Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Georgia - Giorgi Vashakidze held a meeting with the US State Department representative, exchange program specialist - Melissa Sokol. The meeting was also attended by representatives of the US Embassy in Georgia, Catherine Schweitzer, Public Affairs Advisor, Tea Kuchukhidze and Irakli Malania, the Exchange Program Coordinator.

Giorgi Vashakidze briefed the guests regarding the ongoing changes in the field of higher education and the results already achieved in terms of quality development and internationalization.

The meeting discussed the Fulbright Scholarship Programs, which the US Department of State plans to implement in the future. The programs will be aimed at improving the quality of higher education and the internationalization of the Georgian curricula. Short and long-term exchange programs for academic and administrative staff of higher education institutions will be launched as well. In addition, educational programs are planned to be expanded, including English language training programs and training courses to share best practices of the US education system.

During the meeting Giorgi Vashakidze emphasized that Fulbright is one of the most prestigious, highly respected international programs of the US Government and expressed readiness for future cooperation in defining the format of Georgian involvement in these programs.