Georgia- Study Destination
For decades, most Indian students went to North America to pursue their further education. Of course, there is no doubt that most American universities offer excellent education, which is recognized globally. However, over the past decade America has changed. It has become a lot more expensive in terms of tuition and the American government has started to introduce strict and very rigid regulations for obtaining a student visa. Finally, the crime rate all over the USA has soared. Almost every week there are reports of mass shootings and campus violence is growing. For these reasons, another great option for Indians who wish to pursue further education is just to the North of India- in the former republic of the Soviet Union- Georgia.
Georgia has several top ranked universities which are run by the state. These universities offer almost every type of course or diploma that one can get in the USA such as nursing, medicine, emergency medicine, physiotherapy, engineering and so on. Besides Indians, students from other nations include Sri lanka,Turkey, Canada, Azerbaijan, Armenia an Ukraine. While some students come here independently, many others come as a part of students exchange program as arranged by the universities.
Some of the top ranked universities in Georgia include IvaneJavakhishvili Tbilisi State, Ilia State, AkakiTsereteli State, International Black Sea and David Tvildiani Medical University.There are many more.
The fees for studying in most universities in Georgia vary from $4,000- $8000 for a semester which is a tenth of the cost in the USA. The universities all follow a European union syllabus which allows the graduate to seek employment anywhere in Europe, if the opportunity arises.
So what is lifelike in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia?
Indian students who come here mention that while Georgia overall may not be as developed as the USA, it is still better developed than India, much cleaner, bigger and definitely less crowded. All the homes are furnished and have heating. The classrooms are well equipped and they have also a good transportation system. The universities also offer access to the internet and have comprehensive libraries.
Food and renting in Georgia is very comparable to India but of course the variety of spices is less. English is widely spoken by most people in the capital. However, because of influx of other Europeans one may hear many other languages.
Outside of the university, Tbilisi has a vibrant night life and offers ample outdoor opportunities such as recreational sports, water activities and exploring the countryside. Mind you, Georgia is a cold country with its frigid winters, so when you come here, you will definitely need winter clothes.
The majority of Indians who have come to Georgia remain satisfied. The country is very safe and the people are extremely friendly towards other races and cultures.
Most students who go to Tbilisi say that the experience of going to a former soviet republic was exciting. In the end, they got education, met people of a different culture and got a decent job back home.
