In Tbilisi there is a large monument on one of the hills overlooking the city called Kartlis Deda, or Mother of Georgia. Kartlis Deda is supposed to be the quintessential symbol of the Georgian spirit throughout history. In one of Kartlis Deda’s hands she holds a sword for those coming as enemies, and in the other a glass of wine for those coming as guests.
I grew up in Texas so I naturally take hospitality very seriously. However, I must say that Georgians take the idea of hospitality to a level that surpasses anything I have ever experienced. To Georgians, a guest is a gift... Read More
Pitt Global Experiences Students' Blog
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Working at Giulia Barela Jewelry (GBJ) in Rome, Italy, was my first experience outside of a nonprofit environment, and it was a great way to transition into the retail space. It was eye-opening to see a business run by an artist who is thoughtful in their designs and allows them to speak for themselves to connect with a consumer base. At GBJ, there is an excellent balance between passion and profit.
In 2012, the brand was born in the heart of Rome, where the designer, Giulia Barela herself, personally molds and casts her visions into existence in the form of wearable sculptures... Read More
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I have a Notes app entry called “Georgia Chaos Log” where I chronicle every challenging or humorous moment of my abroad experience that I don’t want to forget. Some of these entries include helping my host mom put out a kitchen fire, conspiracy theories about Americans that I hear, or getting hit with a door so hard I fell down a flight of stairs. I started this Notes app as a way to cope with everyday challenges but also as a way to reflect and laugh and feel proud of myself in retrospect.
But in revisiting my “Georgia Chaos Log” so far, I have realized that the biggest... Read More
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Before studying abroad, one aspect of traveling that I was most excited about was the food and Austria did not disappoint. Before I left, I researched “Austrian foods” and was slightly concerned with the results. I prioritize eating a variety of healthy foods, and every website listed mostly meats, breads, and desserts; however, I was being naïve. Similar to the United States, Austria had a wide array of cuisines and plenty of options. Our trip had the luxury of being able to choose dinner at one of the many surrounding restaurants almost every night. My friends and I had one rule when it... Read More
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Healthcare and history are two subjects I have always struggled with in school. I never realized their importance, and therefore, had little interest in them. I would simply memorize facts given to us on PowerPoints in class. A few weeks later, the crammed information would be forgotten. While abroad, my mindset completely changed. I was able to see and understand the impacts of healthcare and history on a country and its people. We visited historic sites, museums, and healthcare facilities which re- enforced what we learned in the class. I was surprised by how much I was able to learn... Read More
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France, comme un reve, was rich in culture and natural beauty -- exceeding my expectations and presumptions about French life. Although Rennes was adorned with cobblestone streets and charming architecture, the ignorance and racism was overt. I was adopted from China as a baby and grew up in a predominantly white area in rural Pennsylvania. After taking many French language and culture courses over the past 8 years and my life experience as a POC, I assumed I was prepared to encounter the racial ignorance in France.
Ironically, the tiktok linked below popped up on my for you page... Read More -
Throughout my program in Batumi I would often use the Russian phrase найти общий язык when speaking to people about my adjustment to Georgia, when making new friends, and when seeking understanding with my Georgian host family. Найти общий язык means “to find a common language” and usually people use this phrase when expressing the time when new friends find their rhythm and reach an understanding.
My life in Georgia was all about finding the point of understanding; whether that be in the context of an internal realization, reevaluating my own goals, making new friends, or... Read More
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CIEE’s Intensive French Language Summer Program is definitely not short of intensive. Every weekday, we had class, totaling 10 credit hours over the summer.
On an average weekday, I would wake up at 8am and commence my morning routine; wash my face, get dressed, do some light makeup, and pack my school bag. Many mornings, I avoided a tragic death at the paws of the family cat who weaved between my legs as I walked down the stairs. In the kitchen, I would grab a hard-boiled egg and piece of brioche to go. Both of my host parents worked, so I usually did not see them until dinner time... Read More -
Living in Rome was like living in a museum. The eternal city is ripe with culture and history at every corner and ingrained in every brick or piece of travertine. While abroad, I took a class called “Roman Art and Civilization: From Antiquity to the Present.” I learned all about Roman history from before the monarchy to present times with a particular focus on Rome’s material, cultural, artistic, and architectural evidence. We analyzed the Classical, Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque, as well as the modern and contemporary features of Roman art and civilization through frequent visits to... Read More
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The food was, in a word, excellent. For one, it was so much fresher than most American food. Cyprus is a small island, but it has a thriving agricultural sector and a climate perfect for growing potatoes, olives, tomatoes, and melons. So when you went to a restaurant or the supermarket, there was a good chance that the fruits and vegetables were grown locally. Like many Mediterranean cultures, there was also more of an emphasis on homemade dishes rather than the junk food drowning in preservatives that is ubiquitous on American street corners. Unsurprisingly, this diet is... Read More