You can gues which one.
Spending a year there. Teaching English. Going to apply to PhD programs. Wish me luck.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZceOIAh1i0
;) Good luck :hug:
Gluck
If you're going to teach English, I guess it's Georgia, USA then. have fun.
Quote from: Josephus on September 16, 2016, 04:06:21 PM
If you're going to teach English, I guess it's Georgia, USA then. have fun.
Yeah, QuQu just remember to talk real slow and real loud, you should then do fine; but don't, whatever you do, mention the war (internal).
I understand Fulton County Detention Center has a fabulous continental spread on Sundays.
I'll buy you a Dawgs jersey to help you blend in.
You might want to learn some russian so you can explain to the soldiers that you are not the enemy when they move into tblisi.
Quote from: alfred russel on September 16, 2016, 04:27:37 PM
You might want to learn some russian so you can explain to the soldiers that you are not the enemy when they move into tblisi.
Russians or Rednecks, rock and a hard place, no? :P
Quote from: mongers on September 16, 2016, 04:31:49 PM
Quote from: alfred russel on September 16, 2016, 04:27:37 PM
You might want to learn some russian so you can explain to the soldiers that you are not the enemy when they move into tblisi.
Russians or Rednecks, rock and a hard place, no? :P
Georgia (US State) is a great place to live. :)
Teach and Learn with Georgia, or did you make your own arrangements?
Quote from: Grinning_Colossus on September 16, 2016, 05:59:23 PM
Teach and Learn with Georgia, or did you make your own arrangements?
Yup. How did you know?
Quote from: Queequeg on September 16, 2016, 06:44:55 PM
Quote from: Grinning_Colossus on September 16, 2016, 05:59:23 PM
Teach and Learn with Georgia, or did you make your own arrangements?
Yup. How did you know?
I spent two years in Georgia (2011-13) as a Peace Corps volunteer and knew several TLGs--it's the most popular English teaching program. From what I recall, their Georgian language training wasn't the best. I have no idea whether it's improved since. Pm me your e-mail and I can send you the Peace Corps language textbook.
Done.
Have any tips?
Why Georgia? Did you meet a pretty Georgian girl or some,thing?
Don't get into fiddling contests with local boys.
Quote from: Queequeg on September 16, 2016, 08:05:14 PM
Done.
Have any tips?
Cool. Sent. Since you've lived in Armenia, the culture shouldn't be too hard to navigate. However, I think supras are unique to Georgia. If you find yourself at a very long one (especially all-male one where you're toasting with chacha instead of wine) and you don't have a very high alcohol tolerance, it might make sense to occasionally excuse yourself to purge. I'm serious. The alternative is blacking out followed by a horrible morning.
Other than that, I think Dive Bar in Tbilisi still exists. One of my friends--Cory--owns it. Fun guy. Batumi is great, too; make sure to visit the Hopa Bazaar. If you're near the coast, the beaches at Gonio and Magnetiti are good. You're probably aware of the historical sites, but I'd really recommend Uplistsikhe. When you go to the Stalin Museum, pay for the full tour--it's worth it.
Quit Stalin and go already.
Quote from: CountDeMoney on September 17, 2016, 08:26:44 AM
Quit Stalin and go already.
Maybe he's just not hot to Trotsky.
Quote from: Queequeg on September 16, 2016, 04:02:03 PM
You can gues which one.
Spending a year there. Teaching English. Going to apply to PhD programs. Wish me luck.
Good. We need to spread English all over the world.
Quote from: Phillip V on September 18, 2016, 11:28:49 AM
Quote from: Queequeg on September 16, 2016, 04:02:03 PM
You can gues which one.
Spending a year there. Teaching English. Going to apply to PhD programs. Wish me luck.
Good. We need to spread English all over the world.
Yeah, but whatever he does in Georgia, it won't undo the damage Timmay is doing in Korea.
I heard Atlanta is a nice city?
Atlanta is nice. Traffic sucks.
From u/nberidze on r/sakartvelo:
Quote
Visitors to Georgia who will be doing some driving therefore need to learn the unofficial rules; the de facto rules. Here is a primer on the most important ones, the ones you must know to have a minimum of safety.
1) Road traffic does not follow marked lanes. Lateral space is regulated on a "first come, first serve" basis. Cars will therefore hover between lanes, waiting to see which way to go depending on from where other cars are coming. Learn to understand this negotiation, and you will be safer.
2) It is not required to use a turn signal to move sideways, either while on a multi-lane highway, or when overtaking another car. Take into account that other drivers will not signal before moving sideways.
3) Because of the negotiated use of lateral space (see 1), if you pass another car, signal first with your lights or your horn, in order to make the driver in front of you aware that you are about to pass him/her. This is your responsibility, as opposed to European/American rules, where the driver moving sideways has the responsibility to signal.
4) On the highway, and in parts of the city, driving is a competition for honor and standing in the community, and taking more risks increases your respect among other people. If you are a man, you are more vashkatsi if you pass a red light or survive dangerous chances. It proves you are a better driver and not afraid (brave). Be aware that this is a factor in the minds of many of the drivers around you.
5) Taxi and minibus drivers have a right to suddenly stop in the middle of the street, or in a junction, to block other traffic for some time, as it is their business to tend to customers. Be aware of the taxi signs on top of some cars, and the yellow minibuses, as they have special rights to block traffic.
6) A vehicle can be driven in any technical condition. Some cars will not have brake lights, or there may be fumes coming out of the engine, or parts of the car's front or back will be missing from a crash, which may indicate that it has a technical malfunction. Be aware that not all vehicles are able to respond to situations as you might expect and perhaps have weak brakes or other problems.
7) It is not recommended using headlights during the day. If you do, some drivers will signal to you to turn off your lights and not disturb other drivers. At night, some vehicles may have just one headlight, or be completely dark (see 6). Take it into account.
8) Pedestrians have a right to cross any street at any point, but the crossing is subject to a negotiation between pedestrian and drivers, and the former must walk slowly to allow the drivers to notice them. It is not necessary to cross the street only at the zebra crossing, in fact it is discouraged to do so (see 4).
Are you doing this Georgian version of the Jet Program I've read about? (government ran scheme to get people to come over and teach Ingrish).
....can I visit? :p
Quote from: Tyr on September 20, 2016, 11:47:44 AM
Are you doing this Georgian version of the Jet Program I've read about? (government ran scheme to get people to come over and teach Ingrish).
....can I visit? :p
That's exactly what it is, except modeled more on the Peace Corps than JET, since Georgia needs to do things on the cheap. TLGs are put with host families and given a more or less subsistence wage. Proponents say they get more of an immersive cultural experience that way--which is true, for better or worse.
Good luck!
Have fun storming the castle! :bowler:
Quote from: Grinning_Colossus on September 20, 2016, 11:53:20 AM
Quote from: Tyr on September 20, 2016, 11:47:44 AM
Are you doing this Georgian version of the Jet Program I've read about? (government ran scheme to get people to come over and teach Ingrish).
....can I visit? :p
That's exactly what it is, except modeled more on the Peace Corps than JET, since Georgia needs to do things on the cheap. TLGs are put with host families and given a more or less substance wage. Proponents say they get more of an immersive cultural experience that way--which is true, for better or worse.
Substance is insanely cheap.
I mean. Almost perversely cheap. I'm in Ozurgeti, Guria and I just got lunch for 2 dollars between lessons.
Good luck!
I hope you manage to get your students into national English tournaments like I have!
Quote from: jimmy olsen on October 03, 2016, 05:17:45 AM
Good luck!
I hope you manage to get your students into national English tournaments like I have!
Are there national foreign language tournaments anywhere else than in Korea?
Yeah. The American Consulate helps pay for them.
Quote from: jimmy olsen on October 03, 2016, 05:17:45 AM
Good luck!
I hope you manage to get your students into national English tournaments like I have!
From your wording it appears none of your students ever won... I wonder why :whistle:
Quote from: Queequeg on October 03, 2016, 04:37:11 AM
Quote from: Grinning_Colossus on September 20, 2016, 11:53:20 AM
Quote from: Tyr on September 20, 2016, 11:47:44 AM
Are you doing this Georgian version of the Jet Program I've read about? (government ran scheme to get people to come over and teach Ingrish).
....can I visit? :p
That's exactly what it is, except modeled more on the Peace Corps than JET, since Georgia needs to do things on the cheap. TLGs are put with host families and given a more or less substance wage. Proponents say they get more of an immersive cultural experience that way--which is true, for better or worse.
Substance is insanely cheap.
I mean. Almost perversely cheap. I'm in Ozurgeti, Guria and I just got lunch for 2 dollars between lessons.
Oops. *subsistence*
Holy shit, you're in Ozurgeti?! That's where I lived! I can actually give you a lot of advice now.
Good orgs to work with:
Guria Educational Resource Center. It's in the imperial-style building to the north of the central square/park. Natia Surguladze works there, and she's great.
USAID Center for Civic Engagement. It's across from the police station. I don't think Gigi Makharadze is there anymore, but I'm sure they have someone competent running it.
Eat:
Don't buy refrigerated food anywhere besides Moderni. They have a backup generator; the other stores don't. For produce, the indoor and outdoor bazaars are both fine.
Kalakuri is the upscale restaurant in Ozurgeti. It's on the street south of the church in the park. It's useful when your water goes out-- it has Western toilets.
PC volunteers in the area might still be hanging out at Khatchapuri House, which is on the street north of the theater, across from the police station. It doesn't have a lot else to recommend it.
Get out:
A bus leaves from the marshutka station (not the 1941-1945 station, the other one) for Tbilisi every other day, at either 8 or 9 in the morning (I think). It's more comfortable than marshutkas, but they blast Georgian variety shows at full volume on the TV.
The night train is the best way to travel to Tbilisi. You usually have to buy tickets about a week in advance if you want a berth--you can do that at the station or at some of the little electronic kiosks around town. 1st class is expensive (by which I mean like $20), but you get a 2-bed cabin to yourself. If you can find someone to go with you, it's no more expensive than a marsh.
There's regular marshutka service to Batumi, though the last marsh from Batumi to Ozurgeti leaves at 6. Miss it and you're (usually) stranded.
More advice:
1. Travel a lot, especially to Svaneti, but not until late spring.
2. Students ages 8-11 can often be kept in line by putting them into groups and having them directly compete with each other for points (there doesn't have to be a tangible reward, but stickers work well).
3. Students of all ages can be controlled using guilt, especially by telling them that they're failing to be hospitable to a guest in their country and that you're considering going home as a result. Only use in case of emergencies, tho.
4. If you want to get out of drinking, try saying that you're observing a religious holiday (it's always some saint's day). Most people won't be interested in Catholic beliefs (they'll assume that you're Catholic), but they understand fasting and observance.
5. If you want to *always* get out of drinking, tell them that you have a medical condition.
6. On cold winter nights, fill a (non-vacuum) thermos with hot tea and keep in your sleeping bag with you. When it cools down, drink it and repeat.
7. Despite what Tbilisians will tell you, it's safe to walk around Ozurgeti at night, even drunk and alone. Just don't start any fights.
8. When marshutka drivers just nod and don't explicitly say "yes" when you ask if they're going to a place, do not get into the marshutka.
9. If you end up going to supras, learn some traditional toasts. It will really improve your reputation.
It seems bizarre to use Catholicism as an excuse to get out of drinking. It is well that they are ignorant.
Quote from: Grinning_Colossus on October 03, 2016, 02:38:22 PM
More advice:
1. Travel a lot, especially to Svaneti, but not until late spring.
2. Students ages 8-11 can often be kept in line by putting them into groups and having them directly compete with each other for points (there doesn't have to be a tangible reward, but stickers work well).
3. Students of all ages can be controlled using guilt, especially by telling them that they're failing to be hospitable to a guest in their country and that you're considering going home as a result. Only use in case of emergencies, tho.
4. If you want to get out of drinking, try saying that you're observing a religious holiday (it's always some saint's day). Most people won't be interested in Catholic beliefs (they'll assume that you're Catholic), but they understand fasting and observance.
5. If you want to *always* get out of drinking, tell them that you have a medical condition.
6. On cold winter nights, fill a (non-vacuum) thermos with hot tea and keep in your sleeping bag with you. When it cools down, drink it and repeat.
7. Despite what Tbilisians will tell you, it's safe to walk around Ozurgeti at night, even drunk and alone. Just don't start any fights.
8. When marshutka drivers just nod and don't explicitly say "yes" when you ask if they're going to a place, do not get into the marshutka.
9. If you end up going to supras, learn some traditional toasts. It will really improve your reputation.
10. Post updates here, including pictures.
Religious diversity in Guria is extremely low. All the Jews have left. There are some Armenian Apostolics and very small Adjarian Muslim and Chinese minorities, but it's overwhelmingly Orthodox.
All Jews left = no Jews left?
Quote from: The Brain on October 03, 2016, 04:44:58 PM
All Jews left = no Jews left?
Should be filed under "Get Out"
Quote from: CountDeMoney on October 03, 2016, 05:40:36 PM
Quote from: The Brain on October 03, 2016, 04:44:58 PM
All Jews left = no Jews left?
Should be filed under "Get Out"
Antisemitism actually wasn't much of a thing in Georgia. The main push factors were political instability and economic collapse until the mid-2000s. There are some left in Tbilisi.
Quote from: Liep on October 03, 2016, 07:34:15 AM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on October 03, 2016, 05:17:45 AM
Good luck!
I hope you manage to get your students into national English tournaments like I have!
Are there national foreign language tournaments anywhere else than in Korea?
I remember going to some Spanish tournaments in high school.
Quote from: Grinning_Colossus on October 03, 2016, 05:49:57 PM
Antisemitism actually wasn't much of a thing in Georgia.
I suppose not, what with all of them dead and whatnot.
Quote from: CountDeMoney on October 03, 2016, 05:55:04 PM
Quote from: Grinning_Colossus on October 03, 2016, 05:49:57 PM
Antisemitism actually wasn't much of a thing in Georgia.
I suppose not, what with all of them dead and whatnot.
:lol: Seriously though, there was very little popular antisemitism until it became Tsarist state policy in the late 1800s. Then, during the nationalist paroxysm in the late 80s and early 90s, it was linguistic minorities who were targeted rather than the Jews. I'm sure it helped that most of them were indigenous (their ancestors having been there since Achaemenid times, at least), and very heavily Kartvelized, often giving their children Georgian-Christian names like Nino. An interesting feature of Georgian nationalism is that, even though it paints Georgian identity as inextricable from Orthodoxy, it can't overplay the religious angle due to all of the Adjarian Muslims. So Georgians of all religions are considered part of the nation, while only linguistic minorities (Ossetians, Abkhazians, Armenians, Azeris) are aliens.
Quote from: Grinning_Colossus on October 03, 2016, 05:49:57 PM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on October 03, 2016, 05:40:36 PM
Quote from: The Brain on October 03, 2016, 04:44:58 PM
All Jews left = no Jews left?
Should be filed under "Get Out"
Antisemitism actually wasn't much of a thing in Georgia. The main push factors were political instability and economic collapse until the mid-2000s. There are some left in Tbilisi.
Well, there are a lot of Nazis there.
Haven't most Adjarian Muslims abandoned the heathen Muslim religion for the light of Orthodoxy?
Also, thanks for the advice! Khatchipuri house is indeed mediocre. I haven't run into any other Westerners yet, which I find odd. I might be the only one left?
How in Fuck's name are we both in Ozurgeti? What in the fuck are the odds on that?
GC, want to be Facebookf friends?
DID YOU STAY WITH TOMA? ARE YOU THE HORNY ONE WHO RAN OUT WITH HIS GIRLFRIEND ALL THE TIME!
:(
Guess he can't handle the Georgian alcohol :lol:
Oh, I'm sober. Just incredibly surprised. This is a town of 20k and someone else on Languish has worked here.
I think the fact that Cal and I lived in the same townof 35k at the same time is more surprising than that two people both lived at some point in a town that has several established programs for adrift foreigners.
Quote from: Liep on October 03, 2016, 07:34:15 AM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on October 03, 2016, 05:17:45 AM
Good luck!
I hope you manage to get your students into national English tournaments like I have!
Are there national foreign language tournaments anywhere else than in Korea?
Japan has them.
They're the stupidest things in the world.
Quote from: Queequeg on October 04, 2016, 01:52:52 AM
Haven't most Adjarian Muslims abandoned the heathen Muslim religion for the light of Orthodoxy?
Also, thanks for the advice! Khatchipuri house is indeed mediocre. I haven't run into any other Westerners yet, which I find odd. I might be the only one left?
In 1991, it was more the case that Adjara had become less Muslim due to migration. There has been a large wave of conversions since, especially among the younger population, but Keda and Khulo are still mostly Muslim.
I can't imagine that you're the only one. 3 years ago, there were Peace Corps, TLG, and European Voluntary Service people there. If EVS is still there, they might still be working at the Euro 2000 Centre in the building just north of the central church (labeled 'Guriis Moambe' on Google Maps). The people at the Educational Resource Centre might also be able to connect you with the Peace Corps.
Quote from: Queequeg on October 04, 2016, 02:00:33 AM
GC, want to be Facebookf friends?
Sure.
Why is there no Georgian election mega thread yet, considering that the vote is tomorrow?
Quote from: Syt on October 07, 2016, 11:20:04 AM
Why is there no Georgian election mega thread yet, considering that the vote is tomorrow?
Is George the Magnificent running? I think he has good branding.