Teach English in Georgia with TLG

Volunteering to teach in the Republic of Georgia is one of the most important life decisions I have ever made. It is a unique situation where you learn about yourself by learning about a new culture, whilst in it, being completely submerged.

As a teacher I learned that making subject material relevant, along with classroom management, is the key to success. My experiences in the Georgian classroom have even prompted me to earn my K-12 music education certification now that I am back home.

Growing interpersonal skills and emotional awareness were also part of the inner growth during my time with TLG. To live with a host family and to work with colleagues, who have different ideas (or similar for that matter), can be difficult. But it was most rewarding when I was able to see past these differences and live and work with my colleagues and host family.

And of course, the ability to travel to a unique, and in many ways mystical, land is self explanatory. I enjoyed a real sense of adventure.

And let's not forget the underlying motive of trying to make a positive difference in the world. If you desire to, you can in Georgia, though it is not easy. I left Georgia feeling, and knowing, that my time spent volunteering was not a waste. I had made lasting impressions with my school and host family.

TLG is a good program, but it is still in its development phase. At 2 years old, since TLG began, it has changed rapidly as local leaders learn how to better assist foreign teachers. My average day is slightly different than other TLG teachers as I teach at a police station. I teach 3 days a week with a total of between 9-12 hours teaching. Classes aren't mandatory for police officers, so it creates an always changing teaching environment. The police officers are great, but it requires a lot of flexibility and patience. I am now living with my second host family as I had major personality conflicts with my first. The police station as well as TLG assisted me in changing host families. I now love my host family; they are kind, caring, and willing to learn. Though I live in a small town, we have 8 cows in a barn out back which allows for fresh warm milk every night, homemade cheese, and homemade yogurt. Social life is not spectacular, but there are quite a few other TLGers in my area that I spend time with weekly. I also tutor three times a week to help suppliment my monthly stipend. The stipend is sufficient enough to live on on a daily basis; however, if you like to travel, finances may be a struggle at times. I can't wait for warmer weather so traveling is a bit more comfortable. In general, I am enjoying my time in Georgia and I appreciate the flexibility of the program in regards to length of volunteering stints.

If you're interested in teaching abroad, or want to experience another culture but haven't had the opportunity, TLG is the perfect program.

TLG is the entry-level job in the global Teaching English as a Foreign Language market. They provide full benefits - flights are paid for, as is health insurance and a stipend that is generous by local standards - but the requirements and commitment are relatively low. You can sign on to teach for half a school year, with an option to renew your contract if you like it here. Because of these factors, TLG is a great way to find out if teaching abroad is something you'd like to pursue.

I came to Georgia with no real idea if I'd like teaching English. After a year, I renewed my contract for a second year and signed up for an online TEFL course. Now, with a TEFL certificate and two years TEFL experience, I could land a highly competitive TEFL job anywhere in the world - Korea, Japan, the Middle East.

I, however, have fallen in love with Georgia. With the people, the hospitality, and the spirit of reform and rebirth that Georgia hasn't lost in the two decades since the fall of the Soviet Union. Even though I could make a lot more money teaching in other parts of the world, I have no plans to leave. I think that alone says more than a mere description of TLG or Georgia.

Potential downsides of the program: life with a host family can be challenging. Culture shock can hit hard. Georgia does not have all of the modern conveniences of Western Europe and the US. The language barrier can be hard to surmount. Georgia's conservative, patriarchal culture can be hard to get used to.

However, I think that overcoming these challenges helped me to grow and mature in ways I would never have expected. TLG is always supportive and constantly strives to help their volunteers cope with the difficulties of adjusting to life in a foreign country.

Coming to Georgia is a great adventure, a learning experience, and a chance to make a real impact in a part of the world that few people truly know or understand.

Working with Teach and Learn with Georgia can be a great experience. Applying is relatively simple and all your questions are answered in a timely manner. When you are excepted they arrange your flights and pick you up right at the airport and take you for a week long orientation and help you set up everything you will need for a semester or year in Georgia (i.e.: cellphone, bank account, cultural information, what is expected of you.)
Georgian people are really friendly and try to help you in every way they can. The country is beautiful and small enough that you can explore it on the weekends.
Teaching in Georgia can be challenging, as some of the schools are old and run down, but it can also be a lot of fun and for the most part the students love having a foreigner teaching.
The host families that teachers are placed with are very welcoming, but if problems do arise there is always someone with Teach and Learn with Georgia who you can talk to and get everything worked out. They also deal with issues very swiftly.
Over all it's a great program if you are looking for something different that you have probably experienced and are open to new things.

Georgia is amazing. Georgians are amazing. The program was great fun, and it felt meaningful. The only drawbacks were a lack of resources - bring plenty of supplies! They will love you for it.

Georgians are very warm, open-hearted and loving people - some are even protective of their volunteers! Host family life is generally good, my family was amazing, and I can't wait to visit them again.

Good luck with Saqartvelo. The challenges are worth the rewards.