Georgia was part of the Russian empire during the 19th century. After a period of independence from 1918, Georgia became part of the USSR in 1921 as the Georgian Socialist Republic. It became independent again in 1991. An attempt by the Georgian government to manipulate national legislative elections in November 2003 resulted in widespread protests that led to the resignation of Eduard Shevardnadze, who had been president since 1995. New elections in early 2004 swept Mikheil Saakashvili into power, along with his National Movement Party.
Georgia is situated on the Black Sea at the junction of Eastern Europe and Asia. Georgia borders Russia to the north, Turkey and Armenia to the south-west, Azerbaijan to the south-east, and the Black Sea to the West.
Georgia’s population is estimated at approximately 4.5 million inhabitants. Approximately 83.8 per cent of the population are Georgian; 6.5 per cent Azeri; 5.7 per cent Armenian; 1.5 per cent Russian; 2.5 per cent other. Around 1.5 million people live in the capital city, Tbilisi.
Georgia faces two civil conflicts in the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Both these territories remain outside the control of the central government and are ruled by de facto, unrecognised governments, supported by Russia.
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 non-alcoholic beverages, metals, machinery, and chemicals. The country is focusing on its role as a transit state for pipelines and trade for long-term growth.
Georgia, with the help of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, has made substantial economic gains since 2000, achieving positive GDP growth and curtailing inflation with the GDP real growth rate at 9.3 percent in 2005. GDP per capita is USD 3400.
Reforms have been undertaken in the educational system. In 2005 Georgia joined the Bologna Process with the Western style of education being very much appreciated and valued.
In Georgia education is compulsory from age six to age 14. Elementary School comprises six years of education from six to 12. Basic School comprises three years of education from 12 to 15. Secondary Education comprises two years of education from 15 to 17. After completion students receive a secondary - school leaving certificate. After completion of the Basic School students also have access to Primary Vocational Education or Secondary Vocational studies. Together with the Primary and Secondary Vocational Education diplomas, students also receive a secondary school leaving certificate. These diplomas and certificates give access to higher education.
Higher educational institutions comprise Universities, Institutes, Academies and Conservatories. In most higher educational institutions there are three levels studies: the Bachelor Programme which lasts three to four years; the Masters Programme which lasts two years and the Doctoral Programme that lasts three years.
Only the students who have passed the Unified National Examinations may enroll in a state accredited programme at an accredited higher education institution, based on ranking of the scores he/she achieves at the examinations.
The National Educational Accreditation Centre leads the accreditation process in the country. In 2004-2005, after first phase of accreditation, 110 higher educational institutions received accreditation out of 227 registered institutions. From this number, 35 are state institutions and 75 private. 68 percent of accredited institutions are in the capital city. The number of available places for students for the 2005-2006 academic year was approximately 18,000 (86 per cent in state institutions and 14 per cent in private). Newly emerging course subjects are Information Technology, Tourism, Wine Technology and Agro-tourism.
The English language is rapidly replacing Russian as a second language for Georgians. English is seen as essential in communicating with the world. The growth in the number of people taking international exams in order to obtain a certificate in English clearly demonstrates this. Private secondary schools where English is taught from the very first year of schooling are becoming increasingly popular.
UK education is very much valued. The British Council receives thousands of enquiries about postgraduate study in the UK. There is a huge demand for scholarship programmes which enable a person to undertake Masters degree studies in the UK. The greatest demand is for MBA programmes.
The Development and Reform Fund under the President of Georgia holds an open competition on Master’s Program for young professionals. The UK is the first choice for higher education for many Georgians. In 2006 25 per cent of those awarded the Presidential stipend decided to study in the UK, while up to 20 per cent chose US institutions for study purposes.
British Council Georgia was established in 1993. The office is situated in the centre of Tbilisi. We support the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia with its education reform programme through the provision of UK expertise. From April 2006 we are managing a two-year project on Quality Assurance in Higher Education. We also plan to get involved in Vocational Education and Training in the future.
Annually we are managing five to six Foreign and Commonwealth Office funded Chevening scholarships.
On behalf of the John Smith Memorial Trust British Council Georgia manages John Smith fellowship programme. The Fellowships aim to strengthen and deepen democratic awareness and good governance through a five-week programme in the UK and placements that show the workings of democratic organisations within a democratic society. Three candidates from Georgia are selected for this programme each year.
The British Council has recently embarked on the regional Vocational Education and Training (VET) project in South East Europe (SEE), skills@work.
The project aims to encourage skills development in the region by supporting national reforms agendas in technical and vocational education and training, and encouraging closer links between education and industry. The project aims to assist the direction and development of training systems in SEE through:
- College partnerships
- Policy Dialogue
- Enterprise and Technology Awards
- English for the World of Work
The main activities will lead to the creation of international partnerships between training institutions that establish industry-linked curriculum packages in key economic sectors. This will be supported by a series of themed events and dialogue between decision makers and key influencers to share information, exchange good practice and foster long-term relationships.
British Council Georgia supports the UK-Georgia Professional Network (UGPN), a unique ‘Think Tank’ Non-Government Organisation in Georgia comprised of influential professionals with a connection to the UK. We work closely with a range of UK stakeholders and in-country partners to achieve its outcomes. Our key partners are: the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, European Union, BP.
British Council Georgia in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia is coordinating Global Gateway project for up to 60 Georgian Secondary schools enabling them to build creative partnerships with schools across the world through the Global Gateway international website.
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