Davit Chankseliani

Why did you choose to study at Bard College Berlin? 
I was looking for a university in an urban environment that provided a liberal arts education. I accidentally discovered Bard College Berlin and it seemed like a perfect choice. It is located in one of the most urban cities of the world and is based on the idea of liberal arts. Moreover, the Economics, Politics and Social Thought (EPST) program offered at BCB strongly resonated with me and my academic interests. It included everything I wanted to learn about, be that political science, international relations, economics, etc. Other than that, small classroom sizes, internship, and civic engagement opportunities were why I decided to come to Bard College Berlin after being accepted.

How would you describe our community in a nutshell?
I would describe it as welcoming. It is very easy to approach people and there is always going to be someone who is willing to help you out.

Where is your favorite place to study on campus?
My favorite place to study on campus besides my room would be the K24 study room. Plenty of books, lamps, comfortable sofas and wooden chairs create a great atmosphere for studying.

Are you involved in any student clubs or organizations? If so, which ones?
I co-run the "English Hour" an initiative by the civic engagement office, which allows people from our neighborhood in Pankow to come to BCB, and practice their spoken English skills with BCB students. It is one of my favorite activities on campus, enabling me to give back to our community and better integrate in our neighborhood. I also co-run the Debating Club, which meets every Tuesday. We discuss various debating formats and organize mock debates as well.

Favorite book you read in a class, and why?
Plato's Republic. It is a fundamental text that maintains its relevancy nowadays, and I find myself going back to its ideas quite often

Write briefly about one of your courses that left a lasting impression on you.
Despite being a politics student, I decided to take a course called: "Critical Perspectives on Berlin's New Cultural Venue Humboldt Forum." For each class we meet at Humboldt Forum - one of the biggest cultural venues in the city - and explore one of its aspects. I am still amazed how at BCB, Berlin, and its establishments can become your classroom. The course itself is an intersection of art, management, politics, and history - everything that I love. It has deepened and reimagined my understanding of not only Humboldt Forum, but Berlin and cultural spaces in general.

What surprised you the most about BCB?
Professors know their students by their names and are always willing to provide guidance whenever necessary, even if you have finished taking their class. They also provide plenty of opportunities for students to engage outside the classroom.

Your favorite thing to do in Berlin on the weekends?
Checking out various events Berlin has to offer by myself or with friends - be that art, sport, culture-related, etc.

What are your plans for after BCB?
I am letting the opportunities to guide me, but I would like to continue my studies through a postgraduate degree

What does a liberal arts education mean to you?
For me, liberal arts education means continuously expanding your horizons. I cherish the opportunity provided by the liberal arts education to explore various academic fields. In retrospect, it has helped me grow not only academically but individually as well