Prof. Dr. Lalka Borisova
My Erasmus week took place at Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University (TSU), Georgia—a spiritual and an intellectual successor of the centuries-old Georgian culture, humanistic traditions, and historic Georgian educational, scientific, and cultural centers. TSU currently educates around 25,000 students.
TSU has up to 400 institutional partners, including universities and research centers, across 56 countries.
Between 2015 and 2021, 364 projects involving TSU were funded through the Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility program. From 2020 to 2022, 107 projects were financed through partnerships with over 100 universities in 29 European countries and 26 universities in 10 Asian countries.
Our training program was perfectly organized and executed. We were welcomed by the Vice-Rector for Internationalization; a representative from the Ministry of Education, Science, and Youth of Georgia; a representative from the Erasmus+ National Office of Georgia; and vice-rectors from TSU. The cultural program included a guided walking tour of the Old Town of Tbilisi and a welcome dinner.
The second day of the training was held under the theme “International Profile of TSU – Mapping Priorities,” moderated by Tea Gergedava, Head of the External Relations Department and Institutional Erasmus+ Coordinator. We learned about the development of TSU’s institutional quality culture and its path toward internationalization. Our cultural experience that day included a guided visit to the Georgian National Museum.
On the third day, we were presented with findings from a study on the personal, professional, and institutional benefits of Erasmus+ by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ekaterine Pirtskhalava from the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences. We also engaged in discussions with beneficiaries and faculty members. The participants had the opportunity to present the work of their respective universities. The cultural program that day featured a concert at the Tbilisi State Conservatoire.
The fourth day included lectures on the journey toward internationalization, mental health, and doctoral studies. At the formal luncheon, we were awarded certificates for the training.
Our final day was a cultural immersion experience: we visited a winery and took part in traditional Georgian winemaking and culinary activities—unlocking the secrets of authentic Georgian wine and cuisine.
Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University is a higher education and research center that upholds European values and plays an important role on the international stage.
I am deeply satisfied that I have had the opportunity to experience this academic institution and Georgian culture firsthand, and to visit Tbilisi—a city with ancient roots and a bold vision for the future.
