Georgian Technical University Erasmus+ students have made the presentations about Georgia and GTU for Portuguese youth at the Polytechnic Institute of Beja (IPBeja).

Levan Japaridze and Zezva Zviadadze, undergraduate students (3rd year students) of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Biosystems Engineering, are studying at the Polytechnic Institute of Beja in Portugal, within the framework of the Erasmus + exchange program (2020/21 academic year, spring semester). Portuguese colleagues have already sent Thank-you Letters for GTU students twice. "Levan Japaridze and Zezva Zviadadze made some very interesting presentations. They introduced their country and native university to Portuguese and other European students. We are sure that many employees and students will be interested in the Georgian Technical University and will visit Tbilisi.” - say the representatives of the IPBeja. Portuguese Professors are impressed by the involvement of Georgian students in the cultural and social activities of the Polytechnic Institute of Beja and, of course, their academic performance.

As Georgian students note, getting acquainted with the history and culture of our country is very interesting for European students and professors. "Not only Portuguese but also students from different countries were very interested in GTU with a centuries-old history. We will be very happy if our presentations, one way or another, introduce them the opportunities that the Technical University can provide to international students,”- says Levan Japaridze.

Zezva Zviadadze noted that a few presentations were not enough for the popularization of Georgian culture and our university. "Foreign students are constantly asking us about our ancient history, language, script. They are also interested in GTU curriculum and English language courses offered by the Technical University. I am sure many of them will come to Georgia, whether it is for tourism or a study visit," - he said.

Zezva Zviadadze is a student of food technology direction. Together with his IPBeja academic coordinator Prof. Maria Joao and Prof. Joao Dias, they are working on a project in which they produce a Georgian product - Churchkhela and study its chemical composition, rheological properties and more. Their main goal is to create a 100% natural, modern, sophisticated version of Churchkhela with "environmentally friendly" packaging.

Levan Japaridze (student of agronomy direction), along with educational and social activities, is involved in the sports life of the institute. He joined a local basketball team as a professional athlete. He is already actively participating in sports events and deserves great approval from the coach.

GTU students are highly satisfied with IPBeja. They point out that the learning spaces and laboratories are equipped with modern technologies and equipment, which facilitates the involvement in the teaching process and makes the learning process more interesting. They say that Polytechnic Institute of Beja offers high standards to international Students. They advise their friends and colleagues to definitely take a chance and go on an exchange program at IPBeja, which will give them unforgettable memories and impressions.

Georgian Technical University and Polytechnic Institute of Beja have fruitful cooperation during several years. Georgian and Portuguese students, as well as academic and administrative staff have the opportunity to participate in the Erasmus + exchange project under an inter-institutional agreement between the two institutions. Several students and professors have already benefited from this project.

Polytechnic Institute of Beja consists of four schools: College of Agriculture, School of Education, School of Technology and Management, and School of Health. The number of students at Polytechnic Institute of Beja is 3,500. IPBeja focuses on establishing and strengthening links with local, national and international employers, industry and other national organizations. In order to apply theoretical knowledge in practice, a large proportion of students undergo practical training, integrated activities, or additional periods of vocational training.