Help Liza go to Graduate School

Liza Tabliashvili is organizing this fundraiser.

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I am Liza Tabliashvili, a 21-year-old Georgian finishing my undergraduate degree at Bard College Berlin. I was recently admitted to my dream graduate school, The Hertie School, MA of International Affairs. But unfortunately, I lack the finances to afford the tuition fee.

For the longest time, I was hesitant to share my story online, but I am too close to my goal to let my doubt stand in the way of my ambition, so I am taking a leap of faith.

I would be grateful if you take a couple of minutes to read my story and consider supporting me in this final push I need to pursue my graduate education, which I hope to use in standing up against Russian imperialism in Georgia and beyond.

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Witnessing the 2008 Russo-Georgian war and its devastating effects on Georgian society, I felt the urge to contribute to increasing awareness about the threats Russia poses to its neighboring countries. Therefore, I decided to connect my studies and career to Russia's expansionary foreign policy and become a public policy expert.

I was determined to seek education abroad to have access to better educational resources, expand my perspectives and learn from international peers. I received financial aid to pursue education at the United World Colleges in Armenia and Bard College Berlin, where I acquired an International Baccalaureate Diploma and a BA Degree in Politics and Ethics. My passion for social justice pushed me to engage in community service alongside my studies in Armenia and Germany. From designing and administering feminist projects to being involved in youth education programs, I helped reduce the inequalities in opportunity that characterize our current society. I also worked at Humanity in Action, an international organization that empowers young people to become leaders of their community and defend human rights.

At Bard College Berlin, my education has been interdisciplinary as I focused on political economy, social contract theories, and French and British colonialism. I learned how imperialism has played out in different historical and geopolitical contexts to better understand Soviet and Russian imperialism in Georgia and beyond. In addition, I have conducted substantial research into the Soviet legacies in post-Soviet republics. For example, I produced a research project on 1980s Georgian anti-Soviet resistance in collaboration with Princeton University. Finally, I wrote my bachelor’s thesis on the history of Soviet occupation in Georgia and the importance of recognizing Soviet imperialism in holding perpetrators accountable.

The Hertie School's MA in International Affairs, with a special focus on International Security is the ideal next step for me to achieve my future career aspirations. Combining theory with practical policy-making, this program would allow me to gain in-depth theoretical knowledge of the global security challenges Russia poses and the specific skills to address them most effectively. Following Russia's war in Ukraine, my desired career path gained a renewed urgent importance, which is why I hope to begin my education at Hertie School as soon as possible and build a strong foundation for my career.

Finances

My family and I lack the financial means to cover the tuition fee of the Hertie School. Due to medical emergencies in my family, which I am happy to discuss privately if you are interested, my family members have needed expensive medical care. In addition, my parents being the primary caregivers for my two toddler siblings adds to our financial strain. The 11-year-high price inflation in Georgia, which the current war in Ukraine has exacerbated, has significantly affected my family’s income and financial stability.

I have been working three student jobs to ease my family’s financial burden and collect savings for my future education. I have been fully financially responsible for my housing, insurance, and living costs. I have secured savings I can use to continue supporting my everyday expenses if I get to continue studying in Berlin. I also plan to work half-time while studying at Hertie, which would allow me to cover my rent and health insurance costs. Nonetheless, without financial assistance for my tuition fees, I will be unable to undertake the opportunity.

Please do not hesitate to ask any questions regarding my qualifications, financial situation, or motivation. You can email me at [email redacted]d.edu

Cost Breakdown

The tuition fee for a Master of International Affairs at Hertie is 34,500EUR. I have been granted a 50% tuition aid package bringing the cost of my education to 17,250 EUR. The Hertie School has kindly extended the deadline for me to accept the offer till June 1, which is why it is crucial for me to collect the amount as soon as possible.