“Tbilisi is not too big for us” - Part 3 of the Living in Tbilisi Series

This is the third part of our ‘Living in Tbilisi’ interview series. Real expat parents, from all walks of life, living in Tbilisi and sharing their experiences. Read on to hear from an expat father living in Tbilisi with his family and their four-legged friends.

Jim | American | Teacher

1.      When did you arrive in Georgia?

Autumn, 2024.

2.      How many children do you have and what are their ages?

We have a 10yr old, a dog, two kittens, and an adult child who lives on her own.

3.      What was your reason for moving here?

For our son to go to school in English.

4.      What surprised you most about living in Georgia?

I was surprised that we had to pay to use our elevator. And the number of stray dogs all over the place, I’ve never seen it before. Our family even adopted one.

5.      Which neighbourhood in Tbilisi do you love the most, and why?

I don’t have a favorite, different areas have different good things about them.

6.      What are your kids’ favourite activities in Tbilisi?

Going to different parks with friends.

7.      What does a “typical” week look like for your family?

Like most families we are busy with work, our kid’s stuff like school and activities, pets, things at home, and other stuff.

8.      Why do you think that Tbilisi is a good place to raise children?

Every place has some advantages and disadvantages, but Tbilisi is not too big for us but still has things to do. It is safe, he likes the parks here, and there are several schools to choose from in English.

9.      Is there anything from your home country that expats shouldn’t expect to find here?

Some products might be harder to find, but most things are available or you can find something similar.

10.   Any services you’d like to see for English-speaking expat families in Tbilisi?

More activities for kids in English like arts, sports, and other stuff. It can easily be marketed both to native English speaking kids and kids who are learning it as a foreign language.

11.   Any advice for newly arrived or prospective expat parents looking to move to Tbilisi?

Use social media to meet people, both before you come and after you get here. It makes a huge difference to less lonely and it is useful, other people who have been here longer can help you with stuff.

12.   Where is your favourite place to spend time as a family in Tbilisi?

Probably the different parks in Tbilisi, like Vake. We also love the bear sanctuary in the mountains, it takes less than an hour to get there and it is amazing.

Jim runs a Facebook group called, English Events in Tbilisi, including kids’ cooking classes