Recreational activities for students in Tbilisi, Georgia

One of the great things about studying in Tbilisi, Georgia is that you have ample recreational activities. The nation has always encouraged its citizens to take part in outdoor and indoor sporting and cultural activities. All over the country there are facilities for recreation. However, the type of recreational activity also depends on the season. In winter most recreational activities are geared towards the snow and during the summer it is water-related. However, there are many more activities for students than just playing sports.

For foreign students, recreational activities really depend on the company. After a long week of studying hard, most foreign students prefer to just take it easy over the weekends. Often, students get together and organize informal dinners and listen to music, watch videos and play indoor games.

For those who are more active, there are ample recreational activities. Almost all universities and colleges have sports arenas where one can participate in indoor sporting activities like swimming, tennis, badminton or even squash. Tbilisi also has many jogging and cycling tracks all over the city.

There are cinemas, restaurants, cafeterias and fast food joints all over. In general most foreign students prefer to eat home cooked meals and watch online movies- which is cheaper and more satisfying.

During long weekends, one can get out of town and go to the seashore. Georgia has many fresh lakes where one can fish, undertake water activities or just sit and soak the sun. For those who are brave, one can visit Mtkvari river where there are rafting tours. A day spent in this part of the country is exhilarating to say the least.

Tbilisi is a city full of tradition and culture and one does not always have to leave town to enjoy the place. There are some great monuments and buildings to see like the Tsminda Sameba Cathedral, Bridge of Peace, National Botanical Garden of Georgia, the Narikala Fortress or use the aerial Tramway and get some breath taking views of the city. During the summer, the Mtatsminda Amusement park is open and you can get to sit on some thrilling but very scary rides.

During the winter season, most foreign students prefer to be indoors. However, winter is a favorite time for many Georgians as they love snow, skiing and snowboarding. You may also want to learn ice skating as there are many skating arenas all over the city.

The good thing about Tbilisi is that most of the recreational activities do not require much money and many sightseeing ventures are free. All you need is motivation. As long as you have good company, you can enjoy almost any activity in Tbilisi. When you are tired of recreation, you can always study or browse the internet.

Read about : travel destinations for students within Georgia 

Also read: Opportunities after USMLE in DTMU

Contact DTMU India website for further information.

What higher education means to Georgians

Georgia separated from the Soviet Union in 1991 and is now a member of the Council of Europe.

Till 2003 it was considered to be a mismanaged state – since then the country has made great strides at all levels, and many reforms have been made, specifically, in the Georgian education system. Today, education is mandatory for children ages 6-14. Once the students finish secondary school they have the option to undertake higher education. However, students must pass the Unified National Examinations before getting enrolled at state accredited education institutions. There is intense competition and seats are limited.

A degree program is usually 4-5 years and one may continue towards a masters degree (2 years) or a doctorate (3 years) program. Georgia has more than 20 higher education institutions that are accredited by the Ministry of Education & Science. Enrollment at all levels of higher education is one of the highest in Eurasia.

The main center for higher learning is Tbilisi, which is home to several major universities, of which the most well known is DavidTvildiani Medical University. Today this medical school is teaching syllabus based on USMLE Program which is known internationally. Other renowned universities in Tbilisi include Georgian Technical University, Caucasus University and Free University of Tbilisi.

During the Soviet era university education was not enforced and it was a privilege. Many older Georgians never received any university education but now that Georgia has become an independent country, it has heavily invested in education for younger people. With advances in technology permeating every facet of life, Georgians are fully aware that life without education is not an option. As Georgia starts to integrate with the Europe it is slowly changing its education curriculum so that it can bring it to the levels of the European standards - this also provides a major advantage for students as their education can be accepted anywhere in Europe, where they will be free to work.

Today, Georgia universities offer degrees in over 300 specialties. While most of these are in Georgian language, some universities like DTMU teach in English language only. The Georgian universities follow an academic calendar very similar to that of Europe, which starts in September and ends in June. There is a two month break for the summer. The Ministry of Education and Science is responsible for the universities and schools and ensures that there is a uniform curriculum in each of the colleges. Education at high school level is free but courses at colleges and universities are chargeable. However, the fees is much less than what is seen in the US or Europe. For students who excel, scholarships are provided.

Because of the solid education system, Georgia today attracts students from all over the world to train as scientists, engineers and doctors. Once the training is completed, these graduates are able to find jobs easily because of their training.

Affordable travel destinations within Georgia, for students

For people who go to Tbilisi for their education, the one thing they should not miss out on is seeing the country. Georgia is one of the most beautiful countries on this planet. The landscape has gorgeous mountains, pristine blue rivers, spectacular scenery and some of the most friendliest people in Eurasia.

So where should one begin?

The best time to see the countryside is during early spring and fall. The colors of the trees and flowers are just out of this world. Plus, no matter where you go there are many small markets which sell delicious fruits and local Georgian foods; you can always negotiate the prices and you will never go hungry. The other thing to note is that transportation in Georgia is relatively cheap- in fact cheaper than most places in Europe. Trains run to most other cities and are recommended if you plan to go far. Buses also connect to most cities and towns, but they can be packed, especially if you travel during summer.

In Georgian countryside, the majority of people you will meet are down to earth, helpful and will go out of their way to help you out.

One feature that you will see almost everywhere in Georgia are churches -something with Gothic architecture and others very small and simple.  If you are into hiking then you need to see the Gergeti Trinity Church located next to Mt Kazbegi. If you do not have a car, it is a 3-hour hike. And if you love beaches, then go visit the Black Sea Coast and Batumi. While the beach lacks sand,  it more than makes up for that with the exotic mountainous landscape, where you can ski and then come down for a swim 2 hours later.

One of the most affordable destinations in Georgia include Mtskheta which is the oldest city in Georgia. It is located just 14 miles north of Tbilisi and is now part of the UNESCO World Heritage list because of its buildings and greenery. Another city worth visiting is Kutaisi, which was once the capital of Georgia. Most government offices are located here. The landmarks of the city are the ruined Bagrati Cathedral built by Bagrat ll in the 11th century and the Gelati monastery Further north, there is Svaneti which has probably some of the best landscapes in Eurasia. It is also become part of the UNESCO world heritage list.

Ushguli is a small community located NW of Tbilisi and is the highest continuously inhabited settlement in Europe. The area is snow covered at least 6-7 months a year. The place is most famous for its Svaneti defense towers.

Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park  is located in the lesser Caucasus just SW of Tbilisi. It is the largest national park and probably the most picturesque with his historical monuments, ecological zones and rich flora and fauna.

Turtle Lake is located on the outskirts of Tbilisi and named after the turtles that reside in the area. This is the place to come to in the summer as it is a place to party, tan and relax.

Georgia is a very affordable place to travel around. There are ample hotels to suit all types of budgets. Food is available at low price in most markets and transportation is relatively cheap.

Read: Is Georgia Safe For Indian Students? and Recreational Activities for Students.
For more information contact: DTMU India

DTMU: The best medical college in Georgia

Georgia has many good medical schools but probably the best medical college in the country is the David Tvildiani Medical University. The recognition as the best medical college is not just based on unaccountable reports on promotional websites – It is based on the opinion of students themselves. Over the past two decades DTMU has steadily risen in its rank as not only the top medical college in Georgia but also as the top amongst all former Soviet republics. It has the distinction of being the only university in Georgia to teach the curriculum completely in English.

In1992/1993, the AIETI Medical School started functioning under the patronage of Acad. David Tvildiani and Dr. Dimitri Tvildiani. It is one of the first non-governmental higher medical education institutions in Georgia.  Since 2011 AIETI Medical School was renamed after the academician David Tvildiani in David Tvildiani Medical University (DTMU).

So what has made this medical college number one in the Region?

There are several factors responsible for that. Number one is that DTMU has always maintained a rigorous admission process and picks the top students from the country. It has also recruited some of the leading physicians to teach at the medical school. DTMU has adopted a USMLE based curriculum and many of their lecturers have been trained both in Europe and the US. Graduates of DTMU are often the first to be selected for advanced training in the USA and Europe.

David Tvildiani Medical University (DTMU) offers USMLE preparation courses for free.  In addition to mandatory lessons that students attend in basic MD programs, they also have the opportunity to attend free USMLE preparation courses. USMLE preparation process is based on best books and educational materials used and recommended for the exams. Computer based multiple choice examinations are conducted periodically to simulate real USMLE test taking environment. Selection examinations are conducted for AIETI`s students and graduates aimed to pass the USMLE Steps. A student has to obtain the threshold exceeding score to be admitted as a candidate for the USMLE financed by the School.

DTMU (AIETI) is included into the WHO AVICENNA Directory for medicine, and it is a member of the: Association for Medical Education in Europe (AMEE), Association of Medical Schools in Europe (AMSE) and Organization for PhD Education in Biomedicine and Health Sciences in the European System (ORPHEUS).

A large number of the graduates have already completed or are currently doing the residency or other proficiency courses, working as physicians in prominent USA and European Universities and Hospitals. The absolute majority of the graduates have been employed in the professional field, while many more successfully passed the international exams (USMLE, PLAB, MCI) and are currently developing their skills at hospitals and research centres of the USA, Germany, Britain, Sweden and other developed countries. A number of the graduates have returned to the School as efficient teachers. Many of them have earned their PhD degree.

Opportunities after USMLE 3

Opportunities after USMLE 3

Students from all over the world go to Tbilisi, Georgia for their medical studies. Besides Canada, there are students from the USA, India, Africa, Central and South America and even other republics of the former soviet union. There are several universities in Georgia who offer very similar program to the American MD undergraduate program. The only difference is that the Georgia programs are 6 years instead of the 4 years in the USA. These medical education programs follow a course curriculum which is very similar to the one in the USA. There is no difference in either the basic or clinical sciences between the courses you learn in the USA or Georgia.

The reason the medical education programs are developed in this way is because it helps the foreign students prepare and pass the United States Medical Licensing Exam. Anyone who wishes to practice medicine in Canada or the USA must have the USMLE. The USMLE is essential for obtaining a place in internship/residency in the USA and Canada. Further, the USMLE is also needed for licensing purposes.

To ensure that the students do pass the USMLE with flying colors, the medical schools in Georgia offer integrated preclinical and clinical training that helps develop the core foundation of medicine.

The teaching is done by doctors who have trained in Georgia and abroad and English is the common language. The physicians who teach know exactly what the USMLE will ask and will ensure that all students develop solid knowledge in the basic sciences.

Once the student passes USMLE Step3, then he or she is eligible to apply for a residency or internship in the USA or Canada. It is important to remember that there are medical students from all over the world applying to US and Canadian hospitals and competition is fierce. So getting a good grade in the USMLE exams is a priority. There are always vacant positions for internships in the USA but sometimes these may not always be in the cities you want. For example, if you want to go to Boston or Los Angeles, this may not be realistic because most of the top American hospitals usually select US educated medical students first. However, since the medical training in the USA is the same all over the country, you can apply anywhere you want. For example, you can go for an internship in New Orleans and you will get the same training as someone at Harvard.

Because there are not many residency positions open in all specialties (eg dermatology or ophthalmology), one also has to be realistic when applying to the US residency programs. However, there are ample opportunities to get a place in medicine, anesthesia, family practice, physiatry, psychiatry and anesthesia. With a solid grade in the USMLE, you can also apply to Canadian programs. Canada has a deficiency of primary care doctors and the country usually accepts 20-30 foreign educated physicians.

Remember, 50% of the US physicians is foreign born so if they can make it, so can you. So if you are planning to come back to the USA to practice medicine, you need to ace all the steps of the USMLE.

Read: why a sizeable percentage of DTMU graduates appearing for USMLE are able to clear it

and Importance of USMLE for Indians

Is Georgia safe for Indian students?

Is Georgia safe for Indian students?

            Many Indian students are now opting to go elsewhere to pursue their graduate and postgraduate training. The US used to be the most envied place but times have changed in the USA. Almost every day there are reports of random violence in colleges and things seem to be getting worse. The UK has imposed rigid visa requirements and also increased fees. One other option that has opened up is Georgia, the former Soviet Republic. In the past decade, many Indians have already been to Georgia for education. Georgia has many advantages compared to the USA and UK- it is cheap, closer by, and offers an education system similar to the Europeans. But the one question all Indians would like to know is if Georgia is safe?

            The majority of Indians go to study in the capital city of Georgia, Tbilisi. First the majority of anecdotal reports from Indian students who have already studied in this country say that they felt safe, the people were friendly and they did not experience any negative event. A few students said that the people of Georgia are initially reserved but once they get to know Indians, they do become friendly and are very sociable.

            Based on crime statistics, Georgia has very little crime. Unlike most of Europe or the USA, the crime statistics are very low. There are few murders every now and then, but these are not random events and often related to drug problems. Living in Tbilisi is very safe- the streets are well lighted and there is police presence everywhere. The city has installed cameras in most areas and it is very safe to walk in most places at night. Further, the police in Georgia are extremely friendly and helpful. Most speak some English and will help you get to your destination safely.

           

            The country is very politically stable and internally Georgian people live a harmonious life without any hassles.  Occasionally students and protesters do gather to demonstrate against government policies and to be on the safe side, Indian students should refrain from such participation. While most demonstrations end peacefully, trouble can strike anytime depending on the mood of the protesters or the police.

            Like any country, petty thefts, pickpockets and burglary do occur in Tbilisi but these problems can be avoided by not carrying large sums of money, being cautious and avoiding being flashy. No matter where you stay, always keep the doors and windows closed at night.

            In a recent Gallup poll, both men and women who were surveyed both nationally and internationally ranked Georgia as one of the safest places to travel. This is very different from Europe, USA and even India.

            The one area where Georgia has a negative record compared to Europe is driving. They do tend to drive fast and often ignore safety signs. So the best advice if you go to Georgia is do not drive but rather take the transit system;not only is it very efficient but it is also one of the cheapest ways to get around.

            No matter where you go to study, one still has to use common sense. Crime can happen to anyone and in any place. For women, they should not make it a habit of walking alone at night or frequent the night clubs without a companion. If you are looking for trouble, you can find it; even in India. So be safe, travel light and Georgia will positively open your eyes and offer you an experience of a lifetime.

Read: Important advise for students before traveling to DTMU, Georgia 
and     Hostel life can be very useful

For more details contact: DTMU India