and malls. To obtain a free bus pass, you must first ask the secretary of your faculty for the traveling pass (which is free of charge) and then using that pass you have apply for the Omnipass card from west university (which is also free of charge) then use the Omnipass card along with your student carnet at a bus station office in piata 700 to get the free bus card. You may renew your bus subscription every month free in that academic year.

Trams: The card obtained for travelling by buses, can be also used for transport by trams along the city.

Trains: To book a train ticket with no charge, you will just need the traveling pass from the secretary along with your carnet and ID. You can book your tickets from the CFR office located in Piața Victoriei nr. 7 or at the main train station (Gara de Nord) at Strada Gării 2.

UBER: additionally, is available in Romania with appropriate prices.

19

Accommodation

For accommodation, multiple options are available. Most international students seek private accommodation. Alternatively, students can apply for university accommodation in the student dorms.

Private accommodation: Multiple sources can be used for searching for apartments in Timisoara. Apartments range from the price of 150 euros up to 500 euros per month. You can look for apartments on:

Facebook groups: At the moment, there are several groups that you can check for apartments. The groups contain offers from agencies or fellow students who are looking for roommates or want to leave their apartments.

The groups include:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/Timisoara.appartments/about/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/306910389395522/about/

Housing agencies: In Timisoara, there are some agencies that are offering to find an apartment for students for the price of 50% - 100% of the rent of the apartment.

Online: You can now as well find apartments online on Romanian websites, that might need you to speak Romanian as some of the apartment owners do not speak English. One of our favourite sites to find apartments online is https://www.olx.ro/

University dorm: you can also apply for living in the university dorms (Camin), which might come as a chance for integration as well with the Romanian community. The dorms are available on the basis of “first come, first served”, so its advised to apply as early as possible if you want to get a place. Dorms consist of rooms with either 2, 3, 4 or 5 beds. for further information, you can check the link attached below of the university website.

http://www.umft.ro/informatii-privind-oferta-de-cazare_73

20

Entertainment

Timisoara is bustling with various activities for all tastes and preferences. You can enjoy time here both in groups or solo. You can visit Escape games, bowling, billiards, swimming pools, spas, cinema, indoor climbing, archery and horse riding. On the other hand, if you are a fan of art and theatre, you will be thrilled to know about the opportunities possible. Enjoy theatre classics, orchestras, art museums, and wondering the historical places around the city.

All of the activities mentioned previously will be added in the maps chapter, make sure to check it out for more information

Night life

Every city is unique in its own way regarding the night life. Timisoara blends between the wild joyful parties and classic fancy evening dinners along the Bega River. There are numerous night clubs to satisfy people who appreciate dancing and having drinks and making friends. In addition to elegant restaurants for quite nights to savour a delightful dinner with friends and loved ones.

Cafes and libraries

Intellectual readers will love this city, as it possess libraries with thousands of books, DIYs, music records and plenty more. Appreciate a cup of tea with your favourite book in the other hand in a calm friendly surrounding.

Timisoara is packed with cafes of all types, including a cafe that has cats to pet and befriend. Multiple places to hang out with friends to study and enjoy company.

21

Sponsors

Belief in change nourishes us every day, and our sponsors believe in us to create change as we follow our mission. Our sponsors have shown great commitment and served as helping hand in many circumstances. We wish to show gratitude and help you benefit by introducing them to you.

You can profit from discount up to 15% in our sponsors shops, besides the excellent service they maintain.

Yamy Bistro Str. Emanoil ungureanu nr. 17 Tel: 0040747255557

Ambasafa Str. Anton seiller nr. 2 Tel: 0040773341955

Aethernativ Str. Marasesti nr. 14 Tel: 0040724012364

Reciproc Str. Marasesti nr. 14 Tel: 0040756081961

La Sicilian Piata unirii nr. 7

Tel: 0040770240197

Karma Bistro Bvd. Constantin diaconovici loga nr. 58 Tel: 0040732979971

Tucano coffee Str. Emanoil ungureanu nr. 2 Tel: 0040785882266

** To benefit from discounts at our sponsors make sure to provide them with ISOT card when ordering

22

ISOT Board message

“ISOT is the essence of my 6 years’ study experience, it was the home where I learn new perspectives and got wide horizon”

~ Fares Jamaleddin – Former ISOT President~

“with all the challenges to approach the development and enhancement of the student life quality, ISOT was a golden gift and another school to me which I learnt and shared a blessed amount of experience at. ISOT was a second home when home was faraway”

~ Abdulkader Allalo – Former ISOT Vice President of management and social affairs~

“I think the most amazing part about being involved with ISOT is having the opportunity to be a part of an international community that promotes students’ interests. Being part of ISOT is a priceless experience”

~Christa Serban – ISOT General secretary ~

“The day I started with ISOT I didn’t know I had made a family lasting forever. Like all families we have our ups and downs but most importantly we work, plan and achieve together as a family, and we are always there for each other. Attaining student rights, improving education quality and making a contribution to society while enjoying our time”

~Kinan Malak – ISOT President

23

Timisoara’s map

24

Activities:

TmArchery

(str. Maresal Constantin Prezan

nr. 140/D)

Cinema city “sagului”

(Calea Șagului nr. 100)

Exit games (Bulevardul Constantin Brâncoveanu 53)

One move climbing (Bulevardul Republicii 11)

Spa termalum

(Bulevardul Republicii 11)

Swimming pool arenasport

(calea Dorobantilor nr. 92A)

Paintball (strada ecoului)

Theaters:

Opera

(Strada Mărășești 2)

Filarmonica

(Bulevardul Constantin

Diaconovici Loga 2)

German theatre

(Strada Alba Iulia 2)

Art museum

(Piața Unirii 1)

Banat village museum

(Strada Avram Imbroane 1)

Communist museum

(Strada Arhitect Laszlo Szekely 1)

25

Night life and restaurants

Riviera

(splaiul spiru haret nr.1)

Jardin Bistro

(Bulevardul Vasile Pârvan)

Vineri 15

(Bulevardul Vasile Pârvan nr. 9)

La capite

(Bulevardul Vasile Pârvan nr. 9)

No Name

(Bulevardul Doctor Iosif Bulbuca)

Aethernativ

(Strada Mărășești nr. 14)

Darc

(Piața Unirii nr. 5)

Cafes and libraries:

Carturesti

(Strada Florimund Mercy nr. 7)

(Iulius Mall)

Librarium

(Strada Victor Vlad Delamarina 1)

Reciproc

( Strada Mărășești nr. 14)

Ambasada

(strada Anton Seiller nr. 2)

La pisici café

(Strada Mihail Jora nr. 3)