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MEET OUR KEY STAFF:
 Mr.Valerian Markarov – Executive Director of the GOLDEN BRIDGE Georgian-American Visitor Exchange Center. He also serves as Chief Executive Officer for the GOLDEN BRIDGE in developing and implementing the company’s policies, in formulating new initiatives and long-term strategies, and in developing and overseeing of budgets. His number one priority is to ensure that our educational and exchange programs are of the highest quality. A magna cum laude graduate of Tbilisi State University, he earned an M.A. in World History and practiced as a High School Teacher. Later he became International Doctor of Philosophy (Belgium); Honorary Professor of the European University (Hannover, Germany); PhD (honoris causa) of the Olive Branch University (California); Dr. Markarov is a recipient of the World Order of "Science, Education, Culture" (Brussels, Belgium). He has been awarded the Leonardo da Vinci Medal (Germany); the Order of “Star of Patron of Art”, the Order of “St. Prince Alexander Nevsky”, and the Order of "A.S. Makarenko" for strengthening international youth relations; He is an Honorary Citizen of the City of Davis, (California, USA) and Alumnus of the Exchange Programs funded by the Governments of the USA, Israel and Italy. Traveling is his passion - he has hiked, sailed, dived and biked in many countries! Valerian enjoys culinary, adventures, reading and sports. He is a father of two boys! Valerian Markarov may be contacted at: markarovv@goldenbridge.ge
 Mr.Tamaz Gogilidze - Founder, Board of Directors
. He worked with Georgian-German Center for Cultural Relations as an Administrative Director, prior to establishing GOLDEN BRIDGE. He coordinates recruitment efforts and initial interviewing of potential applicants, screening, running focus groups, and develops a variety of partnerships and new projects. He organizes and facilitates special events, as well as plans, and coordinates special projects; compiles reports and assists in the development of policies and procedures. Tamaz Gogilidze brings to GOLDEN BRIDGE a long-time interest in multicultural communications and understanding. He has travelled extensively domestically and throughout the Europe. Tamaz Gogilidze may be contacted at: tomas@goldenbridge.ge
 Ms. Ilona Umpriani joined the GOLDEN BRIDGE Georgian-American Visitor Exchange Center staff in September 2009 as a Program Coordinator / Head of English Language Corner. She graduated from Ivane Javakhishvili State University of Georgia as the English Language Specialist. Additionally, she holds a BA in Psychology from Tbilisi Educational Institute of Psychology. Both degrees were earned with High Honors. She also studied in London and had a valuable 6-month Training within British Company. Ilona as a very experienced English Teacher, has worked at all levels in the language industry, from thousands of hours teaching to running English Language cathedras at schools. Now she deals with administration, course development, matching various courses with learners, teaching, tutoring and providing academic support. Ilona is dedicated language enthusiast, speaking many languages. She possesses absolute proficiency in English, Russian, Georgian, as well as in Armenian. She drives a car and likes travelling, literature, foreign languages, sports, movies and theatre. She has excellent Internet research abilities and strong communication skills. Ilona Umpriani may be contacted at: documents@goldenbridge.ge
 Ms. Marina Babunashvili – joined the GOLDEN BRIDGE Georgian-American Visitor Exchange Center staff in 2005 as a Head of Law Department. She graduated from Moscow Lomonosov State University with a Master’s degree in International Law. She worked with various organizations holding leading teaching positions, prior to joining Golden Bridge. She also works as a President of the Intellectual Investments Association. Marina Babunashvili has written and published numerous articles and other materials related to human rights, business law, international education and cultural adjustment. Her responsibilities include legal advice, protecting intellectual property, negotiating and drafting contracts. In addition, Marina Babunashvili oversees the day to day operations regarding all phases of student enrollment, provides comprehensive advisement for students during their pre-departure sessions. Marina Babunashvili may be contacted at: info@goldenbridge.ge
 Ms. Irina Vorobey - joined the GOLDEN BRIDGE Georgian-American Visitor Exchange Center as Chief Accountant in August 2005. As a practitioner and expert, her responsibilities include regular review, and authorization the statutory reporting, control and verification of payroll taxes, property tax, Managing payment processes, She is informing the management on other actions required for providing effective work of the accounting function. In addition, she offers general administrative and office support, including supply acquisitions, managing in-person and telephone traffic, and provides information on various programs and services available. She also provides creative marketing support for our Center. Irina Vorobey may be contacted at: documents@goldenbridge.ge
 Ms. Hellen Angelova joined the GOLDEN BRIDGE Georgian-American Visitor Exchange Center staff in 2009 as an Administrative Assistant. Currently she is the International Black Sea University Senior student majoring in International Relations. Her responsibilities include Phone & Walk-In Inquiries, Schedule Appointments, Seminars, Process Student Forms & Course Requests. She also performs administrative and office support activities for multiple supervisors. Her duties include receiving and directing visitors, word processing, filing, and faxing. She possesses excellent Internet research abilities and strong communication skills. Hellen Angelova may be contacted at: info@goldenbridge.ge
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WELCOME LETTER
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF THE GOLDEN BRIDGE
Dear Friends,
Our Staff is pleased to welcome you to the GOLDEN BRIDGE! J
GOLDEN BRIDGE Georgian-American Visitor Exchange Center is a Georgian not-profit company registered as a student exchange organization. Long established relationships with our international partners ensure the highest standards of care and support to participants. Our mission is to offer the unique experience of living and studying in another culture and to enable young people to develop the skills and awareness that will enhance their future potential. Experience is Everything! We are looking for bright, open minded, flexible young people who are willing to move outside their comfort zones and who want to learn about the world and themselves.
The experience of going on exchange can bring enormous rewards:
- Learn about the world first hand
- Open career doors you didn’t know existed
- Get to know how others live and see the world from another perspective
- Learn another language
- Test yourself and acquire independence and maturity
- Make new friends and appreciate old ones even more
- Gain experience and judgement
But living overseas is not easy:
- It requires courage to travel half way round the world to live with a new family in a new community very different from your own
- It requires flexibility to attend a new school, make new friends and perhaps learn a new language
- It requires an open mind to live in another culture, to observe and appreciate the differences and to truly learn from the experience
- You become immersed in the local community
- You will find that all the familiarity of home – the ways of doing things, the people, sights, sounds, smells - are suddenly no longer there. You will be confronted with completely different ways of seeing and understanding the world around you
- You may encounter homesickness and culture shock particularly in the early stages of the program
But if you are up for a challenge and have realistic expectations then being an exchange student can be a life changing experience.
GOLDEN BRIDGE Georgian-American Visitor Exchange Center has many years experience of delivering high quality programs. Our staff have either been exchange students, have lived, worked or studied overseas. They understand the challenges involved and are committed to providing you with a high level of service and support.
The best way to learn more about our programs and activity is to go to: http://www.goldenbridge.ge/news_one.php?lan=2&news=43
Dreaming about studying or working abroad? Then do not miss your chance to fulfil your dream! Good luck! J
Best regards,
Dr. Valerian Markarov,
Director of the GOLDEN BRIDGE Georgian-American Visitor Exchange Center
We would like to invite you to share this information with your colleagues and friends by forwarding this message as widely as felt appropriate.
GO to Main Page: www.goldenbridge.ge
     
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