1.     What requirements do I need in order to qualify to teach with TLG?

The minimum requirements for being accepted as a Volunteer into Teach and Learn with Georgia are as follows:

• Being a native speaker of English language
• Two years of post-secondary education
• Clean nationwide Criminal Record Check (CRC)
• Medical test clearance – HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Tuberculosis, drugs
• Flexibility, an open-mind, and a willingness to make a difference!

2.     How do I obtain medical documentation? 

You will need to fill out a medical self-assessment form and provide your examining physician with the medical examination report form for them to fill out.  Alternatively, applicants can complete their medical examination in Georgia upon arrival.  In this case, applicants only need to submit the medical self-assessment form prior to their arrival.

 

3.     How do I obtain a criminal record check? 

Criminal Record Checks (CRCs) need to be nationwide and must be no more than two months old by the intended date of arrival.  If you have lived for a lengthy period of time in multiple countries, then multiple background checks may be necessary.  Each country has its own process for obtaining CRCs--please consult your government for specific advice.

 

4.     Are there any guidelines or requests for letters of recommendation (LOR)?

There is not a specific recommendation letter form for TLG applicants. The authors of LORs should describe the applicant’s general abilities and explain why he or she would make a good volunteer for Teach and Learn with Georgia. It must be written by a person who has been in professional and/or academic contact with the applicant. He or she can be an applicant’s professor, supervisor, employer, etc.

 

5.     What if my documents are not in English?

If your medical documents, certificates, CRCs, etc. are not in English, you need to provide an official notarized translation of the documents.

 

6.     Can I apply with my friend/spouse/significant other?

TLG does its best to accommodate the needs of couples who come to Georgia together but due to the difficulty of finding families willing to host two volunteers, we cannot guarantee joint placements for couples. If a couple is placed together in one host family, they will be obligated to pay 400 GEL per month to the family. If we are unable to find a willing host family, we offer the following options:

•  The couple will be placed in different host families but as close to each other as possible.
• The couple can find and rent an apartment or house on their own. TLG will assist with communicating with the landlord, but we cannot provide any financial support. In case of renting, volunteers will receive 625 GEL including taxes, as they will not be paying 200 GEL net to the host family. 

Friends can request to be placed in the same area as someone else who is applying, and TLG will do our best to place you close to each other

 

7.     Can I bring my children?

No.

 

8.     Can I bring pets?

No.

 

9.     Is there visa support?

Citizens of many countries do not need a visa to arrive and stay in Georgia for up to 360 days. If an applicant does need a visa, however, TLG will send them a letter of invitation once he/she is accepted as a TLG Volunteer.  The TLG Team will assist with obtaining a visa, but please note that we will not be able to reimburse visa-related fees.

 

10.     What benefits does the program offer?

Teach and Learn with Georgia offers the following benefits to TLG Volunteers:

• Round Trip Tickets to and from Georgia
• Orientation Training Upon Arrival
• Medical Insurance Provided
• Housing and Living Accommodations
• Monthly Stipend of Georgian Lari*
• Vacation Round-trip Ticket in between to Two Consecutive Semesters
• Mobile Phone on the TLG Corporate Network
• 24/7 Support from the TLG Staff

Upon successful completion of his/her contract, each Volunteer receives a letter of recommendation from TLG and a certificate signed by the Minister of Education and Science of Georgia and the Director of the National Center for Teacher Professional Development signifying the Volunteer’s dedication to the program.

*The monthly stipend is 750 GEL. After taxes, the net amount directly deposited into the volunteers’ personal bank accounts is 600 GEL. Monthly, volunteers give their host families 200 GEL to cover food and utilities. Those volunteers who do not live with the host families (rent, etc. ) will receive a monthly stipend 0f 625 GEL, after taxes 500 GEL.

11.     When can I join the program and when is the application due?

You can apply now! Selected volunteers will be joining the program in August 2013. The latest you can submit your application is the end of June 2013. As the competition is rather high, the sooner you submit the application, the better chances you will have to be in the next group of new TLG volunteers.

12.     How long will my contract be?

Contracts can be signed for either one or two consecutive semesters starting from Autumn 2013.

13.     Is it possible to apply only for a summer position? 

No.

14.     Can I extend my contract once I am in Georgia?

Yes, you may extend your contract for one or two semesters at a time once you are in Georgia. Contract renewal is based upon a performance evaluation by the TLG Team.

15.     What if I worked for TLG, left and now want to reapply?

We love welcoming back former TLG Volunteers! Volunteers whose contract ended under normal circumstances or for emergencies are eligible to reapply to TLG. Instead of resubmitting an entirely new application, you just need to give us an updated Criminal Background Check and updated Medical Documents.  As with new applicants, CRCs and Medical Documents cannot be more than two months old by the intended date of arrival.  Contact us at info@tlg.gov.ge with the subject line “Former TLG Volunteer Reapplying”.