Learning any new language is a daunting task. Regardless of any prior experience of language learning, picking up a new language always means new grammar rules, vocabulary, sounds, and if you’re lucky, a new alphabet.
Tag: Tbilisi
Learning Georgian Online
Why choose Georgian? I have wanted to learn Georgian and the other languages of the Caucasus countries since I was an undergraduate studying the area as part of my major but had never found the opportunity to do so. Then five years ago I had the opportunity to study Armenian in Armenia. I would be so close I knew I must visit Georgia while I was there.
Reflections After Three Weeks
Ideally, I would be writing this on a table somewhere in the vicinity of Tbilisi, perhaps at an outdoor locale overlooking the picturesque scenery of the region. But we must play the hand we are dealt, and alas, Fortune has postponed (but not cancelled) my hopes of travel in the Caucasus. That is life. We must adjust, and I believe we have done so to the best as circumstances may allow.
My Host Family in Tbilisi
One of my biggest fears when thinking about studying abroad was living with a host family. What if I don’t get along with them? What if there is too big of a language barrier? What if they have an incompatible lifestyle from me? But after spending a little over a month with my host family …
First Impressions of Azerbaijan
For the past four days, my program (Peace and Security in the South Caucasus) has been privileged to tour Baku and a few other places in Azerbaijan—one of Georgia’s neighboring countries. Prior to this brief trip, I had never been to Azerbaijan and it was interesting to finally see the country we had discussed this …
Excursion to Kazbegi, Georgia
One of the best experiences I’ve had during my time in Georgia was a trip to the northern city of Kazbegi. Kazbegi has the famous Gergeti Trinity Church which is situated on a mountain top with another range of mountains in the background. When I Googled Georgia before coming, the iconic photo of the church …
Arriving in Tbilisi, Georgia
When I signed up for a study abroad trip, I mainly only looked at what I would learn in terms of academics. It wasn’t until I was navigating the Dulles International Airport in Washington D.C. that I realized how much more there is to learn outside of a classroom while studying in another country. My …
Walking in Urban and Rural Georgia
In my first study abroad experience — 3 months in Barcelona — I found that some of my most redeeming experiences and memories came from simply exploring the city. Granted, there hasn’t been much time to do so in Tbilisi with busy weekdays of classes and frequent weekend excursions. However, I have managed to carve …
Georgian Hospitality in Action
So, I have been rather spectacularly sick this past week. Horrible timing, as it overlapped with our program's trip out to Batumi and the last week in Tbilisi. Somehow, I am always ill the last week of July, which is somewhat impressive considering it is neither flu nor cold season. Luckily, the worst of it …
Where Are You From?
This question is ubiquitous when you meet new people – whether in the United States or traveling overseas. Granted, it is easy to answer abroad: я из Америки, из США. Most people can guess I am American anyway, especially when surrounded by other Americans, by volume, laughter, and most likely, dress. Still, some may wish …
