Teach English in Georgia

Georgian is a fascinating language which has no similarities to other languages – so living here is fascinating for lovers of languages! 

Russian is widely spoken here, but English is becoming more popular, especially with the younger generations. There are now numerous initiatives by the Georgian government to extend English teaching around the country..

Besides being linguistically interesting, Georgia is a unique and fascinating country. 

In Georgia, you will find teaching opportunities mostly in language schools and international schools. Most of these positions are found in the bigger cities of Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Batumi. If you teach with the Teach and Learn with Georgia program, you’ll be placed in a government school.

Tbilisi

The capital city

Tbilisi is the capital city of Georgia. It is home to a quarter of the country’s population. There are a number of international schools and language centres in Tbilisi.

Kutaisi

For the history buffs

Kutaisi is the second largest city in Georgia. One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, it’s a city steeped in history and culture.

Batumi

For the foodies and nature lovers

On the Black Sea, Batumi is often referred to as Georgia’s second capital. It’s a popular tourist destination, with a humid, subtropical climate.

To qualify for a teaching position, a BA/BS degree is typically required. Contract lengths can vary from 3 to 12 months, with peak hiring seasons in August and January. 

Yes, a work permit is needed to teach English in Georgia. However, many teachers enter Georgia on a tourist visa. Once they have secured a job, their employer assists in applying for a work permit.

No, teaching experience isn’t needed to teach in Georgia. In fact, it’s a great way to get teaching experience because new TEFL teachers are welcome.

We recommend our Level 5 Diploma to prepare you for a teaching position in Georgia, particularly if you don’t have teaching experience. 

To be eligible for teaching positions in Georgia, a BA/BS degree is typically required. 

Yes, they can. Teaching jobs in Georgia require English proficiency but you don’t need to be a native speaker.

Here are a few costs you need to consider when starting out in Georgia:

• Accommodation: First month’s rent and security deposit.
• TEFL certification: A TEFL course can cost between $100 and $500, depending on the length and level of the course and the course provider. 
• Document fees: Any costs related to certifying and notarising your degree and TEFL certificate.
• Flight ticket: Variable. 
• Visa application: The cost of a visa is subject to your home country. You can expect to pay between $100 and $150.
• Living expenses: You will need one month’s worth of start-up capital of about 4,000 – 4,500 GEL ($1,500 – $1,600).

Teaching jobs in Georgia can be found in private language schools and government schools. Teaching contracts may include reimbursement for flights and accommodation. There is a volunteer programme organised by the government to place foreign teachers with local teachers in schools and the two teachers work together in planning and delivering lessons, which can be a great help when starting out teaching.

Public schools

Class sizes in public schools in Georgia are generally between 10 and 20 students. To teach in a public school, apply for the Teach and Learn with Georgia program.

International schools

Teachers in international schools work approximately 25 hours a week. Positions are available teaching English, as well as other subjects. Accommodation with a host family is often provided with a 12-month contract.

Private language schools

There are not many private language schools in Georgia. But two of the biggies – International House and the British Council have schools in the capital, Tbilisi. If you find work at a smaller language school you’ll probably end up working for more than one. 

Private lessons

Many TEFL teachers in Georgia give private lessons to supplement their income. Private lessons are very popular here. Private lessons are often found through word-of-mouth.

Online

Teaching English online is another flexible way to earn a bit more cash.

Other teaching programs in Georgia

The Teach and Learn with Georgia

The Teach and Learn with Georgia program is an educational reform program carried out by the Georgian government. English teachers are recruited to work with local teachers in public schools. The program is aimed to improve English and provide opportunities for cultural exchange. 

On the program, teachers work 24 – 30 hours a week, plus they tutor their host family for 3 hours a week. Teachers can opt to work for one or two semesters. It’s a volunteer program but teachers are paid a monthly stipend of 750 GEL ($280). Teachers stay with a host family, and flights to and from Georgia are sponsored.

The school year in Georgia is divided into two semesters, which start in mid-September and mid-January. Jobs are in higher demand in the months leading up to these times of year.

It’s easy to find a job on the streets of Georgia, so to speak. Citizens of English-speaking countries can enter and stay in Georgia for up to a year without a visa. This can then be converted into a work permit once you’ve found a job. 

Alternatively, you can find teaching placements online from home. Interviews are then conducted on Skype or Zoom.

There are a variety of teaching opportunities in Georgia for English teachers. Your salary will differ based on which teaching route you choose to follow. 

What is the average teaching English salary in Georgia?

• The average salary of a TEFL teacher in Georgia is around 2,600 GEL ($1,000) a month.
• Private language schools pay 20 – 25 GEL ($7 – $10) an hour.
• For private lessons, TEFL teachers usually charge 40 – 70 GEL ($15 – $25) an hour.
• Teachers with the Teach & Learn With Georgia program can expect to make 750 GEL ($280) a month.

Don’t expect too many benefits from your teaching job in Georgia. Private language schools typically don’t cover flight costs, assist with work visas, or provide accommodation.

International schools generally offer more benefits.

The Teach & Learn with Georgia program is different. In addition to your monthly salary, you can receive a stipend, free accommodation, flights and medical insurance.

The cost of living in Georgia is very affordable, especially for those with foreign currency. Teachers generally earn a high enough salary to live very comfortably in Georgia, even if it might seem like a low salary i f you convert it to your currency.

What is the cost of living in Georgia?

Here are some of the usual costs of living in Georgia:

Accommodation

• A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre: 1,600 GEL ($600) a month
• A one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre: 1,000 GEL ($370) a month

Utilities

• Electricity, water, and gas: 180GEL ($67) a month

Food and groceries

• Monthly shop: 350 GEL ($130)  
• Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: 35 GEL ($13)

Transport

• Monthly travel pass: 40 GEL ($15) 
• One-way ticket: 1 GEL ($0.35)

Internet 

• Unlimited: 30 GEL ($11)

Entertainment

Gym, cinema, clubbing: 200 GEL ($74) a month

You’re not going to save a fortune in Georgia as a teacher due to the relatively low salaries. But with the low cost of living, you can definitely live comfortably. 

Our top tips for saving in Georgia:

• Use public transport. It’s reliable and cheap – even to visit other European destinations.
• Couchsurfing is popular in Georgia, especially Tbilisi. When you’ve got some time off, save your money on accommodation and couchsurf!
• There are a number of fancy (read: expensive) restaurants in the bigger cities of Georgia. Save your pennies by eating at smaller, more local eateries.

• The capital city Tbilisi is a beautiful, old but cosmopolitan city, where you can spend many hours drinking coffee in sidewalk cafes. 
• If you’re interested in the wine industry, head to Kakheti, from where you can explore the winelands and numerous castles and monasteries.
•  If you take a hike up Mount Kazberg you will find a spectacular monastery at the top; you won’t find a monastery with a better view! 
• If you’re a fan of winter sports, head to the ski slopes of Bakuriani.
• Georgian people are famous for their kindness and hospitality to visitors and guests. Friendship is important, and guests are considered to be gifts from God.
• Teachers are expected to be professional at all times.
  

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