We know that it is always good to receive also some information at first hand to get a general idea how it is to study at the certain university abroad. That’s why we want to point out to the experience report from our student who spent one semester at the university in Tbilisi:
My name is Nele and I’m an industrial engineering student at the Leibniz University Hannover. During the winter semester 2021/2022, I participated in the academic exchange program at the Georgian Institute of Public Affairs (GIPA) in Tbilisi.
First, I have to mention that my semester was of course influenced by the pandemic. However, this did not really negatively affect anything about this incredible experience. Although we had online classes throughout the semester, I met many exchange students from other countries. Fortunately, the restrictions in Georgia were not as wide as in Germany, so we were able to do a lot like going to restaurants or bars/clubs or travel through the country.
The time in Tbilisi was super fun, because there were so many different things to experience. Hiking to Mtatsminda Park and enjoying the incredible view over the city, strolling through the Old Town, second-hand shopping, playing football with other exchange students and relaxing in a park are only a few things to do in Tbilisi.
Through the online lectures, we were able to travel to quite a few places in Georgia. The breathtaking landscape, which is suitable for hiking, skiing, lying on the beach and much more, was always impressive.
Considering the academic part of my exchange, GIPA has four faculties with different areas of focus, so there is a wide range of English-spoken courses. The lectures are more comparable to lessons in school in Germany. There are usually between 10 and 25 students in a course and the courses last between 2 and 3 hours. Instead of a final exam, the exams are divided into homework, presentations or small tests.
As a conclusion, the GIPA in Tbilisi is an amazing destination for an academic exchange. I am extremely thankful for what I was able to experience in this semester.
A more detailed report (in German) and pictures can be found here: https://www.wiwi.uni-hannover.de/fileadmin/wiwi/pdf/international/Erfahrungsberichte/EB_Georgien_WS2122.pdf
Don’t miss the chance, apply and enjoy the studies in the wonderful atmosphere of warm-hearted Tbilisi!
