GUIDE FOR ERASMUS+ INCOMING STUDENTS 1 SERBIA ..................................................... 2 BELGRADE ................................................ 7 SOCIAL LIFE .............................................. 10 MEGATREND UNIVERSITY........................... 12 ENTERING THE COUNTRY AND VISA ........... 13 REQUIRAMENTS HEALTH INSURANCE ................................. 14 ACCOMODATION ..................................... 15 COMING TO THE MEGATREND UNIVERSITY . 19 THE CITY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION .......... 20 BANK, CARDS AND CURRENCY ................. 21 TELEPHONE SERVICES .............................. 22 EMERGENCIES ......................................... 23 SAFETY ................................................... 23 ESN - ERASMUS STUDENT NETWORK ......... 24 MINI DICTIONARY ................................... 25 CONTACT ............................................... 25 2 SERBIA Serbia has connected West with East for centuries – a land in which civilizations, cultures, faiths, cli- mates and landscapes meet and mingle. It is located in the center of the Balkan Peninsula, in southeastern Europe. The northern portion belongs to central Europe, but in terms of geography and climate it is also partly a Mediterranean country. Serbia is landlocked but as a Danube country it is connected to distant seas and oceans. Serbia is crossroads of Europe and a geopolitically important territory. The international roads and railway lines, which run through the country’s river valleys, form the shortest link between Western Europe and the Middle East. From the agricultural regions of the Pannonian Plain in the north, across the fertile river valleys and orchard-covered hills of Šumadija, the landscape of Serbia continues southward, gradually giving way to mountains rich in canyons, gorges and caves, as well as well-preserved forests. Serbia’s beautiful moun- tains, national parks, rivers and lakes are the perfect location for an active outdoor holiday – from hunting and fishing to extreme sports. Many times during its rich, centuries-long history, Serbia has been at the center of Europe’s and the world’s attention, out of all proportion to its modest size, economic might and number of inhabitants. Many lessons on bravery, patriotism and the struggle for freedom can be learned wherever you turn in Serbia, as you pass through its cities and regions. The cultural and historical heritage of Serbia begins with prehistoric archaeological sites and its legacy from classical antiquity. Perhaps its greatest riches, though, are in the many mediaeval Serbian churches and mon- asteries, some of which are included on the UNESCO World Heritage list. All year round, numerous cultural, entertainment, traditional and sporting events are held in Serbia, demon- strating the creative power and spiritual vitality of this country. Today, Serbia is a modern, democratic European country, on the path to membership of the European Un- ion, which a diverse range of visitors – from young backpackers to participants in congresses and fairs – visit every day. Statistically, the most-visited tourist destinations are the cities of Belgrade and Novi Sad, the mountains of Kopaonik and Zlatibor and the spa towns of Vrnjačka Banja and Sokobanja. More at: http://www.serbia.travel/home.779.html Zlatibor 2 BELGRADE Belgrade (Serbian: Београд, Beograd) meaning ‘White City’ is the capital of the Republic of Serbia. Vari- ous styles of architecture dominate the city while its recent resurgence as the leading hub in south-eastern Europe makes it a must-see destination. Belgrade is the capital of Serbia and is, as such, the country’s largest city with a population of about 1.7 mil- lion people. It lies on the confluence of the two major European rivers, Sava and Danube. The city has a long history, dating back to the 4th century BC, when the area was settled by Celtic tribes. Later on, it became the Roman city of Singidunum, and relics of that era can still be seen in the city, particularly at Kalemegdan Fortress. During the Middle Ages the town changed hands between the Kingdom of Hungary and the Ser- bian Despotate (of which it was the capital) until 1521, when it was captured by the Ottoman Empire. Until Serbia retained its independence in 1878, the city again changed hands multiple times, but between the Ot- toman Empire and the Habsburg Empire. After the First World War, Belgrade became the seat of Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes (the King- dom of Yugoslavia, from 1929) until its collapse in 1941, after the subsequent German invasion. During the Second World War it was the seat of the Nazi puppet Government of National Salvation and it was heav- ily bombed twice, once by the Germans and once by the Allies. Belgrade was again liberated by the joint Yugoslav - Soviet Army, and in 1945 it became the capital of communist Yugoslavia (although the country wasn’t part of the Eastern Bloc after the notorious Yugoslav - Soviet split in 1948), led by Marshal Josip Broz Tito until his death in 1980. During this period Belgrade became the economic, cultural and political center of the Balkans, as the country was balancing itself between the East and the West. Finally, in 2006, the city became the capital city of the independent Republic of Serbia. This often violent history and outside influ- ence has colored much of Belgrade’s evolution, which is evident in its culture and architecture. Often caught between the hammer and anvil of clashing empires, the city has taken on a unique character, reminiscent of both Austrian and Turkish influences, with a unique set of Communist elements thrown in by the Marshal Tito Government. Yet, the city has its own spirit, and in it can be found some not only unique features, but also a healthy joie de vivre in its café culture, nightlife and often a Mediterranean flavor in its lifestyle. 3 Time Zone Belgrade and Serbia are located in the Central European time zone region – GMT +1 and/ or GMT +2 as of the last week in the third month until the Saturday prior to the last week of the tenth month. Electricity As in most cities of Continental Europe, the electricity voltage in Belgrade is 220V. Electrical outlets are standard European. Water Tap water in Belgrade is safe to drink. Belgrade city core is not too big. Everything between Kalemegdan, Knez Mihajlova street and Skadarska street is best viewed by foot. Other than that, it is recommended to use other means of transportation. Note that many of Belgrade’s museums are closed on Monday. It may be wise to check before making a visit. Kalemegdan - Belgrade Fortress. Once an important military fortification, it now serves as the central park of Belgrade. Accessible from the end of the Knez Mihailova street, it offers beautiful views, especially during sunset. The largest part of is a park, along with the fortress walls, with several cafes, tennis and basketball courts, museums and an observatory. Don’t forget to take a look at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, and the statue of Po- bednik (Winner), one of the symbols of Belgrade.Take tram number 2 from the railway sta- tion and disembark at the 4th stop (Kalemdag)to avoid the walking uphill. Knez Mihailova Street - main pedestrian street in Belgrade. Crowded during the day and night. Mostly shopping and numerous cafes. The Republic Square and National theater Republic Square (Main Square). Main meeting point in the city (also called kod konja - “by the horse”), right next to the statue of Mihailo Obrenovic (riding a horse), National Theater, National Mu- seum and Knez Mihailova Street. Best place to arrange a meeting. 4 Restaurant patios in Skadarlija Skadarlija (Skadarska street). Pedestrian street filled with restaurants and cafes, most in the spirit of old Belgrade. Live bands playing old Belgrade music can be heard here in the evenings. The street is paved in cobblestone so high heels are not advised. Blank-walled buildings on the south side have been painted with impressive ‘trompe-l’oeil’ paintings to add to the atmosphere. Srpskih vladara (Kralja Milana) street, connecting Belgrade Fortress, Knez Mihailova street and Republic Square with Slavija Square and The Temple of Saint Sava dominate the view as you walk towards it. Notice Terazije Fountain, Hotel Moskva (Former Palace of Russia), The Old Royal Palace, following the New Pal- ace, and theater Jugoslovensko Dramsko Pozorište, as you wander around. The Old Palace The Old Royal Palace, at Nikola Pasic Square, built in 1881, it was residence of Serbian kings, now used as Town Hall. The White Palace is a mansion located in Belgrade, Serbia. The mansion is part of the Royal Compound, a real estate of royal residences and parklands located in Dedinje, an exclusive area of Belgrade The New Palace is located next to Тhe Old Royal Palace, the square Andrićev venac 1. It was built between 1911 and 1922, as the residence of King Petar I Karađorđević. Today is the official seat of the President of the Republic of Serbia. National Assembly of Serbia The National Assembly of Serbia located across from the Old Royal Palace, at Nikola Pasic Square. Gardosh is an urban neighborhood of Belgrade. It is located in Belgrade’s municipality of Zemun. Gardos the hill, located on the right side of the river Danube, is a historical and authentic cultural environment with narrow streets, houses and historic churches. At the top of the hill, there is a tower “Sibinjanin Janko” (or Millennium Tower) - height of 36m, which opened in 1896, with a gallery and a beautiful view of the river, and Belgrade. On the hill and near by the river is a large number of restaurants with local food, seafood restaurants and floating (splav) restaurants. Belgrade Zoo, Mali Kalemegdan 8. Summer: Daily: 8:00 AM–8:30 PM, Winter: Daily: 8 AM – 5 PM., located inside the Belgrade Fortress Holy places Saint Sava Temple is the largest Orthodox - interrupted first in 1941 by WWII, and later church in Serbia, and one of the biggest by Communist authorities, the work was Orthodox churches in the whole world. only resumed in 1985.