What is the Teach and Learn with Georgia Program for teaching English in Georgia?
The Teach and Learn with Georgia (TLG) program began in 2010 as a way to promote foreign language skills and increase ties with the global community. Sponsored by the Georgian Ministry of Education and Science, the TLG program looks to recruit native English, French and German speakers to work as volunteers in public schools across the country. Although language teaching within a school environment is the main goal of the scheme, it also has a strong focus on cultural exchange.
What does the Teach and Learn with Georgia Program involve?
The TLG program is aimed at all native speakers of English, French and German who are motivated to make a positive difference to young lives in an unfamiliar environment. Applicants will work alongside a local teacher in primary level schools on a one academic year contract. An average week includes 30 hours from Monday to Friday, during which you will teach, plan lessons and get involved in extracurricular activities. Participants are also expected to provide at least three hours per week of language teaching for the local family they live with during the program.
What are the requirements for the Teach and Learn with Georgia Program?
To join the program you will need a BA/BS in education, linguistics or similar or a BA/BS in any other subject plus some teaching experience. You can also apply if you are in your final year of a bachelor's degree in education, linguistics, or similar. Other requirements include a clean criminal record and a health check. If you apply as a French or German native speaker you will need to demonstrate an English language ability that is equivalent to the B1 level of the Common European Framework of reference for Languages. Any other relevant issues such as teaching qualifications, classroom or voluntary experience with young people etc will be taken into account at the recruitment stage. For further information please visit the official TLG website.
What are the benefits of the Teach and Learn with Georgia Program?
As it is a voluntary program, people do not sign up for the TLG program for financial reward. Its real attraction is the opportunity it gives to gain valuable classroom experience and the personal fulfillment that can be achieved by living and working in a unique and relatively unknown part of the world. Other benefits included in the program are:
- Monthly stipend of 750 GEL (400 GEL after tax and host family deduction)
- Paid airfare in and out of Georgia
- Room and board with a host family
- Medical insurance
- Paid winter holidays
