Study in Moldova
With an array of protected natural parks and architecture dating back over 2,000 years, Moldova is Europe’s hidden gem. If you’re looking for a road less traveled and to come home with a totally unique exchange experience, this is the place for you. Only about 10 Americans each year study abroad in Moldova – and you could be one of them!
+ More About Moldova
Do you want to climb mountains, hike through forests, or even just relax by the beach? There is always something new to do in Moldova, and it’s a great place to explore your interests.
One of the many tourist attractions in Chisinau, Moldova’s capital, is Stefan cel Mare Park, which is the oldest park in Moldova. There are also some museums in the area, including the National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History and the National Museum of Fine Arts. While studying abroad in Moldova, you will be spending most of your time in a traditional school, also called a Lyceum.A melting pot of cultures, Moldovan cuisine incorporates many different flavors and ingredients. One of the most famous dishes of Moldova is “mamaliga”, also called Polenta. In Moldova, the main languages spoken are Romanian and Russian. Outside of school, you and your new lifelong best friends might play sports like basketball, cycling, football, rugby, and wrestling! Schools also offer programs like art, theater, and singing!
Although it may only be a little bigger than the state of Maryland, Moldova holds so much culture and beauty waiting to be experienced!
+ Scholarships Available
YFU USA is proud to send over 200 American students on cultural exchange with a full or partial scholarship each year. Financial assistance may be in the form of a merit-based scholarship, needs-based financial aid, or Legacy Grant for students who are previously involved in the YFU Community. Scholarships may vary in deadline, requirements, and eligibility. To learn more, please visit our Scholarships Page to find details on the following scholarships eligible for Moldova:
YFU Legacy Grant
YFU Financial Aid Fund
Holcomb & Farnell Foreign Study Fund
+ Programs & Tuition
Fall Year: $14,995
Applications for tuition based programs must be submitted by March 15 for fall programs. Applications submitted after this date will be considered on a case by case basis depending upon availability.
+ Additional Information
Visa Information
Information regarding visas and other immigration processes will be provided upon enrollment.
Additional Costs
Program tuition does not include personal spending money or school-related costs such as books and school trips.
Choose Your Program
+ Academic Year Programs
As a YFU student in Moldova, you will live with a carefully selected Russian- or Romanian-speaking host family and attend a local high school. Part of your experience will be:
School
While attending a local high school, you will stay with a local host family and participate fully in the academic and cultural life of the school. There are a vast variety of high schools in Moldova, including Lyceums, which are geared toward students who plan to attend university, and vocational schools, which offer students the chance to hone in on a particular career-oriented skill set. YFU students are typically placed in lyceums. It is very likely that during your stay you will be able to explore new areas of knowledge, specializing in one field depending on your interests, your future host parents’ recommendations, and possibilities offered by the local schools.
Orientations
All students applying for the semester or year program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation*, which usually takes place in mid-July. This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas. All students will participate in a one-day local pre-departure orientation in May or June. All orientation costs are included in program tuition.
*Due to COVID-19, the 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation described above may take place on-line dependent upon recommended guidelines at the time of the event. YFU will continue to assess the situation as it develops.
Extracurriculars
YFU students are encouraged to join sports, clubs, or teams in their local schools or communities in order to get involved and make new Moldovan friends!
Age Requirement
- 2022 Fall Departure: Students born March 31, 2004 – September 3, 2007.
- Students who do not meet this age requirement or will graduate from high school are likely to be considered for this program.
Language
Russian and Romanian. For an additional fee, students have the option of adding a 40-hour language course in Russian or Romanian.
| PROGRAM | DEPARTURE | RETURN | FULL TUITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Year | Late August | Late June | $14,995 |
Tuition Includes
- Placement with a host family
- Enrollment in a Moldovan high school
- Airport transfers
- Domestic and international travel
- All pre-departure and post-arrival orientations
- Pre-program support by trained YFU staff
- Support from a YFU Moldova Area Representative while on program
- Comprehensive insurance
Host Family Placement
Students are typically placed in the Chisinau, the capital city of Moldova.