Mariam Parekhelashvili, Georgia, graduate in Engineering and Management

My name is Mariam Parekhelashvili, I come from Georgia and currently I am studying at the University of Nova Gorica, School of Engineering and Management (Nova Gorica is a city located at the border with Italy). I am a holder of the Erasmus Mundus Infinity Scholarship. I got an opportunity to study at a Master’s programme in Slovenia.

I can say without any hesitation that Slovenia is one of the most beautiful countris for studying. First of all, it has a geographically strategic position in Europe, more or less in the geometrical centre between Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia. Students have a chance to use this aforementioned position and travel on holidays. In this small country you will see picturesque seaside towns, beautiful mountains, green hills and amazing views. I was fascinated when I saw the fabulous nature of this country. Slovenia is known worldwide as a clean and safe country. This environment is attractive and for international students it definitely plays an important role while deciding about coming here for studies. I would like to highlight the level of English in Slovenia. The majority of Slovenians are fluent in English and other languages, too. Even the old generation can offer you guidelines and help.

Studying abroad in Slovenia, Nova Gorica is a life-changing experience. Every day is a new adventure that is completely different from my life at home.
My biggest challenge of studying here was the first semester, when I still wasn’t fluent in English due to the lack of practice. The University of Nova Gorica immediately arranged English and Slovenian language courses for international students. All employees are very friendly, conscientious and attentive, always ready to listen and help you. Several times we had tea time and nice conversations with our lecturers. I was astounished by the generosity and kindness of the Slovenians and that is what makes my experience so amazing.
What regards my group mates I can definitely say we are one single team. From time to time we have group projects and our productive collaboration enables us to achieve success. I am absolutely content with the quality of my study programme and all courses offered by the University of Nova Gorica. All schools are attended by a lot of international students, everybody knows each other and we are like a one family.

Studying abroad gave me a new outlook and perception on life and other cultures around me. Of course, I learned a lot from studying abroad, including becoming fluent in a language, but how I grew as a person was an even larger gain. It allowed me to uncover hidden courage and realize aspects of myself that I never thought I possessed.

In conclusion I would say: “Good things may happen to those who wait, but the best things happen to those who try and dare to meet challenges”. I belong among the latter and I encourage you take a change which life offers you. Come to study to Slovenia, believe me, you will never regret it, as I do not regret enrolling to the University of Nova Gorica.