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Teach English in Georgia

Find out everything you need to know about Teaching English in Georgia, including teaching programmes, requirements, cost of living & more!

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With incredible landscapes, friendly locals and the cool capital of Tbilisi (the South Caucasus' most hip city) to explore, Georgia might just be the off-the-beaten-track teach English abroad destination you've been searching for.

Occupying a unique position at the intersection of Europe and Asia on the Black Sea, teaching English in Georgia might not have crossed your mind. But that's about to change. This small but beautiful country is an undiscovered TEFL gem. Home to captivating ancient traditions, stunningly diverse landscapes and friendly locals keen to show off their culture, Georgia is perfect for those searching for teaching abroad adventures with a difference.

And, thanks to a recent government-backed push to make English more widespread within the country, there’s never been a better time to TEFL in Georgia. From volunteer programmes to private and international schools, there are a range of English teaching jobs available in Georgia. Read on to discover everything you need to know in this Ultimate Guide to Teaching English in Georgia.

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Teaching English in Georgia at a glance

Most TEFL teachers will come to Georgia through the Teach and Learn with Georgia (TLG) programme - an education movement initiated by the Georgian government. However, there are also opportunities to teach in Georgia at private schools, international schools and as a private language tutor. English teachers will usually stay with host families and receive a monthly stipend, but with such a low cost of living in Georgia, it's usually enough to still enjoy everything this fascinating country has to offer.

Let's take a quick glance at some of the key facts you should know before you teach English in Georgia:

  • Salaries for English teachers in Georgia will vary depending on what programme you teach through or what school you work for. For example, a teacher with a TLG programme will make ლ750 (GEL: Georgian lari), which is roughly £185 / $240. This might not sound like much but is actually in keeping with average salaries in Georgia, where the cost of living is incredibly low. On the other hand, teaching English at a private or international school can earn you around £760 / $1000 per month.
  • Many teachers also boost their monthly income by offering private lessons. Hourly rates for private tutors are usually between £10 - £20 / $13 - $26.
  • Alongside the monthly stipend, teachers on programmes like TLG will usually receive free round-trip flights, free medical care, housing with a host family and a free mobile phone.
  • Citizens of many countries, including most of Europe, the UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa are all able to enter and stay in Georgia for up to a year without a visa, although to teach English legally, you will require a work visa.
  • Requirements for programmes and jobs will differ between providers and schools, but most will require a bachelor's degree, a TEFL certification, a clean criminal background check (CRC) and a clean medical test.
  • Previous experience isn't required for most teaching English programmes in Georgia. However, those applying for jobs at a private or international school will find it difficult to secure work without some prior teaching experience.
  • Native English speakers are preferred. However, non-native English speakers with proven fluency shouldn't have a problem finding work. In addition, the TLG programme hires native French, Italian and German language speakers as well.
  • There are teaching jobs year-round but contracts for programmes like TLG will generally run from September to June, with peak hiring times in January and April.

Requirements for teaching English in Georgia

The requirements for teaching English in Georgia will change between different teaching programmes and employers. That being said, several requirements are common. To teach English in Georgia, you typically need a Bachelor’s degree in any field, although degrees in education or English are preferred. A TEFL certification is required, with a 120-hour course commonly accepted, though some international schools may require a 180-hour certification or higher. Native-level fluency in English and a clean criminal record are also necessary. Additionally, a work permit is required, which employers usually help obtain. Many teachers initially start with a tourist visa while their work permit is being processed.

Teaching in Georgia with no degree

If you don't have a bachelor's degree, teaching English in Georgia might not be the right option for you, as having an undergraduate degree is a basic requirement for both teaching jobs and English programmes. But don't despair! Check out our guide on how to teach English abroad without a degree.

For those who are studying but haven't yet completed their degree, you may still have the chance to be considered for teaching positions in Georgia. All you need to do is send in your transcripts along with your application.

Teaching in Georgia without experience

No teaching experience on your CV/resume? No problem! Teaching English in Georgia if you have never worked as a teacher before is easy. It's not a requirement for the TLG or other similar teach English in Georgia programmes if you have a degree in a related discipline. And the best thing is, once you've finished your programme, you'll have plenty of experience to put in your next cover letter!

TEFL certification for teaching in Georgia

If you don't have any teaching experience, one of the best ways you can boost your confidence and gain invaluable teaching skills is by getting a TEFL certification. Taking a TEFL course not only provides you with basic teaching skills, like how to teach grammar, structure lessons and manage classes but can also make your application stand out from the crowd.

For those hoping to teach English in Georgia at a private or international school, TEFL certification may also help you to secure a teaching position. It's worth noting, however, that the top schools will often look for previous experience, too.

What visa do you need to TEFL in Georgia?

Citizens of many countries, including the UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, are all able to enter and stay in Georgia for up to a year without a visa. See this map for a list of all the countries that are exempt from requiring a visa.

Volunteers teaching English in Georgia do not need any additional visas. However, to legally teach in the country, at say a private school, university or international school, you will require a work visa. This is usually sponsored by your employer, who will help you with the application process.