Originally from Tbilisi, Georgia, Shota, a double major in economics and political science at Adelphi University, came to the US eager to develop his leadership skills. In addition to his coursework and extracurriculars at Adelphi, he recently got the opportunity to participate in a leadership conference at West Point. Check out his inspiring study abroad journey!
Choosing to Study in the United States at Adelphi University
“When I graduated high school, I had three main options,” said Shota: a military academy in Georgia, a university in Germany, or a degree program in the US. He chose the latter for “the name and power of a US degree worldwide [and] the US economy. The United States has the number one economy, no doubt, and I am studying economics.”
Passionate about global economics and political science, Shota’s first choice was Adelphi University.
“The level of education at Adelphi University is very high. I love it,” he said.
The connections we get here [are] the main reason why students invest in US education. The people [at Adelphi], especially the staff and faculty, are beyond great!” – Shota, economics and political science double major, Georgia
Ranked #163 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report, Adelphi University offers economics and political science programs with hands-on learning opportunities integrated into the curricula. As an economics major, Shota learns about quantitative tools of economic analysis, mathematical modeling, game theory, and more, while his political science major covers global politics, political theory, comparative government, and international relations.
“The things we learn, especially here in the School of Business at Adelphi, everything [can be applied to] real-life situations,” he said. “For example, last semester I had a national economy, money, and banking class, and one of the main projects we were doing was reading newspapers [like the Wall Street Journal] and analyzing them.”
Along with an immersive technical education, the curriculum at Adelphi also focuses on developing leadership skills, negotiation techniques, problem-solving, and professionalism to ensure students graduate with a well-rounded skillset. For example, high-performing students can join the Levermore Global Scholars (LGS) community — an academic extracurricular program encouraging student leaders to advocate for positive developments in facing global challenges such as climate change, world health, and peacebuilding initiatives.
As the treasurer and scholar for LGS, Shota gains first-hand experience working alongside thought leaders, participating in sustainability projects, and contributing as an intern at the United Nations.
Pursuing his education at Adelphi has helped Shota benefit from the university’s industry connections, professional networks, and strategic location near New York City.
“There are many companies like Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan, and many good connections,” he said. Shota is most excited about widening his professional network and learning about the industry first-hand from experts, all while continuing his studies.
Shota’s Experience at West Point
A standout experience for Shota was attending the 75th Annual Student Conference on U.S. Affairs (SCUSA) at the United States Military Academy, West Point. As one of the very few international students in the US who participated in the conference, Shota was excited to attend the five-day event at one of the first military academies in the US.
The conference offered a platform for students to discuss critical areas in global economics, leadership, modern military practices, and more, with expert leaders working in the field. Shota was able to gain insights into the unique structure of academic life at West Point, where classes are led by army officers, including majors, and cadets are called upon to report attendance and summarize lessons. The level of discipline and professionalism inspired Shota, helping him understand the core values and skills needed to be successful.
“One of the most memorable moments was attending a class on leadership development with Major Jonathan Kaicher,” he said. At the session, Shota learned about key historical events, trailblazing leaders in the US Army, and the importance of strategy and adaptability in building policies to drive economic growth.
“We were working on new economic policies, and my finalized topic of discussion was even sent to [the] White House as a policy recommendation,” he said. “I met great people there, [including] cadets from United States military academies and officers, and even officers from Poland and many different countries [in] Europe.”
Shota also had a chance to network with the Lieutenant General of West Point and Nazak Nikakhtar, a renowned economist and West Point graduate. Shota participated in roundtable discussions, panels, and workshops covering topics in research and development, macroeconomic policies, and foreign investment.
“Despite being a newcomer, the cadets and officers treated me with a level of respect and brotherhood that made me feel like I had always been part of their community,” he said.
The friendships I made, the knowledge I gained, and the sense of belonging I felt made this experience one of the best in my life.” – Shota from Georgia, attendee at the 75th Annual Student Conference on U.S. Affairs (SCUSA) at the United States Military Academy, West Point
A Sense of Belonging in a Global Setting
Shota has always felt right at home in the US, and especially at Adelphi, where its welcoming and supportive student community ensures international students have a sense of belonging on campus. Students can complete their degree programs with all the resources and support they need, not just for academics, but also in navigating different cultures, lifestyles, food, friends, and more.
The support Shota received from Adelphi International (AUI), alongside participating in campus activities, enrolling in university clubs and societies, and becoming part of the student community, inspired him to continue developing his leadership qualities by becoming a student ambassador himself.
As a student worker and office assistant at the AUI office, Shota makes sure international students get a warm welcome when they first arrive on campus. He and the team prepare bedding, food packages, documentation essentials, and other necessities to ensure international students settle in with ease.
“Networking here at Adelphi is something that happens naturally,” he said. “If you are being good students and being nice, just saying hi to different people and asking how their day is going, good people [will find] you. You don’t have to do something special for anything!”
Shota’s Advice for International Students
Shota encourages international students to make the most of every opportunity that comes their way during their degree program. From participating in workshops and campus events to attending conferences and taking part in competitions, every opportunity offers a learning experience that can help you in your career, professional connections, skills development, and personal growth.
“Nothing is impossible. Being a student in the United States and [studying] at top universities, it is a great pleasure. It’s really an honor. It is something very valuable and if you dedicate yourself to this, it will pay off,” he said.
He also encouraged international students to work hard, be disciplined, and persevere, while also focusing on asking for support whenever needed. Pursuing your higher education in a foreign country can be challenging, which is why seeking guidance from student success managers and advisors can help you navigate through challenges with ease.
Like Shota, you too can gain a well-rounded academic and professional education in the US, with once-in-a-lifetime opportunities waiting for you.
Discover Adelphi University >
