After re-reading my journal entries in my personal diary from my trip, I can see first-hand what lessons I learned. Georgia, a beautiful country with a laid-back way of life, has shown me what kind of life I envision for myself. I was able to experience many different terrains- the sea, the mountains, and the…
Author: Hunter Fanella
Hi all! My name is Hunter Fanella and I am from Indiana, PA and I’m a recent senior student at the University of Pittsburgh. My majors are International Relations and Russian, and my minor is Spanish. This summer I am studying abroad in Tbilisi, Georgia and next academic year I will be studying abroad in Almaty, Kazakhstan! So, I will be graduating in Fall 2026 or Spring 2027. Upon graduation, I hope to be working abroad and using my language skills!
The Meaning of Ancestry and History in Georgia
When visiting my friend’s Georgian relatives, they were all quick to ask me “where are you from?” A few days later, another Georgian man asked me the same question. Immediately, I answered with the truth, American. Both my grandparents and parents are from America; thus, it is the only right answer. In both instances, the…
You’re Never Late in Georgia
In my mind, showing up somewhere on time is considered late. Being 5 or more minutes early is important, and I am always sure to have an explanation ready if I arrive somewhere even 1 minute late. However, lateness seems to be a well-known trend in Georgia, and I am trying to understand it. On…
Questioning my Future? Growing Personally and Professionally Abroad
Since I started studying at university, it has always been important for me to study abroad and make improvements on the languages that I am learning. All of my future goals revolve around living abroad and using different languages. When I finally got the opportunity to study in Georgia, it felt unreal, as my dreams…
5-Minutes from Gate to Gate and First Time Abroad
Before a few weeks ago, I had never left the United States, nor had I ever even travelled alone before! Thus, my trip to Tbilisi, Georgia in Eastern Europe is a trip of “firsts”. Ever since I was young, I had always wanted to study abroad. When taking my first tour to the University of…