Teach in the Republic of Georgia

Are you just graduating, retired or simply looking for a year-long adventure? Are you interested in exploring Eastern Europe and Central Asia, or just learning about a new culture?

Teaching English in the Republic of Georgia is a unique opportunity that allows native-English speakers to work as volunteer English-language teaching assistants in a Georgian public school for six months to one year. Deadline for late September start dates: September 3, 2010

Benefits include:

• A free flight to Georgia, an additional flight and three weeks vacation during Christmas (for 12-month contracts), full room and board, medical insurance within Georgia, orientation and training in Tbilisi with other volunteers upon arrival, and a $500 Lari (approximately USD$300) monthly stipend.
• Comprehensive 1 week orientation in the capital city of T'bilisi, including Georgian language instruction
• There is no program fee for this program. Optional travel insurance can be purchased through Greenheart Travel.
• A great opportunity to make a real difference by teaching vital skills to children in this former Soviet republic.
• A TEFL Certificate course is offered through Greenheart Travel at a discount for those who are interested in earning a TEFL certification prior to departure for Georgia.
• Visa assistance is provided to volunteers by the Ministry of Education upon arrival.
• Minimum age is 20. There is no maximum age limit to apply for this program. (Adventurous retirees are encouraged to apply!)
• Ideal for those who considered the Peace Corps, but not willing or able to make a two- year commitment, or looking for a more flexible program with more time off to travel.
• Minimum qualifications are 2 years of college study and native or near-native English skills. Non-native English speakers must pass an additional interview with the Georgian Ministry of Education to assess their level of English. 

About the Republic of Georgia

The Republic of Georgia offers something for everyone. For cultural enthusiasts, metropolitan life provides a plethora of theater, live music and cinema, and history buffs will have ample opportunity to explore historical sites dating from the Byzantine Empire to Soviet rule. Georgian churches and monasteries are a distinctive feature along the skyline, providing tranquil settings to explore during your stay. Georgia is also an outdoorsman’s paradise. The Caucasus Mountains are situated along the northern border attracting trekkers and climbers, and providing a playground for anyone interested in horseback riding, rafting, or bird-watching. Skiing is also popular in the winter, while the Black Sea coast is full of beach activity in the summer. You can also travel internationally from Georgia during your time off. Turkey, Armenia, and Russia are accessible by land, and Ukraine is easily accessible by boat.

What if I don't speak Georgian?

Georgian language skills are not required (we certainly don’t expect that many people speak Georgian)! Basic Georgian language skills are taught during the orientation.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Native or near-native English speaker
• 2 years of college study in any field - university "Gap Year" participants welcome
• Minimum age is 20. No maximum age. Adventurous retirees are encouraged to apply! 
• Citizenship in Canada, USA, the EU, South Africa, Australia or New Zealand

Accommodation

Teachers live with Georgian host families who are “hand-picked” by the Georgian Ministry of Education. The participant has their own room, and the host family provides all meals.

Teacher Responsibilities

Volunteer teachers work 4-6 hours a day in a Georgian public school and are placed with a Georgian teacher as an English-language teaching assistant. The schools are equipped with all of the materials teachers need to perform their duties. Most schools are equipped with computers and internet access.

School Placements

Placements vary, but most are in villages and towns near Tbilisi (the capital city) and in the Adjara region along the Black Sea, with a few placements in larger towns or cities. Georgia is very diverse geographically and boasts small cities along the coast and in mountainous regions. You can state your preference of location, but Greenheart Travel cannot guarantee placements until arrival in Georgia.  Volunteer assistant English language teachers will always have access to public transportation to get to the nearest town or city.

Program Dates and Duration

6 months or 1 year contract. Start dates: September 1, 2010; September 25, 2010; January 10, 2011

How to Apply

APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR LATE SEPTEMBER START:  September 3, 2010.

Please visit our Application Materials page for information on applying.