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, there are several requirements that are common. Firstly, you will usually need a bachelor’s degree to apply for teaching jobs and teach English programmes, including TLG. You will also need to have a TEFL certificate or a teaching qualification, as well as be able to pass a clean criminal background check (CRC) and a medical test. Most programmes and employers also prefer teachers from native English speaking countries, although this can be worked around if you have demonstrable fluency levels.
Most English teaching programmes don’t require you to have any previous teaching experience. However, if you want to work at a top international school or private language school, you will be expected to have at least some experience.
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.
Salary and cost of living in Georgia
Excited to teach English in Georgia but wondering exactly how much you will make, earn and save? No one would claim that teaching English in Georgia is going to make you rich, in fact, it might not seem like you’re making much money at all! But with very low living costs, free housing and flights, and incredible sights to discover right on your doorstep, you’ll soon discover you don’t need much to enjoy this wonderful country. Read on to find out more about salary expectations and daily living costs in Georgia.
How much do English teachers earn in Georgia?
Wondering how much you can make if you teach in Georgia? If we’re being honest, the answer is probably a bit lower than you imagined! However, teaching wages are paid to align with local salaries. For example, an English teacher in Georgia will usually make around ლ750 / £185 / $240 on a teaching English abroad programme like TLG. Meanwhile, a teacher at an international or private school can make up to £760 / $1000 per month. Many teachers also offer private lessons to boost their monthly salary. Hourly rates for private tutors are usually between £10 – £20 / $13 – $26.
Remember, it’s not just a monthly salary you’ll receive. Those coming to teach English as a foreign language in Georgia will often benefit from free round-trip flights, free medical care, housing with a host family and other incentives.
How much does it cost to live in Georgia?
While the wages might be lower, you’ll likely find the cost of living in Georgia is also much lower than that of your home country. Most teachers will live with a host family, meaning they won’t have to worry about rent, bills or meals. And with a teaching programme like TLG, you’ll also have your flights to and from Georgia covered, as well as your medical insurance and even your mobile phone!
That leaves your small monthly teacher stipend to be spent on experiencing Georgia’s beautiful destinations and fascinating culture. Georgia is one of the cheapest countries in Europe, with incredibly low-cost travel making it easy to explore the country. Of course, eating, drinking and nights out in popular destinations like Tbilisi and Batumi will be more expensive than say visiting a small rural village or hiking in the mountains. But even in Georgia’s busiest cities, the cost of living is still very reasonable.
| Country | Avg. monthly salary | Degree required | Start of term | Teaching experience | Housing & flights included | Suitable for non-native English speakers | Age restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teach in Georgia | £185 - £760 ($240 - $1000) |
Preferred | September | No | Sometimes | Yes | None |
English teaching jobs in Georgia
If Georgia sounds like your kind of place, you might be wondering what sort of English teaching jobs are available. The good news is that there’s a high demand for English teachers in the country right now, especially with the government’s education drive to teach students English.
The majority of teaching volunteers in Georgia will end up working at a public school alongside a local teacher, through an English programme like TLG. That being said, there are also other jobs available, including teaching at private and international schools or at a university.
Types of teaching jobs in Georgia
Whether you have just finished your TEFL course, have a little experience under your belt or are a fully qualified teacher, there’s a teaching position in Georgia for you. Read on to find out more about what kind of job you could get in Georgia:
Public schools
The majority of TEFL teachers will work in Georgia at public schools. This is due to the Georgian government’s education programme, aimed at getting more students to learn English with a native speaker. programmes like TLG recruit native English, French, Italian and German language speakers to co-teach alongside public school teachers throughout the country. You might be placed at a large public school or be sent to teach at a remote school in a rural village – you won’t know where until you apply!
English teachers at a public school will usually work for around 25-30 hours per week, helping to create and deliver lesson plans for their students, alongside a local co-teacher. Foreign teachers might find some class teaching styles a little hard to get used to. For example, it’s common to greet both colleagues and older students alike with a handshake and kiss, which is probably a little less formal than at school in your home country! On the other hand, teachers will be expected to dress relatively formally, with women being expected to wear skirts rather than trousers in some rural school locations.
To see the latest TEFL jobs in Georgia, visit our online jobs board.
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English teaching programmes in Georgia
As mentioned throughout this post, by far the most common way to teach English in Georgia is through an English programme like TLG (Teach and Learn with Georgia). The programme was designed by the government in Georgia to promote English, French and German language learning across the country, with a focus on listening and speaking skills.
To apply for the TLG programme you must:
- Be a native speaker of the language being taught (English, French or German)
- Hold a BA/BS in any related discipline or a BA/BS in any discipline with teaching experience
- Be able to pass a criminal record check
- Be a native speaker of the language being taught (English, French or German) Hold a BA/BS in any related discipline or a BA/BS in any discipline with teaching experience Be able to pass a criminal record check Receive a clean medical test
Teaching English in Tbilisi
Think you might like to teach English in Tbilisi? Good choice! Georgia’s capital has emerged as the coolest destination in the South Caucasus’. From its picturesque Old Town to its heart-pumping late-night scene, it’s no wonder that Tbilisi is the first choice for many new TEFL teachers in Georgia.
Home to almost all of the country’s private and international English institutes, this is where Georgia’s top teaching jobs can be found. And, while those coming to Georgia through an English teaching programme might not be able to choose where they end up, Tbilisi is still a must-visit destination for anyone coming to the country.
Spend your days exploring the cobbled streets of Tbilisi’s old neighbourhoods, pick up a bottle of famous Georgian wine at one of the local bazaars or try some of the city’s incredible East-meets-West street food fusions. At the end of the day, relax with a quiet drink at one of Tbilisi’s stylish bars or party the night away at a local rave. Whatever you’re into, you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained in Tbilisi at the end of the school day!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. How much does an English teacher make in Georgia?
An English teacher in Georgia will make around ლ750 / £185 / $240 on a teaching English abroad programme and up to £760 / $1000 per month at international or private schools. Many teachers also boost their monthly income by offering private lessons. Hourly rates for private tutors are usually between £10 – £20 / $13 – $26. Teachers also usually receive free round-trip flights, free medical care, housing with a host family and a free mobile phone. -
Q. When is the best time to apply for jobs in Georgia?
There are teaching jobs year-round in Georgia. However, the peak times are January and April, while applications for programmes like TLG close in August. -
Q. Are English teachers in demand in Georgia?
Yes! There’s a great demand for English teachers in Georgia right now. Much of this is down to the Georgian government and their education movement – the Teach and Learn with Georgia (TLG) programme. The demand is highest in the capital city of Tbilisi, where the majority of teaching jobs can be found. -
Q. Do you need a degree to TEFL in Georgia?
Most English teaching programmes in Georgia, including TLG, will require a bachelor’s degree. For those hoping to teach at a private or international school, you will usually need a bachelor’s degree, a teaching qualification and some prior teaching experience.
