Georgia Meets Global Education: Wittenborg Attends Study Abroad Expo in Tbilisi

Creating Pathways for Georgian Students to Study Abroad at Wittenborg

During a recent visit to Georgia, Mykhailo Huba, Wittenborg’s Regional Admissions Manager, not only attended the Study Abroad Fall Expo in Tbilisi but also engaged in several key activities that strengthened Wittenborg’s partnerships in the region. His visit highlighted the growing interest among Georgian students in studying abroad, particularly in the Netherlands, while underscoring the importance of cultivating international educational collaborations.

The Study Abroad Fall Expo, held on 26 October at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Tbilisi and organised by Training Lab, drew around 350 attendees including high school students and professionals considering further studies. The event provided Huba with the opportunity to introduce Wittenborg’s diverse range of programmes, including English-taught degrees and merit-based scholarships. Reflecting on the fair, Huba said, “Students in Georgia have strong English skills and are eager to study abroad. While the Netherlands may not be a common choice for Georgian students, attending this event was essential to raise awareness about the opportunities available.”

The expo was particularly successful in showcasing the Netherlands as a study destination, a concept that remains relatively unfamiliar to many in Georgia. Huba’s presentation to final-year high school students at the Logos Academy earlier in the week complemented this effort, focusing on studying business in the Netherlands and the broader benefits of international education.

The visit also allowed Huba to foster relationships with education agents and institutional partners. He met with representatives from several key agencies including UIC Tbilisi Georgia, Anglo-Georgia, Ell.ge and Study Abroad Consulting Hub. “The meetings were constructive, and I am looking forward to furthering our cooperation,” he remarked, expressing gratitude for the hospitality he received.

Additionally, Huba strengthened ties with Georgian universities including Georgian National University SEU and Business and Technology University (BTU). At SEU, he met with Nino Urushadze, head of the International Relations Office, to discuss a potential collaboration on student exchange programmes under ICM projects. “We had a fruitful conversation, and I hope that our project will come to fruition as soon as possible,” he noted.

At BTU, where Wittenborg already has a long-standing partnership, Huba discussed new Erasmus+ and KA171 opportunities with Ani Chelishvili, Director of Development and International Relations. He also reconnected with Tornike Bolkvadze, a dual alumnus of BTU and Wittenborg who now leads BTU’s AI Lab. Huba praised Bolkvadze, saying, “I am proud of Tornike and hope he will have a successful career. I am looking forward to working with him, Ani and BTU.”

Through events like the Study Abroad Fall Expo and collaborations with local institutions, Huba’s visit highlighted Wittenborg’s commitment to expanding its international reach. It also reflected the lively culture of Tbilisi, which he found both welcoming and inspiring. “The city’s hospitality and vibrant street art made the experience even more memorable,” he said.

WUP 25/11/2024 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press