Tamta Kakauridze

Tamta Kakauridze from Georgia graduated in 2017 with a Master’s degree in International Economics. Since 2022, she has been participating in the Unibuddy Ambassador program as a VMU alumna, representing her study program and helping prospective students navigate their choice of future studies at VMU. Currently, she serves as the Project Manager of the Economics Olympiad in Georgia, an international initiative that promotes economic and financial literacy among youth worldwide.

What is your fondest memory of VMU?

When I look back at my time at Vytautas Magnus University, I am filled with a deep sense of warmth and gratitude. It was not just about lectures and exams; it was a time of discovery, connection, and personal growth. Some of my fondest memories are tied to the friendships I built, especially with my classmates. I remember how, after classes, one friend and I would often hop on random buses just to explore the unfamiliar streets of Kaunas. We had no destination in mind, only a shared curiosity and a desire to experience the city in our own way. Those spontaneous adventures remain some of the most joyful moments of my life.

Equally special were the evenings spent with international students from all over the world. We would gather over tea, exchanging stories, traditions, and perspectives. Through ESN activities, I had the chance to connect with the local community, from visiting elderly shelters to participating in cultural events. These all added another layer of meaning to my student life.

VMU will always hold a special place in my heart, not just as a university, but as a place where I met incredible people, embraced new cultures, and collected memories that continue to inspire me.

What was your biggest challenge as a student, and how did you overcome it?

One of the biggest challenges I faced as a student was leaving behind everything familiar, my home, my family, my friends, and starting a new chapter in a different country. No matter how exciting the opportunity is, living abroad can feel overwhelming at times. That quiet ache of missing home would sometimes sneak in during the most unexpected moments.

Thankfully, we live in the era of the internet. Being able to video call my loved ones and share my everyday moments, even from afar, made the distance feel just a little bit smaller. But what truly helped me overcome this challenge was building a sense of home in my new environment. I surrounded myself with people who brought warmth into my daily life.

What is your current role, and what does it involve?

Currently, I serve as the project manager of the Economics Olympiad in Georgia, it is an international initiative that promotes economic and financial literacy among youth worldwide. In Georgia, the Olympiad is structured in several stages, beginning with the school round, followed by the national round, and culminating in the international final round, where top-performing school students represent the country on the global stage. One of the highlights of the program is the Economics Summer Camp, where national finalists come together to deepen their economic knowledge. It is a space where learning meets inspiration, and where many school students take their first steps toward becoming future leaders and changemakers.

My role includes building partnerships, securing funding, and raising awareness about the importance of economic education. For this purpose, I work closely with educators, sponsors, international partners, and public institutions to ensure the smooth planning and successful implementation of the project. It is both a challenging and rewarding experience, especially when I see how the program helps young people grow in confidence and understanding of economics from year to year.

What are you most passionate about outside of work?

Outside of work, one of my greatest passions has always been photography. I used to carry my camera, capturing fleeting moments and small details. Although I do not have as much time for it now, that love is still there. Whenever I can, I find joy in taking photos.

My passions tend to shift depending on my mood or the season of life I am in. Sometimes it is painting, other times I find myself completely immersed in films that transport us to earlier centuries. Nature is another constant source of inspiration and peace for me. It is the perfect therapy after a hectic day. Recently, I have become interested in philosophy, and I am curious to see where this path will lead me.