Impressions of alumni about CSS

Arpine Porsughyan, Graduated Transformation in the South Caucasus in 2007: ”Studying at CSS was a unique experience of both academic and personal growth for me. Among the many things I learned during the program I consider these two virtues the most important: tolerance and acceptance! Great thanks to all the organizers of the course, academic and administrative staff and all the wonderful people who made our stay in Tbilisi unforgettable!”

David Tsabutashvili, Graduated International Relations Master’s program in 2005: ”I studied at IR Master program being administered by CSS in 2004-2005. Being a student at CSS was not just attending lectures and then working on assignments and reading materials. I would say that besides these aspects, special relations among students and lecturers outside auditorium played important role in the academic process. We, students, often had interesting discussions in the library or in the computer class among each other and with lecturers as well. And these discussions were no less productive than good lectures. It is hard to say whether these relations came naturally or they were the result of the intentional activities of the administration, but the fact is that without these relations the experience gained at CSS would not be as valuable to me as it is now.”

Nona Abazyan: ”I am Nona Abazyan from Armenia (Vanadzor). Before my studies at CSS I was the Head of Project Designing and Fundraising Department of the “Armenian Constitutional Right-Protective Centre” NGO. And now, after my studies at CSS I work for “Global Business Development Program” CJSC as an Office Manager and as Civic Programs Coordinator for “Your Right – Your Choice” Civic Advocacy Grant Program implemented by “Reflection” NGO. To the question what CSS gave me during one and a half year, I would first of all refer to its non-academic aspect, as the role of any academic institution is simply to provide graduates with set of skills and knowledge, and also, I am sure that most of alumni would stress on their academic achievements. Thus, to break the traditional style, I would focus on its valuable and sustainable aspects which are in no means less important than knowledge, and these are the intercultural experience and exchange, friends from Georgia and Azerbaijan. CSS undertakes even more then is the mission of an academic institution, as through its regional programs it shows a new type of reconciliation and mini-regional cooperation as a successful model for further extension. Finally, as an alumnus of various national and international educational and professional trainings and educational programs, I would like to especially thank CSS Administration and HESP Open Society Institute for wonderful organization and management, and express my deep appreciation for opportunity of being on Master’s Program “Transformation in the South Caucasus” 2005-2007”.

Matin Asgar: ”In the summer 2005 I won two scholarships, the first to study MA in International Law at Baku State University and the second to study MA in Social Sciences at Soros funded Master’s program, Centre for Social Sciences (CSS), Tbilisi State University. My choice was on the second. During the study session at the CSS, September 2005-May 2006, I got extensive practical and theoretical knowledge in related classes instructed by practitioners from Georgian Government, Western scholars and guest lectures. The CSS provides a unique learning environment by bringing together students of diverse backgrounds and gives open, healthy opportunities to live together and share views. I studied academic writing and research methods, regional politics of South Caucasus, policy analyses, nationalism studies, strategic administration, public policy, political economy, critically thinking skills, and etc. It is one of the very important parts of CSS life and also post-CSS takings to have many friends from diverse characters, social spheres and nations. I visited CSS four times supported and initiated by CSS, during graduate thesis writing period, August 2006-February 2007 and enjoyed very much because of getting a chance to make scientific speeches at CSS auditoriums again and see my friends. I feel very much the impact of CSS experience in my social, professional and personal life.”

Neli Shiolashvili, Graduated International Relations Master’s program in 2005: ”It is honor for me to have taken the Master's Course in International Relations at the Center for Social Sciences (2004-2005). My studies at the Center were productive in many ways indeed. The Academic Program gave me a good opportunity for deeper and better understanding of International Relations theory and practice due to its well-designed methodology. I also acquired important professional skills. And last, but not least, I enormously enjoyed open and sociable atmosphere at the Center that helped me to make friends with my new colleagues. It is almost four years since I left the Center and started to work as a practitioner I am sincerely glad to hear that the CSS is developing and doing its best for the new generations of students. To me, as to the alumni, it will be the pleasure to stay in touch with the Center and its professional staff in future as well.”