Juli Osepashvili, an international student from Georgia, is studying at Windesheim until the summer. For WIN, she is reporting on her experiences.
Hi there, exchange students and readers! Today’s blog will be especially relevant for exchange students and travelers all around the world. As a first-time exchange student, and this being the first country I have traveled to, staying connected to home has been incredibly important to me.
One of the most unexpected yet heartwarming experiences of my exchange journey has been meeting fellow Georgian students: people I had not known but now feel as though I have been friends with my whole life. From the first day, we connected instantly and having them here has made me feel truly at home. I never feel alone on this journey and while I am exploring new things, I do not feel too far from home because of them.
Strong support system
At the same time, this does not mean we are isolated. Yes, everyone knows that Georgians tend to stick together, but that does not mean we are not open to friendships with others. We go out to bars with other exchange students, get to know them and share experiences. It is a perfect balance: having a strong support system from my fellow Georgians while also building friendships with people from all over the world.
Of course, I want to include and introduce my amazing Georgian friends: Nata, Lizi, Keti, Mariam, and Giorgi. Our bond gets stronger every day. Whether it is supporting each other or simply sharing laughs over late-night conversations, they have truly become my second family abroad.
Georgian cuisine
One of the things we have all missed the most is Georgian cuisine. No matter how exciting it is to try new foods, nothing compares to the taste of home. So, in true Georgian spirit, we decided to bring a piece of our country to the Netherlands by cooking some of our favorite dishes, we even turned it into a competition, to see who could cook better. Also, preparing and sharing these meals was not just about the food. It was a way to relive memories, embrace our culture and feel a little closer to home.
