GTU Welcomes First-Year International Students

A welcome event was held for international students enrolled in the first year at the Georgian Technical University. The meeting was dedicated to introducing the university, the start of student life, and familiarizing students with support opportunities. Its aim was the effective integration of young foreigners into the educational environment and acquainting them with the university's diverse resources.

The event was moderated by GTU students and by Ana Tukhareli and Giorgi Shakiashvili, employees of the university's Department of Global Academic Engagement and Institutional Visibility. A new digital character, Mr Global, also took part in the process.

Vice-Rector, Professor Tamar Tsereteli, addressed the students with a welcome speech and presented the message of the rector, academician Davit Gurgenidze. The rector's message states: "We are pleased that you have chosen Georgia and the Georgian Technical University for this important stage of your life. We believe that this decision will become the beginning of new knowledge, interesting discoveries, diverse experience and important opportunities for you. We appreciate your choice and trust in our university. We wish the years you spend here to be fruitful, interesting and unforgettable."

According to the message, GTU is a university with a history of more than a century and is among the best 7.9% of universities in the world. In the QS Stars rating system, it has been awarded three stars. The rector promises students a modern learning environment, renovated classrooms and laboratories, and the opportunity to take part in scientific research and innovative projects.

Tamar Tsereteli conveyed the rector's appeal to students to actively engage in university life, take part in scientific, cultural and sports activities, and also use their study period to better get acquainted with the history and culture of Georgia.

Vice-Rector, Professor Tamar Lominadze, also spoke at the event. She pledged comprehensive support to students in the direction of scientific research and spoke about the university's modern laboratory base, which is open to student innovations. In her words, the university will facilitate the involvement of young foreigners in international and local research projects and will help them realize their scientific potential at a global level.

During the meeting, the digital character Mr Global, generated with artificial intelligence, joined the dialogue with the moderators. It was created by GTU Faculty of Informatics and Control Systems students Teodore Janashia and Giorgi Shakiashvili. He addressed first-year students in English and, with visual materials, introduced the university's teaching and research environment, prospects for participation in international initiatives and conferences, and the diversity of student life.

The moderators introduced the students to the head of the Department of Global Academic Engagement and Institutional Visibility (GTU Global), Doctor Lela Chikovani, the staff, and student tutors. They will assist international students when needed and help them adapt to university life. The tutor team aims to support young foreigners in academic orientation, everyday organizational and logistical issues, and overcoming cultural barriers.

At the end of the event, Mr Global called on students arriving from various countries to make more new discoveries and to make the fullest use of the opportunities offered by GTU. The culmination of the meeting was the international student anthem Gaudeamus Igitur, which the digital character dedicated to those gathered.

According to the university, more than 5000 international students from 35 countries are receiving education at all three levels of study.