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mackayscanland
Joined: 15 Mar 2009
Posts: 39
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 Posted: Sat Feb 12, 2011 7:12 pm Post subject: |
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Great info!
Thanks |
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JZer
Joined: 16 Jan 2005
Posts: 3898
Location: Pittsburgh
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| Posted: Mon Feb 14, 2011 3:33 pm Post subject: |
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| jooooooey wrote: |
I am just following up my post. I went ahead and signed up for the program, I've been here since October.
About Russian: Nearly every single Georgian I have met speaks Russian to some degree or other. The older generation usually does not know English, but will know Russian. There are also a lot of products/medicine in Russian. It is not necessary, but I really wish I knew it since I don't speak much Georgian. However, the younger generation knows English. Most (at least the younger ones) are not so keen on Russian, due to politics and otherwise, but will still know it.
I get the feeling that English will take over Russian as the lingua franca in the future, but then again, Russia is on the border, an English country is not.
As for the program:
The public schools have a lot of problems: underfunded, bad facilities, low pay for the teachers, discipline problems... But for me, it has been great. I got placed in Tbilisi, which is where the majority get placed (a large percent of the population is there). I think the Batumi thing was to appeal to potential teachers as a paradise town, but it is rather small. I help my teachers, am given the freedom to teach them more or less how I want when I run the class. Sometimes I do a lot of sitting around, but sometimes I am very active. The work day is fairly short, the kids are incredibly enthusiastic. I've found that when you introduce things that stimulate their minds (they are used to a lot of repetition stuff) such as games or whatever, they suddenly get much more interested.
Tibilis is very interesting, as is the rest of the country. The only thing is that you don't get to choose where, and if you are a city person there's a chance you could get placed in a little farm town or something. But some of the little towns are very beautiful and interesting.
A lot of my fellow native English speakers weren't so hot on the program, largely because of the poor state of a lot of the schools. But I have liked it a lot. The place is very safe, I have never felt in danger of getting robbed or mugged or anything anywhere I go, like I do in some parts of cities in the US. And the country is very interesting.
I think a larger majority of the native English speakers were fresh-out-of-college younger kids, but there were also a lot of seasoned teachers, or older teachers just looking for something different. Some of the volunteers didn't see much to do in their school, and so didn't try to do much, and hence did a lot of sitting around in their classes and not teaching.
You know, I don't think I've met any Israeli, but maybe it's just the parts of Georgia that I've been. I met a couple American and Australian tourists, but I think the tourism thing is relatively new here so it hasn't developed.
Anyway, thanks for the advice. Feel free to PM or write me if anyone h
as any questions. |
Depending what happens, I may give the program a try next year.
Can one access an ATM in Georgia? I may want to access foreign funds. |
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Sadebugo
Joined: 10 May 2003
Posts: 524
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| Posted: Mon Feb 14, 2011 3:42 pm Post subject: |
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| JZer wrote: |
| jooooooey wrote: |
I am just following up my post. I went ahead and signed up for the program, I've been here since October.
About Russian: Nearly every single Georgian I have met speaks Russian to some degree or other. The older generation usually does not know English, but will know Russian. There are also a lot of products/medicine in Russian. It is not necessary, but I really wish I knew it since I don't speak much Georgian. However, the younger generation knows English. Most (at least the younger ones) are not so keen on Russian, due to politics and otherwise, but will still know it.
I get the feeling that English will take over Russian as the lingua franca in the future, but then again, Russia is on the border, an English country is not.
As for the program:
The public schools have a lot of problems: underfunded, bad facilities, low pay for the teachers, discipline problems... But for me, it has been great. I got placed in Tbilisi, which is where the majority get placed (a large percent of the population is there). I think the Batumi thing was to appeal to potential teachers as a paradise town, but it is rather small. I help my teachers, am given the freedom to teach them more or less how I want when I run the class. Sometimes I do a lot of sitting around, but sometimes I am very active. The work day is fairly short, the kids are incredibly enthusiastic. I've found that when you introduce things that stimulate their minds (they are used to a lot of repetition stuff) such as games or whatever, they suddenly get much more interested.
Tibilis is very interesting, as is the rest of the country. The only thing is that you don't get to choose where, and if you are a city person there's a chance you could get placed in a little farm town or something. But some of the little towns are very beautiful and interesting.
A lot of my fellow native English speakers weren't so hot on the program, largely because of the poor state of a lot of the schools. But I have liked it a lot. The place is very safe, I have never felt in danger of getting robbed or mugged or anything anywhere I go, like I do in some parts of cities in the US. And the country is very interesting.
I think a larger majority of the native English speakers were fresh-out-of-college younger kids, but there were also a lot of seasoned teachers, or older teachers just looking for something different. Some of the volunteers didn't see much to do in their school, and so didn't try to do much, and hence did a lot of sitting around in their classes and not teaching.
You know, I don't think I've met any Israeli, but maybe it's just the parts of Georgia that I've been. I met a couple American and Australian tourists, but I think the tourism thing is relatively new here so it hasn't developed.
Anyway, thanks for the advice. Feel free to PM or write me if anyone h
as any questions. |
Depending what happens, I may give the program a try next year.
Can one access an ATM in Georgia? I may want to access foreign funds. |
Plenty of ATMs in T'bilisi. I was able to use one in my hotel. There should be several in any city I would think. For the countryside, I defer to 'CKS' who's there now. |
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JZer
Joined: 16 Jan 2005
Posts: 3898
Location: Pittsburgh
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| Posted: Mon Feb 14, 2011 4:29 pm Post subject: |
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I may have an online job working for a Taiwanese company. Would I still be able to do my job while working at one of the high schools in Georgia?
Can one take classes in Georgian while living in Georgia? |
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cks
Joined: 12 Jul 2005
Posts: 144
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| Posted: Sat Mar 26, 2011 8:59 pm Post subject: |
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Ok guys! The original poster is giving you the rosy experience of a man who is living in the amazing civilized capital of Tbilisi, Georgia. He has many things going for him- 1. He is a man. 2. He is living in Tbilisi which is a metropolis for those of us who live out in the middle of nowhere. 3. He hasn't lived here for over a year and probably hasn't had to deal with getting swindled by landlords, mechanics, neighbors who think you should give them money and your things all the time because you are a rich foreigner (in addition to free English lessons), and the expectation to invite them in our house all the time; including them walking in without knocking (why did I say invitation-actually not expected). Remember, you have no control over where they send you, and you will not know until the end of your week of training. They put many of the participants on a bus and then drop them off in their village, "fend for yourselves"!
So Georgia is a beautiful and captivating country! Short-term it is amazing. Tbilisi life- I know little about-not everyone lives there. I am a woman who has been living here for 1 long year and 3 months. I am not in the program-I am living with my boyfriend who is a diplomat for the EU, and a complete free soul. Some days I love it; some days I am miserable. It is still quite difficult for me even though I am free and not trapped with a host family or a teaching contract.
Many western women are used to being able to live alone, have boyfriends, coming and going as they please, feeding themselves, having privacy, and living in a society that has decent rights for women. Many host families do not like their "girls" leaving the house for long periods of time, visiting the next village or town without their escort, and God forbid if you are seen alone with a man- you are a *****. In my region, women do not even kiss before marriage. One couple who came to Georgia together decided to actually get married here so that people will respect her, oops I mean them! Of course, I tell everyone that my boyfriend is my husband, but I am subject to a new scandal in my town because I was seen walking down the street and going into the bank, and standing in line chatting with one of my "husband's" colleagues! I had the nerve to display such loose behavior in broad daylight!
So any gals or guys who want juicy details- PM me! I am friends with many people in the program- and have lots of stories. Many of the people in the program are not on Dave's because they are very stressed and busy/and most do not have internet access if they are in a village.
I actually have my rescue squad available for the girls trapped in villages. The country is fabulous and an amazing experience short term, but for those of us who have been here for more than a year-it is not so easy (and I am actually free). If you are a woman who likes freedom, it can really suck. It all depends on your host family. And if you are a woman who smokes, forget it! You need to give up your habit that is reserved only for men (99% of Georgian men smoke). You will be a huge scandal if you are seen smoking. And you are expected to befriend all your teenage students, colleagues, and everyone in your village on facebook (if you have internet access). And everyone will freak out if they see pics of you with a man who is not your father. Always lie and say you are not on facebook. One girl is under lots of criticism from her colleagues and school because she has a boyfriend in America. Naughty girl!
Roughing it is fun for awhile. I do get a kick out of their culture and habits. I do have many wonderful Georgian female friends who I adore (I am not really allowed to get to know Georgian men it is social taboo to have male friends). But it is very hard to have control over your life in the program.
Ok so let me be fair- here are the positive aspects.
1.Excellent organic produce, dairy products to die from! Milk straight from the cow, eggs straight from the hen, ect.... You can have beautiful skin and hair and may get super skinny if your host family does not cook with an inch of oil covering your food (good luck with that).
2. Loving people who will move mountains for you and tell you every day that they love you. You do feel special and important.
3.Sometimes the kids are the most precious creatures ever, and they will put on many adorable shows for you.
4. You will feel like you are making a difference.
5. The mountains and scenery are rugged, unspoiled, and not touristy yet- and when you travel you will make friends with millions of Israelis in Svaneti!
6. Your host family will become your "real" family in most cases. As frustrated as you may be, you will love them and become addicted.
7. If you love the color black, wearing it everyday is the norm. I love to count how many people on the streets are not wearing black. My number rarely exceeds 10.
8. If you like to drink and dance! You have found your Utopia! One gal I know has to go to the wild Georgian supras at least twice a week. But unfortunately I know another girl who has become an alcoholic. Boozing it up is no problem and expected for men. I usually tell people I am pregnant to get out of drinking so much.
9. If you are looking for a nice Georgian husband who drinks and smokes all the time and only wears black- you are in luck! You will actually have marriage proposals on a daily basis. No problem with finding a husband, and they all think that we are here in Georgia to find ourselves a husband.
So girls- think about these issues. Men- you are in a different situation but most host families are still highly protective of you as well- and will wonder why you want to spend time away from them.
Well, I am going to walk down the street now with another man and hold a cigarette in my hand and pretend like I smoke 
Last edited by cks on Sun Mar 27, 2011 5:48 am; edited 2 times in total |
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cks
Joined: 12 Jul 2005
Posts: 144
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| Posted: Sat Mar 26, 2011 9:51 pm Post subject: |
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And JZer- if your Taiwanese company will understand that there will be many days that you will not be able to complete your work due to constant power cuts-then possibly-yes. Sometimes a day goes by (like today for me) without a power cut. In my town of 60,000-our power cuts lasts anywhere from 2 minutes to a full day-but it might be worse in the villages. Georgians lived the entire decade of the 90s without electricity- so during these power cuts they will never complain to the "electric company".
And if your neighbors who want to steal wifi access from their rich foreign neighbor do not slow down your speed too much- then the answer is also yes. |
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kclaib
Joined: 03 Dec 2010
Posts: 7
Location: New York
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| Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2011 2:27 am Post subject: |
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| cks wrote: |
And JZer- if your Taiwanese company will understand that there will be many days that you will not be able to complete your work due to constant power cuts-then possibly-yes. Sometimes a day goes by (like today for me) without a power cut. In my town of 60,000-our power cuts lasts anywhere from 2 minutes to a full day-but it might be worse in the villages. Georgians lived the entire decade of the 90s without electricity- so during these power cuts they will never complain to the "electric company".
And if your neighbors who want to steal wifi access from their rich foreign neighbor do not slow down your speed too much- then the answer is also yes. |
Does Tbilisi still have frequent power cuts? |
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cks
Joined: 12 Jul 2005
Posts: 144
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| Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2011 4:06 am Post subject: |
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Probably. I will have to email people I know who live in Tbilisi. I only had 3 power cuts this week in my city. One day was for 5 hours (not unusual), another 1 1/2 hours (average timing), and another for only 45ish minutes. For those of you who have never lived in a developing country, think about what a power cut means in the winter time. There is no central heat in 90% of homes outside Tbilisi (I haven't experienced Central Heat in over a year). A power cut means lack of any warmth that you may have from your electric blanket (my prime source of warmth) and your space heater if your host family has one/ or you buy one for yourself. It also means no hot water if you happen to be lucky enough to live in a family with indoor plumbing.
Sometimes I forget what my friends and students look like without their winter hats. We usually teach in the classrooms with our coats and winter hats; no one will see your clothes anyway. A girl I sort of know who lives in Tbilisi did not have central heat in her last flat either. I am guessing those who live in Tbilisi have some of the same concerns. The foreigners who are not with the program who are working as an NGO or for other orgazinations- can expect to find flats for over $1000 in Tbilisi. My friend finally found a nice one and negotiated her way down to $1400. Georgians give special prices for us "rich foreigners". In my town the average Georgian pays about $150 per month for a flat, but they charge us foreigners 200 to 300 Euros per person for the same place. We also get "special prices" at the market. |
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spiral78
Joined: 05 Apr 2004
Posts: 11534
Location: On a Short Leash
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| Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2011 1:19 pm Post subject: |
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| Quote: |
| Georgians give special prices for us "rich foreigners". In my town the average Georgian pays about $150 per month for a flat, but they charge us foreigners 200 to 300 Euros per person for the same place. We also get "special prices" at the market |
Ah, the ever-popular 'special price' syndrome!
It used to be very common in Central Europe as well - and still exists, though in more modest sums and more covertly, these days.
This is the thing the adverts always leave out, when they tout : "A very generous salary by local standards." They always omit the fact that you can expect to pay much more than the locals on housing in particular!! |
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Sashadroogie
Joined: 17 Apr 2007
Posts: 11061
Location: Moskva, The Workers' Paradise
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| Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2011 2:53 pm Post subject: |
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| Most museums in the 'developing world' use a dual-price, officially. Can be quite peeving to have to produce one's passport with visa at the ticket hatch to prove you are not a tourist... |
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spiral78
Joined: 05 Apr 2004
Posts: 11534
Location: On a Short Leash
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| Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2011 3:53 pm Post subject: |
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Interesting. Where I've lived/worked in Europe, we are issued a driving-license sized card with photo and appropriately funky holograms - much more discrete than a passport (keep mine hidden in a cover anyway - don't want to advertise my nationality to the masses!).
In Moscow, I had an ID card for the housing complex where I lived. That worked as well... |
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Sashadroogie
Joined: 17 Apr 2007
Posts: 11061
Location: Moskva, The Workers' Paradise
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| Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2011 4:40 pm Post subject: |
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Ah, but Spiral, I assume you never tried to buy an internal railway ticket without your passport details? Buy a SIM card? Or lodge money in a bank? Your own money, into your own bank account? Ah such are the joys... Photocopies just won't do in a lot of cases, I'm afraid. Even when stamped by the relevant embassy.
Passports don't live in a bedroom drawer here. They lead full and active lifes without every going near a port. So a cover is a good idea. Not for discretion, but to save wear and tear...
Can't imagine Georgia would be too different in this regard... |
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spiral78
Joined: 05 Apr 2004
Posts: 11534
Location: On a Short Leash
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| Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2011 5:06 pm Post subject: |
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| Quote: |
| Ah, but Spiral, I assume you never tried to buy an internal railway ticket without your passport details? Buy a SIM card? Or lodge money in a bank? Your own money, into your own bank account? Ah such are the joys... Photocopies just won't do in a lot of cases, I'm afraid. Even when stamped |
Except for the first item, not in Russia. Of course I had phones and bank accounts and all other stuff elsewhere (no passport needed).
Did find lodgings for my euros 
But I DID buy a train ticket without my passport. And museum tickets, and that all-important entrance to visit Lenin - with my residence id....However - it's possible that I paid the tourist price  |
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Sashadroogie
Joined: 17 Apr 2007
Posts: 11061
Location: Moskva, The Workers' Paradise
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| Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2011 5:13 pm Post subject: |
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You can buy a train ticket without your passport physically on your person. But you need to know all your details, as these get printed on the ticket.
But for most other transactions, the original will be asked for.
Not for museums - that's the point. You'll automatically be charged the higher price - even when you wave your local papers in front of the babooshka's unsmiling face. |
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spiral78
Joined: 05 Apr 2004
Posts: 11534
Location: On a Short Leash
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| Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2011 5:20 pm Post subject: |
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I'm a wimp when it comes to babushki
They've got authority!!
Anyway, I'll bow out and let the thread go back to its intended purposes - how not to get fleeced when living in Georgia!! |
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