Interviewer: Aytaj Aghayeva
Please introduce yourself and tell us what was the reason of choosing RheinAhrCampus from many options Tbilisi State University gives to its students?
Hello, I am Ketevan Barbakadze from Georgia. I am 21 years old and I am currently studying Economics and Business. I always wanted to challenge myself and participate in international projects. The main reason of choosing RheinAhrCampus is that I wanted to try myself in the German education system. From my school time in Georgia I wanted to get to know the teaching methods in Western Europe. Also, a friend of mine, who is a former student of RheinAhrCampus, highly recommended me to apply and to try out myself as an intern too.
What were the main benefits you gained from spending a semester at RheinAhrCampus?
Without any exaggeration, I learnt a lot during my exchange year at RheinAhrCampus. Starting from the personal skills finishing with the professional. I became more aware of different cultures and personalities, because during my year in Germany I met people from all around the world (Australia, Canada, Azerbaijan, Brazil, Albania, South Korea, Germany…). I learnt how to communicate with people, who may be constantly different from me. Also, for the first time in my life I started working in a professional enviroment, while doing the Academic Internship at Sprachen/Internationales. Mostly I improved my managerial, leadership and communication skills. Last but not least I made lifelong friendships. All the memories and adventures I shared with other exchange/local students will stay in my heart forever.
What are the top 5 things, which you will miss from studying abroad?
Hard to tell you only five things, because I will miss EVERYTHING. Studying abroad is really pushes you to go outside of your comfort zone and try new things. Firstly I will miss German culture. I really appreciate how organized and well structured are for example transportation systems. I will miss all my friends and meeting with them almost every weekend. I will never forget organizing international dinners, where we used to try dishes from each other’s cultures.
Generally, I love trying new things and studying abroad gave me the chance to try out something new every day. When you are a foreigner in intercultural environment you learn, you see, you hear unusual and new things very often. I think, this is the best way for exploring the world and broadening your horizon.
Ohh, I should not forget, that I will miss German beer :).
Is this influence of studying abroad still helping you to lead your life in a better way?
I think, RheinAhrCampus made me more professional in the international level. This experience will help me to enrich my CV and to perform better at the job interviews. Spending a year in Remagen made me more confident and turned me into an independent person. Now I really believe that there are no limitations and everything is possible if I try my hardest.
What are the things which you would change if you had the opportunity?
Honestly, I am very happy with the way I spent my year in Remagen. Because of current pandemic situations, I was not able to travel a lot. If I had the opportunity I would just travel more and meet more people, otherwise I am very satisfied with my year abroad.
What are the things which you would implement in RAC or in TSU?
I would create a student alumni system, where all former exchange students of RAC would stay in touch and share their ideas. I think, this would promote RheinAhrCampus on an international level. Former students would be better connected to each other. They would be able to organize workshops and to have a good network.
What can you say about the differences between students' life in Germany and Georgia?
Students' lives in Germany and Georgia are completely different from each other. I can say students' life in Germany is more diverse, adventurous and entertaining. What I appreciate the most is that the German students have clearly separated time for having fun-relaxing and time for studying. During the week they work hard, prepare very good for classes, but on the weekends they let themselves relax and party. It is not same in Georgia. For example I used to study and procrastinate during the week, then on the weekends I still had unfinished assignments so I still needed to spent my weekends with books and PDF files.
What recommendations do you have for the students who have a willingness to study in RheinAhrCampus?
I would recommend them to use every chance they get during their studies at RheinAhrCampus. Push yourself, be outside of your comfort zone, accept challenges, learn more about yourself and about the world.
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