As a teacher in Georgia one always feels safe and there is a serenity here that is hard to describe.  Although there are conflict areas where Russia and Georgia are struggling for control, there are no teaching jobs there and no one is placed near those regions.  Everywhere I went was very safe; there are no guns and very little crime.

On vacations or weekends there are loads of opportunities to explore the regions and to take in the immense beauty of the rugged landscape. Travel within Georgia is super cheap.  Georgia also borders Turkey and Bulgaria is across the Black Sea.  It's also a short 3 hour flight to get to Western European countries.

There are two major ski resorts in Georgia: Bakuriani and Gudauri.  Both are great resorts and offer skiing/snowboarding opportunities almost all year round with heli-skiing options.  This is some of the most affordable heli-skiing in Europe. They get a lot of snow and they are considered safe mountains, in fact, there are no trees on Gudauri.  Despite its popularity, you will find lots of places to make fresh tracks and there is seldom a wait at any of the lifts.

My main impression in Georgia is of the coexistence of traditional agricultural patterns with the demands of modern life. Cattle may graze freely across the highway, people may make vodka, or may raise animals in a traditional way (and sell the results along the side of the road) and, at the same time, they may also own the latest expensive SUV and have satellite television.

Here is a link to an informative and entertaining blog on Georgia with further links to other useful resources.

Georgia On My Mind

In Georgia, I teach students of various ages.   

Here is my grade 6,

You will find that you will probably be travelling nearly every weekend when in Georgia. There is a lot to see, and well, you will find that the friends you make in training are placed a fair distance away from you. So, whether you are travelling to another village or to the city, you will find that you will be needing to make use of the marshrutkas that run between almost everywhere.

Writing any sort of ‘What to expect’ piece about the TLG Programme is almost impossible as no one can predict your personal experience. However, Footprints staff members who lived in Georgia had very positive experiences. Georgia may be a small country but it can be incredibly diverse. Although, it is best to prepare and do research we recommend keeping an open mind. Below, one of our teachers gives an account of his personal experience.