Alumni

Mildred Gebert studied for DaF/DaZ (German as foreign / second language) and Caucasus Studies as BA and Caucasus Studies as well as Slavonic Languages and Cultures as MA (the latter at the University of Leipzig).

Why did you study at our institute?

Actually I did not have any specific underlying reason for why I studied Caucasus studies. I applied for DaF/DaZ (German as foreign / second language) and was looking for an additional minor subject for the BA. I could not find anything interesting in the list of offered programs. But then I discovered Caucasus Studies, which I had never heard of before. I first informed myself on the webpage of the institute and borrowed the book "Der Kaukasus: Geschichte-Kultur-Politik" (The Caucasus: History, culture, politics) from the university library (which I would recommend for a first contact with the region). Then I had a first meeting at the institute, I got very excited and decided to enroll.

Another reason for taking Caucasus Studies is the outstanding supervision by the lecturers. The institute is small with a very friendly atmosphere and stuff members are always available for help. In Caucasus Studies at the FSU Jena one finds solid expert knowledge that is backed by a long tradition as well as good contacts and relationships in every part of the world. The students are closely involved in the process of class planning so that course plans and schedules of lectures and seminars are adjusted to everyone’s needs timewise.

How did you profit from your studies?

Caucasus Studies is certainly one of the most varied subjects one can study. In addition to the (unbelievably many) languages and cultures, there are especially many aspects of political science in the region to be examined. Because of the possibility of setting focal points in the courses, one can deepen the area in which one is particularly interested.

In addition to Georgian and Russian, as well as Armenian, which one can study at the University of Halle, you learn how many languages can fit into such a small place.

I was particularly interested in political science. The political conditions are very diverse and sometimes also very tense. In the Caucasus, the world-wide political situation can sometimes be observed like under a magnifying glass. Many big actors play a role and attempts are made to influence the political processes of the nation states from many sides, often not to the advantage of the population.

And also with regard to the different cultures there are always new things to discover. I can only recommend everyone to visit the region, be it as a tourist or researcher. During my stays in Georgia and Armenia I have made many experiences that I would never want to miss. Apart from the unbelievable warmness and hospitality of the locals, the breathtaking landscape will of course remain in my memory. Besides the academic knowledge I gained through field research, I also learned all sorts of things for life: for example, how to skillfully avoid potholes when there is hardly any road left and avoid flocks of sheep, how to make wine and that absolutely every household always has the best quality wine, that I am far too much German to learn how to trade and negotiate on the market and that those who have the least give the most.

The only thing I have not managed to do so far was to pay for my food myself at least once when I am accompanied by Georgians.

What do you do now?

Who knows where life will take me, but right now I work in the hospitality industry. As it turns out, this is probably my dream job and I have certainly learned a lot from the hospitality in the Caucasus.