Your flights are paid for by TLG.  Once you are accepted to the program you must provide us with the two most convenient departure airports and we will book your flight from one of the two.  Most of the time, flights depart two days before your intended start date. For example, if you are scheduled for a September 30th start date, your flight will most likely depart on September 28^th.

Flight information typically comes the week of your departure and will be forwarded to you via email.

TLG will not pay for the costs of checking additional baggage or any additional expenses associated with your travel to Georgia. You are responsible for getting yourself to your departure airport(s).

No. Under no circumstances will TLG consider giving Volunteers money instead of a ticket.

We recommend consulting your physician to determine which vaccinations are recommended based on your health and immunization history.  Because you will be working with children, you may want to consider making sure that your hepatitis and TB shots are up to date.  If you plan on traveling to other countries, don’t forget to ask your physician about any recommended vaccinations for those countries, too!

Upon your arrival in Georgia we will need to verify the original copies of your medical documents and your Criminal Record Check. If you did an online Criminal Background Check, the electronic copy will be sufficient. Keep your boarding passes!

Although it is not necessary, it is a great idea to bring a few small gifts with you for your host family and co-teachers. It would be nice to bring something that represents where you are from. Common gifts are chocolates, wine, coffee mugs, t- shirts, etc.

TLG Volunteers receive their salary at the end of each month, so you will need to bring enough money to get by in Georgia until your first monthly salary is received.  We recommend that you bring approximately one month's salary to address any potential first month expenses, such as tourism, food, and transportation in Tbilisi during your first week, gifts for host family/co-teachers, school supplies, telephone minutes, internet, unforeseen expenses, travel, or things you may have forgotten to pack or bring to Georgia.

Keep in mind that if you intend to get your medical check done in Georgia you will need about 70 GEL (~45 USD).

The cost of living in Georgia is relatively low. A loaf of bread costs 0.8 GEL (0.40 USD) while a 500 ml bottle of water will cost approximately 0.6 GEL (0.35 USD).

The use of credit cards in Georgia is rare. Some places in cities such as Tbilisi will be able to accept credit cards but most places will only accept cash. There are ATMs throughout all towns and in some villages.

Frugal living can allow TLG Volunteers to save a little money.  Volunteers who live in rural areas typically spend less than Volunteers placed in cities.  500 GEL per month is an average wage in Georgia and as a result, Volunteers should not expect to be able to accrue great savings during their time in Georgia. 

10.     What is the average cost/minute for a cell phone call?

TLG Volunteers will get the cell phone and a phone number that is connected to the corporate network. TLG’s corporate plan provides free calls to TLG Staff and other TLG Volunteers.  This plan costs the Volunteer about 5 GEL each month.  Other calls and texts cost extra. The average cost per minute to other phone numbers is 0.24 GEL, international calls are more expensive.

11.     Should I bring my laptop? 

Yes, most TLG Volunteers do.