Job Discussion Forums

[MarcusK]

Here's a list of English schools in Tbilisi. This list comes from the British Council web site. http://www.britishcouncil.org.ge/english/schools.htm

If you've had experience with any of these schools, or if you know of others, please add comments with the specific details.

The English Language Centre
Director � Maya Kiasashvili
Adviser � Barrie Watson
51A Barnov Street
Tbilisi
Georgia
Telephone/Fax: + 995 32 22 23 26

International House
Director � Irakli Topuria
2 Dolidze Street
Tbilisi 380015
Georgia
Telephone: + 995 32 94 05 15
Fax: + 995 32 00 11 27
E-mail: [email protected]

International Language Academy
Director � Rusudan Tsitsishvili
17 Chavchavadze Avenue
Tbilisi 380079
Georgia
Telephone: + 995 32 22 06 40
E-mail: [email protected]

Professional Training Group
Director � Glenn Gard
33 Paliashvili Street
Second floor
Tbilisi 300008
Georgia
Telephone: + 995 32 22 34 96, 8 99 969439

TCS � Tbilisi Central School of English
Director � Adelina Chubitidze
Pikris Gora, 5 Sharashidze Street
Tbilisi 0179
Georgia
Telephone: + 995 32 22 04 70, 92 34 54
E-mail: [email protected]

ETI � Education & Training International
Director � Pamela Kemsley
1/10 Jakob Nikoladze Street
Tbilisi, Georgia
Telephone: + 995 32 29 17 35, 25 09 45

[englishindian]

Dear Marcus,

Thanks for putting up the post with very valuable info about Georgia. I am about to conclude talks and perhaps head off to Georgia to work with IH. Can you please give me an insight about how much a decent salary would be in Tibilisi. Are living costs lower than that in Moscow or Alma Aty ? I have lived and worked in Moscow before and so am a bit familiar with its prices.
I have just completed a contract in IH Istanbul and the salary was very very decent there. What pitfalls should I keep an eye open for when dialoguing with IH -Tbilisi? Can anyone give me an idea about the owners and teaching done there. I assume that you have spent some time there already.

Can you also please advise about entry and exit rules as there does not seem to be info on the Georgia MFA website. Are there any strict laws regarding import and export of foreign exchange ? There used to be such draconian laws in Russia in the early 2000s but have been removed now. Also any advice about opening bank accounts and wire transfer of funds would be deeply appreciated. Also what about importing electronic things like laptops and digital cameras ?

I would certainly like to hear from anyone else about anything they think important with regards to finishing a contract successfully in Georgia.

Thanks for the help and time taken in reading and answering this post. You can write to me at [email protected]

[werkard]

Hi,
this is a note for all potential teachers to Tbilisi and IH in particular.
I worked for a full semester for Irakli and I found him to be manipulative and aloof.
I was installed in a miserable broken down flat and asked about changing to somethiing better. He said this would be OK but he didn't have anything and I would need to look for myself. Quite difficult as I don't speak Georgian!! I managed to find a better place near to the school wich he reluctantly agreed to pay for.
During my time at this flat the hot water heater blew up and so did the replacement (Georgian workmanship) I was without hot wate for a number of days while it was sorted out WHO would pay for this. The school, the landlord or me. In the end Irakli kindly let me contribute over 25% of the total replacement costs because "IT broke while I was living there".
This is one of the lesser details I could share with you.

[werkard]

Oh sorry, and watch out for ETI they had the reputation of paying late and sometimes omitting to pay, or forgetting obligations re flight.
Goodluck

[maruss]

As I wrote some time ago and have already replied privately to'EnglishIndian' this is unfortunately still not a safe place to go, for foreigners especially, under present circumstances-Georgians I spoke to a few days ago here in Cyprus and who have either been home recently or call regularly, warn me that things are still risky there, robbery and even kidnappings are rife and now there are serious threats of problems with not only rebel internal provinces,but even with Russia!(and that's apart from the negative reports you can read about hassle with employers etc!)
I write this with great regret as it was a lovely country and most of the people are warm, friendly and very hospitable and proud-the women are often delectable too, but only looking is allowed unless you have serious intentions!!

M.

[Anthony Schierman]

Contrary to whatever is being said in Cyprus (and what Cyprus has to do with Georgia is beyond me), Georgia is not an unsafe place. I have lived in Tbilisi for a full year now, witnessed a change of government as well as periodic disturbances in the breakaway regions of Ossetia and Abkhazia and the wannabe breakaway region of Adjara, and I have never felt for my personal safety as an expat. Crime exists like it exists all over Russia and the CIS, no more and no less. Georgia is a beautiful country and Georgians, 99% of the time, will go out of their way to help us clueless foreigners find our way: the vast majority are helpful, friendly, hospitable people... not muggers and thieves. Georgia is a tough little country which is doing its best to make the quality of life better for its citizens in the face of a fractured history, bullying neighbors and a weak economy. It is a great place to teach if you are interested in getting to know a unique and fascinating culture (problems with employers aside). The last thing this emerging democracy needs are people who are not familiar with the present conditions "on the ground" (and by all accounts, a lot has changed in the past ten years here) making ignorant statements about how "unsafe" Georgia is. Don't believe it: take it from someone who actually lives here now, or better yet come see for yourself: You will find yourself to be most welcome.

[joe-joe]

I would have to agree entirely with Anthony's post, (I've actually met him, and worked in Georgia). Georgia, and the Caucasus in general does have problems like anywhere in the world. But it's still a very interesting, and generally nice place to live and teach in. I'm in Azerbaijan now and it's in many ways a lot than living in the UK where I'm originally from.

[englishindian]

priviet my friends,

I am already in Tbilisi now, despite the warnings of my friends and family and yes while it is not Europe yet , it is certainly not Cambodia. I have not been able to to spot any potential threat to my well being yet but my eyes are peeled. I am sure that I will be able to post a better report on things after a month here. Do keep an eye open for my next post.

Thanks and keep TEFLing...