Nia, you came to Lithuania from Georgia. How did you learn about IIRPS VU and choose to study Politics of Global Challenges?

Since eighth grade, I have known that I wanted to study overseas. In eleventh grade, I truly began searching for universities and came across IIRPS VU. There were plenty of reasons why the Politics of Global Challenges programme stuck out to me, but the main appeal was that it seemed different from other programmes and covered more ground than just traditional political sciences. I also liked the upcoming subjects in our course and found myself interested to study them.

What study subjects have you found most interesting so far?

It is very difficult to choose since every subject has its own appeal. The two that I found most interesting if I had to choose, are the Foundations of Practical Philosophy by Dr. Simas Čelutka, where I really enjoyed discussing various philosophers and their viewpoints, as well as connecting them to our personal lives along with today’s political reality, and Transformations of Global Order by Dr. Thomas Peak, in which we covered a wide range of issues and subjects related to contemporary politics and the global order.

Being active in students’ representation, how do you spend your leisure time inside and outside the university?

That’s a very interesting question. I try my best to stay as active as possible and make the most of my time studying abroad. Apart from taking time for myself during my leisure time, I enjoy exploring Vilnius and learning more about the place I currently live in. I am also a member of VU SR (Vilnius University Students’ Representation) and part of the organization team for Political Scienticsts’ Days 2024, so that is where my main focus is as of now.

As an international student, what was the main challenge related to your start of studies in Vilnius, and how did you overcome it?

In my opinion, most international students find it difficult during their first few months in a new place with a different culture. The weather is something else I would want to talk about. I had no idea how cold winter was in Lithuania, even though lots of people were preparing me for it before coming here. How did I overcome it? I guess I just had to get some tips and tricks from my Lithuanian friends on how to endure it. But I think it will take more time for me to get used to it…

Can you elaborate on what is happening in your home country, Georgia, right now? Why is it important to know about it?

Thank you for asking this question. Currently, Georgian citizens are protesting against the “foreign agents” law that is being reintroduced by our government. A similar bill had been withdrawn in March 2023 as a result of large-scale protests. Experts believe the “foreign agents” law is in no way similar to the legislation in the USA or the EU as it claims to be. There is no mention of encouraging transparency or specifying which activities or whose interests it is “protecting” Georgian citizens from. This law aims to hinder the country’s path towards EU integration. This is not in the citizens’ interest, considering that over 84% of Georgians wish to join the European Union (I would like to credit the UCL Georgian Society for the information). These protests, in my opinion, further demonstrate Georgians’ strong desire to join the European Union, distance ourselves from our occupier country – Russia, and further develop as a democratic country.

What would you like to wish the IIRPS VU community?

First of all, I would like to say that the wonderful community we have here is the first thing I always mention to those who ask about Vilnius University and IIRPS VU. Especially my course, Politics of Global Challenges. I appreciate how fellow international students and Lithuanians come together to build such a diverse circle. My wish for the IIRPS community is that it continues to be this strong of a group with interesting individuals who have a lot to offer to today’s society.