Tamar Vardia
Masaryk University (Czech Republic)
Tamar Vardia, Master program student of faculty of law spent Fall semester of the 2023-2024 academic year in Czech Republic, at the Masaryk University (Brno) within the Erasmus+ ICM program. This mobility semester turned out to be different and full with the interesting experiences. Her expectations regarding the exchange program were justified in all directions. As Tamar says, this program helped her to become more self-confident and developed her communication skills.
Talking about the benefits of the exchange programs, Tamar highlights the living independently in the foreign country. “"Perhaps the most important thing is to realize that you are alone in a completely foreign city and you have only yourself to rely on. Although I have been living independently for a long time, I think it is quite another thing to experience this in another country. Therefore, this program helps us overcome inner fear. The perception of a person's personal life here is also very important: nobody cares here, it doesn't matter where you come from. Everyone is equal, so you can be who you really are. During this time I learned that there is no shame in asking questions and you can express your opinion at any time without being judged by others. On the contrary, everyone tries to help you, to understand your individual desire, to think, and no one will try to impose their opinion on you. In a word, it is necessary to be in a healthy environment. As for improving professional skills, I would single out the processing of literature in a foreign language, writing a paper, and improving presentation skills."
One of the important moments of exchange programs is new study courses. For Tamar, such a subject turned out to be cyber law. "This course was of a general nature, which significantly deepened the knowledge on various issues related to cyber law. The following issues come to mind as interesting: the use of artificial intelligence for educational purposes, the history of the development of cyber law, the legal responsibility of Internet Service Providers (ISP), cyber security, Internet consumption, important decisions regarding platforms, issues regarding personal data protection" - Tamar Vardia.
As Tamari points out, student life in the Czech Republic is drastically different from Georgia. "The main concern of students abroad is only studying. It is unimaginable for them to work full-time and study at the same time, even at the level of a master's program. When they heard that I had been working in the public service since the age of 20, they could not hide their surprise. There, upon completion of the master's degree, they undergo an internship and only after that they start working full-time."
One semester spent in the Czech Republic will remain an interesting memory in Tamara's memory. Returning to Georgia, she will miss the park "Kravi Hora", near the student residence, from where you can see a beautiful view of the sunset. Also the foggy days that make this city of Brno magical."
Tamar's recommendation to other students is as follows: “Be sure to participate in an exchange program and experience for yourself the joy of overcoming all barriers. Realize from the beginning that you will not have an easy path, however, each experience will make you stronger and more confident in your own abilities.