1. Who We Are

The Academic Bridge Foundation (“we”, “us”, or “our”) is a Romanian educational foundation dedicated to reconnecting international alumni of Romanian universities and creating educational opportunities for future students.

Legal entity:
Academic Bridge Foundation
Bulevardul Take Ionescu nr. 52, Timișoara, Romania
Email: contact@academicsbridge.com
Phone: +40 721 419 279

We act as the data controller for personal data collected through this website and our programs.

2. Scope of This Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, share, and protect your personal data when you:

• Visit our website
• Register as an alumnus
• Submit or support student applications
• Contact us or participate in our programs and events
• Engage with our alumni network or local chapters

This policy applies in accordance with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Romanian data protection legislation.

3. Categories of Personal Data We Collect

3.1 Identity and Contact Data

Full name, country of residence, nationality, email address, phone number, and postal address (when provided).

3.2 Academic and Professional Data

University attended in Romania, field of study, graduation year, current profession, and professional background.

3.3 Application and Program Data

Academic transcripts, diplomas, certificates, recommendation letters, personal statements, and identification documents (such as passports) submitted for scholarship or program purposes.

3.4 Technical and Usage Data

IP address, browser type, device information, and website usage data collected through cookies and analytics tools.

4. How We Collect Your Data

We collect personal data directly from you when you submit forms, register for programs, communicate with us, or participate in events. We may also collect technical data automatically through cookies and analytics tools when you visit our website.

5. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal data on the following legal grounds:

• Consent – when you voluntarily submit information or register for our programs;
• Contractual necessity – to process your application, participation, or alumni registration;
• Legal obligation – to comply with Romanian and EU legal requirements;
• Legitimate interest – to operate, improve, and protect our educational mission and programs.

6. How We Use Your Personal Data

We use your personal data for the following purposes:

• Managing alumni registrations and maintaining the alumni network
• Processing and evaluating student applications and nominations
• Facilitating connections between alumni, students, and partner institutions
• Organizing events, programs, and chapter activities
• Communicating important updates and opportunities
• Improving our website and services

We do not sell your personal data or use it for unrelated commercial marketing purposes.

7. Data Sharing and Third Parties

We may share your personal data only when necessary with:

• Romanian universities and academic institutions
• Partner educational organizations and universities abroad
• Local foundation chapters and alumni coordinators
• Service providers (such as hosting, IT infrastructure, and communication tools)
• Legal or public authorities when required by law

All third parties are contractually required to handle your data securely and in compliance with GDPR.

8. International Data Transfers

Because of our international mission, your personal data may be transferred outside the European Economic Area (EEA), particularly to partner organizations and alumni chapters in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

When we transfer data internationally, we implement appropriate safeguards, including Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) approved by the European Commission, data processing agreements, and additional protective measures where required.

9. Data Retention

We retain personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, including:

• The duration of your participation in our programs
• Legal, accounting, and administrative obligations
• The ongoing operation of our alumni network and scholarship programs

When data is no longer needed, it is securely deleted or anonymized.

10. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal data against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include secure hosting, access controls, encryption where appropriate, and regular security reviews.

11. Your Rights Under GDPR

You have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• Right to access your personal data
• Right to rectify inaccurate or incomplete data
• Right to erasure (“right to be forgotten”)
• Right to restrict or object to processing
• Right to withdraw consent at any time
• Right to data portability
• Right to lodge a complaint with the Romanian National Supervisory Authority for Personal Data Processing (ANSPDCP)

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details in Section 14.

12. Cookies

We use cookies and similar technologies to ensure the proper functioning of our website, analyze traffic, and improve user experience. You can manage or disable cookies through your browser settings. Please note that disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of the website.

13. Processing of Children’s Data

We may process personal data of individuals under 18 years of age only when necessary for scholarship or academic programs, and only with the consent of a parent or legal guardian. We apply heightened protection when handling data relating to minors.

14. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your data protection rights, please contact us:

Academic Bridge Foundation
Bulevardul Take Ionescu nr. 52, Timișoara, Romania
Email: contact@academicsbridge.com
Phone: +40 721 419 279

15. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated “Last updated” date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.