PEACE CORPS/ GEORGIA

WELCOME BOOK

PEACE CORPS’ GOALS

1. To help the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and 

women.

2. To help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples 

served.

3. To help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.

Summer 2012
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Map of Georgia 5

A Welcome Letter 6

Core Expectations for Peace Corps Volunteers 8

Peace Corps Georgia History and Programs 9

History of the Peace Corps in Georgia 9

Current and Future Peace Corps

Programming in Georgia 9

Country Overview: Georgia at a Glance 11

History 11

Government, Politics, and Foreign Relations 12

Economy 14

People and Culture 16

Environment 17

Resources for Further Information 19

Living Conditions and Volunteer Lifestyle 23

Communications 23

Housing and Site Location 24

Living Allowance and Money Management 24

Food and Diet 25

Transportation 26

Geography and Climate 26

Social Activities 26

Professionalism, Dress, and Behavior 27

Personal Safety 28

Rewards and Frustrations 29

Peace Corps Training 30

Overview of Pre-Service Training 30
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Technical Training 30

Language Training 30

Cross-Cultural Training 31

Health Training 31

Safety Training 31

Additional Trainings during Volunteer Service 32

Your Health Care and Safety in Georgia 33

Health Issues in Georgia 33

Helping You Stay Healthy 33

Maintaining Your Health 34

Women‘s Health Information 34

Your Peace Corps Medical Kit 35

Before You Leave: A Medical Checklist 35

Safety and Security—Our Partnership 36

Factors that Contribute to Volunteer Risk 37

Summary Strategies to Reduce Risk 37

Support from Staff 38

Security Issues in Georgia 38

Crime Data for Georgia 38

Preparing for the Unexpected: Safety Training

and Volunteer Support in Georgia 40

Diversity and Cross-Cultural Issues 41

Overview of Diversity in Georgia 41

What Might a Volunteer Face? 42

Possible Issues for Female Volunteers 42

Possible Issues for Volunteers of Color 42

Possible Issues for Senior Volunteers 44

Possible Issues for Gay, Lesbian, or Bisexual Volunteers 44

Possible Religious Issues for Volunteers 44

Possible Issues for Volunteers with Disabilities 45

Frequently Asked Questions 46

Welcome Letters from Georgia Volunteers 49

Packing List 52
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Pre-departure Checklist 56

Contacting Peace Corps Headquarters 58
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A WELCOME LETTER

Congratulations on accepting the invitation to be part of the twelfth group of Peace Corps Volunteers to 

serve in Georgia. You have chosen to face the exciting, challenging, and rewarding experience of working 

together with the people of Georgia at a critical time in their history. Your decision to accept this invitation 

will mark the beginning of a two-year challenge unlike any you have ever known. 

During the last two decades Georgians have had to adjust to extraordinary economic and social upheavals. 

Many ordinary people have had to struggle to obtain life‘s basic necessities. But despite the hardships that 

they face on a daily basis, the Georgian people will show you a warmth and generosity of spirit that you 

may have never before experienced. The promise of the Rose Revolution gave hope to many Georgians, 

and although much progress has been made since then, there are still many social, economic, and political 

challenges that lie ahead. It is truly an exciting time to be here and be a part of the nation‘s development 

process.

As a Volunteer you will share your skills and knowledge with your Georgian counterparts and help pave 

the way for countless individuals who want to build better lives. But, just as importantly, you will also help 

to build bridges of understanding between the people of the United States and the people of Georgia 

through the cultural exchange that occurs by your presence in Georgian communities and by the knowledge 

of Georgian life, culture, and history that you pass on to fellow Americans back home. This exchange will 

not end at the conclusion of your service, but will continue long after you return to the United States. Your 

experiences in Georgia will forever be a significant part of who you are.

This Welcome Book will provide you with some basic information on what to expect and how to prepare 

for being a Volunteer in Georgia. The most important thing to bring will be flexibility and an open mind. 

The most successful Volunteers have been those who possess patience, flexibility, the ability to laugh at 

oneself, a genuine interest in people, and tolerance for ambiguity and unpredictability. 

By now you should be well aware that the safety and security of Volunteers is our paramount concern, and 

although we have an experienced staff and a highly effective safety and security program, your safety and 

security, and that of your fellow Volunteers, will depend on your active participation and compliance with 

all Peace Corps policies and procedures. Anything less than your full cooperation in this matter is 

unacceptable.

During pre-service training you will be busy learning the language and how to adjust to and thrive in a new 

culture; developing new, and adapting existing, technical skills; and learning how to maintain your health 

and safety. Throughout training you will live with a Georgian family, which will allow you to better 

understand and appreciate Georgian culture, so much of which is centered on the family and relations in the 

community. You will also have ample opportunity to develop your language skills. You‘ll be frustrated at 

times by your lack of ability to express yourself or be understood. But by the end of training you will be 

able to communicate at a functional level and pave the way for continued development of your fluency.

Training is not only a time to develop new skills, to adapt and adjust to a different culture, and to learn how 

to be a healthy, safe, and effective Volunteer; it is also an important time to assess your commitment to 

serve as a Volunteer in Georgia for the next two years.
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Following training, you will begin your assignment in a Georgian community. As a Volunteer you will live 

with a Georgian family for at least the first three months of your service to facilitate your integration in the 

community, strengthen your language skills, and gain firsthand knowledge of the trials, tribulations, hopes,

and dreams of ordinary Georgian citizens. Many Volunteers develop a close bond with their Georgian host 

families and live with them throughout their entire service. 

Life is always calling, but only a rare few hear the call, and fewer still answer that call. I would like to 

congratulate you once more for taking the first step on this momentous, life enriching journey. 

Sincerely,

Richard Record

Country Director

Peace Corps/Georgia
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CORE EXPECTATIONS

FOR PEACE CORPS 

VOLUNTEERS

In working toward fulfilling the Peace Corps Mission of promoting world peace and 

friendship, as a trainee and Volunteer, you are expected to:

1. Prepare your personal and professional life to make a commitment to serve abroad 

for a full term of 27 months

2. Commit to improving the quality of life of the people with whom you live and 

work; and, in doing so, share your skills, adapt them, and learn new skills as 

needed

3. Serve where the Peace Corps asks you to go, under conditions of hardship, if 

necessary, and with the flexibility needed for effective service

4. Recognize that your successful and sustainable development work is based on the 

local trust and confidence you build by living in, and respectfully integrating 

yourself into, your host community and culture

5. Recognize that you are responsible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for your 

personal conduct and professional performance

6. Engage with host country partners in a spirit of cooperation, mutual learning, and 

respect

7. Work within the rules and regulations of the Peace Corps and the local and 

national laws of the country where you serve

8. Exercise judgment and personal responsibility to protect your health, safety, and 

well-being and that of others

9. Recognize that you will be perceived, in your host country and community, as a 

representative of the people, cultures, values, and traditions of the United States 

of America

10. Represent responsively the people, cultures, values, and traditions of your host 

country and community to people in the United States both during and following 

your service
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PEACE CORPS GEORGIA

HISTORY AND PROGRAMS

History of the Peace Corps in Georgia

As early as 1994, the government of Georgia indicated interest in hosting Peace Corps Volunteers, but due 

to security concerns over civil unrest in the provinces of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, a decision to initiate 

a program was indefinitely postponed. The Georgian government again requested that Peace Corps

consider opening a program in 1997 and, although the security situation had improved significantly, 

budgetary constraints prevented the Peace Corps from moving forward on this request. In late 1999, after 

repeated inquiries from the Georgian government and with affirmations from the U.S. Embassy that the 

security and development situation was highly favorable for the conduct of Peace Corps Volunteer

activities, the decision was made to reassess the potential for the establishment of a program. Following a 

positive review, the Peace Corps began designing the Georgia program in 2000 and 21 Volunteers arrived 

in 2001, working in secondary English teaching assignments. Since then, 300 Volunteers have served in 

Peace Corps/Georgia's secondary education/English teaching project. The education project developed out 

of a request from the government of Georgia for Peace Corps to provide technical and human resource 

assistance, particularly in rural and underserved areas of the country. In exploring various programming 

opportunities, Georgia government officials and Peace Corps staff determined that education projects 

targeting English language learning and interactive teaching methods would meet the nation's growing 

demand for English language competence and have great potential for enhancing the capacities of the 

Georgian education system.

The unexpected August 2008 invasion of Georgia by Russian forces led to the evacuation of all Peace 

Corps/Georgia Volunteers and trainees to Armenia. By mid-August all fighting had ceased, but Russian 

forces continued to occupy areas of Georgian territory well beyond the boundaries of Abkhazia and South 

Ossetia. With no immediate resolution in sight, Volunteers either transferred to other posts or closed their 

service. 

Current and Future Peace Corps Programming in Georgia

Following extensive safety and security assessments in November 2008 and April 2009, Peace 

Corps/Georgia welcomed back Volunteers in June 2009, and the post is now fully operational. There are 

currently 68 Volunteers living and working in Georgia in the areas of English education, community and 

organizational development, and community identified initiatives. Due to ongoing security concerns, 

assignments are limited to certain regions of the country and some areas are off limits for Volunteers.

Peace Corps/Georgia works in close collaboration with the Georgian Ministry of Education and Science, 

Education Resource Centers, public schools, and communities that recognize that English language skills 

can provide Georgian citizens with significant advantages, including increased possibilities to further 

education and advance careers, the ability to access information and technology, and the opportunity to 

foster closer relationships with other countries. 
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Education Volunteers serve in public schools in towns and villages throughout Georgia. They transfer 

communicative language skills to students, introduce modern teaching methods, help teachers design and 

deliver lessons with a student-centered focus, introduce effective classroom management techniques, and 

develop and enhance teaching and learning resources for classroom and extracurricular nonformal 

instruction. Volunteers in this project develop students' knowledge and skills in critical thinking, problem 

solving, life skills, healthy lifestyles, environmental and gender awareness, and civic responsibility. They 

are also actively involved in their communities, assisting in the identification of community needs, 

appropriate approaches and solutions for addressing those needs, identifying and mobilizing resources, and 

assisting in the implementation of projects to meet challenges faced by their communities. Georgian 

communities also have the opportunity to communicate and exchange information about their culture with 

native English speakers.

Peace Corps/Georgia also features a professional and organizational development (POD) project. This

project began in 2004 with 10 Volunteers assigned to work in nongovernmental organization (NGO)

development. In 2007, the project was refocused to provide additional support to various grassroots 

organizations, community groups, and local governments in promoting sustainable program and 

community development. Volunteers in this project also provide assistance in planning, fundraising,

marketing, and networking. Since its inception, over 80 Volunteers have served in this project.

In August 2010, Peace Corps Response was implemented in the country and its Volunteers work within the 

EDU and POD program areas to provide support. Peace Corps Response Volunteers (PCRVs) also work in 

other program areas to explore new project sectors, geographic regions, or new partner organizations. Over 

15 PCRVs have provided assistance in a variety of fields, including education, organizational development, 

environmental issues, and tourism development. PCRVs usually serve in short-term assignments, ranging 

from 3-12 months, bringing their specialized skills and experience to projects in places where they are 

needed the most.
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COUNTRY OVERVIEW: 

GEORGIA AT A GLANCE

History

The roots of the Georgian people extend deep in history and their cultural heritage is equally rich. The 

ancient kingdoms of Colchis and Kartli-Iberia occupied the region of present-day Georgia. The dominion 

of the Roman Empire extended to the area in the first centuries A.D. and Christianity became the state 

religion in the fourth century. The Roman period was followed by domination by Persians, Arabs, and 

Turks. A powerful Georgian kingdom arose during the 11th-13th centuries, but this "golden age" was cut 

short by the Tamerlane's Mongol invasion in 1236. In the centuries that followed, the Ottoman and Persian 

empires competed for influence in the region. Not long after establishing an alliance to throw off the 

domination of the Ottoman Empire, Georgia was annexed by the Russian Empire early in the 19th century. 

Following the Russian revolution, an independent Georgian state existed briefly from 1918 to 1921, when it 

was forcibly incorporated into the Soviet Union. In 1936, Georgia became a constituent republic of the 

Soviet Union. One of the most independence-minded republics, Georgia declared sovereignty in November 

1989 and independence in April 1991.

The 1990s marked a period of instability and civil unrest in Georgia. The first post-independence 

government was overthrown when separatist movements emerged in South Ossetia and Abkhazia. By the 

mid-1990s, tentative cease-fires were in effect, although separatist sentiment in the two regions remained

high.

By the end of 1998, about 280,000 people were internally displaced in Georgia. The majority were ethnic 

Georgians from Abkhazia and South Ossetia. About 10,000 of the ethnic Georgians from South Ossetia 

lived in government-controlled areas, while about 4,000 people remained displaced within South Ossetia. 

Almost half of Georgia‘s displaced population lived in the Samegrelo region adjacent to Abkhazia, 

followed by the Tbilisi and Imereti regions. Renewed fighting in the Gali district of Abkhazia displaced 

another 40,000 persons, most of whom fled to the Samegrelo region.

In November 2003, attempts by the incumbent Georgian government to manipulate national legislative 

elections led to widespread protests and demonstrations, which came to be known as the Rose Revolution. 

The resignation of Eduard Shevardnadze, president since 1995, soon followed and new elections were held 

in early 2004. Mikheil Saakashvili, the charismatic leader of the Rose Revolution, was swept into power,

along with his National Movement party. Saakashvili was re-elected to a second term as president in 

January 2008.

Although significant progress was made on market reforms and democratization in the years since 

independence, this progress has been complicated by Russian assistance and support to the breakaway 

regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. 

After a series of Russian and separatist provocations in the summer of 2008, Georgian military action in 

South Ossetia in early August led to a Russian military response that not only occupied the breakaway 
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areas, but large portions of Georgia proper, as well. Russian troops pulled back from most occupied 

Georgian territory, but in late August 2008, Russia, and later Nicaragua, unilaterally recognized the 

independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. 

Russian troops still remain in sizable numbers in Abkhazia and South Ossetia and, with significant 

assistance from Russia, continue to take action expressing their independence from Georgia. In the areas 

immediately adjacent to their borders, low level provocations from separatist elements and incidents of 

banditry are not uncommon, but in the rest of the country the situation has stabilized and life has largely 

returned to normal.

Government, Politics & Foreign Relations

In 1992, Georgia reinstated its 1921 pre-Soviet constitution and established a commission to draft a new 

constitution. After a protracted debate over the authority of the executive branch, a new constitution was 

adopted in 1995.

Georgia has a semi-presidential form of government, with the president as the head of the state and the 

prime minister, appointed by the president, serving as the head of the government. The president is given 

extensive authority for the power ministries (interior and defense), while the prime minister is responsible 

for overseeing the economic policies in the country. The executive branch is made up of the president and 

minister's cabinet of Georgia, the legislative branch is represented by a 150-member parliament, and the 

judicial branch includes district and city courts and a Supreme Court.

The Communist Party of Georgia, controlled by the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, was the only 

political party until the 1980s. Since independence, however, many diverse political groups have emerged. 

The major political organizations now include the United National Movement, Christian Democrats, Labor 

Party, Republican Party and New Rights, Conservative Party, and the Georgian Social Democratic Party.

In 2003, elections were held throughout Georgia, which resulted in accusations of ballot tampering by the 

Shevardnadze government. New elections were demanded and pressure from the opposition party, the 

National Democratic Party, and from the student movement of Kmara (which means ―Enough!‖) brought 

thousands of protestors to the capital, Tbilisi. The result was the hurried, but peaceful downfall of the 

Shevardnadze government, in what is now called the Rose Revolution. New elections were held for the 

parliament and president in early 2004, placing the National Democratic Party and Mikhail Saakashvili in

power. The revolution swept out nearly all the old, discredited politicians of the previous government and 

replaced them with young, often Western-educated officials. With most of the former opposition now in the 

government, opposition parties have so far been fairly weak and disunited, with little to offer other than 

criticism of Saakashvili's administration. 

The new government took action against endemic corruption. It completely reorganized the traffic police, 

which was infamous for its corruption prior to the Rose Revolution. Corrupt judges were dismissed and a 

fair examination system for entering universities was implemented. A great deal of progress has also been 

made in reforming Georgia's military, bringing it closer to the standards required for NATO membership. 

Saakashvili's popularity dipped in November 2007 when 50,000 demonstrators gathered outside parliament 

in Tbilisi and demanded early elections and his resignation. Protests lasted three days and Saakashvili later 

announced that a presidential election would be held in January 2008. Saakashvili won the election, taking 

52.8 percent of the vote, enough to avoid a runoff.
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In the aftermath of the August war, public confidence in Saakashvili's leadership was shaken. His 

administration‘s goal of peacefully reincorporating Georgia's separatist regions seems increasingly out of 

reach. On April 9, 2009, a coalition of radical opposition parties began ongoing public demonstrations 

calling for Saakashvili's resignation and snap elections. Although the initial crowd was estimated at 

upwards of 80,000 protesters, the number of participants declined significantly after the first two weeks.

The ongoing disruption of everyday life in the capital, the behavior of the hard core protestors, the lack of a 

program beyond the president's resignation, and fractures in the solidarity of the coalition resulted in a loss 

of their credibility. In the regions, the demonstrations generated only meager interest and support and were 

seen primarily as a Tbilisi affair.

The oppositions‘ failure to achieve their goals caused further fragmentation of the fragile coalition. During 

the Tbilisi mayoral election and in local elections in May 2010, voters expressed their disenchantment with 

the opposition by handing the ruling United National Movement the majority of seats in each of the 

country‘s municipal councils, including in Tbilisi, and 55 percent of the vote to the incumbent mayor of 

Tbilisi, Gigi Ugulava of the UNM. The elections were evaluated by international monitors as making 

evident progress toward meeting OSCE and Council of Europe standards for democratic elections, but 

noted that significant shortcomings remain.

Parliamentary elections are scheduled for 2012 and a presidential election is scheduled for 2013. Under 

Georgia‘s constitution, President Saakashvili is prevented from running for a third presidential term in 

2013.

Concerns about limitations on political pluralism and other components of democracy continue, and 

various opposition parties have at times taken to the streets in protest, demanding the president‘s 

resignation and early elections. Street protests organized by the opposition were generally met with 

restraint by the authorities and dissipated. However, in May 2011, police used tear gas and rubber bullets to 

disperse hundreds of demonstrators—some of whom were carrying poles and staffs—who refused to vacate 

the front of the Parliament building after their permit expired, resulting in dozens of injuries and two 

deaths. The U.S. and others called for an investigation into the use of force, and government investigations 

resulted in the firing of four police officers and numerous reprimands. There remain some concerns about 

the transparency of these investigations.

There continues to be concern about the state of media freedom in Georgia, and more work is required to 

strengthen independent media and increase public access to information. In April 2011, the Georgian 

Parliament passed legislation on media transparency that requires improved financial disclosures and 

regulates offshore ownership of broadcast media. New electoral code reform legislation is expected to be 

passed before the end of 2011 in anticipation of the 2012 parliamentary elections and 2013 presidential 

elections.

Georgia's location, situated between the Black Sea, Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey, gives it 

strategic importance far greater than its size. It is developing as the gateway from the Black Sea to the 

Caucasus and the larger Caspian region, but also serves as a buffer between Russia and Turkey. 

Georgia has a long and complex relationship with Russia. Following Russian bans on imports of Georgian 

wine, water, and agricultural products, and the severing of transportation links in 2006, Georgia reached out 

to its other neighbors and looked to the West in search of alternatives and opportunities. 
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One of the Georgian government's primary goals is integrating into Western institutions, particularly the 

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and eventually the European Union (EU). It signed a 

partnership and cooperation agreement with the European Union and, in 2006, signed an action plan under 

the European Union's European Neighborhood Policy for reforms aimed at building a closer relationship 

with the EU. Georgia is a member of the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in 

Europe (OSCE), the Council of Europe, and the GUAM Organization for Democracy and Economic 

Development (a regional organization of four Commonwealth of Independent States—Georgia, Ukraine, 

Azerbaijan, and Moldova). 

In September 2006, Georgia was granted Intensified Dialogue status with NATO to formalize discussions 

on Georgia's membership aspirations. During NATO's Bucharest Summit in April 2008, the alliance agreed 

to the eventual membership of both Georgia and Ukraine. At the December 2008 meeting of the North 

Atlantic Council at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, the establishment of a NATO-Georgia Commission 

ensured that Georgian aspirations for full membership remain on track. Georgia also participates in 

NATO's Partnership for Peace program. 

At the June 2010 NATO Defense Ministerial and at the November 2010 North Atlantic Council meeting in 

Lisbon, NATO countries reaffirmed the Alliance‘s continued support for Georgia‘s sovereignty and 

territorial integrity and its aspirations for NATO membership. Georgia actively supports NATO-led 

operations and is contributing to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan.

Economy

During the Soviet period, the Georgian economy was modernized and diversified. Agriculture accounted 

for about half of the gross domestic product and employed about one-fourth of the labor force; the industry 

and service sectors each employed about one-fifth of the labor force.

The majority of the population in rural areas lives below the poverty level. Most have low disposable 

incomes, limited access to health care, poor housing, and shortages of fuel and electricity. Many people in 

rural villages supplement their income with food from vegetable gardens, livestock, fishing, and hunting. 

After independence, the economy contracted sharply: owing to political instability, foreign investment was 

discouraged; favorable trading relationships with states of the former Soviet Union were lost; and there was 

civil unrest in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, where key pipelines and transport links were sabotaged or 

blockaded. Georgia sought to transform its command economy into one based upon market principles: 

prices were liberalized, the banking system reformed, and some state enterprises and retail establishments 

privatized. However, after several years of increases, the overall level of employment started to fall in 1997 

and this trend has continued. Furthermore, many employees in the public sector were paid only token 

salaries on an increasingly irregular basis. A significant percentage of the Georgian labor market has been 

employed in a shadow economy. With the election of the Saakashvili government, public-sector employees 

have begun to receive higher salaries with greater regularity in an effort to shut down the shadow economy 

and prevent corruption.

The new government has made strides in fulfilling its aims of economic reform. It reduced the number of 

taxes from 21 to seven and introduced a flat income tax of 20 percent. It significantly reduced the number of 

licenses a business requires and introduced a one-window system that allows an entrepreneur to open a 
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business relatively quickly. Strict deadlines for agency action on permits were introduced, and consent is 

assumed if the agency fails to act within the time limit. 

The World Bank recognized Georgia as one of the world's fastest-reforming economies in its 2011 "Doing 

Business" report, ranking it as the world's 12th easiest place to do business, in the same league as such 

countries as Germany, Sweden, and France. The World Bank's "Anti-Corruption in Transition 3" report places 

Georgia among the countries showing the most dramatic improvement in the struggle against corruption, due 

to implementation of key economic and institutional reforms, and reported reduction in the bribes paid by 

firms in the course of doing business.

Georgia's economy sustained real GDP growth of 9.4 percent in 2006 and 12.3 percent in 2007, based on 

strong inflows of foreign investment and robust government spending. However, growth slowed to 2.3

percent in 2008 and is estimated to have contracted by 3.9 percent in 2009 as a result of the global 

economic downturn and reduced investor confidence in the aftermath of the August 2008 war. However, in

2010 a modest growth was demonstrated, with the GDP rate reaching approximately 6.5 percent. In 2008,

inflation was estimated at 5.5 percent, but slowed to approximately 3.0 percent in 2009. The unemployment 

rate in 2010 was officially estimated at 16.3 percent, although many estimate the actual rate to be 

significantly higher. Georgia's main economic activities include the cultivation of agricultural products,

such as grapes, citrus fruits, and hazelnuts; mining of manganese and copper; and output of a small 

industrial sector producing alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, metals, machinery, aircraft, and 

chemicals. Areas of recent improvement include growth in the construction, banking services, and mining 

sectors, but reduced availability of external investment and a slowing regional economy continue to 

challenge economic growth. 

Before 2004, electricity blackouts were common throughout the country, but since late 2005, distribution 

has been much more reliable, approaching consistent 24-hour-a-day services. Improvements have resulted 

from increased metering, better billing and collection practices, reduced theft, and management reforms. 

Investments in infrastructure have been made as well. Hydroelectricity output from 2005 to 2006 increased 

by almost 27 percent and thermal by 28 percent. Natural gas has traditionally been supplied by Russia. 

Through conservation, development of new hydroelectricity sources, and the availability of new sources of 

natural gas from Azerbaijan, Georgia's dependence on Russia for reliable energy supplies continues to 

decline.

The banking sector is becoming more open to competition from foreign-owned banks. Foreign direct 

investment (FDI) is the most important source of capital for Georgia and other post-Soviet states. Such 

investment not only supports new plants and equipment, but usually entails bringing in modern 

management methods as well. The Georgian government is eager to welcome foreign investors. 

Georgia faces many challenges in attracting foreign investment and growing its economy. With only 4.4

million people, many of whom have little disposable income, it is in itself a fairly small market. Georgia's

major trading partner has traditionally been Russia, since at one time nearly all of the Soviet Union's citrus 

consumption was produced in Georgia. In 2006, trade relations were disrupted when Russia imposed 

politically motivated bans on all Georgian exports of wine, fruits, vegetables, and mineral water. In October 

2006, Russia severed all direct transportation links, as well as postal service and visa issuance. The August 

2008 war further disrupted economic and political relations, although a new border crossing in Larsi has 

since been opened and limited flights between Tbilisi and Moscow have recently been resumed on a 

sporadic basis. As a result of the loss of their primary market, Georgian businesses have actively sought 

new markets for their products in the EU, Eastern Europe, North America, and elsewhere.
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Shortly after President Saakashvili took office, in order to begin to address the problem of persistent 

corruption in the public sector, his administration dismissed nearly the entire police force and replaced it 

with better paid and trained officers. Several high officials have been prosecuted for corruption-related 

offenses. On the other hand, widespread lack of confidence in the Georgian courts and system of justice has 

been a major obstacle not only to foreign investment, but also to domestic investment. The government has 

promised to tackle this difficult task, which requires balancing the objective of judicial independence with 

honest, fair, and competent decision-making.

Georgia is pinning its hopes for long-term growth on a determined effort to reduce regulation, taxes, and 

corruption in order to attract foreign investment, but the economy faces a more difficult investment climate 

both domestically and internationally as a result of the global economic decline.

People and Culture

The Caucasus is a mosaic of ethnic, religious, and cultural diversity. A multitude of languages can be heard 

in the region. Christianity and Islam are practiced side by side and while differences in religious beliefs are 

generally tolerated, historically religion has been the reason behind many ethnic skirmishes. 

Georgia is a land of ancient culture, with a literary tradition that dates to the fifth century A.D. Kolkhida 

(Colchis) housed a school of higher rhetoric for both Greek and Georgian scholars. By the 12th century, 

academies in Ikalto and Gelati, the first medieval higher-education centers, disseminated a wide range of 

knowledge. The national genius was demonstrated most clearly in Vepkhis-tqaosani (The Knight in the 

Panther’s Skin), the epic masterpiece of 12th-century poet Shota Rustaveli. Major figures in later 

Georgian literary history include a famed 18th-century writer, Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani; and 19th-century

novelist, poet, and dramatist Ilia Chavchavadze. The 19th-century playwright Giorgi Eristavi is regarded as 

the founder of the modern Georgian theatre. Among other prominent pre-revolutionary authors were the 

lyric poet Akaki Tsereteli; Alexander Qazbegi, novelist of the Caucasus; and nature poet Vazha Pshavela.

Important individuals in other arts include painters Niko Pirosmani (Pirosmanashvili), Irakli Toidze, Lado 

Gudiashvili, Elene Akhvlediani, and Sergo Kobuladze; composers Zakaria Paliashvili and Meliton 

Balanchivadze (father of the choreographer George Balanchine); and the founder of Georgian ballet, 

Vakhtang Chabukiani. Nino Ananiashvili, formerly principal ballerina at the Bolshoi in Mosco, and for the 

American Ballet and Houston Ballet theatres, is training a new generation of Georgian dancers of the 

highest quality, continuing in the tradition of George Balanchine.

Paata Burchuladze (bass), Lado Ataneli (baritone), Nino Surguladze (mezzo-soprano), and Nino Machaidze 

(soprano), to name a few, are well-known artists in the world‘s leading opera companies. 

Georgian theatre, with such outstanding directors as Kote Marjanishvili, Sandro Akhmeteli, and Robert 

Sturua, has had a marked influence in Europe and elsewhere. Georgia boasts fine drama, music, 

pantomime, puppet, and marionette theatres. Alongside renowned masters, a new generation of actors, 

stage directors, dramatists, and playwrights ensure that Georgian theatre continues to be a thriving and 

dynamic art form. 

Cinema is another art form where Georgian artists have made their mark. The film Repentance, an allegory 

about the repressions of the Stalin era, directed by Tenghiz Abuladze, won the Special Jury Prize at the 

1987 Cannes Film Festival and was widely praised for its political courage. During recent years, the 

Georgian film industry has experienced a revival. The Sun of the Wakeful (1992) by Temur Babluani, 13 
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Tzameti (2005) by Gela Babluani, and The Other Bank (2009) by George Ovashvili have won acclaim at 

international film festivals. 

The ancient culture of the republic is reflected in the large number of architectural monuments, including 

many monasteries and churches; indeed, Georgian architecture played a considerable role in the 

development of the Byzantine style.

It is likely that Georgians have always lived in this region, known to them as Sakartvelo. Ethnically, 

contemporary Georgia is not homogeneous, but reflects the intermixtures and successions of the Caucasus 

region. About 70 percent of the people are Georgians—the rest are Armenian, Russian, and Azerbaijani, 

with a smaller number of Ossetes, Greeks, Abkhazians, and other minority groups.

Many Georgians are members of the Georgian Orthodox church, a self-governing branch of the Eastern 

Orthodox Church. In addition, there are Muslim, Russian Orthodox, Armenian Apostolic, and Jewish 

communities.

Environment

Georgia is a country of exceptional beauty: diverse in nature, with rich and ancient history. The country is 

mostly complex and mountainous. The highest peak, Shkhara, is 5201 meters (17,000 feet) above sea level. 

Due to Georgia‘s specific geographic location, on a relatively small territory (69,700 square kilometers 

[26,911 square miles], or about the size of South Carolina) there are extremely diverse ecosystems, from 

Alpine meadows to semi-deserts, wetlands, costal landscape, numerous lakes and rivers, caves, magnificent 

mountain-chains, and peaks covered with eternal snow.

The luxuriant vegetation of the moist, subtropical Black Sea shores is relatively close, geographically, to 

the eternal snows of the country‘s mountain peaks. Deep gorges and swift rivers give way to dry steppes, 

and the green of alpine meadows alternates with the darker hues of forested valleys.

More than one-third of the country is covered by forests and brush. Vineyards, orchards, and citrus groves 

are found throughout the country. Eastern Georgia has fewer forests, and the steppes are dotted with 

thickets of prickly underbrush, as well as a blanket of feather and beard grass.

The variety of ecosystems conditions the richness of the flora and fauna of Georgia. The forests cover 40

percent of the entire territory. Three hundred eighty species of the plants are endemic to Georgia, and 

around 1,000 are endemic to the Caucasus. Georgia, along with the other Caucasian countries, lies across a 

migration corridor between the Black and Caspian Seas, and the diversity and numbers of birds in Georgia 

increase greatly during the spring and fall migrations. 

Air pollution is usually recognized as a major problem within the region, but funding for monitoring and 

assessing air quality is limited. Although emissions from industrial sources have generally decreased, 

emissions from private cars and freight transport have become the dominant source because the number of 

vehicles has rapidly increased within the last decade. In addition to the growing number of older vehicles, 

the frequent use of low quality fuels has led to an increase in the emission of harmful air pollutants, 

particularly in urban areas.

Many people are aware of environmental issues; however, rural populations are generally less informed. 

The desire to take action to improve the environmental situation among the general public is very low, 
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since most people are more concerned with meeting basic needs such as food, safe drinking water, or 

employment.
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RESOURCES FOR

FURTHER INFORMATION

Following is a list of websites that provide additional information about the Peace Corps and Georgia, as 

well as various ways to connect to returned Volunteers and other invitees. Please keep in mind that 

although we try to make sure all these links are active and current, we cannot guarantee it. 

A note of caution: As you surf the Internet, be aware that you may find bulletin boards and chat rooms in 

which people are free to express opinions about the Peace Corps based on their own experiences, including 

comments by those who were unhappy with their choice to serve in the Peace Corps. These opinions are 

not those of the Peace Corps or the U.S. government, and we hope you will keep in mind that no two 

people experience their service in the same way.

General Information about Georgia

www.state.gov

The U.S. State Department‘s website periodically issues background notes about countries around the 

world. Find Georgia and learn more about its social and political history.

www.worldinformation.com

This site provides an additional source of current and historical information about countries around the 

world.

www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations

Visit this site for general travel advice about almost any country in the world.

www.geography.about.com/science/geography/library/maps/blindex.htm

This online world atlas includes maps and geographical information, and each country page includes 

information about historical, social, and political background.

www.psr.keele.ac.uk/official.htm

This site includes links to all the official sites for governments worldwide.

www.countrywatch.com

On this site, you can find country specific information; just choose the country. 

www.gotocaucasus.com 

A foreigner's take on "all things Georgian" by a Norwegian living in a Georgian village. 
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Connect with Returned Volunteers and Other Invitees

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/peacecorps2

This Yahoo site hosts a bulletin board where prospective Volunteers and returned Volunteers can 

communicate together.

http://www.peacecorpsconnect.org 

This is the site of the National Peace Corps Association, made up of returned Volunteers. The association 

supports Returned Peace Corps Volunteers and the Peace Corps community through networking and 

mentoring to help guide former Volunteers through their continued service back home. It is also the 

longest-standing advocate for an independent and robust Peace Corps and its values.

http://peacecorpsworldwide.org

This site is hosted by a group of returned Volunteer writers. It is a monthly online publication of essays and 

Volunteer accounts of their Peace Corps service.

Online Articles/Current News Sites about Georgia

www.Rustavi2.com

Georgian news site and TV station with local news (in Georgian and English).

www.civil.ge/eng

Online magazine about local issues in Georgia.

http://georgia.usembassy.gov

U.S. Embassy in Georgia.

www.eurasianet.org

Site contains articles and resources about Georgia and surrounding nations.

http://www.geostat.ge/index.php?action=0&lang=eng

Contains economic, demographic, and industry statistics.
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International Development Sites about Georgia

www.usaid.gov/locations/europe_eurasia/countries/ge/index.html

Website for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

www.epfound.ge

Website of Eurasia Foundation, a Georgian NGO that supports development in Georgia.

Recommended Books

1. Burford, Tim. Georgia: The Bradt Travel Guide. United Kingdom: Bradt Publications, 1999.

2. De Waal, Thomas. The Caucasus: An Introduction. Oxford University Press, 2010. 

3. Goldstein, Darra. The Georgian Feast: The Vibrant Culture and Savory Food of the Republic 

of Georgia. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1999.

4. Goltz, Thomas: Georgia Diary. Armonk, New York: ME Sharpe, 2006.

5. Lang, David M.: The last years of the Georgian Monarchy: 1658-1832, Columbia University Press, 

New York 1957 

6. Nasmyth, Peter. Georgia: In the Mountains of Poetry. New York: Curzon Press, 2001.

7. Noble, John. Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan (Lonely Planet Travel Guides) (3rd ed.). 

Lonely Planet Travel Guides, 2008.

8. Reiss, Tom. The Orientalist: Solving the Mystery of a Strange and Dangerous Life. New 

York: Random House, 2005.

9. Rosen, Roger, et al. Georgia: A Sovereign Country of the Caucasus (2nd ed.). Hong Kong: 

Odyssey Publications, 1999.

10. Said, Kurban. Ali and Nino. Woodstock, New York: Overlook Press, 1999.

11. Steavenson, Wendell, Stories I Stole, New York: Grove Press, 2002.

12. Suny, Ronald Grigor. The Making of the Georgian Nation (2nd ed.). Bloomington: Indiana 

University Press, 1994.

Books about the History of the Peace Corps

1. Hoffman, Elizabeth Cobbs. All You Need is Love: The Peace Corps and the Spirit of the 

1960’s. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 2000.

2. Rice, Gerald T. The Bold Experiment: JFK’s Peace Corps. Notre Dame, Ind.: University of 

Notre Dame Press, 1985.

3. Stossel, Scott. Sarge: The Life and Times of Sargent Shriver. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian 

Institution Press, 2004.
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4. Meisler, Stanley. When the World Calls: The Inside Story of the Peace Corps and its First 50 Years. 

Boston, Mass.: Beacon Press, 2011.

Books on the Volunteer Experience

1. Banerjee, Dillon. So You Want to Join the Peace Corps: What to Know Before You Go. (2nd 

ed.). Berkeley, Calif.: Ten Speed Press, 2009.

2. Casebolt, Marjorie DeMoss. Margarita: A Guatemalan Peace Corps Experience. Gig Harbor, 

Wash.: Red Apple Publishing, 2000.

3. Dirlam, Sharon. Beyond Siberia: Two Years in a Forgotten Place. Santa Barbara, Calif.: 

McSeas Books, 2004.

4. Erdman, Sarah. Nine Hills to Nambonkaha: Two Years in the Heart of an African Village. New 

York, N.Y.: Picador, 2003.

5. Herrera, Susana. Mango Elephants in the Sun: How Life in an African Village Let Me Be in 

My Skin. Boston: Shambhala Publications, 1999

6. Hessler, Peter. River Town: Two Years on the Yangtze. New York, N.Y.: Perennial, 2001.

7. Kennedy, Geraldine ed. From the Center of the Earth: Stories out of the Peace Corps. Santa 

Monica, Calif.: Clover Park Press, 1991.

8. Thompsen, Moritz. Living Poor: A Peace Corps Chronicle. Seattle, Wash.: University of 

Washington Press, 1997 (reprint).
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LIVING CONDITIONS AND

VOLUNTEER LIFESTYLE

Communications

Mail (Pre Service Training)

Few countries in the world offer the level of service we consider normal in the U.S. If you bring with you 

U.S. standards for mail service, you will be in for lots of frustration. The following information concerning 

mail service should be left with your family and friends for sending mail and packages. Family and friends

may send you mail to the Peace Corps P.O. Box in Tbilisi at the following address:

―Your Name,‖ PCT

29a Vazha Pshavela Ave

P.O. Box 66

Tbilisi, 0160

Georgia

Mail arriving for you at the P.O. Box will be delivered to the training site at least once a week. Letter mail 

may always be received through the P.O. Box address, but once you complete training and arrive at your 

permanent site you will be responsible for arranging to receive all packages sent to you after July 13, 

2012. You will be provided with a list of shipping methods and companies that can facilitate this process 

during your service. 

Packages from home are subject to customs inspection and may be assessed fees or taxes, depending on the 

items sent. You will be responsible for paying any charges, which generally range from 15 to 30 GEL

(approximately $9–$18). Any custom fees or other service charges paid by the Peace Corps to retrieve 

packages sent to the above address will be deducted from your monthly living allowance.

Residents and Volunteers alike in Georgia report varying success with the postal service. Some have had 

letters disappear, while others report mail arriving only after a lengthy delay. Few have experienced the 

level of reliability in mail service that one might expect in the United States. It is advised to have family 

members and friends number their letters to ascertain what is and is not coming through the domestic postal 

system. Do not encourage family members or friends to send valuable items through the mail. DHL 

and Federal Express do offer a generally secure and expedited, though expensive, option for mail.

Telephones

All trainees receive cellphones during pre-service training as part of Peace Corps/Georgia's safety and 

security strategy. Trainees and Volunteers may choose to purchase phone cards to make personal calls, 

including international calls, to the U.S. on these phones. The cost of a call to the U.S. is approximately 50 

cents per minute. Other international telephone calls from land lines can be made in the larger towns, but 

can be expensive—as much $1 a minute for a call to the U.S. However, in the event of an emergency, your 

family can call the Peace Corps‘ Office of Special Services in Washington, D.C. They will immediately 
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contact Peace Corps/Georgia and we will ensure that word gets to you as soon as practicably possible. The 

24-hour emergency telephone number is 800.424.8580, extension 1470.

Computer, Internet, and Email Access

Email and Internet access throughout Georgia, while growing, is still limited due mainly to occasional 

power interruptions and a lack of phone and Internet cables. Most education Volunteers will not have 

Internet access at their sites. Professional and Organizational Development Volunteers are more likely to

have access at their sites, but that is definitely not a certainty. You may be able to gain access to the 

Internet in Tbilisi or in other larger towns where Internet cafés are becoming more popular. There are a few 

Wi-Fi sites in Tbilisi.

Housing and Site Location

Volunteers need to be very flexible about their housing expectations. During pre-service training and for at 

least the first three months of your service, you will live with a Georgian host family. After the first three

months, alternative housing arrangements may be considered in consultation with the safety and security 

coordinator. You should, however, be aware that private housing options are limited in Georgia. Volunteers 

living in small villages have difficulty finding private housing, while Volunteers in larger cities often find 

that apartment rent and utilities costs are prohibitive. Most Volunteers have opted to remain living with 

host families throughout their two years of service. 

In most areas of Georgia there are no guarantees of continuous electricity, running water, or phone service. 

Bathroom facilities will not be what you are probably used to, and may be detached from the main house.

Some villages and towns may have only a few hours of electricity a day in the winter months, and the 

natural gas supply is often cut off for periods of time. Without a central heating system, the inside of 

buildings is often colder in the winter than the outdoors. You should be prepared to tolerate cold and 

discomfort, especially at schools. Peace Corps/Georgia no longer provides Volunteers with sleeping 

bags for the winter. Although they are available in Tbilisi, it is highly recommended that you bring 

along a sleeping bag rated to 0 degree Fahrenheit.

Volunteers are assigned to communities where their assistance is most needed and where there is the 

greatest interest in, and support for, the Volunteer's work. Most Volunteers live and work in small 

agricultural communities or former industrial towns with populations ranging from 1,200 to 60,000 people. 

A few Volunteers are assigned to district centers, but there are no site placements in the capital city of 

Tbilisi.

Due to ongoing safety and security considerations as a result of the August 2008 war, Volunteer 

assignments are limited to certain regions of the country and some areas are off limits.

Living Allowance and Money Management

As a Volunteer in Georgia, you will receive three types of allowances.

A living allowance is paid to cover your basic living expenses. It is disbursed on a monthly basis in the 

local currency, the Georgian lari (abbreviated as GEL). The living allowance is intended to cover food, 

work-related transportation, recreation and entertainment, and incidental expenses, such as postage, film, 
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reading material, stationery, occasional replacement of clothes, and toiletries. The living allowance rate is 

reviewed at least annually by surveying Volunteers to ensure that it is adequate.

A settling-in allowance is provided to newly assigned Volunteers for the purchase of items necessary to 

set up housekeeping at site.

A winter heating allowance is paid as one payment, in addition to the August living allowance, to cover 

the extra cost of fuel for the winter months.

Most Volunteers find they can live comfortably in Georgia on these allowances. All Volunteers are 

strongly discouraged from supplementing their income with money brought from home. The living 

allowance is adequate, and Volunteers should be living at the economic level of their neighbors and 

colleagues.

Traveler‘s checks are not commonly used in Georgia, but a few banks in the larger cities will cash them. 

Currently, American Express and Visa/MasterCard traveler‘s checks are the easiest to cash. ATM machines 

are available in Tbilisi and in many other larger cities and some accept cards from U.S. banks. Few 

establishments accept credit cards and there is a possibility for theft or fraud. Changing U.S. dollars to GEL 

is very easy and can be done at any official currency exchange or bank.

Food and Diet

In Georgia, the cuisine is an important expression of the culture. Eating, hospitality, toasts, and the supra

bind family and friends and snare visitors into long, table-bound interludes. Just a few of the delicious 

Georgian dishes you will enjoy include:

khachapuri - a thin pastry filled with mildly salted cheese

lobiani - like khachapuri, but stuffed with mashed beans similar to refried beans

puri - the staple Georgian bread, baked in a circular hearth oven 

badrijani nigvzit - roasted eggplant strips topped with a walnut paste

pkhali - a savory Georgian salad made from spinach, walnuts, and garlic

matsoni - Georgian yogurt 

lobio - a thick bean soup often served with mchadi - Georgian corn bread 

khinkali - dumplings usually stuffed with minced meat, but also mushroom or cheese

khababi - grilled minced meat sprinkled with sumac and onion slices, wrapped in a thin bread

mtsvadi - roasted skewers of pork, beef, mutton, and sometimes eggplant or tomatoes

tkemali - a ubiquitous sour plum sauce served with most meals

The basic Georgian diet consists of meat, cheese, vegetables, fruit, and nuts. Vegetables are generally 

limited to potatoes, cabbage, eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Fresh fruit and vegetables are 

readily available in the summer, but in winter both variety and quantity are limited. During the winter 

months, cabbage, potatoes, pasta, carrots, beans, bread, and meat are the mainstays of the Georgian diet. 

Volunteers in smaller villages may not have access to as wide a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables as 

those closer to district centers. However, the fruits and vegetables that are available are delicious. In 

addition, many host families have extensive gardens and make their own wine, cheese, and honey.

While meat is an important component of the Georgian diet, it is possible for vegetarians to maintain a 

meatless diet throughout their service. However, be prepared for a lack of variety of fresh fruits and 

vegetables, especially during winter. During the winter, fresh produce is not as readily available as it is in 

the spring and summer. You may find the need to prepare preserves during the summer and fall months. 
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Cabbage, carrots, and potatoes are available throughout winter, but other produce must be preserved ahead 

of time or purchased in the capital city or regional centers. Some prior planning will need to be done in 

order to ensure that you can maintain a healthy diet.

Transportation

Georgia has an extensive transportation system. The most common mode of transportation is bus, minivan,

train, taxi, and metro in Tbilisi. Tbilisi is connected by rail with Batumi on the Black Sea, Baku on the 

Caspian, as well as Yerevan in Armenia. Most people travel by bus or vans between cities and fares are 

relatively cheap. Taxis are widely available but tend to be much more expensive. Georgia‘s main 

international airport is in Tbilisi. Batumi also has limited international flights.

Riding a bicycle is not a common practice in Georgia, and for safety reasons, Peace Corps/Georgia does not 

recommend them. Volunteers and trainees are prohibited from owning or operating motor vehicles (i.e., 

automobiles or motorcycles) or riding on motorcycles or in motorcycle sidecars as a passenger. Violation 

of these policies may result in the termination of your Volunteer service.

Geography and Climate

The northern Caucasian mountains protect Georgia from cold air intrusions from the north, while the 

country is open to the constant influence of warm, moist air from the Black Sea. Western Georgia has a 

humid, subtropical, maritime climate, while eastern Georgia‘s climate ranges from moderately humid to 

dry, subtropical conditions.

There also are marked elevation zones. The Kolkhida Lowland, for example, has a subtropical climate up to 

about 600 meters (2,000 feet), with a moist, moderately warm climate lying just above. Still higher is a belt 

of cold, wet winters, and cool summers. Above about 2,200 m (7,200 ft), there is an alpine climatic zone, 

lacking any true summer, and above 3500 m (11,500 ft), snow and ice are present year-round. In eastern 

Georgia, farther inland, temperatures are lower than in the western portions at the same altitude.

In eastern Georgia, rainfall decreases with distance from the sea, reaching 400 to 700 millimeters. (16 to 28 

inches) in the plains and foothills, but increasing to twice this amount in the mountains. The southeastern 

regions are the driest areas, and winter is the driest season. The end of spring is the rainiest season. The 

highest lowland temperatures occur in July (35 degrees Celsius or 95 Fahrenheit), while average January 

temperatures over most of the region range from 0-3 C (32-37 F).

Western Georgia has heavy precipitation throughout the year, totaling 1,000-2,500 mm. (40 to 100 inches). 

Winter in this region is mild and warm; in regions below about 2,000 feet, the average January temperature 

rarely falls below 32 F (0 C). Relatively warm, sunny winter weather persists in the coastal regions, where 

temperatures average about 5 C (41 F). Summer temperatures average about 22 C (71 F).

Social Activities

Social activities vary depending on where you are located and may include taking part in festivals, 

weddings, funerals, parties, and local dances. Georgians are very social and hospitable people and will 

welcome you into their social circle. Most regional centers have cinemas or theaters.
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Professionalism, Dress, and Behavior

One of the difficulties of finding your place as a Peace Corps Volunteer is learning how to fit into the local 

culture while also maintaining your own cultural identity. Additionally, you are expected to be a 

professional. Maintaining your personal style while also presenting a professional appearance by Georgian 

cultural standards may be challenging. 

Use common sense and be aware that you will be judged by your appearance and what you are wearing. Tshirts, tank tops, belly tops, halter tops (or other bra-less tops), shorts, flip-flops, and other very casual 

clothing are NOT appropriate in the workplace or other public setting. Extreme hairstyles, such as 

dreadlocks or shaved-in patterns, are neither common nor appropriate. For men, earrings or other piercings 

are not acceptable in the workplace. Piercings on women in any place other than the earlobe is not 

common, and any other visible piercings should be removed. Tattoos are also not very common in Georgia 

and generally indicate that the person has been in prison or is a prostitute. Volunteers who come with 

tattoos should cover them to ensure they are not visible.

Georgians, like many of their European counterparts, like to dress well. Many Georgians have little in 

terms of clothing, but they take great effort to care for what they have. In general, Georgians tend to dress 

more formally and conservatively than Americans, and take great pride in their appearance. Professional 

dress means clean and conservative. For POD Volunteers, this means dress shirts and pants for men; and 

dresses, skirts, dress pants, and blouses and suits for women. For education Volunteers, this means casual 

dressy clothes: dresses, skirts and dress pants for women; and pants and collared shirts for men. There may 

be occasions for more formal clothes, such as a suit or jacket and tie for men. Many male Georgian teachers 

wear dress shirts and ties at school.

In Tbilisi, it is not uncommon to see fashionable young women wearing short skirts and tight pants;

however, this mode of dress is not recommended for Volunteers. Foreign women are generally seen as 

being less conservative in their behavior and attitudes than Georgian women, and wearing tight or revealing

clothing will attract unwanted attention.

The Peace Corps expects Volunteers to conduct themselves in a way that will foster respect within their 

community and that reflects well on the Peace Corps. You will participate in an orientation on culturally 

appropriate behavior and cultural sensitivity during pre-service training. Peace Corps Volunteers serve at 

the invitation of the host country, and must be respectful of, and sensitive to, the habits, tastes, and taboos 

of our hosts. Inappropriate behavior, such as public drunkenness, excessive drinking, or other actions that 

compromise the safety and security of you and others, is not acceptable. Culturally inappropriate behavior 

may lead to administrative separation and termination of your service as a Peace Corps Volunteer. 

During pre-service training, you will participate in a detailed discussion of Peace Corps policies with which 

all trainees and Volunteers must abide. These include prohibitions against intelligence gathering, 

involvement in host country political affairs, religious proselytizing, and illegal drug use. You should arrive 

fully prepared to comply with all Peace Corps policies and procedures. 

Peace Corps/Georgia, as well as all other Peace Corps posts, has policies requiring trainees and Volunteers 

to keep the post apprised of their whereabouts at all times, particularly when they are away from their sites,

as well as policies on Volunteer conduct and ethics. These policies are in place not only to ensure your 

safety and security, but also to ensure that Volunteers carry out all aspects of their service responsibly and 
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professionally. Please refer to your Volunteer Handbook for more information about grounds for 

administrative separation.

It is very common in Georgia for men to consume large quantities of alcohol at supras (traditional 

Georgian meals with a Tamada, or toast master). Georgian women in the regions generally do not 

consume alcohol and do not participate in the toasting process except on special occasions, such as a 

wedding, during which they may consume only small quantities of alcohol. Georgian women often do not 

drink at or even attend all-male supras. Female Volunteers are strongly advised to do the same since 

females drinking with men at supras may send the wrong message and invite unwanted attention and 

harassment, in addition to compromising their reputation and ability to do effective work in the community. 

Volunteers will be advised of effective strategies of how to sensitively, but firmly, say no, to avoid drinking 

too much, and to avoid compromising their personal safety. Volunteers who do choose to drink alcohol are 

expected to do so responsibly and in moderation.

Volunteers and trainees who are invited to speak with the press, contribute articles for publication, create 

their own websites or blogs, or post material to websites created by others are responsible for consulting 

with the country director in advance to ensure that the material is culturally sensitive, apolitical, and does 

not compromise the integrity of the program. 

The Peace Corps places a high value on intercultural communication and community integration and 

encourages Volunteers to develop their Georgian language skills, get to know the individual members of 

their community, and their traditions and culture. A very effective way to do this is to spend as much time 

as possible in your community. For these, safety and security, and other reasons, trainees may not take 

annual leave during pre-service training and Volunteers are strongly encouraged not to take annual leave

during the first three months or last three months of their service.

Personal Safety

More information about the Peace Corps‘ approach to safety is outlined in the "Health Care and Safety"

chapter, but it is an important issue and cannot be overemphasized. As stated in the Volunteer Handbook, 

becoming a Peace Corps Volunteer entails certain safety risks. Living and traveling in an unfamiliar 

environment (oftentimes alone), having a limited understanding of local language and culture, being 

perceived as well-off, and, for females accustomed to leading an independent lifestyle, a lack of their 

awareness of local gender expectations can be some of the factors that can put a Volunteer at risk. Many 

Volunteers experience varying degrees of unwanted attention and harassment, including sexual harassment. 

Petty thefts are not uncommon, and incidents of physical and sexual assault do occur, and you must be 

vigilant about your safety at all times. The Peace Corps has established procedures and policies designed to 

help Volunteers reduce their risks and enhance their safety and security. At the same time, you are expected 

to take responsibility for your personal safety and well-being. 

Each staff member at the Peace Corps is committed to providing Volunteers with the support they need to 

successfully meet the challenges they will face to have a safe, healthy, and productive service. We 

encourage Volunteers and families to look at our safety and security information on the Peace Corps 

website at www.peacecorps.gov/safety.

Information on these pages gives messages on Volunteer health and Volunteer safety. There is a section 

titled ―Safety and Security —Our Partnership.‖ Among topics addressed are the risks of serving as a 

Volunteer, posts‘ safety support systems, and emergency planning and communications.
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Rewards and Frustrations

Although the potential for job satisfaction is quite high, like all Volunteers, you will encounter frustrations. 

Due to financial or other challenges, collaborating agencies do not always provide the support promised. 

The pace of work and life is slower than what most Americans are accustomed to, and many people are 

hesitant to change practices and traditions that are centuries old. For these reasons, the Peace Corps

experience is often described as a series of emotional peaks and valleys that occur while you adapt to a new 

culture and environment.

You will be given a high degree of responsibility and independence in your work; perhaps more than in any 

other job you have had or will ever experience. Often you will find yourself in situations that require an 

ability to motivate yourself and your counterparts with little guidance from supervisors. You may work for 

months without seeing any visible impact and without receiving feedback on your work. Development is a 

slow process. Positive progress is often seen only after the course of many years. You must possess the 

self-confidence, patience, and vision to continue working toward long-term goals without seeing immediate 

results.

To approach and overcome these difficulties, you will need maturity, flexibility, open-mindedness, and 

resourcefulness. However, Georgians are hospitable, friendly, and warm people. The Peace Corps staff, 

your co-workers, and fellow Volunteers will support you during times of challenge, as well as in moments 

of success. If you are able to make the commitment to integrate into your community and work hard, you 

will be a successful Volunteer.
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PEACE CORPS TRAINING

Overview of Pre-Service Training

Following a pre-departure orientation (staging) in the United States, you will participate in an intensive 11-

weeklong pre-service training program in Georgia. Peace Corps/Georgia uses a community-based training 

model that is designed around real life experiences and emphasizes community involvement. Trainees live 

with host families in one of several training villages around a central training facility. The goals of 

community-based training are:

1. To provide trainees with the best possible opportunity to gain competence in technical, crosscultural, language, and health and safety areas in a culturally and linguistically appropriate context; 

2. To provide in-depth, experiential learning in settings similar to those at Volunteer sites; 

3. To allow trainees to acquire experience and skills in directing their own learning so they can 

continue independent learning at site.

Pre-service training contains five main components: language, cross-culture, technical, health, and safety.

You will be expected to attend all training sessions and participate in various practicum events and field 

trips that will take place during the program.

Technical Training

Technical training will prepare you to work in Georgia by building on the skills you already have and by 

helping you to develop new skills appropriate to the needs of your assignment. Training places great 

emphasis on learning how to transfer the skills you have to the community in which you will serve as a 

Volunteer.

The technical component of training includes formal sessions designed to provide you with theory, 

methodologies, and activities appropriate for your assignment. You will also participate in a practicum 

where you will be teaching in schools or visiting local organizations and providing training courses, 

managing small scale community projects to apply the skills you gained in sessions. You will review your 

project‘s goals and meet with the Georgian agencies and organizations that invited the Peace Corps to assist 

them.

You will be supported by the training staff throughout training to build the confidence and skills you will 

need to become a productive member of your community.

Language Training

As a Peace Corps Volunteer, you will find that language skills are the key to personal and professional 

satisfaction during your service. These skills are critical to performing your assignment, will help you 

integrate into your host community, and ease your personal adaptation to the new surroundings. The 

language component is at the heart of the training program, and you must successfully meet minimum 

language requirements in order to swear in as a Volunteer. Experienced Georgian language instructors 
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teach formal language classes in small classes of five to six people. The Georgian language is also 

introduced in the health, culture, safety, and technical components of training.

Language training incorporates a community-based approach. There are classroom sessions, as well as 

assignments to work on outside of the classroom and with your host family. Your goal is to get to a point of 

basic social communication skills so that you can practice and develop language skills more thoroughly 

once you are at your site. Prior to swearing in as a Volunteer, you will work on strategies to continue 

language studies during your two years of service.

Russian speaking applicants are recruited for potential assignments in minority communities and attend 

intensive language training in Georgian and one of the two minority languages, Azeri or Armenian. 

Cross-Cultural Training

As part of your training, you will live with a Georgian host family. This experience is designed to ease your 

transition into life at your site. Host families participate in an orientation conducted by Peace Corps staff to 

explain the purpose of the training program and to assist them in helping you adapt to living in Georgia. 

Many Volunteers form strong and lasting friendships with their host families.

Cross-cultural and community development topics will be covered in classroom sessions to help improve 

your perception, communication, and facilitation skills. Some of the topics that will be addressed include 

customs and traditions, gender and development, community mobilization, conflict resolution, and political 

structures.

Health Training

During training, you will be given basic health and well-being training and information. You are expected 

to practice preventive health care and to take responsibility for your own health by adhering to all medical 

policies. The topics include preventive health measures and minor and major medical issues that Volunteers 

may encounter while in Georgia. Nutrition, mental health, setting up a safe living compound, and how to 

avoid HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are also covered.

Safety Training

During the safety training sessions, you will learn how to adopt a lifestyle that reduces risks in your home, 

at work, and during your travels. While Georgia offers many travel opportunities, some areas are restricted. 

We will review these restrictions with you in detail during the training program. In addition, Volunteers 

may not engage in high-risk activities, including mountain and rock climbing, sky diving, etc. During 

safety training you will also learn appropriate, effective strategies for coping with unwanted attention and 

about your individual responsibility for your safety throughout your service. The Peace Corps will also 

explain the Emergency Action Plan and train you in emergency preparedness.

During your first few months of service, it is important to become familiar with your site, to meet 

neighbors, and begin to make friends in your community. This transitional time will be challenging, but in 

the months to come you will find it has helped you secure a place in your community. It is also a time to

build on your language skills, a key facet of having a safe, effective, and enjoyable Volunteer experience.
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Additional Training during Volunteer Service

In its commitment to institutionalize quality training, the Peace Corps has implemented a training system 

which provides trainees and Volunteers with regular opportunities to expand and enhance their technical, 

communication, and cross-cultural skills.

During your service, you will participate in several training events. Some examples include:

• In-service training programs (IST): A number of programs which provide an opportunity for 

Volunteers and their counterparts to upgrade their language, technical, and project development 

skills while sharing their experiences and reaffirming their commitment after having served for three 

to six months.

• Safety and Security Conference: Review and discuss strategies for dealing with safety and 

security issues and practice appropriate actions under different emergency scenarios.

• Close-of-Service (COS) Conference: Prepares Volunteers for the future after Peace Corps 

service and reviews Volunteers‘ respective projects and personal experiences.

The number, length, and design of these events are adapted to country-specific needs and conditions. The 

key to the training system is that training events are integrated and interrelated, from the pre-departure 

orientation through the end of your service, and are planned, implemented, and evaluated cooperatively by 

the training staff, Peace Corps staff, and Volunteers.
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YOUR HEALTH CARE AND

SAFETY IN GEORGIA

The Peace Corps‘ highest priority is maintaining the health and safety of every Volunteer. Peace Corps 

medical programs emphasize the preventive, rather than the curative approach to disease. Peace 

Corps/Georgia maintains a clinic at the office with a full-time medical officer who takes care of 

Volunteers‘ primary health-care needs. Additional medical services, such as testing and basic treatment, are 

also available in Georgia at local clinics. If you become seriously ill, you will be treated locally or 

transported to either an American-standard medical facility in the region or to the United States.

Health Issues in Georgia

The most common diseases in Georgia are similar to those found in other temperate climates. Respiratory 

infections, including influenza, colds, and asthma, are common. Diarrheal illnesses due to stress, changes in 

diet, food preparation and inadequate cold-storage techniques, and intestinal parasites are the most frequent 

health issues for Volunteers. Isolation from family, friends, and other Volunteers and from living in a 

different culture can be very unsettling and stressful. Alcohol abuse is a widespread concern throughout the 

region. HIV/AIDS is becoming more widespread in the local population, especially among intravenous

drug users. 

Plasmodium Vivax is a type of malaria that occurs in Georgia, although the number of reported cases has 

declined significantly over the past several years. Areas of risk include the southeastern part of the country 

in certain districts of the Kakheti and Kvemo Kartli regions. The malaria season starts in June and ends in 

late October.

Helping You Stay Healthy

The Peace Corps will provide you with all the necessary inoculations, medications, and information to stay 

healthy. Upon your arrival in Georgia, you will receive a medical handbook. During training, you will 

receive a medical kit with supplies to take care of mild illnesses and first-aid needs. The contents of the kit 

are listed later in this section.

During pre-service training, you will have access to basic first-aid supplies through the medical officer. 

However, during this time, you will be responsible for your own supply of prescription drugs and any other 

medicines and medical supplies you require, as we will order these items after your interview with the 

medical officer during training. Please bring a three-month supply of any prescription drugs or over-thecounter medications you use, since they may not be available here and it may take several months for new 

shipments to arrive.
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You will have physical exams at mid service and at the end of your service. If you develop a serious 

medical problem during your service, the medical officer in Georgia will consult with the Office of 

Medical Services in Washington, D.C. If it is determined that your condition cannot be treated in 

Georgia, you may be sent out of the country for further evaluation and care.

Maintaining Your Health

As a Volunteer, you must accept a certain amount of responsibility for your own health. Proper precautions 

will significantly reduce your risk of serious illness or injury. The old adage ―An ounce of prevention...‖ 

becomes extremely important in areas where medical diagnostic and treatment facilities are not up to the 

standards of the United States. The most important of your responsibilities in Georgia include taking 

preventive measures for the following: alcohol use and abuse, personal and pedestrian safety, water and 

food preparation, and anti-malaria prophylaxis in malaria-prone areas.

Many diseases that afflict Volunteers worldwide are entirely preventable if proper food and water 

precautions are taken. Your medical officer will discuss specific standards for water and food preparation 

for Georgia during pre-service training.

It is critical to your health that you promptly report to the medical office for scheduled immunizations and 

that you let your medical officer know immediately of significant illness and injuries.

Abstinence is the only certain choice for prevention of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections 

(STIs). You are taking risks if you choose to be sexually active. To lessen risk, use a condom every time 

you have sex. Whether your partner is a host country citizen, a fellow Volunteer, or anyone else, do not 

assume this person is free of HIV/AIDS or other STIs. You will receive more information from your 

medical officer about this important issue.

Volunteers are expected to adhere to an effective means of birth control to prevent unplanned pregnancies. 

Your medical officer can help you decide on the most appropriate method to suit your individual needs. 

Contraceptive methods are available without charge from the medical officer.

It is critical to your health that you promptly report to the medical office or other designated facility for 

scheduled immunizations, and that you let the medical officer know immediately of significant illnesses 

and injuries.

Women’s Health Information

Pregnancy is treated in the same manner as other Volunteer health conditions that require medical attention 

but also have programmatic ramifications. Since medical facilities in Georgia cannot provide the U.S. 

standard of prenatal care and delivery, a pregnant Volunteer or trainee who wants to continue pregnancy to 

term and does not wish to resign, shall be medically separated. 

If you require a specific feminine hygiene product, please bring a three-month supply with you.
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Your Peace Corps Medical Kit

The Peace Corps medical officer provides Volunteers with a first-aid kit that contains basic items necessary 

to prevent and treat illnesses that might occur during service. Kit items can be periodically restocked at 

your Peace Corps medical office.

Medical Kit Contents

Ace bandages

Adhesive tape

Antacid tablets (Tums)

Antibiotic ointment (Bacitracin/Neomycin/Polymycin B)

Antifungal cream

Antiseptic antimicrobial skin cleaner (Hibiclens)

Band-Aids

Cepacol lozenges

Condoms

Cough drops

Dental floss

Diphenhydramine HCL 25 mg (Benadryl)

First Aid & Safety Handbook

Insect repellent 

Ibuprofen 200 mg tab

Lip balm (Chapstick)

Non-aspirin pain reliever (Acetaminophen)

Oral thermometer (Fahrenheit)

Oral rehydration salts 

Pseudoephedrine HCL 30 mg (Sudafed)

Scissors

Sterile gauze pads

Tetrahydrozaline eye drops (Visine)

Tweezers

Water purification tablets

Before You Leave: A Medical Checklist

If there has been any change in your health—physical, mental, or dental—since the time you submitted 

your examination reports to the Peace Corps, you must immediately notify the Office of Medical Services. 

Failure to disclose new illnesses, injuries, allergies, or pregnancy can endanger your health and may 

jeopardize your eligibility to serve.

If your dental exam was done more than a year ago, or if your physical exam is more than two years old, 

contact the Office of Medical Services to find out whether you need to update your records. If your dentist 

or Peace Corps dental consultant has recommended that you undergo dental treatment or repair, you must 

complete that work and make sure your dentist sends requested confirmation reports or X-rays to the Office 

of Medical Services.
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If you wish to avoid having duplicate vaccinations, you should contact your physician‘s office, obtain a 

copy of your immunization record, and bring it to your pre-departure orientation. If you have any 

immunizations prior to Peace Corps service, the Peace Corps cannot reimburse you for their cost. The 

Peace Corps will provide all the immunizations necessary for your overseas assignment shortly after you 

arrive in Georgia.

Bring a three-month supply of any prescription or over-the-counter medication you use on a regular basis, 

including birth-control pills, and multivitamins. Although the Peace Corps cannot reimburse you for this 

three-month supply, we will order refills during your service.

While awaiting shipment—which can take several months—you will be dependent on your own medication 

supply. The Peace Corps will not pay for nor provide herbal or nonprescribed medications, such as St. 

John‘s wort, mega vitamins, glucosamine, Selenium, or anti-oxidant supplements.

You are encouraged to bring copies of medical prescriptions signed by your physician. This is not a 

requirement, although it might come in handy if you are questioned in transit about the three-month supply 

of prescription drugs you‘re carrying.

If you wear eyeglasses, bring two pairs with you—a pair and a spare. If a pair breaks, the Peace Corps 

will replace it, using the information your doctor in the United States provided on the eyeglasses form 

during your examination. To reduce the risk of developing a serious infection or other eye disease, we 

discourage you from using contact lenses during your Peace Corps service. Most Peace Corps countries 

do not have appropriate water and sanitation to support eye care with the use of contact lenses. The 

Peace Corps will not supply or replace contact lenses or associated solutions.

If you are eligible for Medicare, are over 50 years of age, or have a health condition that may restrict your 

future participation in healthcare plans, you may wish to consult an insurance specialist about unique 

coverage needs before your departure. The Peace Corps will provide all necessary health care from the time 

you leave for your pre-departure orientation until you complete your service. When you finish, you will be 

entitled to the post-service health-care benefits described in the Peace Corps Volunteer Handbook. You 

may wish to consider keeping an existing health plan in effect during your service if you think age and/or 

pre-existing conditions might prevent you from re-enrolling in your current plan when you return home.

Safety and Security—Our Partnership

Serving as a Volunteer overseas entails certain safety and security risks. Living and traveling in an 

unfamiliar environment, a limited understanding of the local language and culture, and the perception of 

being a wealthy American are some of the factors that can put a Volunteer at risk. Property thefts and 

incidents of physical and sexual assault do occur, although almost all Volunteers complete their two years 

of service without serious personal safety problems. 

The Peace Corps approaches safety and security as a partnership with you. This Welcome Book contains 

sections on: Living Conditions and Volunteer Lifestyle; Peace Corps Training; and Your Health Care and 

Safety. All of these sections include important safety and security information. 

The Peace Corps makes every effort to give Volunteers the tools they need to function in the safest and 

most secure way possible, because working to maximize the safety and security of Volunteers is our 
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highest priority. Not only do we provide you with training and tools to prepare for the unexpected, but we 

teach you to identify and manage the risks you may encounter. 

Factors that Contribute to Volunteer Risk 

There are several factors that can heighten a Volunteer‘s risk, many of which are within the Volunteer‘s 

control. By far the most common crime incidents that Volunteers experience are thefts. Frequently these 

occur in crowded locations, such as markets or on public transportation, or are due to Volunteers leaving 

items unattended. More serious assaults, however, do occasionally occur. Based on information gathered 

from incident reports worldwide, the following factors stand out as risk characteristics for crimes against 

Volunteers, many of which can be avoided with appropriate actions. Assaults consist of physical and 

sexual assaults committed against Volunteers; property crimes include robbery, burglary, theft, and 

vandalism.

• Location: Most assaults (53 percent) occurred when Volunteers were in public areas (e.g., street, 

park, beach, public buildings). Specifically, 36 percent of assaults took place when Volunteers were 

away from their sites. Most property crimes occurred in the Volunteer‘s residence or another 

Volunteer‘s residence, followed closely by public areas. Forty-eight percent of property crimes 

occurred when Volunteers were away from their sites

• Time: Assaults usually took place during the evening, between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. — though the 

single hour with the largest percentage of assaults was 1a.m. (8 percent). Property crimes were more 

common in the middle of the day, from noon to 9 p.m.

• Day: Assaults and property crimes were more commonly reported on weekends (48 percent and 49

percent, respectively).

• Absence of others: Assaults and property crimes (64 percent and 53 percent, respectively) occurred 

more frequently when the Volunteer was alone. 

• Relationship to Assailant: In most assaults and property crimes (64 percent and 85 percent), the 

Volunteer did not know or could not identify the assailant. 

Consumption of alcohol: Twenty-three percent of all assaults and 4 percent of all property crimes 

involved alcohol consumption by Volunteers and/or assailants.

Risk factors can vary within countries throughout the world that are served by the Peace Corps. A 

Volunteer in Georgia may face risks specific to this country in addition to risks associated with living in a 

developing country.

Summary Strategies to Reduce Risk

Before and during service, your training will address these areas of concern so that you can reduce the risks 

you face. For example, here are some strategies Volunteers employ:

Strategies to reduce the risk/impact of theft: 

• Know the environment and choose safe routes/times for travel

• Avoid high-crime areas per Peace Corps guidance 

• Know the vocabulary to get help in an emergency

• Carry valuables in different pockets/places

• Carry a ―dummy‖ wallet as a decoy

Strategies to reduce the risk/impact of assault:
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• Choose safe routes and times for travel, and travel with someone trusted by the community 

whenever possible

• Make sure your appearance is respectful of local customs; don‘t draw negative attention to yourself 

by wearing inappropriate clothing

• Get to know local officials, police, and neighbors

• Travel with someone trusted by your community whenever possible

• Avoid known high crime areas 

• Limit alcohol consumption

Support from Staff

If a trainee or Volunteer is the victim of a safety incident, Peace Corps staff is prepared to provide support. 

All Peace Corps posts have procedures in place to respond to incidents of crime committed against 

Volunteers. The first priority for all posts in the aftermath of an incident is to ensure the Volunteer is safe 

and receiving medical treatment as needed. After assuring the safety of the Volunteer, Peace Corps staff 

response may include reassessing the Volunteer‘s worksite and housing arrangements and making any 

adjustments, as needed. In some cases, the nature of the incident may necessitate a site or housing transfer. 

Peace Corps staff will also assist Volunteers with preserving their rights to pursue legal sanctions against 

the perpetrators of the crime. It is very important that Volunteers report incidents as they occur, not only to 

protect their peer Volunteers, but also to preserve the future right to prosecute. Should Volunteers decide 

later in the process that they want to proceed with the prosecution of their assailant, this option may no 

longer exist if the evidence of the event has not been preserved at the time of the incident. 

Security Issues in Georgia

When it comes to your safety and security in the Peace Corps, you have to be willing to adapt your 

behavior and lifestyle to minimize the potential for being a target of crime. As anywhere else in the world, 

crime does exist in Georgia. You can reduce your risk of becoming a target for crime by avoiding situations 

that make you feel uncomfortable and by taking advance precautions. Crime at the village or town level is 

less frequent than in the large cities—people know each other and generally will not steal from their 

neighbors. Tourist attractions, especially in large towns, are favorite work sites for pickpockets. Theft while 

traveling, sexual and non-sexual harassment are examples of safety concerns in Georgia. 

As noted earlier, some parts of the country are off limits to Volunteers due to the potential for conflict 

erupting with little advance warning. Peace Corps/Georgia has a strict whereabouts notification and travel 

consultation policy in place to reduce the chance that Volunteers are not caught in the wrong place at the 

wrong time. Volunteers are also provided with timely updates via email and text messaging on any events 

or activities that may pose a threat to their safety and security.

Crime Data for Georgia

The country-specific data chart below shows the average annual rates of the major types of crimes reported 

by Peace Corps Volunteers/trainees in Georgia compared to all other Europe, Mediterranean and Asia
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programs as a whole. It can be understood as an approximation of the number of reported incidents per 100 

Volunteers in a year.1

Few Peace Corps Volunteers are victims of serious crimes and crimes that do occur overseas are 

investigated and prosecuted by local authorities through the local courts system. If you are the victim of a 

crime, you will decide if you wish to pursue prosecution. If you decide to prosecute, Peace Corps will be 

there to assist you. One of our tasks is to ensure you are fully informed of your options and understand how 

the local legal process works. Peace Corps will help you ensure your rights are protected to the fullest 

extent possible under the laws of the country.

If you are the victim of a serious crime, you will learn how to get to a safe location as quickly as possible 

and contact your Peace Corps office. It‘s important that you notify Peace Corps as soon as you can so 

Peace Corps can provide you with the help you need.

 

1

The incidence rate for each type of crime is the number of crime events relative to the Volunteer/trainee 

population. It is expressed on the chart as a ratio of crime to Volunteer and trainee years (or V/T years, 

which is a measure of 12 full months of V/T service) to allow for a statistically valid way to compare crime 

data across countries.
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Preparing for the Unexpected: Safety Training

and Volunteer Support in Georgia

The Peace Corps‘ approach to safety is a five-pronged plan to help you stay safe during your two-year 

service and includes the following: information sharing; Volunteer training; site selection criteria; a 

detailed emergency action plan; and protocols for addressing safety and security incidents. Georgia‘s incountry safety program is outlined below.

The Peace Corps Georgia office will keep Volunteers apprised of any issues that may impact Volunteer 

safety through information sharing. Regular updates will be provided in Volunteer newsletters and in 

memoranda from the Country Director. In the event of a critical situation or emergency, Volunteers will be 

contacted through the emergency communication network.

Volunteer training includes sessions to prepare you for specific safety and security issues in Georgia. 

This training will prepare you to adopt a culturally appropriate lifestyle and exercise judgment that 

promotes safety and reduces risk in your home, at work, and while traveling. Safety training is offered 

throughout your two-year service and is integrated into the language, cross-cultural, health, and other 

components of training.

Certain site selection criteria are used to determine safe housing for Volunteers before their arrival. 

Peace Corps staff works closely with host communities and counterpart agencies to help prepare them for 

the Volunteer‘s arrival and to establish expectations of their respective role in supporting the Volunteer. 

Each site is inspected before the Volunteer‘s arrival to ensure placement in appropriate, safe, and secure 

housing and work sites. Site selection criteria are based in part on any relevant site history; access to 

medical, banking, postal, and other essential services; availability of communications, transportation, and 

markets; different housing options and living arrangements; and other support needs.

You will also learn about Peace Corps Georgia‘s detailed Emergency Action Plan, which is 

implemented in the event of civil or political unrest or a natural disaster. When you arrive at your site, you 

will complete and submit a site locator form with your address, contact information, and a map to your 

house. 

If there is a security threat, Volunteers in Georgia will gather at pre-determined locations until the situation 

is resolved or the Peace Corps decides to evacuate.

Finally, in order to be fully responsive to the needs of Volunteers, it is imperative that Volunteers 

immediately report any security incident to the Peace Corps office. The Peace Corps has established 

protocols for addressing safety and security incidents in a timely and appropriate manner. In 

addition to responding to the needs of the Volunteer, the Peace Corps collects and evaluates safety and 

security data to track trends and develop strategies to minimize risks to future Volunteers.
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DIVERSITY AND CROSSCULTURAL ISSUES

In fulfilling the Peace Corps‘ mandate to share the face of America with our host countries, we are making 

special efforts to see that all of America‘s richness is reflected in the Volunteer corps. More Americans of 

color are serving in today‘s Peace Corps than at any time in recent years. Differences in race, ethnic 

background, age, religion, and sexual orientation are expected and welcome among our Volunteers. Part of 

the Peace Corps‘ mission is to help dispel any notion that Americans are all of one origin or race, and to 

establish that each of us is as thoroughly American as the other, despite our many differences. Our diversity 

helps us accomplish that goal.

In other ways, however, our diversity poses challenges. In Georgia, as in other Peace Corps host countries, 

Volunteers‘ behavior, lifestyles, background, and beliefs will be judged in a cultural context very different 

from our own. Certain personal perspectives or characteristics commonly accepted in the United States may 

be quite uncommon, unacceptable, or even repressed.

Outside of Georgia‘s capital, residents of rural communities have had relatively little direct exposure to 

other cultures, races, religions, and lifestyles. What is advertised as ―typical‖ cultural behavior or norms 

may also be a narrow and selective interpretation, such as the perception in some countries that all 

Americans are rich and have blond hair and blue eyes. The people of Georgia are justly known for their 

generous hospitality to foreigners; however, members of the community in which you will live may display 

a range of reactions to differences that you present.

To ease the transition and adapt to the ways of Georgia, you may need to make some temporary, yet 

fundamental compromises in how you present yourself as an American and as an individual. For example, 

female trainees and Volunteers may not be able to exercise the independence available to them in the 

United States; political discussions will need to be handled with great care; and some of your personal 

beliefs may best remain undisclosed. You will need to develop techniques and personal strategies for 

coping with these and other limitations. The Peace Corps staff will lead diversity and sensitivity 

discussions during your pre-service training and will be on call to provide support, but the challenge 

ultimately will be your own.

Overview of Diversity in Georgia

The Peace Corps staff in Georgia recognizes adjustment issues that come with diversity and will endeavor 

to provide support and guidance. During pre-service training, several sessions will be held to discuss 

diversity and coping mechanisms. We look forward to having male and female Volunteers from a variety of 

cultures, backgrounds, religions, ethnic groups, and ages and hope that you will become part of a diverse 

group of Americans who will take pride in supporting each other and demonstrating the richness of 

American culture.
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What Might a Volunteer Face?

The comments below come from Volunteers who have served in Georgia. It is important to recognize that 

these issues may or may not have an impact on your own Volunteer experience. Rather, they are here to 

make all Peace Corps Volunteers aware of issues that one particular group or another may face. As you 

read them, you might ask yourself, ―How would I feel if that happened to me?‖ and, ―How could I help a 

fellow Volunteer if it happened to him or her?‖ Some sections conclude with personal comments from 

individual Volunteers about their experience in Georgia.

Possible Issues for Female Volunteers

Georgia is a traditional, patriarchal culture. Although several women have achieved high rank within the 

government, people at the community level have not had much experience with women who have 

professional roles or who live independently of their families. Volunteers report that service is more 

difficult for female than for male Volunteers. It is sometimes a challenge for Volunteers in Georgia to cope 

effectively and constructively with the different status of women and men and the different standards of 

behavior to which they are held.

Female Volunteers may find that a single woman living alone goes against the cultural norm. They may 

receive more unwanted and inappropriate attention from Georgian men than in the United States or have to 

work harder than male Volunteers to gain the respect of Georgian colleagues in the workplace. Females 

Volunteers will also have to adapt to cultural norms of not smoking or drinking in public in order to avoid 

sending the wrong message to men, which may invite unwanted attention and harassment and may lead to 

an undesirable reputation in the community.

Volunteer Comments

―Georgian women are more reserved with men, especially in public places. Because American women 

tend to be less reserved and are used to more independence, it can be interpreted as  ̳loose‘ behavior.

Behaviors we don't think twice about in America, such as making eye contact and smiling at strangers,

can be misinterpreted here. I‘ve had to learn to be a lot more guarded, and not worry too much about 

being seen as unfriendly.‖

―The gender roles in Georgia are incredibly traditional, and as a young American living here, I found it 

difficult to appreciate and understand how women fit into society. I have had some issues with

harassment from men in my town, and sometimes it‘s hard to keep perspective and know how to react 

to unwanted attention in a foreign culture when language is still an issue. It‘s also hard on the men 

whose roles have changed a lot due to unemployment. For example, alcohol is a large part of their 

culture, and it is much more difficult for male Volunteers to avoid drinking with meals than for 

women. Georgian women do not generally drink in public though, and it is a good idea to follow their 

example.‖

Possible Issues for Volunteers of Color

Volunteers from any minority group may be the only minority trainees or Volunteers within a particular 

program. They may work and live with individuals with no experience with, or understanding of, their 

culture. They may not receive the necessary personal support from other Volunteers or find minority role 

models within Peace Corps country staff. In general, host families and counterparts are very accepting of 

diversity among Volunteers, and close relationships are forged without any regard to ethnicity.
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African-American Volunteers may be evaluated as less professionally competent than non-black 

Volunteers. They may be called ―Negroes,‖ which may not necessarily be used as a derogatory term, but as 

the local word to describe black people. Rap music is also popular and Georgians may inadvertently use 

words from the songs inappropriately. African-American Volunteers may find themselves the focus of 

constant staring, pointing, and comments.

Hispanics may have various reactions from host country nationals. Due to physical appearance, they may 

blend in their communities easier than other minority groups. Additionally, Georgians may embrace Latin 

Americans as old friends based on the historic speculation that Iberians once cohabited the country. 

However, Latin American Volunteers may also be subject to stereotypes and may also be perceived to be of 

Asian heritage. To combat potentially culturally insensitive comments, it's best to take these uncomfortable 

situations and turn them into opportunities for cultural exchange.

Likewise, Asian-American Volunteers may be the subject of stereotyped perceptions of behavior observed 

in films: the ―Kung Fu Syndrome.‖ Asian-American Volunteers of any background may be mistaken for 

Chinese citizens living in-country. They may not be accepted as Americans and may be identified by their 

cultural heritage, not by their American citizenship. Asian-American Volunteers experience a large amount 

of negative attention in Georgia. Members of the host community and other strangers may harass AsianAmerican Volunteers, both verbally and physically. 

Staring and verbal provocations are common while traveling and also in Tbilisi (especially in the metro). 

The safety risks for Asians, particularly females, are very high. Some Georgians may believe AsianAmerican females to be prostitutes; therefore, Asian-American females are discouraged from traveling or 

being outside alone at night.

Volunteer Comments

―Be prepared to explain who you are and why you look a little different from what they know of 

Americans from TV and movies. Georgians will ask. Don‘t take offense to it. Don‘t feel you have to 

explain who you are to everyone who asks. Try to make it an educational opportunity for those who 

matter to you.‖

―Being black in this country elevates you to celebrity status. People will ask for your autograph, ask to 

take their picture with you, even let you cut in line. Most Georgians have never laid eyes on a black 

person before and, to them, you are an idea, rather than something that actually exists. When 

Georgians meet a black person it‘s exciting for them. This attention can become a taxing part of your 

day, not unlike in the lives of celebrities. If only it were as easy as putting on a big hat and sunglasses 

(like the celebrities), but it's not. Be prepared to have a great deal of attention, but from my experience, 

it‘s been positive.‖
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Possible Issues for Senior Volunteers

Respect comes with age in Georgia. Younger Volunteers may have to work harder than their older 

colleagues to be accepted as professionals. On the other hand, older Volunteers may feel isolated within the 

Peace Corps overseas because the majority of Volunteers are in their 20s.

In training, seniors may encounter frustration in not having their needs met for an effective learning 

environment in areas such as timing, presentation, and style. They will need to be committed to developing 

an effective, individual approach to language learning.

During their service, seniors may work and live with individuals who have little understanding of, or 

respect for, the lives and experiences of senior Americans. They may not receive the necessary personal 

support from younger Volunteers or find that younger Volunteers may look to them for advice and support 

(some seniors find this a very enjoyable part of their Volunteer experience; others choose not to fill this 

role).

Possible Issues for Gay, Lesbian, or Bisexual Volunteers

Georgia has very traditional gender roles for men and women and social expectations are for people to get 

married and have children immediately after marriage. Homosexuality in Georgia is not openly discussed 

or even accepted. For their own cultural integration, as well as safety and security concerns, Volunteers 

almost always choose not to reveal their sexuality to their host family, local friends, or counterparts. While 

there is an underground gay community in Tbilisi, finding the support you need may be very difficult since 

Volunteers are placed in rural communities where very traditional gender roles are the norm.

Lesbians/gays will have to deal with constant questions about boyfriends/girlfriends, marriage, and sex (as 

do all Volunteers). Wearing an ―engagement ring‖ may help. Gay men must deal with machismo: talk of 

conquest(s), girl watching, and dirty jokes.

Volunteer Comments

―Establishing yourself as openly gay is always your own decision. Here in Georgia, I felt that coming 

out would limit my ability to integrate into my community and create a personal safety issue. You have 

to decide what is best for you. I‘m not prescribing that anyone should be less than his or her authentic 

self. We all have to decide what compromises we can live with and at what price. It's worth mentioning 

that I‘ve experienced an extremely supportive Peace Corps community here in Georgia.‖

"While the topic of homosexuality is taboo in Georgian culture, in the Volunteer community it is 

openly discussed. My fellow Volunteers have been a source of great support and I have yet to meet a 

Volunteer who was not sympathetic to my situation."

Possible Religious Issues for Volunteers

Volunteers are frequently asked about their religious affiliation and may be invited to attend a community 

church. Volunteers not in the practice of attending church may be challenged to explain their reasons for 

not wanting to go, but it is possible to politely decline if the church or religious practice is not of your 

choice. Georgians often assume if you are not Orthodox, you must be Catholic and you may need to offer

an explanation, especially if you are another Christian religion. Georgia is a very tolerant society for 

religious diversity, even for non-Christians, and most Volunteers facing these issues have found effective 

ways to cope and have come to feel quite at home in Georgia.
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Volunteer Comment

―Georgians are very proud of their beautiful churches and religious past. I‘ve never seen their pride in 

the Georgian Orthodox Church manifest itself in the oppression of other religions, though. As a Jew in 

Georgia, the only issue I personally faced was to find a way to explain that I wasn‘t comfortable 

attending church during services. It‘s a sensitive issue, and it‘s difficult not to be perceived as 

insensitive, but it can definitely be done. The Georgians are open, warm-hearted people who want to 

give you every benefit of the doubt.‖

Possible Issues for Volunteers with Disabilities

As a disabled Volunteer in Georgia, you may find that you face a special set of challenges. In Georgia, as in 

other parts of the world, some people may hold prejudicial attitudes about individuals with disabilities and 

may discriminate against them. There is very little of the infrastructure to accommodate individuals with 

disabilities that has been developed in the United States.

That being said, as part of the medical clearance process, the Peace Corps Office of Medical Services 

determined that you were physically and emotionally capable, with or without reasonable accommodation, 

to perform a full tour of Volunteer service in Georgia without unreasonable risk of harm to yourself or 

interruption of your service. The Peace Corps Georgia staff will work with disabled Volunteers to make 

reasonable accommodations for them in their training, housing, jobsites, or in other areas to enable them to 

serve safely and effectively.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How much luggage am I allowed to bring to Georgia?

Most airlines have baggage size and weight limits and assess charges for transport of baggage that exceeds 

those limits. The Peace Corps has its own size and weight limits, and will not pay the cost of transport for 

baggage that exceeds these limits. The Peace Corps‘ allowance is two checked pieces of luggage with 

combined dimensions of both pieces not to exceed 107 inches (length + width + height) and a carry-on bag 

with dimensions of no more than 45 inches. Checked baggage should not exceed 100 pounds total with a 

maximum weight of 50 pounds for any one bag.

Peace Corps Volunteers are not allowed to take pets, weapons, explosives, radio transmitters (shortwave 

radios are permitted), automobiles, or motorcycles to their overseas assignments. Do not pack flammable 

materials or liquids such as lighter fluid, cleaning solvents, hair spray, or aerosol containers. This is an 

important safety precaution. Please check the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website for a 

detailed list of permitted and prohibited items at 

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm

What is the electric current in Georgia?

Georgian electrical outlets accept two round-prong plugs and operate on 220/240 volts/50 cycles. Adapters 

are readily available and inexpensive. Be aware that you will have a weak, sporadic, and/or irregular 

electricity supply, particularly during the winter months.

How much money should I bring?

Volunteers are expected to live at the same level as the people in their community. They are given a 

settling-in allowance and a monthly living allowance, which should cover their expenses. Often Volunteers 

wish to bring additional money for vacation travel to other countries. If you choose to bring extra money, 

plan on bringing the amount that suits your own personal travel plans and needs. There are ATMs in larger 

cities, so you may want to bring an ATM card to access a bank account in the U.S. An ATM card may also 

come in handy if you plan to travel outside the country during any vacations or after you complete your 

service. 

When can I take vacation and have people visit me?

Each Volunteer accrues two vacation days per month of service (excluding training). Leave may not be taken 

during training, and is strongly discouraged the first three months and the last three months of service. Family 

and friends are welcome to visit you after pre-service training and the first three months of service as long as 

their stay does not interfere with your work. Extended guest stays at your site are not encouraged and may 

require permission from your country director. The Peace Corps is not able to provide your visitors with visa 

or travel assistance.

Will my belongings be covered by insurance?

The Peace Corps does not provide insurance coverage for personal effects. However, such insurance can be 

purchased before you leave. Ultimately, Volunteers are responsible for the safekeeping of their personal 
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belongings. If you wish, you may contact your own insurance company; additionally, insurance application 

forms will be provided, and we encourage you to consider them carefully. Additional information about 

insurance should be obtained by calling the company directly.

Volunteers should not ship or take valuable items overseas. Jewelry, watches, radios, cameras, and 

expensive appliances are subject to loss, theft, and breakage, and in many places, satisfactory maintenance 

and repair services are not available.

Do I need an international driver’s license?

Volunteers in Georgia do not need to get an international driver‘s license. Operation of any motorized 

vehicle is prohibited. Most urban travel is by bus, minibus, or taxi. Rural travel ranges from buses and 

minibuses, to trucks, and lots of walking.

What should I bring as gifts for Georgia friends and my host family?

This is not a requirement. A token of friendship is sufficient. Some gift suggestions include: knickknacks 

for the house; pictures, books, or calendars of American scenes; souvenirs from your area; hard candies that 

will not melt or spoil; or photos to give away.

Where will my site assignment be when I finish training and how isolated will I be?

Peace Corps trainees are not assigned to individual sites until midway through their pre-service training. In 

considering site placement, Peace Corps programming staff try to best match the needs of the host agency 

and community with the background, skills, and interests of the trainee. Keep in mind that many factors 

influence the site selection process and that the Peace Corps cannot guarantee placement where you might 

ideally like to be. Most Volunteers will live in small towns or in rural villages, but all Volunteers will be 

within several hours of the capital.

How can my family contact me in an emergency?

Before leaving the United States, you should instruct your family to notify the Office of Special Services 

immediately if an emergency arises, such as a serious illness or death of a family member. The Peace 

Corps‘ Office of Special Services provides assistance in handling emergencies affecting trainees and 

Volunteers or their families. The 24-hour telephone number for the Office of Special Services is 800-424-

8580, extension 1470.

For non-emergency questions, your family can get information from your country desk staff at the Peace 

Corps by calling 800-424-8580, extension 2423, during normal business hours.

Can I call home from Georgia?

International telephone communication is available in most towns, but it can cost around 50 cents per

minute for a call to the United States. Skype is also a possibility in larger towns with good Internet access.

Should I bring a cellular phone with me?

Peace Corps Georgia issues cellphones during pre-service training to all trainees that they will keep for 

their two years of service. These phones are for safety and security and Volunteers are responsible for their 

personal use of the phone. Each Volunteer receives a quarterly phone allowance for official calls and text 

messaging. All Peace Corps staff members are equipped with cellphones to attend to emergency calls. 

Will there be email and Internet access? Should I bring my computer?
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Many businesses and individuals have Internet access in the capital and in some larger towns. There is also 

a growing number of cafes or businesses with Internet access. Cellular network coverage extends to over 98

percent of the populated territory, and many Volunteers purchase wireless Internet cards to get connected. 

Because of weaker telephone and electrical infrastructure in outlying areas, Volunteers in rural sites might 

be limited to writing and receiving email on their occasional visits to the capital or regional centers.

Most Volunteers bring their laptop computers, though they are responsible for insuring and maintaining the 

computers. The Peace Corps will not replace stolen computers and strongly encourages those who bring 

them to purchase personal property insurance. Because of the high value of laptops, owners significantly 

increase their risk of becoming a victim of crime. You probably will not find the same level of technical 

assistance and service here as you would at home, and replacement parts could take months to arrive. Also 

note that accessing the Internet via your laptop is difficult because very few Volunteers have adequate lines 

in their communities or at their places of work. Electrical lapses and surges are not uncommon, so do 

protect your laptop (or other expensive electronic devices) with a surge protector, which is available incountry.
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WELCOME LETTERS FROM

GEORGIA VOLUNTEERS

What an adventure my first few months in Georgia were! The first weekend I arrived in the village of 

Kvibisi, I was ―adopted‖ by Teona, 20, who speaks a little English and studies in Tbilisi (two hours away). 

She, her sister, and their friends always included me on their hikes, picnics, and excursions to ―the big city‖ 

of Borjomi (a 15-minute ride from Kvibisi with a population of about 20,000). They made me feel welcome 

and young!

I am the oldest Volunteer at 62 years young and yes, it can be lonely sometimes. The language is a struggle 

for me, not only because I am older, but I was never good at languages. I am fortunate that I speak some 

Russian, so I can communicate with many Georgians, including the people I work with.

The Georgians have definitely been living up to their reputation of being incredibly hospitable. The good 

part of pre-service training was the delightful lunches prepared by a different host family in each of the 

various villages in which we live. The bad part was that it was incredibly intense, although I am happy to 

say, I did survive! The Peace Corps split us into clusters of five and distributed us into neighboring 

villages. Each cluster met every morning, Monday through Saturday, for language class from 9 a.m. until 1 

p.m., at the local elementary school. Lunch was with one of our host families, who were ready for us with a 

feast of homemade Georgian dishes followed by a freshly baked cake. The food is spiced and delicious. 

There are always cucumbers, beets, usually a kind of pita with cheese, a walnut and spinach dish, and 

sometimes pasta with homemade yogurt. You can even get some hot sauce.

Whenever I think I am going to have a quiet weekend at home, I am invited for an excursion or a picnic. 

These usually consist of a hike to the ruins of a monastery from the 8th century (Beri Segbari – the 

ancestral home of Kvibisi) or a 10th century fortress (Petrisikhe, just outside of Borjomi). This last picnic 

involved a bonfire over which they barbecued meat (mtsvade), as well as salads, bread, homemade wine, 

and fresh fruit, which they carried up quite a distance. The views were spectacular, the food and wine 

fabulous, and I felt very welcome.

Of course, there are challenges, including certain defeatism because life has been a struggle. There is 

unemployment, especially in the villages, and a lack of infrastructure, but there is also hope and a 

willingness to work hard to make a better life for themselves and their children.

Whatever your age or background, Peace Corps/Georgia is an unsurpassed adventure in living and working 

within a very different culture. As long as you have an open mind and no expectations, you will have a 

great experience. I look forward to meeting you.

– Ruta Casabianca, POD PCV

Congratulations on being invited to serve as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Georgia! As you research the 

country and learn what it takes to be a successful Volunteer, I hope you feel confident in your decision to 

leave home for two years to live in an unfamiliar culture and land.

My experience in Georgia has been as enriching as it has been frustrating. Serving here is far from what I 

thought the typical Peace Corps experience would be like. Be prepared not to leave amenities like Internet 
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or toilets, but rather come prepared to embrace new friends and a new family. You will receive plentiful 

support from the Peace Corps staff and your fellow Volunteers, but your Georgian friends and family will 

be the people you see each and every day. Not only will you inherit new friends, but you will quickly learn 

that the values and traditions of Georgia are vastly different than the values and traditions of America. 

Because of this, you need to consider how challenging, yet enriching, your adventure in Georgia will be.

You will see for yourself that Georgians are very kind and generous people and that they will welcome you 

with open arms. Best of luck to you!

– Emily Haight, Education PCV

Congratulations on being invited to Peace Corps/Georgia. You are about to begin one of the most 

rewarding, yet frustrating journeys of your lifetime. At this point in Georgian history you will be entering a 

country which is struggling to join the first world, while still highly devoted to maintaining traditions it has 

spent centuries defending against invaders and conquering nations. Peace Corps/Georgia will give you the 

opportunity to swim in the Black Sea, hike on snow-capped mountains, and see historical sites that are 

thousands of years old. Georgia, at its very core, is a mixture of modern and ancient.

Every day I am confronted with new challenges. Being an American woman in Georgia can be frustrating 

at times. Outside of Tbilisi, Georgia is far more conservative than even the most conservative place in 

America. And, being a strong, independent woman often leads to situations that are downright infuriating. 

Georgia is a patriarchal society, and often the patroni (male head of household) runs the household without 

question from the women. Being raised to see myself as the equal to any man and to fight to be treated with 

respect, I often question how I can make an impact here. Despite my concerns, I find these women steadily 

fighting to improve themselves every day, just waiting to pounce on an opportunity for a better life. From 

the school girls who are pushed to get a higher education, to the woman struggling to get footholds in the 

workforce, to the bebias (grandmothers) that are stronger then most of my friends in their twenties, I am 

constantly inspired by the consistent strength of Georgian women.

You are going to get a lot of advice about what the Peace Corps will be like for you, or how you can best 

cope with the upcoming Peace Corps experience. Just know that you will be surrounded by amazing fellow 

Volunteers who will also be growing and changing with you. Peace Corps/Georgia will be filled with crazy 

moments where everything you think you know about yourself will be turned on its head and this 

experience will make you question your very purpose in this world. Anything that can have that dramatic of 

an effect on you life can be nothing but a mixture of excitement and nervousness. Welcome to the journey. 

– Lacey Poff, POD PCV

Congratulations! Soon you will be on your way to Georgia! Whether the application process was smooth, 

bumpy, short or long—the actual beginning of your service is now in sight! In fact, you are probably 

already tired of informing all your family and friends that you are going to the COUNTRY of Georgia ...

no, you won‘t be in Hotlanta! Any feelings you have—excitement, anxiety, packing/language worries—try 

your best to put it aside. Why? Because nothing you can do or read will adequately prepare you for your 

experience here. 

All you need to know can be encompassed in three bullet points: 

Bring an open mind, a constant smile, and a lot of love and patience for Georgians, the staff, and 

other Volunteers (some will become like family). 

There is no way to pack perfectly. You will make due with what you have or buy things here.

The Peace Corps will challenge you as an individual on levels you can‘t prepare for, but personal 

growth is always ultimately positive. 
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Basically, I suggest you sit back, stop worrying, and fully enjoy your time left with family and friends. 

Also: eat Oreos and drink Starbucks until you throw up ... maybe then you won‘t miss them as much as I 

do! All in all, my life is good here: I can see an Eden of grapes and figs from my room, I still love my host 

family, and I‘ve become an excellent navigator of awkward situations and charades. The challenges are 

daily, but so is the laughter (which, in my mind, makes it worth it!)

I think I can speak for all currently serving Volunteers in Georgia: we are very excited for you to begin 

your service and join our team! Welcome to Georgia! 

– Denise Galbraith, Education PCV
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PACKING LIST

This list has been compiled with the assistance of Volunteers serving in Georgia. Use it as an informal 

guide in making your own list, bearing in mind that each experience is individual. There is no perfect list! 

You obviously cannot bring everything we mention, so consider those items that make the most sense to 

you personally and professionally. As you decide what to bring, keep in mind that you have a 100-pound 

weight restriction on baggage. And remember, you can get many things you need in Georgia. 

General Clothing

Traditionally, Georgians have favored black and other dark colors, and this is still reflected in the dress of 

the older generations, especially in rural areas. In larger cities and towns, there is all the variety of dress 

found in any modern European country. Living in the regions will generally require you to dress 

professionally and fairly modestly. Professional dress at your site means neat, clean, and conservative: not 

necessarily dress suits or coats and ties, but think ―business casual.‖ Bear in mind that dry cleaners are only 

in the largest cities, so clothes should be wash-and-wear. Winters are quite cold and classrooms and offices 

are often not heated. Think warm clothes for the cold winters and cool clothing for the hot summers.

Women

• Loosely tailored pants (avoid light-colored khakis, as these show stains very easily)

• Skirts and dresses for both warm and cold weather

• Long- and short-sleeved shirts (light and heavy materials for seasonal temperature changes)

• Wool or cotton sweaters

• Tailored jackets (one or two)

• Tights and stockings (good quality items are difficult to find in Georgia)

• Solid, sturdy shoes and boots for rough terrain and mud that are also dressy enough to wear to work

• Athletic shoes and sandals (available in-country, but good quality is very expensive)

• A warm winter coat, either of wool or down

• Two sets of long underwear that can be worn under dress wear

• A couple pairs of good gloves (more if you are prone to losing them)

• Wool socks and good-quality cotton athletic socks (many pairs)

• Jeans (one or two pairs)

• Shorts and T-shirts (as beachwear, for running, or wearing around the house)

• Bathrobe

• Flip-flops, slippers, or other "indoor" shoes

Women‘s clothing is available at various shops, boutiques, and markets, but good quality is expensive and 

styles are limited.

Volunteer Comments
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"Even if you don‘t wear skirts in the States, be aware that in some rural villages, female teachers are 

not allowed to wear pants. At home and outside of work, it is generally OK for women to dress more 

casually. However, outside of the house—even when running errands—Georgian women generally 

dress up, so you will stick out if you wear shorts and T-shirts."

―You will see school-age girls through college-age women in very contemporary clothing: bare 

midriffs, tight pants, jeans, and sometimes shorts. Community standards vary but are always more 

conservative in the villages than in Tbilisi. You will need to decide how you best fit into your own 

community. I found simple fitted T-shirts to be great, either under other articles of clothing or alone. 

Georgians take great pride in their shoes, and women often wear seemingly impractical high heels even 

in most rural towns and villages. Bring your dress shoes; you will wear them. Bring things that either 

resist looking dirty or that are easy to wash. Don‘t shy away from color, but know that the lighter the 

color, the more likely it is to look dirty.‖

Men

• Slacks and casual-dress pants (avoid light-colored khakis, as these show stains very easily; also, 

Georgian men do not usually wear light-colored pants)

• Long-sleeved and short-sleeved button-down shirts (light and heavy materials for climate changes)

• Sport jacket

• Belts and dress socks (these are available in-country) and a few ties

• Sturdy shoes

• Multiple sets of long underwear

• Wool socks and good quality cotton athletic socks (many pairs)

• A couple of pairs of good gloves (more if you are prone to losing them)

• Warm coat (wool or down)

• Jeans (one or two pairs)

• Shorts and T-shirts (as beachwear, for running, or wearing around the house)

• Bathrobe

• Flip-flops, slippers, or other "indoor" shoes

Men‘s clothing is readily available in Georgia at retail shops and markets, but good quality is expensive.

Volunteer Comments

―Think personal comfort before professional accessories. Pack for changeable weather, cool evenings, 

and warm days. Casual and dress shirts are easier to find here and are cheaper than pants. Therefore, 

pack two light pairs and two heavier pairs of casual dress pants. You can wear one while the other is 

being washed. Same goes for the shirts: light and heavy. Changing from professional dress in the day 

to  ̳house‘ clothes at night saves on wear and tear and odor. Many people wear the same pants and two 

different shirts throughout the week. Change your undershirt, underwear, and socks daily, and you‘re 

as  ̳fresh as a daisy‘ around here. I brought 10 pair of underwear, undershirts, and socks, and I‘m glad I 

did. Personal comforts go a long, long way. Bring thermal wear and a breathable outdoor shirt for 

sleeping or an evening walk. A pair of sweatpants is a great comfort.‖

"In eastern and central Georgia, men seldom wear shorts outside of the house except when 

participating in sports. On the other hand, in western Georgia, particularly in the coastal communities 
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in Ajara and Guria, ‘beachwear‘ is very much the norm for men throughout the long, hot summer. 

And everywhere in Georgia it is perfectly usual for men to wear shorts around the house during the 

warmer months. I‘d recommend bringing plenty of T-shirts that can double as undershirts once the 

cold weather sets in and, minimally, a couple pairs of shorts—you‘ll use them, even if you end up in 

the most conservative of village sites.‖

Miscellaneous

Note: You will need to prioritize to meet the weight limitations.

• Luggage, such as duffel bags and hiking backpacks; should be tough and flexible (remember you 

will be hauling it in and out of taxis, minibuses, trains, and often carrying it around on foot; bring 

luggage that is durable, lightweight, and easy to carry)

• Good-quality backpack, daypack, or messenger bag

• Good-quality sleeping bag rated to 0 degrees Fahrenheit

• Prescription drugs: three-month supply

• Eyeglasses—two pairs, since replacements take several months to arrive from the United States 

(Tbilisi has several high-quality eyeglass stores, but replacement lenses for people with a stigmatism 

can take up to 40 days; contact lens supplies are not readily available in Georgia and are not 

supplied by the Peace Corps)

• Eyeglass repair kit

• Sunglasses

• Waterproof coat/raincoat and folding umbrella

• Camera 

• Musical instruments (with music books and spare parts, as needed)

• Sewing items (iron-on mending tape, straight and safety pins, etc.)

• A good flashlight and accompanying batteries (a hands-free head lamp is a good alternative for 

reading when the power goes out and for night trips to the outhouse)

• Small, battery-powered alarm clock

• Portable CD player, tape player, and/or iPod or MP3 player (electricity can be sporadic, which can 

make recharging internal batteries on MP3 players problematic, so consider models with replaceable 

batteries; CDs and/or tapes of Russian, American, and European music are available cheaply in 

Tbilisi, though much is pirated and of poor quality)

• Writing paper and envelopes; thank you notes

• Money Belt

• Good books and magazines, including an English dictionary

• Lots of pictures of home (photos, postcards, etc.) for yourself and to share with friends, students

• U.S. stamps and envelopes (for sending mail with friends who happen to make a return trip to the 

United States)

• Swiss Army, Leatherman, or an equivalent multi-purpose knife

• Journal, diary, or organizer/date book

• Small retractable tape measure (inches/centimeters)

• Good can opener and vegetable peeler (had to find outside of major cities)

• Maps of the United States and the world (good teaching aids) and wall-hangings
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• Inexpensive gifts (toys, jewelry, perfume, magazines, books, pencils, key chains, flavored coffee, 

etc.)

• Games (e.g., Scrabble, chess, Trivial Pursuit)

• Baseball, football, Frisbee, Hacky Sack, or other ―American‖ sports equipment

• Basic cookbook

• French press (if you like American-style coffee; Georgians drink only Turkish or instant coffee)

• Zip-close storage bags in a variety of sizes and heavy-duty

• Polypropylene, wool, and cotton sock and glove liners

• Warm gloves, hats, scarves, and waterproof boots

• Lightweight travel sleeping bag (if you plan on traveling; all Volunteers receive a sleeping bag from 

Peace Corps/Georgia, but some find it heavy for traveling)

• Spices and other baking supplies (your favorites may be difficult to find, especially in winter; things 

like baking powder, cinnamon, and vanilla, are also difficult to find locally)

• USB drive 

• Lightweight portable speakers that plug into your CD/tape/MP3 player

• 110-/220-voltage adaptor (be sure to purchase a multi-outlet surge protector in-country when you 

arrive)

• External hard drive 

• Wet wipes/hand sanitizer (with refillable travel-size bottle) 

• Index cards for making flash cards (almost impossible to find in-country)

• Earplugs

• Feminine hygiene products (tampons and sanitary napkins are available in Tbilisi and district 

centers, but if you have a preference, bring them with you) 

• Sturdy water bottle 

Volunteer Comments

―Do not forget a good flashlight. Do not buy a shortwave radio because they are cheap here and work 

quite well. For those of you who intend to bring laptop computers, realize that electricity is an issue, 

but not insurmountable. My computer, while being useless when it comes to preparing for classes, has 

been invaluable with conquering homesickness.‖

―Bring music and other items like lots of photos of family, friends, neighborhoods, parks, and places 

you go for entertainment or shopping. Bring a Leatherman or Swiss Army knife and a journal or date 

book. For gifts, go with sports team paraphernalia or something that describes where you are from. 

Picture calendars are nice for sharing Americana or points of interest. School supplies, dictionaries, 

and activity books are available here in Tbilisi.‖ 
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PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKLIST

The following list consists of suggestions for you to consider as you prepare to live outside the United 

States for two years. Not all items will be relevant to everyone and the list does not include everything you 

should make arrangements for.

Family

 Notify family that they can call the Peace Corps‘ Office of Special Services at any time if there is a 

critical illness or death of a family member (24-hour telephone number: 800.424.8580, extension 

1470).

 Give the Peace Corps‘ On the Home Front booklet to family and friends.

Passport/Travel

 Forward to the Peace Corps travel office all paperwork for the Peace Corps passport and visas.

 Verify that luggage meets the size and weight limits for international travel.

 Obtain a personal passport if you plan to travel after your service ends. (Your Peace Corps passport 

will expire three months after you finish your service, so if you plan on traveling longer, you will 

need a regular passport.)

Medical/Health

 Complete any needed dental and medical work.

 If you wear glasses, bring two pairs.

 Arrange to bring a three-month supply of all medications (including birth control pills and multivitamins) you are currently taking.

Insurance

 Make arrangements to maintain life insurance coverage.

 Arrange to maintain supplemental health coverage while away. (Even though the Peace Corps is 

responsible for your health care during Peace Corps service overseas, it is advisable for people who 

have pre-existing conditions to arrange for the continuation of their supplemental health coverage. 

Many times if there is a lapse in supplemental health coverage it is difficult and expensive to be 

reinstated for insurance. This is especially true when insurance companies know you have 

predictable expenses and are in an upper age bracket.)

 Arrange to continue Medicare coverage if applicable.

Personal Papers

 Bring a copy of your certificate of marriage or divorce.

Voting
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 Register to vote in the state of your home of record. (Many state universities consider voting and 

payment of state taxes as evidence of residence in that state.)

 Obtain a voter registration card and take it with you overseas.

 Arrange to have an absentee ballot forwarded to you overseas.

Personal Effects

 Purchase personal property insurance for the time you leave your home for service overseas until the 

time you complete your service and return to the United States.

Financial Management

 Keep a bank account in your name in the U.S.

 Obtain student loan deferment forms from the lender or loan service.

 Execute a Power of Attorney for the management of your property and business.

 Arrange for deductions from your readjustment allowance to pay alimony, child support, and other 

debts through Volunteer Financial Operations at 800.424.8580, extension 1770.

 Place all important papers—mortgages, deeds, stocks, and bonds—in a safe deposit box or with an 

attorney or other caretaker.
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CONTACTING PEACE CORPS

HEADQUARTERS

The following list of numbers will help you contact the appropriate office at Peace Corps headquarters with 

various questions. You may use the toll-free number and extension or dial directly using the local numbers 

provided. Be sure to leave the Peace Corps‘ toll-free number and extensions with your family so they have 

them in the event of an emergency during your service overseas.

Peace Corps Headquarters

Toll-free Number: 800.424.8580, Press 2, then

Ext. # (see below)

Peace Corps’ Mailing Address: Peace Corps

Paul D. Coverdell Peace Corps Headquarters

1111 20th Street, NW

Washington, DC 20526

For Direct/

Questions Toll-free Local

About: Staff Extension Number

Responding to Office of

an Invitation Placement

Business

and Information

Technology Desk Ext. 3042 202.692.3042

Education

Desk Ext. 3044 202.692.3044

Programming or Desk Officer Ext. 2421 202.692.2421

Country Information Email: georgia@

peacecorps.gov
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For Direct/

Questions Toll-free Local

About: Staff Extension Number

Plane Tickets, Travel Officer Ext. 1170 202.692.1170

Passports, (SATO Travel)

Visas, or Other

Travel Matters

Legal Clearance Office of Ext. 1845 202.692.1845

Placement

Medical Clearance Screening Nurse Ext. 1500 202.692.1500

and Forms Processing

(including dental)

Medical Handled by a

Reimbursements Subcontractor 800.818.8772

Loan Deferments, Volunteer Ext. 1770 202.692.1770

Taxes, Readjustment Financial

Allowance Withdrawals, Operations

Power of Attorney

Staging (Pre-departure Office of Staging Ext. 1865 202.692.1865

Orientation) and

Reporting Instructions

Note: You will receive

comprehensive information

(hotel and flight arrangements) one month

prior to departure. This information is not available

sooner.

Family Emergencies Office of Special Ext. 1470 202.692.1470

(to get information to Services (24 hours)

a Volunteer overseas)