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Recruitment New Teacher Orientation Guide|
Georgia Georgia doesn't quite know if it’s in Europe or Asia and neither does the rest of the world. In maps it is variously described as part of Europe, the Middle East or Asia. As the crossroads of three areas it has elements of all three. However, Georgians regard themselves to be Europeans. Georgia is a small country of around 5 million people. It is situated in the Caucasus and has a northern border with Russia, an eastern border with Azerbaijan, and southern borders with Armenia and Turkey. The Black Sea Coast also forms one of Georgia's frontiers. Until 1991 Georgia was a republic within the Soviet Union, whereupon it gained its independence. After a few turbulent years of post-independence the country is moving forward. The government is very westward looking and the people are enjoying their new freedom in the cafes, bars, theatres and galleries of Tbilisi, the capital, of 1.4 million population.
Climate Although Georgia encompasses five separate climate zones including alpine, semi-desert and sub-tropical, it's fair to say that Tbilisi has a typically moderate climate, with two long seasons and two short seasons. Spring starts in March and is reasonably warm (could be wet). By May the temperatures are getting higher and in July and August temperatures up to 350 C are common and up to 400 C is not unheard of. Autumn tends to be warm and lasts from September to late November. December sees the start of winter, which is often dry, has little snow and can be mild or cold (seldom below 0 C) depending on the day.
Languages Georgian is the spoken language. It's not related to Russian or other Indo-European languages and is difficult to pronounce, with its own alphabet, many sounds unfamiliar to an English speaker and long consonant clusters. Russian used to be the second language and if you know Russian you can get by quite easily. English is incredibly popular among the younger generation, and many students study English as their second language.
Culture There are many theatres and venues in Tbilisi, though performances are almost always in Georgian. There are also numerous galleries, museums and festivals. Georgian singing is unique, as is the exceptional national dancing, which is really worth seeing. Georgians are predominantly Orthodox Christian and there are many beautiful churches. Other religious denominations are also practiced here in full freedom. Due to religion and civic festivals there are many celebrations, which involve lots of food and drink. In Georgia a lot of importance is placed on social eating and drinking. Georgians are very friendly and hospitable, and believe that they have a serious duty to make their guests as welcome and comfortable as possible.
Food and Drink Georgian food is generally fresh and tasty with lots of herbs and spices. A traditional "Supra" is very common – a ritual of toast-making with lots of food (Kebabs, Salads, Khachapuri, etc) and homemade wine. Basically local wine (of numerous varieties and colours) is drunk in Georgia. Fruit juice is everywhere as are brand name soft drinks and mineral waters.
Tbilisi Tbilisi (the capital of Georgia since 5th century) is a beautiful city, situated on the banks of the River Mtkvari and surrounded by green hills and mountains. Old Tbilisi is crowned by Narikala Fortress, which affords excellent views over the city. Below Narikala are old cobbled streets with old wooden houses, many finely carved balconies, sulfur baths, ancient churches, a mosque and a synagogue. Rustaveli Avenue is the main artery and has many shops and cafes, including an English Language Bookshop” Prospero.” Nearby is Sharden Street or Perovskaya Street, with numerous bars and restaurants, offering Chinese, Mexican, Indian, Scandinavian and Spanish as well as Georgian cuisine. There is an active cultural life from Georgian singing and dancing to Shakespeare, Chekov, ballet, opera, galleries and festivals and concerts of internationally famous singers (International Ballet Festival, Contemporary Media, Mtsketa International, Mziuri Festival, Guitar Festival, International Jazz Festival, and Gift Festival). Expat Life Numerous Internet cafes are spread around the centre, most charge about $1-2 an hour. Mobile phone connections are reasonably cheap and it seems that the whole country is connected. Geocell and Magti are the main service providers. There are plenty of places for dining out including Thai, Chinese, Mexican, French, Indian, Russian, Italian and Georgian. There are several McDonalds in the centre of the city There are many bars (British pubs and Irish bars included) and numerous nightclubs (Joy, Lemon, Boom, Beatles, Elite, Tropicana etc).
Outside Tbilisi Georgia is blessed with a beautiful countryside including mountains, forests, rivers etc. It also has many old churches and monasteries which are worth visiting. Travel is mostly by mini-buses, buses or trains. These are very cheap. Car hire is also available, but is more expensive. There are numerous 3-4-5 star hotels on the boarder of Turkey, in Batumi and other smaller resorts. In summer most people head to Batumi, Kobuleti, Gonio, Kvariati or Chakvi on the Black Sea, and in winter the ski resorts of Bakuriani and Gudauri are popular because of the excellent hotels, skiing facilities and the beautiful mountains.
Sports Facilities Georgia is blessed with a beautiful countryside including mountains, forests, rivers etc. It also has many old churches and monasteries which are worth visiting. Travel is mostly by mini-buses, buses or trains. These are very cheap. Car hire is also available, but is more expensive. There are numerous 3-4-5 star hotels on the boarder of Turkey, in Batumi and other smaller resorts. In summer most people head to Batumi, Kobuleti, Gonio, Kvariati or Chakvi on the Black Sea, and in winter the ski resorts of Bakuriani and Gudauri are popular because of the excellent hotels, skiing facilities and the beautiful mountains.
Georgians are Orthodox Christians but they historically were tolerant to other religions. There are two Catholic churches, a Lutheran church, a mosque, a synagogue, several Russian Orthodox churches and the Armenian Gregorian church in Tbilisi. There is also an English speaking community church which is popular with some expatriates.
Working hours for teachers The working day for the school staff starts at 8:45 am and lasts to 4.30 pm. Teachers will also teach an after school club or sports. Teachers are also obligated to attend weekly after school meetings and professional development workdays.
School holidays October half term-one week
Home Leave Teachers are provided an annual round trip ticket to the major international airports closest to their home of record.
Job opportunities for non-employed spouses Job opportunities for the teachers’ spouses depend on their qualifications and vacancies available at the time of their arrival.
School tuition and fees for the teachers’ children Children of expatriate teachers of International School of Georgia may attend the school and receive a 50% exemption from tuition.
Immigration and customs procedures in Georgia In order to enter Georgia you will need:
Shipping personal items The teachers are responsible for shipping of their personal effects to Tbilisi. All apartments are completely furnished. Almost all household goods are available in Tbilisi and it is not necessary to ship large quantities of personal effects. It is strongly advised that all items are shipped with you on the plane so that you do not have to pay duty tax. It will be far easier and less expensive if teachers pay for extra baggage rather than shipping items by mail or through a shipping company. The school will reimburse the teacher according to the shipping allowance. Receipts must be turned in to the school for reimbursement.
Dress code for teachers At International School of Georgia neat and attractive clothes are expected. Teachers should look professional. Shirts and trousers are appropriate for the men. For women, dresses, skirts, blouses, sweaters, or trousers are all acceptable. Examples of inappropriate attire include blue jeans, workout clothes, shorts, mini-skirts or T-shirts
Reimbursement of expenses The airline ticket will be reimbursed in Tbilisi. The teacher must keep all receipts.
Salary and Convertibility of the local currency Salary is paid on the 15th of each month. The salary is paid in Lari (Georgian currency) and automatically deposited into the employee’s Georgian bank account. For a small fee at the bank, the employee can transfer money to their home country’s bank account.
Tax and legal responsibilities The employees of International School of Georgia are subject to a
Medical checks required before leaving home
Health Insurance
Accommodation Accommodation is provided in apartment blocks in a variety of locations around the city centre. Apartments are provided free of charge and have basic furnishings. It is not necessary to bring kitchen supplies, bedding or linens. Anything that needs supplemented in the apartment can be bought at various places around the city. Domestic help is available and is inexpensive ($15 per day).
Access to email at school Private e-mail addresses are available for every teacher.
Operation of electronics and computers Electricity in Tbilisi is 220 volts, 50 hertz (cycles) Outlets require the two prong, rounded shape plugs. Computers that run on 110 volts require use of a transformer. Batteries for laptops must be rechargeable with 50-cycle electricity.
Benefits for International teachers:
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