I’ve been very lucky in my homestay situation. I have a great host family, a nice house, and I’m very close to my school (just down the hill). More and more it seems that a good living situation can make or break it here. I’ve had a few friends change host families due to certain situations that were either cultural conflicts or something didn’t work from the start. I always consider myself lucky that my family is so great.
I never complain about them as there is nothing to complain about (and I’ve heard my share of complaints from others). At first there were things that would annoy me and sure they do come up still, but it’s all in good spirits and I’ll only find it annoying if I’m tired or want some time alone. My host sister speaks almost fluent English, my host mom is learning English, but more than that they enjoy having me here and it really feels like a family. In training, we were told that the family may seem overbearing or nosy, that’s just a Georgian thing-they are protective-especially of women. My family hasn’t been either of these two, but they do worry when I’m out at night and I always inform them when I’ll be gone/home.
A host family definitely helps with culture change and living costs. I’ve asked my family more than once for advice on travel, stores, directions, and anything that a local could tell you. Most of the time I listen, but with some instances you just have to do it on your own, i.e. go to the store, explore the area, go to another town….
My host family provides everything for me: food, housing, heat, water, electricity, internet, and a computer if I need it, T.V if I want to watch it, everything aside from my personal items. Once in a while I’ll buy some fruit or veggies for the family as I eat them a lot, or coffee and tea, but they haven’t asked me for money and don’t expect me to contribute, at times I just want to. My living costs are quite low and I’m in the capital. I don’t go out that much, which is where the bulk of your money may go, especially in the city areas. A lot of the expat bars overcharge everything and many of the ethnic restaurants are expensive, they are there for travels/foreigners that have money to spend. Not to say the food isn’t good.
I would strongly suggest living with a host family for the sake of cultural introduction. I’ve been able to experience Georgian culture through them and continue to do so. They’ve introduced me to Georgian foods, dance, wine, holidays; everything they normally do I’m invited to as well. They are also a great support system for days when school hasn’t gone well or if I’m feeling under the weather-for whatever reason they are supportive.
If I travel, it’s mainly on weekends and of course I pay for that, but relatively speaking its inexpensive- depending on where you go and how you get there. Transportation in Georgia is quite cheap compared to the U.K. and the United States. You can take a mini-bus across the country (Tbilisi-Batumi) for about 20 Lari/GEL one way. I have friends in the villages/regions of Georgia; one told me the other day that for one month he only spent about 10 Lari ($7). Sure there’s less to spend money on, but depending where you are and what you do with your money, your costs can be quite low when living with a host family and knowing how to bargain and the actual costs of transport (some mini-bus drivers try to overcharge foreigners). Learn how much something should be first.
Footprints’ Teacher in Georgia
Kate Knudsen
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