Jintchveladze Otar

Study program: Computer Science BSc

Country: Georgia

Scholarship: Stipendium Hungaricum

Period of studies at ELTE: 2023.09.03 - 2026.07.15

E-mail: jinchveladze@student.elte.hu

Greetings! I’m Otar Jinchvelade, though most people call me Oti. I’m 19, from Georgia, and currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in Computer Science. Beyond academics, I’m passionate about staying active, whether through sports or fitness. I’ve always had a deep love for reading, music, and chess. Back in school, I embraced traditional Georgian dance, and during my senior year, I earned the prestigious scholarship, funded by the US Department of State, which allowed me to continue my studies in the US as an exchange student. There, I discovered a passion for American football and fitness.

WHAT STOOD OUT TO YOU ABOUT ELTE?

ELTE’s rich history, as one of the oldest academic institutions in Hungary, immediately grabbed my attention. It offers a strong combination of tradition and academic excellence, which made it a compelling choice for pursuing my studies.

WHAT MAKES STUDYING AT ELTE SO GREAT?

Studying at ELTE provides access to a wide network of academic resources, opportunities for research, and the chance to learn from experienced professors in a diverse international environment. ELTE’s commitment to academic freedom and its encouragement of critical thinking also stand out.

WHAT ARE / WERE YOUR CHALLENGES IN YOUR STUDY PROGRAM?

For most of my life, I was set on studying international law, but during my exchange year in America, I took an introductory programming class, which completely changed my career path. Since I had zero mathematical background, starting computer science at ELTE was a big challenge. In my first semester, I struggled to keep up with the material and felt far behind. But after a lot of hard work, I managed to catch up, improve my understanding, and maintain a high student ranking as well as outstanding grade point average.

HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THESE CHALLENGES?

I put in extra time outside of class, learning foundational math concepts on my own and practicing programming relentlessly. I also sought help from my professors and peers whenever I felt stuck. Persistence and disciplined study habits helped me not only overcome the initial difficulties but also achieve strong academic results.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE ELTE IN THREE WORDS?

Diverse, historic, innovative.

HOW DO YOU THINK YOUR DEGREE WILL HELP YOU IN YOUR LIFE AND CAREER?

This degree is laying the foundation for a career in technology. Beyond the technical skills, studying at ELTE has taught me how to problem-solve, think critically, and collaborate with others—qualities that are valuable in any field. With a degree from ELTE, I feel well-prepared to enter the tech industry or pursue further studies in advanced areas like artificial intelligence and machine learning.

DO YOU HAVE ANY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE STUDENTS AT ELTE?

Don’t be afraid to ask for help or use the resources available to you. ELTE has a lot to offer, and by being proactive, you can make the most of your time here. Try to balance academics with extracurricular activities, as it will enhance both your learning experience and personal growth.