Bridge the Gap: an Interview with Davit

I learned about this study visit through a Facebook page that shares such initiatives. A year ago, I had participated in a similar four-day project in Italy, so I thought this might be a great opportunity to explore an interesting country and meet wonderful people. Now, I can confidently say that I did just that, but it turned out to be so much more than I had expected.

I gained valuable insights into the professional world, European Union projects, and society in general during this experience. There were several aspects that I found enjoyable. Rzeszów is a charming, clean, and well-located city, and the use of non-formal education greatly enhanced the workshops, making them my favourite part of this experience.

Throughout the program, I collaborated with individuals who, like me, were not from Georgia. We had a diverse mix of participants, including people from Ukraine and various African countries, each bringing their unique perspectives, backgrounds, and, most importantly, their different life stories into the mix. As a result, when it came to brainstorming ideas, fostering creativity, and thinking outside the box, our differences became our greatest strengths.

The study visit was titled “Bridge the Gap,” and I believe that the connections we forge with others act as the bridges, while the gap represents each one of us. We all hail from different countries, were raised in distinct families, belong to diverse cultures, carry unique pasts, and possess different ways of thinking and being. However, this project brings together individuals from various backgrounds and unites us. 

We learn from one another, share laughter, and, in the end, we will miss each other. This experience grants us the capacity to become more understanding, accepting, and open-minded, transcending our differences…

This experience underscored, for me, the profound significance of programs like this. Even if I never have the chance to speak with anyone from this program again—though I sincerely hope that’s not the case—the impact of these connections and the foundations of these bridges will endure. 

I would strongly recommend that anyone with the opportunity should explore the world, exchange ideas, meet new people, and embrace diverse cultures. After all, through this exploration, you not only gain a deeper understanding of the world but also a greater insight into yourself.

–Davit Barbakadze, 24 years old, Georgian