Georgy Kalakutskii

Why did you choose to study at Bard College Berlin? 
BCB seemed to be a rare place that cared not just about my academic background and interests, but also the human rights work I do outside of my studies.

How would you describe our community in a nutshell?
A bunch of caring people. Caring about each other, considerate of what’s happening around them on both local and international scale.

Where is your favorite place to study on campus?
Favorite place to study is yet to be discovered. But I can already say that there’s probably no better feeling than cycling through campus in the morning and saying hi to at least a couple of dozens of lovely people.

Are you involved in any student clubs or organizations? If so, which ones?
Have to say, I’m not consistently involved in student clubs, but other students do know that they count on my support pretty much anywhere, be it organizing a party or planning a more serious political/social event.

Favorite book you read in a class, and why?
The Black Jacobins by C.L.R. James. I’ll probably come back to rereading it a few more times in the coming years, but for now it’s certainly one of the most eye-opening pieces this year. In short, world’s colonial history can always surprise, no matter how much you read about it.

Write briefly about one of your courses that left a lasting impression on you.
Being a fresh transfer student, I am covering 3 core subjects in a single semester and often feel sympathetic glances of my peers. And yet, Origins of Political Economy so far is my favorite subject. I had no idea there’s a possibility to cover so much critical theory in a seemingly foundational course. Making a leap from Confucius to Marx does really hit different and that’s exactly something I hoped to get at BCB.

What surprised you the most about BCB?
There’s certainly always room for improvement, but it’s my first time being in an institution that seem to stick to its values on every level. Probably, it’s the size that helps us keep it this way – everyone I met here so far is no less than a treasure <3

Your favorite thing to do in Berlin on the weekends?
Meeting with my outside-of-campus friends to recharge and remember about the life outside of the studies and work. Drinking tea in a Greek tea house, planning a summer festival, volunteering at the bar at their event or anything else that helps me reconnect with the real world and not stuff happening on my screen.

What are your plans for after BCB?
After so many years working in human rights, I assume I will continue this path. Whether I immediately do Master’s or not, I’ll either way stay somewhere close to the third sector, democratization and such.

What does a liberal arts education mean to you?
For me it was always about caring and acknowledging the context, being ready to debate and be debated, seek answers and be mindful of bias.