General Bible School Questions:
When is the deadline for applying for Bible School?
One month prior to start date.
Are scholarships available?
Scholarships may be available in certain semesters. Please contact the registrar if you wish to apply:
registrar@pdf.ro
Is your school accredited?
No, but some Colleges and Universities will recognize certain programs and topics that we provide teaching on and will give students credits if the institution should so choose.
Will I receive a certificate for completing the program?
Yes, we provide to different certificates: one for those who attend and complete all assignments and one for those who attend but do not complete assignments.
Do I need a Visa to attend the program in Romania?
If you are unsure about wether or not you require a visa to be in Romania please visit the sites listed below to confirm (Note – Romania is not a part of the Schengen agreement):
http://evisa.mae.ro/
http://romaniatourism.com/entry-requirements.html
What languages are spoken in Romania?
Romanian is most commonly spoken (latin based, similar to French, Italian, Spanish). Most of the younger adults in Romania can speak English. German is also spoken in the Transylvania region that PdF is located in. Magyar (Hungarian) is also spoken by some residents of the area.
What language is your program done in?
The main language of our program is English. However, we do provide Romanian translation if two or more students should require this. Students requiring translation will need to make this known at the time of their application.
Past Romanian students who have had trouble with English find that after week 3 or 4, their English has improved enough that they no longer need translation.
Several of our staff also speak German, but we cannot provide translation of the lectures into this language.
What does a typical week look like during the program?
Each week can vary depending on what events are planned, but you can click the link below to see a typical weekly schedule:
What age do I need to be in order to enroll in the program?
The minimum required age is 18.
What is the average age of the students who attend?
We have students from 17 to 40 attending PdF with the average age of our students around 19 – 20.
What should I bring to PdF?
- English bible
- Paraphrase bibles not recommended
- Romanian bible optional
- Please avoid bible apps if possible
- Clothing
- The following outdoor clothing will be required for the outdoor team challenge:
- Hiking boots (above ankles)
- Moisture control socks
- Warm sweater
- Breathable long sleeve shirt
- Hiking pants
- Sunglasses
- Warm hat
- Running shoes
- Slippers (house shoes)
- Rain jacket
- Gloves (in case of snow)
- Underwear
- Long underwear
- Socks
- Swimsuit
- T-shirts
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Shorts
- towels
- Clothing for various activities (outreaches, church services, grad ceremony, sports activities, etc)
- The following outdoor clothing will be required for the outdoor team challenge:
- Gear
- small backpack 25 – 30 litres (optional)
- flash light
- pocket knife
- notebook and writing materials
- band-aids and moleskin
- Water bottle
- Walking poles (optional)
- Any required personal medication
- Camera (note that phones or media devices will not be allowed on tour)
- Personal toiletries
- Toothbrush and tooth paste
- Deodorant
- Shaving items
- Optional
- Personal climbing equipment
- Portable instruments
PdF Can Provide the Following if Required:
- Hiking back pack 50-80 liters
- Towels
- Sleeping bag
- Outdoor Sleeping mattress
- cup and bowl
What will the weather be like?
- Spring in our area can be warm during the days (10-20 Degrees Celcius) with the evenings being cool (0-10 degrees Celcius)
- We normally receive a lot of rain during the spring so be sure to bring your rain gear! We also have been known to get snowfall during this season as well.
What if I get to PdF before Bibleschool starts? Where should I stay?
It may be possible for you to stay at our center for 35 lei/ night. Advanced notice required.
There are also several hotels in the nearest town of Râșnov where you can stays it is 6 kilometers from PdF.
Brașov, the nearest city to PdF, has much more to offer in terms of accommodations. It is approximately 30 kilometers from PdF.
The website below will provide you with some good options:
How do I get to PdF?
We are located 6 km from Rasnov, in Brasov county, Romania.
From Bucharest:
It is recommended to take a shuttle bus from the airport to the city of Brasov and from there take a train to Rasnov; from there one of our staff members can pick you up. Please communicate with the bible school coordinator regarding your arrival to the airport and again when you are getting close to the center (with the estimated arrival time). Reservations can be made ahead of time through the following sites:
https://www.direct-aeroport.ro/en/
Students can travel by train as well from the North Station (Gara de Nord) to Brasov or to Predeal. An additional train can be taken from Brasov to Rasnov. A vehicle pick-up will need to be arranged from there.
Train Timetable: http://www.cfrcalatori.ro/ro/servicii/serviciistatii/98-servicii/servicii-in-statii/140-bucuresti-nord
From Sibiu:
In Sibiu, you can take a taxi from the airport to the train station, then the train to Brașov.
Train timetable: http://www.mersultrenurilor.ro/
From Brașov to Râșnov there is a private train “Regiotrans” every hour. We can pick you up from Rasnov, or even Brasov if necessary.
Train timetable: http://www.regiotrans.ro/mersul–trenurilor–brasov-zarnesti
What is the best way to travel over travel weekend?
- Car rentals are available in Brașov (be sure to have an international driver’s license just in case).
- Many of the major cities are easily reached by train. PdF can drop-off and pick-up students at the train station in Brașov or Râșnov.
What are the accommodations like?
Here at PdF you would likely be sharing a room with 1-3 other students of the same gender. Rooms have bunk beds with blankets, pillows, and sheets provided. Each student will have their own wardrobe for their clothing; extra clothing or suitcases can be stored in a separate area. A desk will be in each room. Showers and toilets are also located nearby each room.
Can I drop my lagguage off early?
You are more than welcome to drop off excess luggage here before school begins.
If you would like to drop off luggage before April. 3, please send us an email or phone us beforehand so that we can make sure that someone is here in the office when you come.
Can I do my laundry during my time there?
Yes!
The costs for one load a week are included in the student fee.
Will I have internet access at PdF?
At PdF it is possible to have free wireless Internet using our wireless access point.
Are there shops nearby to buy groceries and toiletries?
Yes, in the town of Rasnov, 6 km away from the center, there are two main grocery stores (Billa and Penny). The nearest city of Brasov, 25 km away, has several larger grocery stores (Carefour, Auchan, Kaufland, Metro, Mega Image) as well as large shopping centers (Coresi, Elian, and a future mall made by AFI)
What is the best way to access my money in Romania?
There are bank machines in the local town where you can withdraw your money. International bank cards are normally compatible with the machines here. Most stores also have chip technology. Visa and Mastercard are also regularily accepted.
How much spending money should I bring?
You should bring about 150 – 200 EURO for spending money. This would be for restaurant food, sightseeing, gas money for personal outings, and for other personal items that you may need during your time here (shampoo, toothpaste, medicine/ drugs).
What is Romania‘s currency and it’s exchange rate?
Romania’s currency is called Lei (sometimes referred to as RON). It’s exchange is typically 1 EURO = 4.5 Lei.
Are alcohol and tabacco permitted?
No! The use of alcoholic beverages and tobacco is NOT permitted for the duration of the Bible School.
Do I need medical insurance as a student? How does it work?
Yes, medical travel insurance is required prior to travelling to our center. You will receive a form regarding this once you are accepted.
What happens if I am sick and need to visit a doctor?
Because you will have travel insurance, you will be able to use the local hospitals here. There are several good hospitals in Brasov, the nearest city to PdF (Medlife, Regina Maria, and an emergency hospital). Depending on your medical travel insurance you may or may not need to first pay the hospital bill and then be reimbursed afterwards. Hospital fees in Romania are very low and in most cases you won’t need to use your travel insurance.
Does PdF provide meals for vegetarians or other special meal needs?
The catering department will do their best to accommodate those people who require a special diet for medical reason. If your diet is a lifestyle choice we may not be able to cater for all your needs and you may need to substitute with your own food.
What if I am hard of hearing?
We have a sound system that will amplify the sounds according to your hearing needs.
What do I need to know about using my electrical devices?
Do I need to be concerned about wild animals?
PdF is located in a fairly remote part of Transylvania on the edge of a forested mountain range (no, there are no vampires or werewolves). Bears have been known to travel through the area but have seldom caused problems with humans. There are dogs that move freely about their owner’s farmland and at times they can confront hikers or bikers. It is best that people do not explore the land alone, but instead travel in groups of 2 or 3 minimum.
Herds of sheep and the Shepherds are commonly seen near Pdf and make for great pictures. Horses are also on nearby properties and commonly come to our field to eat the grass!
Are married couples allowed to attend?
Yes – we have a number of small units we can use for married couple, we generally can only accept 1 or 2 a semester so it is good to apply early.
Fees and Payments Questions:
When is the deadline for applying for Bible School?
One month prior to start date.
What are the individual fees for the program and when are they due?
Application fee: 20 Euros
- due at time of application
- non-refundable
- is not included in over all tuition amount
Deposit: 400 Euros (250 Euros for Romanian students)
- due 1 month after receiving acceptance letter via email
- non-refundable unless sufficient reasoning given
- fee is included in over all tuition amount
Remaining Tuition:
- varies depending on student nationality, scholarships, etc
- due 1 month prior to start of program
How do I pay for my fees?
We currently are not set up for online payments. You can pay through a bank transfer in either RON (romanian currency) or Euros, to the bank accounts below. Funds can also be mailed but this is not recomended for larger sums of money (postal address below):
RON:
BANCA COMERCIALĂ ROMÂNĂ (BCR)
BIC: RNCBROBU
IBAN: RO10RNCB0053148663950001
EURO:
BANCA TRANSILVANIA (BT)
BIC: BTRLRO22
IBAN: RO03BTRLEURCRT0V00031702
Postal address:
Asociaţia Purtătorii de Făclie
C.P. 20
505400 Râşnov, România
Email: receptie@pdf.ro
What is included in the tuition fees?
All meals, accommodation, books, lectures and use of the washing machines are included in your fees.
You will need extra money for personal travel, meals outside of PdF events, cell phone data. 150-200 euros is suggested for personal pocket money.
Are scholarships available?
Scholarships may be available in certain semesters. Please contact the registrar if you wish to apply:
registrar@pdf.ro
What is the best way to access my money in Romania?
There are bank machines in the local town where you can withdraw your money. International bank cards are normally compatible with the machines here. Most stores also have chip technology. Visa and Mastercard are also regularily accepted.
How much spending money should I bring?
You should bring about 150 – 200 EURO for spending money. This would be for restaurant food, sightseeing, gas money for personal outings, and for other personal items that you may need during your time here (shampoo, toothpaste, medicine/ drugs).
What is Romania‘s currency and it’s exchange rate?
Romania’s currency is called Lei (sometimes referred to as RON). It’s exchange is typically 1 EURO = 4.5 Lei.
Travelling Questions:
Do I need a Visa to attend the program in Romania?
If you are unsure about wether or not you require a visa to be in Romania please visit the sites listed below to confirm (Note – Romania is not a part of the Schengen agreement):
http://evisa.mae.ro/
http://romaniatourism.com/entry-requirements.html
Is it save to travel in Romania?
Yes! Romania is known for being a passive and non-violent country. Even Bucharest, Romania’s capital city, is known for being one of the least violent cities in Europe. Theft can be a problem if you don’t take care of your items, but if you use common sense you will be fine.
What languages are spoken in Romania?
Romanian is most commonly spoken (latin based, similar to French, Italian, Spanish). Most of the younger adults in Romania can speak English. German is also spoken in the Transylvania region that PdF is located in. Magyar (Hungarian) is also spoken by some residents of the area.
What kind of of equipment do I have to bring for ASCENT?
ASCENT – Equipment list
Equipment for outdoor activities:
- large backpack (approx. 60 liters) (can be rented at PDF)
- day pack ( approx. 20 liters)
- sleeping bag (comfort zone 0°C and less) (can be rented at PDF)
- sleeping mat (light weight) (can be rented at PDF)
- head lamp
- pocket knife (small)
- cup and bowl (plastic or aluminium), spoon
- water bottle or camelbak (min. 1l, max. 2l)
- sunglasses (100% UV rating recommended) and sunscreen
- Band-Aids, moleskin or second skin
- light microfiber towel
- cycling shorts
- cycling jersey
- bike gloves
- running shoes
- mountaineering boots (Your boots must have strong ankle support, a ¾ shank, and VibramTM or equivalent soles, Goretex is recommended)
Optional (for those travelling by car):
- 2 heavy-duty garbage bags, 1/2 dozen large Zip Loc™ freezer bags – excellent for watertight packing
- rainproof cover for backpack
- personal climbing equipment (harness, helmet, climbing shoes, via ferrata set)
- hiking poles (telescope)
- mountain bike
- bike helmet
- bike repair kit, spare tube
Clothing for outdoor activities:
- waterproof rain wear (jacket, pants) breathable fabric is preferable, Gore-Tex is the best, 2 or 3 layers.
- light clothing (shorts, T- shirts)
- warm clothing,
- soft shell jacket (preferably fleece)
- underwear
- long underwear
- swimwear
- sport clothing
- hiking pants (not jeans)
- cap (for sun protection) warm hat (wool or fleece)
- Hiking socks
Equipment/Clothing for school:
- any required personal medication
- personal toiletries
- house shoes
- English bible (small, translation – not paraphrase), small notebook, writing materials
- clothing for lectures, church, celebrations
- Towels
Optional:
- camera (mobile phones are NOT permitted on some tours and can’t be used as a camera)
- portable musical instruments
Note:
The electrical voltage in Romania is 220 Volts AC 50 Hz, so if you intend to bring any electrical
appliances, you may need to bring a voltage converter as well as an adapter plug.
What will the weather be like?
- Spring in our area can be warm during the days (10-20 Degrees Celcius) with the evenings being cool (0-10 degrees Celcius)
- We normally receive a lot of rain during the spring so be sure to bring your rain gear! We also have been known to get snowfall during this season as well.
What if I get to PdF before Bibleschool starts? Where should I stay?
It may be possible for you to stay at our center for 35 lei/ night. Advanced notice required.
There are also several hotels in the nearest town of Râșnov where you can stays it is 6 kilometers from PdF.
Brașov, the nearest city to PdF, has much more to offer in terms of accommodations. It is approximately 30 kilometers from PdF.
The website below will provide you with some good options:
How do I get to PdF?
We are located 6 km from Rasnov, in Brasov county, Romania.
From Bucharest:
It is recommended to take a shuttle bus from the airport to the city of Brasov and from there take a train to Rasnov; from there one of our staff members can pick you up. Please communicate with the bible school coordinator regarding your arrival to the airport and again when you are getting close to the center (with the estimated arrival time). Reservations can be made ahead of time through the following sites:
https://www.direct-aeroport.ro/en/
Students can travel by train as well from the North Station (Gara de Nord) to Brasov or to Predeal. An additional train can be taken from Brasov to Rasnov. A vehicle pick-up will need to be arranged from there.
Train Timetable: http://www.cfrcalatori.ro/ro/servicii/serviciistatii/98-servicii/servicii-in-statii/140-bucuresti-nord
From Sibiu:
In Sibiu, you can take a taxi from the airport to the train station, then the train to Brașov.
Train timetable: http://www.mersultrenurilor.ro/
From Brașov to Râșnov there is a private train “Regiotrans” every hour. We can pick you up from Rasnov, or even Brasov if necessary.
Train timetable: http://www.regiotrans.ro/mersul–trenurilor–brasov-zarnesti
What is the best way to travel over travel weekend?
- Car rentals are available in Brașov (be sure to have an international driver’s license just in case).
- Many of the major cities are easily reached by train. PdF can drop-off and pick-up students at the train station in Brașov or Râșnov.
What are the accommodations like?
Here at PdF you would likely be sharing a room with 1-3 other students of the same gender. Rooms have bunk beds with blankets, pillows, and sheets provided. Each student will have their own wardrobe for their clothing; extra clothing or suitcases can be stored in a separate area. A desk will be in each room. Showers and toilets are also located nearby each room.
Can I drop my lagguage off early?
You are more than welcome to drop off excess luggage here before school begins.
If you would like to drop off luggage before April. 3, please send us an email or phone us beforehand so that we can make sure that someone is here in the office when you come.
What is the best way to access my money in Romania?
There are bank machines in the local town where you can withdraw your money. International bank cards are normally compatible with the machines here. Most stores also have chip technology. Visa and Mastercard are also regularily accepted.
What is Romania‘s currency and it’s exchange rate?
Romania’s currency is called Lei (sometimes referred to as RON). It’s exchange is typically 1 EURO = 4.5 Lei.
Do I need medical insurance as a student? How does it work?
Yes, medical travel insurance is required prior to travelling to our center. You will receive a form regarding this once you are accepted.
What happens if I am sick and need to visit a doctor?
Because you will have travel insurance, you will be able to use the local hospitals here. There are several good hospitals in Brasov, the nearest city to PdF (Medlife, Regina Maria, and an emergency hospital). Depending on your medical travel insurance you may or may not need to first pay the hospital bill and then be reimbursed afterwards. Hospital fees in Romania are very low and in most cases you won’t need to use your travel insurance.
Do I need to be concerned about wild animals?
PdF is located in a fairly remote part of Transylvania on the edge of a forested mountain range (no, there are no vampires or werewolves). Bears have been known to travel through the area but have seldom caused problems with humans. There are dogs that move freely about their owner’s farmland and at times they can confront hikers or bikers. It is best that people do not explore the land alone, but instead travel in groups of 2 or 3 minimum.
Herds of sheep and the Shepherds are commonly seen near Pdf and make for great pictures. Horses are also on nearby properties and commonly come to our field to eat the grass!
Application Questions:
When is the deadline for applying for Bible School?
One month prior to start date.
What are the individual fees for the program and when are they due?
Application fee: 20 Euros
- due at time of application
- non-refundable
- is not included in over all tuition amount
Deposit: 400 Euros (250 Euros for Romanian students)
- due 1 month after receiving acceptance letter via email
- non-refundable unless sufficient reasoning given
- fee is included in over all tuition amount
Remaining Tuition:
- varies depending on student nationality, scholarships, etc
- due 1 month prior to start of program
How do I pay for my fees?
We currently are not set up for online payments. You can pay through a bank transfer in either RON (romanian currency) or Euros, to the bank accounts below. Funds can also be mailed but this is not recomended for larger sums of money (postal address below):
RON:
BANCA COMERCIALĂ ROMÂNĂ (BCR)
BIC: RNCBROBU
IBAN: RO10RNCB0053148663950001
EURO:
BANCA TRANSILVANIA (BT)
BIC: BTRLRO22
IBAN: RO03BTRLEURCRT0V00031702
Postal address:
Asociaţia Purtătorii de Făclie
C.P. 20
505400 Râşnov, România
Email: receptie@pdf.ro
What is included in the tuition fees?
All meals, accommodation, books, lectures and use of the washing machines are included in your fees.
You will need extra money for personal travel, meals outside of PdF events, cell phone data. 150-200 euros is suggested for personal pocket money.
Are scholarships available?
Scholarships may be available in certain semesters. Please contact the registrar if you wish to apply:
registrar@pdf.ro
Is your school accredited?
No, but some Colleges and Universities will recognize certain programs and topics that we provide teaching on and will give students credits if the institution should so choose.
Will I receive a certificate for completing the program?
Yes, we provide to different certificates: one for those who attend and complete all assignments and one for those who attend but do not complete assignments.
What language is your program done in?
The main language of our program is English. However, we do provide Romanian translation if two or more students should require this. Students requiring translation will need to make this known at the time of their application.
Past Romanian students who have had trouble with English find that after week 3 or 4, their English has improved enough that they no longer need translation.
Several of our staff also speak German, but we cannot provide translation of the lectures into this language.
What does a typical week look like during the program?
Each week can vary depending on what events are planned, but you can click the link below to see a typical weekly schedule:
What age do I need to be in order to enroll in the program?
The minimum required age is 18.
What is the average age of the students who attend?
We have students from 17 to 40 attending PdF with the average age of our students around 19 – 20.
PARTNERS
