Moldova

GENERAL INFORMATION
Moldova is a country located in Eastern Europe, next to the Ukraine and Romania. The capital
city is Chisinau and the population consists of about four million people. During the Soviet
time, it was a part of the Social Soviet Republic Romania. After the fall of communism,
Moldova separated. Though the country has been trying very hard the last few years, it is not a
member of the EU yet. Because of this, you have to travel with a passport. Just an ID card is not
enough, it is advised to take it with you wherever you go. As you might know, the country is
one of the poorest in Europe, so things are very different from, for example, Germany.

As you might expect, religion still plays an important role in
many Moldovan lives. Especially in the countryside, religion
is important. This religion mainly is the orthodox Christian
church, like the one showed on the picture. >>>
Moldovas main export products are wine and fish.
Agriculture is still a very important sector in the country,
which is another sign of poverty. The fact there is no
highway also indicates Moldova does not belong to the top
of richest countries.

LANGUAGE
Although a Moldovan nationalist will fully disagree,
Moldovan is not an official language. It is a dialect
of Romanian, which is the only language in the
Balkan area with Latin roots. You can compare
Romanian and Moldovan to American and British
English, there is only a few minor differences. Also
Russian is a common language and English is also
coming, though in very little steps.

INTERNSHIPS
As mentioned already, Moldova is a very poor country. Because of this, not many doctors,
lawyers and teachers are available. To solve this problem, there are many organizations that
are specialized in organizing internships in Moldova and surrounding countries. One example
of an organization that takes care of your entire trip is Project Abroad. This includes aiding
local orphanages, schools, day-cares and homes for the mentally ill. Other people needed are
lawyers, doctors and constructors.
HOUSING
You do not have to worry about housing. Project Abroad takes care of that for you. You will be
brought to a host-family. The fee you pay for the staying is for the family only and used to take
care of the family.
Insurances are important to control before you leave. Though most prices are very low, it is
advised to check what is covered by your insurance company. It is advised to take your
insurance card with you also.
As a foreigner, you need a visa for 90 days which cannot be extended. You do have to do this
yourself, the organization does not take care of that. Even though, Project Abroad is very
committed and helpful and takes care of about 90% of the entire internship, the only thing you
have to do, is work there.
Lastly, a record of good behaviour is requested to participate in the internship. This is to insure
no people will be harmed or wounded.

LIVING IN MOLDOVA
Renting a room in Chisinau would be an average of 500 euros per month. Even though, if you
look long enough, prices like 300
1
euros are also possible. Gas, water and electricity would be
1600 lei per month, or 80 euros. Just to compare, a pair of Nikes are about 1400 lei on average.
The housing is not needed for the internship, since Project Abroad uses host families, as
mentioned already.

In Moldova, the Lei is used. One euro is equal to about 19 Lei. The price of one loaf of bread is
four Lei . Food is rather cheap, especially Bazar prices, which is held every day in Chisinau, are
very doable. Though, to prevent diseases, it is advised to drink no tap water and not to eat
local ice cream. Only western brands like Ola are advised to
prevent diarrhoea. Also vaccinations are highly advised of you
are planning to stay there for a longer period of time.
Public transport is very well organized in Chisinau. A bus ticket
of 2 lei will bring you everywhere in the city. A bus arrives at a
station every 5 minutes. The busses are very well organised,
though trains are hell. They only drive about 30 km/h and they
are very old. The diesel smell is also a reason to take the road
instead of the train.

TO CONCLUDE
In Moldova, a passport is mandatory since the country is not a part of the EU. This is because
the country is the poorest one in Europe. In the country, and especially the countryside,
religion, Orthodox Christianity, is still of big importance. If you speak Romanian or Russian,
you will be able to manage in Moldova.
Most of the internships are volunteers in construction, healthcare and education. There are
many organizations who offering complete internships, like www.projects-abroad.nl and
www.zendingovergrenzen.nl, even housing is included, this is mainly host families. They take
care of most of the internship, you do need certain vaccinations and insurances, a record of
good behaviour is also requested.

1
http://www.expat-blog.com/en/housing/europe/moldova/40-flats-for-rent/189373-aprt-for-rent.html
In Moldova, please be careful with ice-cream and tap water, you might catch a disease.
Especially in the countryside, this is something to look out for.
Before leaving, checking your insurances is advised, as well as vaccinations.
Last of all, public transport is well organised, busses drive on schedule and regularly. Trains are
different though, with their maximum speed of 30 km/h.
Hopefully this page has given you some useful information on Moldova.

We hope to see you soon in Moldova!