If you’ve ever dreamed of teaching English abroad in a truly unique and off-the-beaten-path destination, the Teach and Learn with Georgia (TLG) Program may have already crossed your radar. Run by the Georgian Ministry of Education and Science, the TLG program was launched to improve English education across the country while encouraging cultural exchange between Georgia and the English-speaking world.
Teachers through the program were placed in public schools across Georgia — from remote mountain villages to charming regional towns — and worked alongside local co-teachers to bring English into the classroom and cultural exchange into daily life.
⚠️ Important Note: As of now, the TLG program is not currently active. There have been no new intakes in recent years. That said, the official website remains online, and updates may occur — so this guide is here to help you understand the program in case it resumes, or to explore similar options in Georgia.
Whether you’re planning ahead or just exploring what’s out there, this guide will give you everything you need to know about the TLG Program — from what it was, to what it offered, and where you can teach instead.
What is the Teach and Learn with Georgia Program?
The Teach and Learn with Georgia (TLG) program was a government initiative created to improve foreign language education — especially English — throughout the country of Georgia. Launched in 2010 by the Ministry of Education and Science, it aimed to place native and near-native English speakers into public schools, where they would co-teach with local Georgian teachers, often in under-resourced or rural areas.
While the program also welcomed speakers of other languages (like French and German), it was primarily known for bringing English teachers into classrooms across the country — particularly outside the capital, Tbilisi.
🇬🇪 TLG’s Mission
- Enhance students' English proficiency at a national level
- Foster cultural exchange and mutual understanding
- Improve teaching methodologies by working alongside local educators
- Strengthen the global connection between Georgia and the English-speaking world
👥 Who Joined the Program?
TLG attracted a mix of participants:
- New grads looking for meaningful international experience
- Licensed teachers seeking a unique challenge
- Career-changers and travelers with a sense of adventure
One of the most appealing aspects of the program was the chance to live and teach in remote, culturally rich regions — from Svaneti’s snowcapped villages to the vineyards of Kakheti — where few foreigners ever go.
At its peak, TLG had hundreds of teachers across Georgia — making a real impact and forging lifelong memories.
Up next: What a typical TLG placement looked like.
Program Details
The TLG program was designed to be immersive, community-centered, and impactful, especially in schools that needed the most support. While it’s not currently operating, its structure offers great insight into what teaching in Georgia could look like — and what to expect if similar programs return.
📆 Contract Length
- Typical contracts ran for one academic year
- Shorter 6-month contracts were sometimes available
- Teachers could renew and stay longer if desired
🧑🏫 Teaching Responsibilities
- Co-teach English classes with a Georgian teacher (you weren’t on your own!)
- Focus on speaking, listening, and communication
- Help students build real-world language skills
- Occasionally lead clubs, cultural presentations, or school events
- Teach up to 30 hours per week (including prep)
Most placements were in elementary and secondary schools, though occasionally teachers worked with kindergartens or adult learners through community projects.
🏫 School & Class Setup
- Public school placements across all regions of Georgia
- Class sizes varied, but many had 15–25 students
- Curriculum guidance came from the school, with room for creativity
The classroom environment was typically warm and respectful — but resources could be limited, especially in rural areas. Flexibility and creativity were key!
🤝 Support System
TLG teachers received:
- A local host family or housing support
- Airport pickup and in-country orientation
- Access to a 24/7 support hotline
- Ongoing contact with TLG regional coordinators
While teachers were placed independently, the program fostered a strong sense of community and peer connection across the country.
Next up: Who could apply to the TLG program, and what were the eligibility requirements?
Eligibility and Requirements
When it was active, the TLG program welcomed applicants from a wide range of backgrounds — from recent college grads to experienced educators and adventurous career-breakers.
The key requirement? A genuine interest in teaching, cultural exchange, and living in a developing yet rapidly modernizing country.
✅ Basic Requirements (When Active)
To be eligible for the TLG program, applicants generally needed to:
- Be a native English speaker (from the U.S., Canada, U.K., Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa)
- Hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in any subject
- Pass a nationwide criminal background check
- Be in good physical and mental health
- Be open to rural placements and co-teaching environments
📜 Preferred Qualifications
While not required, the following were preferred:
- A TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certification
- Prior teaching or tutoring experience
- A degree in Education, English, or Linguistics
- Familiarity with intercultural settings or developing countries
One of the TLG program’s strengths was its flexibility — it was open to people from many walks of life, as long as they were prepared to adapt and contribute.
Up next: How did the application process work, and what can you expect if it ever reopens?
Application Process
While the Teach and Learn with Georgia program is not currently accepting new applicants, it’s helpful to understand how the process worked in the past — especially if it reopens or a similar initiative is launched in the future.
📝 How to Apply (When Active)
-
Online Application
Applicants submitted an online form through the official TLG website: tlg.gov.ge -
Required Documents
- Copy of passport
- Bachelor’s degree (scan or certified copy)
- Nationwide criminal background check
- Updated résumé/CV
- TEFL/TESOL certificate (if available)
- 1–2 letters of recommendation
- Recent photo
-
Interview
Shortlisted applicants participated in a Skype or Zoom interview with a TLG coordinator. This was used to assess your motivation, communication skills, and cultural adaptability. -
Acceptance & Placement Once accepted, teachers were placed based on regional needs — usually with some preference taken into account. You’d receive your official contract and placement info prior to arrival.
📅 When to Apply
In the past, TLG accepted applications year-round, though the main intake aligned with the start of the academic year in September. Occasionally, teachers started in January or February.
⚠️ Current Status: As of now, the application portal is closed. However, the website remains online, which may suggest future opportunities. It’s worth bookmarking and checking back occasionally.
Next up: Where did TLG teachers live and work — and what were placements like across Georgia?
Placement and Locations
One of the most exciting — and sometimes challenging — aspects of the TLG program was its wide variety of placements. Teachers could find themselves in a small mountain village, a regional town, or even a larger city outside Tbilisi.
No matter where you were placed, the goal was the same: to bring English language learning and intercultural exchange to communities that needed it most.
📍 Common Placement Types
- Rural villages — quiet, scenic, and very local
- Mid-sized towns — community-focused with some modern amenities
- Larger regional cities — more resources, expat presence, and faster pace
Note: While many applicants hoped for Tbilisi, the majority of placements were outside the capital, where demand for English teachers was highest.
🏔️ Living in Georgia's Regions
Some of the most popular and picturesque regions included:
- Kakheti – Georgia’s wine country, with rolling hills and warm hospitality
- Adjara – A subtropical region on the Black Sea, home to Batumi
- Svaneti & Racha – Remote, mountainous areas known for history and dramatic landscapes
- Imereti – A lush western region with cities like Kutaisi and rich traditions
🏠 Accommodation
Teachers were typically provided:
- Homestays with a Georgian family (especially in villages)
- Or a private apartment arranged by the school or municipality
- Utilities sometimes included, or partially subsidized
Living with a host family was a major part of the immersion experience, giving teachers insight into Georgian daily life, food, and language.
Many teachers described their placement towns as “unexpected but unforgettable” — the kind of places you’d never find on a tourist map.
Next: Let’s talk about pay, housing, and other benefits.
Compensation and Benefits
While the TLG program didn’t offer sky-high salaries, it provided a livable stipend, free housing, and a range of support that made day-to-day life in Georgia affordable and rewarding — especially considering the country’s low cost of living.
💶 Monthly Stipend
- Teachers received a monthly stipend of approx. 500 GEL to 750 GEL
- (Roughly $150–$250 USD at the time, depending on qualifications and placement)
- Paid directly by the Ministry or local school administration
- Enough to cover essentials, especially in rural towns where living costs are low
Note: Many teachers supplemented their income with private tutoring, which was common and encouraged by locals.
🏠 Housing
- Free housing was included — usually via:
- A host family (especially in small towns)
- A school-arranged apartment (in urban areas)
- Utilities were often covered or significantly subsidized
✈️ Travel & Settlement
- Round-trip airfare reimbursement (after completion of contract)
- Initial orientation in Tbilisi with meals and lodging provided
- Some placements included monthly transportation stipends or local bonuses
🩺 Healthcare & Support
- Health insurance provided during your stay
- 24/7 support hotline through the Ministry
- Access to regional coordinators and peer teachers for help with day-to-day life
🏖️ Time Off
- National holidays off (Georgia has many!)
- School breaks in winter and summer
- Plenty of free time to explore the country, hike, or even hop into neighboring Armenia or Turkey
Overall, while the pay was modest, most teachers found it enough to live comfortably and experience Georgia to the fullest — especially with housing covered.
Next: What was everyday life like as a teacher in Georgia?
Living and Teaching in Georgia
Life as a teacher in Georgia wasn’t just about lesson plans — it was about deep cultural immersion, simple pleasures, and human connection. From hearty meals with your host family to spontaneous supra (feast) invitations, every day offered something unexpected.
📚 In the Classroom
- You’d typically co-teach with a Georgian English teacher
- Classes focused on conversational English, pronunciation, and practical usage
- Students were generally polite, enthusiastic, and curious about foreign cultures
- Many schools had limited resources — so flexibility and creativity were key!
“I brought in music, played word games, and even taught a class how to write postcards in English — they loved it.” – former TLG teacher
🏡 Daily Life
- Food: Expect lots of fresh bread, cheese (sulguni!), khachapuri, stews, and seasonal produce
- Language: Georgian is tough, but you’ll learn the basics — and locals are patient and proud to teach you
- Community: You’ll likely be the only foreigner in town — which makes you a celebrity and ambassador at the same time
- Weekends: Hike in the Caucasus, visit monasteries, explore Tbilisi or Batumi, or just relax with your host family
🌍 Cultural Highlights
- Deep traditions of hospitality and generosity
- Frequent festivals and community events
- A culture of toasts and storytelling (you’ll get good at raising your glass)
- Passionate pride in language, religion, and national history
Living in Georgia is a powerful, personal experience — one that stays with you long after you’ve left.
Next: A look at the pros and cons of the TLG program.
Pros and Cons of the TLG Program
The Teach and Learn with Georgia program offered a rare chance to experience life in the Caucasus, make an impact in local classrooms, and live deeply within Georgian culture. But like any teach abroad opportunity, it came with both highlights and challenges.
✅ Pros
- Full cultural immersion in a unique and welcoming country
- Free housing and in-country support
- Opportunities to live in regions most travelers never see
- Flexible for first-time teachers and open to various backgrounds
- Affordable lifestyle with low living costs
- Time off to travel around Georgia and beyond
❌ Cons
- Program is currently inactive (no new intakes at this time)
- Modest monthly stipend (not ideal for saving money)
- Most placements in rural areas with limited English spoken
- Schools often had limited resources and minimal technology
- Some cultural adjustment required, especially in isolated regions
🎯 Who It’s Best For
The TLG program was perfect for:
- Adventurous travelers who value authentic, off-the-path experiences
- Culturally curious educators who want to make a difference
- People looking for a personal and professional growth year abroad
- Anyone excited by the idea of living in a homestay, learning a new script, and discovering a lesser-known part of Europe
Up next: What to do now — and where else you can teach if TLG isn’t currently an option.
Conclusion & Alternatives
While the Teach and Learn with Georgia (TLG) Program isn’t currently active, it left behind a meaningful legacy — one of language learning, cultural exchange, and community-building in one of Europe’s most underrated destinations.
If the program returns, it will once again offer a rare chance to live deeply in Georgian culture while making a real impact in schools and communities across the country. Until then, there are still ways to pursue similar opportunities.
🇬🇪 Alternatives for Teaching in Georgia
If you're interested in teaching in Georgia now, here are a few paths to explore:
-
Private Language Schools
Cities like Tbilisi and Batumi have a growing number of private academies that hire native English speakers. A TEFL certificate is usually required. -
International Schools
Some international or bilingual schools hire qualified teachers for full-time roles. These positions are more competitive and often require a teaching license. -
NGOs and Volunteer Organizations
Look for education-focused NGOs that place volunteers in after-school programs or run community centers with English classes. -
Freelance & Online Tutoring
Digital nomads and long-term travelers often supplement their stay by teaching English online or running private tutoring sessions for local students.
You may not get the same support or housing benefits as TLG, but you can still build your own version of the Georgia experience — especially with a TEFL certificate and an adventurous mindset.
🌍 Want to Explore More Options?
Georgia remains a country full of warmth, culture, mountains, wine, and possibility. And even if TLG doesn’t come back soon — the door to teaching, living, and learning in Georgia is still open.
Check back on tlg.gov.ge for future updates, or explore your next step now. 🌍✈️
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