“I thought I’d be isolated with no one to talk to. But then I realized, everyone’s trying to figure it out, just like me.”
Or, Building Bonds In A Digital World, By Keto Revishvili
Ketevan Revishvili is a third-year Communication Management student at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Milan. Originally from Georgia, she has been living in Italy for nearly three years, gaining valuable insights from a multicultural environment. Drawing from her own experiences, she is passionate about sustainability, creative writing, and understanding human connections. Her work particularly focuses on the challenges of maintaining international and online friendships, offering thoughtful reflections on the complexities of staying connected across distances in today’s digital world. He contributed as a volunteer to our project, Humanity Paper with the following piece.
When I first left Georgia—the small, tightly-knit country where I grew up—I was full of excitement. I imagined a world of possibilities in Milan, a city that seemed ready to embrace my dreams. Yet, as I watched my family walk away at the airport, the reality hit me like a wave: I was on my own. Anyone who has moved abroad knows that mix of excitement and disorientation. In Milan, I faced a sea of unfamiliar faces, unfamiliar streets, and a new language I didn’t fully understand. But what changes the story from isolation to connection?
Lesson One: Embracing Discomfort and the Importance of Shared Experiences
It’s in discomfort that we discover who we are. I stepped into a building filled with people from all over the world. At first, I hesitated. How do you start a conversation with someone who doesn’t share your language, culture, or jokes? But I learned that connection doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be real. A smile, a shared struggle, or even small talk about where you’re from is enough to bridge the gap. One of my closest friendships started from simply making a pop cultural reference from “Friends”- laughter really has no language barrier.
In my interviews with other people abroad, this sense of mutual struggle resonated with everyone. person 1, who moved from Shanghai to Paris, shared, “I thought I’d be isolated with no one to talk to. But then I realized, everyone’s trying to figure it out, just like me.”
person 2 from Munich explained her initial fear of being surrounded by more extroverted people in Sydney. “I felt like I didn’t fit in, and I almost thought I missed my chance to start fresh. But I realized that everyone has their own journey—and that’s where connection happens.”
Lesson Two: Technology Connects Us, but Effort Sustains Us
For many of us living abroad, technology was the first bridge to connection. Late-night calls to my family reminded me I wasn’t alone, even when I felt that way. Screens allowed me to celebrate birthdays, share milestones, and see familiar faces that comforted me from miles away. One of my acquaintances, from Shanghai, put it beautifully: “You don’t have to replace the friendships you had—you just have to be open to new ones.” That’s exactly what I learned. The friendships I’ve built here aren’t meant to replace my life back home; they’re an extension of it.
For person 3 said, who moved to Tokyo, technology didn’t just serve as a bridge to home—it helped her form new connections. “I didn’t know anyone” she said, “but online platforms helped me meet amazing people who showed me around. Without technology, I wouldn’t have had anyone.”
However, person 2 Added, “Technology keeps us connected, but it isn’t perfect. On my first birthday abroad, my friends back home organized a video call to celebrate me. I felt their love through the screen, but I also couldn’t ignore the pang of sadness.” That moment resonated deeply with me. I, too, have been the friend on a screen, watching loved ones celebrate milestones I couldn’t be part of. Still, I learned something vital: while technology connects us, relationships require effort. A quick message might brighten someone’s day, but showing up—even virtually—makes the difference.
Lesson Three: Small Steps Lead to Big Changes
Meeting people from diverse backgrounds didn’t just help me feel less alone—it changed me. It opened my eyes to new ways of thinking and living. I learned about traditions I’d never heard of, tasted foods I couldn’t pronounce, and shared stories about Georgia that made my friends curious. In those moments, I realized that belonging isn’t about fitting in perfectly. It’s about showing up as yourself and letting others do the same.
Person 3 shared also - “I wanted a new start, but at the end it was about the people I met along the way. That’s what made everything feel right.”. Of course, not every connection lasts forever. Some friendships are fleeting, but others stay with you, even across continents.
Finding Belonging in a Digital World
Living abroad taught me that it’s okay to miss home while building something new. It’s okay to feel lost sometimes because that’s where growth begins. One friend I interviewed summed it up best: “Moving abroad is about finding the balance between who you were and who you’re becoming. I’m not the same person I was, and I’m proud of that.” So, if you’re someone living far from home, or thinking of taking that step, here’s what I hope you take away from my story:
We live in digital era; It is easier to be connected thanks to technology.
Small gestures matter. A smile, a message, or a shared laugh can change someone’s day.
You’re never truly alone. Somewhere, someone feels exactly the way you do—be brave enough to find them. Don’t be afraid to feel uncomfortable—it’s where the best things start
Now, when I look back, I don’t just see the loneliness of those first weeks. I see the friendships I’ve built, the cultures I’ve learned about, and the person I’ve become: someone braver, kinder, and more open to the world. Because even in a disconnected world, connection is always possible—if you’re willing to take the first step.
KETO REVISHVILI, DIC 2024
