In this interview, you’ll hear from Alanna Avila, a Peace Corps Education volunteer in Georgia. Alanna shares what daily life looks like, the work being done, and how service has shaped their personal and professional growth. You’ll learn about housing, cultural differences, project work, language learning, and what it’s like to live and work in a new country. This interview offers a real look into Peace Corps service and what future volunteers can expect.
Table of Contents
- Volunteer Experience and Motivation
- Living Arrangements and Cultural Integration
- Surprises and Challenges
- Advice and Support
- Practical Tips and Language Learning
- Social Identity
- Impact of Media and Final Thoughts
Volunteer Experience and Motivation
1. What do you do as a Peace Corps Education volunteer in Georgia?
I worked in educational development and served as a community ambassador. I was placed in a rural location to assist the local community. I primarily worked with the local school, its teachers, and students, and with nearby non-governmental organizations. I worked with limited resources and helped the local population develop or acquire educational resources.
At school
At school, I helped the teachers develop skills in youth development, such as daily lessons and project planning. My Georgian counterpart teachers and I developed effective strategies for problem-solving important school issues. I also connected the students with programs for learning and development. For example, I helped students apply to FLEX, an exchange student scholarship program, providing them with feedback that helped them tailor their applications and practice their English speaking and essay writing skills.
In the community
In the community, I set up and worked with educational programs for underprivileged youth, including summer camps, clubs, and resume-building sessions. I held sessions for learning interpersonal skills, environmental awareness, and other community needs, like technology basics and fundamentals.
I held cultural exchange sessions where I taught Georgian youths about American customs and traditions. A main goal of a Peace Corps volunteer is to facilitate cross-cultural learning and understanding, so I also worked with American organizations, such as Darian Book Aid and other nonprofits, to spread awareness of Georgian culture. I often blogged about Georgian culture as well.
Secondary project
In addition, I engaged in project management activities. My school wanted to improve its infrastructure and resources, so I established a plan, timeline, and budget for this project. I also organized community events that required similar management skills, and I worked with local organizations, such as the Institute for Change and Innovation, to facilitate these events.
Further, I participated in events outside my community with other volunteers and other organizations. I traveled to the parts of the country where events were held and helped set up, coordinate, or manage the event. These events include a technology summer camp, a workshop for youth mobility, and a workshop for competitive applications.
2. Why did you decide to join the Peace Corps and serve in Georgia?
I joined the Peace Corps to make a positive impact. I also wanted to experience more of the world up close and personally. It felt great to watch the community improve because of my efforts and to experience their generosity in return.
I wanted to live abroad as a member of a community, rather than as an outsider, and be able to deeply understand a new culture beyond my own. I felt that I needed different experiences and to see life from a different perspective.
Finally, I knew the Peace Corps would be challenging, and it would help me become more resilient. I wanted to grow and develop my skills in independence. Peace Corps volunteers must navigate daily life with very little structure and support, and I knew if I could learn to handle the responsibilities and persist through the difficulties and obstacles, I would become a stronger person.
Living Arrangements and Cultural Integration
3. What is your housing like in Georgia?
My housing was in a small town with fewer than 10,000 people. There were some stores and a bazaar. It was a 20-minute round-trip walk to the center of the town. My situation was unique from most volunteers in Georgia. At first, I lived with a host family in a small village with only a few hundred people, and it was a 2-hour round trip to go grocery shopping using public transportation. The village itself had no stores of any kind.
Later, I lived in a rural one-bedroom apartment alone on the top floor of a 5-floor Soviet Era apartment building. There was no elevator, and the stairwell was precarious. The walls between the apartments were thin. The windows and doors were not sealed. I actually brought some materials from America to help seal them off. My apartment came furnished, and the small kitchen had a stovetop and a microwave.
I had electricity, but no air conditioning and no building wall insulation. My town was very humid, which meant inside was very hot in the summer and very cold in the winter. The water and electricity went out often, sometimes for hours. I stored plenty of drinking water and kept jugs of water on hand for bathing.
My apartment was next to a beautiful river. Often, I sat there watching the local Georgians fish or cows graze as they passed by the water. From my window, I could see the nearby snowcapped mountains while cooking my meals.
4. What moments or interactions stand out during your service?
Flowers and a dance
Last year, the 4th graders had an end-of-year concert, where they sang and gave speeches. At the end of their performance, the students each grabbed a bundle of flowers and walked towards the audience of teachers and other students. The flowers were for the teachers. One student who reached the audience first speed-walked towards me at full speed and handed me her bundle. I was the first teacher to receive one, and I observed that the other students were disappointed they hadn’t met me first.
The student then pulled me to the front, and I didn’t understand what was happening. She grabbed my hands, and we started dancing together. I learned that the students gave flowers to the teacher whom they wanted to dance with. The students all wanted to dance with me. Georgians love dancing. It’s a big part of their culture, and at least half of the students at my school took dance lessons. I didn’t know the dance at all, so I tried to match her movements, and every time I did, she was so happy, saying “yes yes!! good!!”.
It was so adorable. My counterpart teacher told me that some of the students who didn’t like English lessons before now say they love them because I was there.
PC Volunteer hike
Peace Corps volunteers across Georgia gathered together occasionally. My favorite gathering was a joint hike to a beautiful valley in the mountains. Around 15 volunteers came from all parts of the country to a small mountain town in the north, and we stayed together in a guesthouse. In the morning, we went on a 5-hour hike through the most beautiful scenery I’d ever seen. In the valley, enjoying the scenery, we climbed up into an old fortress, full of vegetation and old stones, and all ate together. The grass there stretched for miles, leading into mountains with snow-covered peaks. We watched shepherds tend to their sheep, winds so powerful that we were knocked about ourselves.
When we returned to the guesthouse, I was unbelievably hungry. A few volunteers offered to cook for us if we brought food for them, so we walked into the beautiful little town nearby and obtained the simplest ingredients, wanting it to be cooked quickly. They cooked a simple pasta with mushrooms that tasted so delicious, while we ate huddled on the small guesthouse balcony. We sang together, classics like “American Pie” and “Country Roads” while a volunteer played guitar.
Some Russian guests and Georgian locals hung out with us. It quickly became a multi-cultural and multi-lingual experience. I was surrounded by wonderful people. I’ll always remember how peaceful it felt.
Motivated students
Another time, my 5th-grade teacher counterpart assigned the class homework as the bell rang. Rather than run out as usual, half the class asked her to explain the homework because they didn’t understand it. She spent the entire 5-minute break talking to them about it. That moment stood out to me because the students cared enough to ask and spend their short break listening instead of running outside to play. They did this because we changed our teaching style and implemented a reward system, which motivated the students to learn. Moments like that, where I could see the impact of my work, were precious.
Public transportation
Georgians are kind and generous, but their public transportation system can be challenging. On one occasion, after training in the capital, Tbilisi, a planned 6-hour bus ride home instead left me lost at night with no way back. It was freezing cold, there were no taxis, and nowhere to stay for the night. I finally called my counterpart teacher and asked for help. She had a very young child, less than a year old, so I really didn’t want to bother her. But she drove 45 minutes one way to pick me up, and took me back to my apartment. It doesn’t sound like much, but I remember sitting by the side of the road, freezing in the cold winter at night, desperate for any solution, when she came and rescued me and turned on the heater in her car for me. I felt very safe, knowing that even when I got into a bad situation, there was still someone willing to help me.
Surprises and Challenges
5. What has surprised you most about living or working in Georgia?
Slower lifestyle
I was most surprised by how much more relaxed the Georgian people were compared to Americans. In America, life is fast-paced, and there are expectations that everything gets done on time. Georgians take life much more slowly. Being late wasn’t a big deal to them. People weren’t strict, and they were never in a rush to get anywhere or do anything. This relaxed culture has its upsides and downsides; working with others was much less stressful, but whenever you needed something done promptly, it was an exercise in patience.
Schools less strict
Similarly, education was much less strict and less regulated. This made it hard to achieve goals because neither the students nor the teachers had the proper foundation needed to maintain a behavioral standard that leads to educational success. At the same time, everyone was very kind, the students were happy to be in school, and there was no bullying or excessive misbehavior. The school climates varied, but the environment where I served was very warm. Teachers received hugs daily, and students felt free to speak openly.
Cheese!
Georgian food was tasty and delicious, but it was very cheesy. One volunteer struggled with this because he was lactose intolerant. Host families often don’t practice food safety, leaving food on the counter for days. Many volunteers, including me, struggled with adjusting to their host family’s eating practices. Luckily, I was able to move to my own independent living space.
Personal boundaries
I was surprised by Georgian’s sense of personal boundaries. They are generally more open vocally and physically to each other than Americans. For example, Georgians comment directly about people’s bodyweight. They’d say something in a positive way, like “Oh, you gained weight! You must be eating so much Georgian food”. Georgians have less need for personal space. Many Georgians took offense when their American volunteer went to their room and shut their door for private time. They’d ask why you don’t leave your door open, as they believe you shouldn’t spend too much time in your room. They’d believe you were avoiding them unless you came out or left your door open.
So much trust
I was pleasantly surprised by how much Georgians trust each other. Children left their bikes by the side of the road, and nobody touched them. People left their doors unlocked, and neighbors walked in to visit them without knocking first. Sellers at open-air markets left their wares unattended. Georgians stood on the road and waited to catch a ride with a neighbor or a stranger passing by.
6. What challenges have you faced in your Education work, and how did you respond?
The greatest challenge I faced daily at school was the lack of consistency and structure. The students generally didn’t do their homework, showed up to class late, didn’t raise their hands to speak, didn’t wait their turn, and exhibited various other behaviors detrimental to their learning, like cheating on their tests. Georgia is, in many aspects, a legacy of the Soviet era. It was working on changing, but had not yet widely replaced old systems of modeling structured behavior.
In response, I introduced a behavior metric system that included a handmade color card behavioral chart, which tied the students’ behavior to something they could tangibly see. I also created a homework tracker, so that the students who did their homework consistently were rewarded with small prizes I had shipped to me from America. These strategies were successful with the younger students. Multiple parents told me how impressed they were. They said their children were excited to learn English, and almost all of them became more consistent about completing their homework.
7. What secondary projects have you worked on during your service?
I collaborated with an NGO helping the youth and adult population in my community develop practical and interpersonal skills. Multiple sessions were held weekly. My experience in community development and teaching was instrumental as I’ve helped guide or led sessions about software proficiency, environmental protection and activism, leadership skills, and other topics important to the community.
I worked closely with another organization, Art Meurneoba, that held a summer camp for young IT specialists wanting to learn English. Prior to arriving at the summer camp, I created lessons for this in-person training experience. During my on-site participation, I led several creative thinking skill activities, and I took the opportunity to share my project experience in Biomedical engineering and studies in the IT field.
As part of my Peace Corps volunteer training, I participated in a Project Design & Management workshop focused on community development and the grant proposal process. Using what I learned, I collaborated with my school to draft a grant proposal for an English classroom. Before I could submit the grant, however, restrictions were placed on funding aid. Although I wasn’t able to follow through on securing and implementing the grant, the proposal was completed and ready to be submitted by the next volunteer whenever funding restrictions are eased.
Advice and Support
8. What advice would you give to future Education volunteers in Georgia?
Adaptability is one of the most important skills a Peace Corps volunteer needs. Don’t come into your site placement with too many expectations and assumptions, because every site is very different. Volunteers are placed in different schools, in different parts of the country, with different-sized populations. Classroom management differs based on the personalities of the students and the teachers. Your country’s counterpart teachers may need different things from you, depending on their skill levels and teaching styles. Your community will also be unique to your location, with different amounts of resource availability, needs, and willingness to assist with your efforts.
The Georgian education system is very different than the American system. Some volunteers struggled with adjusting to the differences. The Georgian teachers and students were less disciplined. It was, thus, more difficult to introduce structure because the Georgian teacher counterpart sets the tone and expectations.
9. How did Peace Corps training prepare you for service?
Pre-Service Training (PST) was very difficult. We studied the Georgian language 4 hours a day, 6 days a week, had an hour-long lunch with a Georgian family for cultural interaction, more training after that, and then completed homework and had familial interaction. There was little free time. Most time was spent in class, studying, or interacting with the Georgian families.
We were taught everything we needed to know to navigate everyday life in Georgia. I could use public transport, shop for anything I needed, talk about myself, and other ordinary things. We also learned about the culture, including suggestions on how to interact with the people. We practiced what to do in emergency situations and how to take care of our health.
We also learned about teaching, which was helpful because, unlike most of the education volunteers, I had no experience in education. We were able to teach English lessons in a Georgian school for a few days to get reviewed by our peers and Peace Corps staff. With that, it was helpful to know early my strengths and weaknesses.
Practical Tips and Language Learning
10. What would you tell future volunteers to pack—or leave behind?
I recommend bringing small snacks that remind you of America. I brought Nilla Wafers and Poptarts. It’s very difficult to find anything but the most basic ingredients and foods in Georgia. During training, we ate Georgian food every meal. Having something small that brought variety and good memories was comforting and helpful for dealing with the stress of training.
Many volunteers brought instruments for emotional support, as well as for providing a way to bond with their host family. Don’t expect to take it back home, as most volunteers I know weren’t able to.
Try to bring the absolute minimum of anything heavy, like multiple pairs of shoes. One pair of boots, regular shoes, and professional shoes was enough. You’ll have to drag your belongings all over the country multiple times, at least three times if not more, and the weight usually isn’t worth it, considering you can get most necessities in-country.
Something I recommend to every volunteer is to bring a small electrical adapter and a rice cooker with them. I cook most of my meals with it, including meats like chicken. Food options in the country were limited. My rice cooker was my favorite thing. With my rice cooker, it’s much easier to make recipes, and it makes cooking less tiring.
11. How has language learning been for you in Georgia?
The Georgian language was difficult to learn, and even harder for me to sustain because I did not live with a host family. Tutoring was helpful, and the Peace Corps gave me materials to learn with my tutor. The Peace Corps pays for tutoring, and you could pick the tutor yourself, so I found one that fit my learning style.
Social Identity
12. How has your personal identity shaped your service experience?
I was generally mistaken for a native Georgian because my physical and facial traits are similar to Georgians. This allowed me to adapt and blend in more easily. Also, as a female, I was treated with the same chivalric respect as most women in Georgia. In a patriarchal society like Georgia’s, there are strict gender roles, but as a guest, I was not expected to fulfill those roles. There’s a strong cultural emphasis placed on respecting and protecting women. For example, men and women can have separate social gatherings, but I was welcomed into both, which wasn’t usually true for male volunteers. I also had an easier time adapting to working in a Georgian school, traditionally a woman’s job, whereas it can be more difficult for the male volunteers.
13. Did your identity lead to specific challenges or situations?
Because I did not discuss my identity, some Georgians made assumptions about me and treated me in ways that made me feel uncomfortable. Some assumed I wanted a husband and children. While they’re generally not forceful about it, they would often make comments.
My American identity caused some issues. The American government and public figures’ actions in general reflected on me. Some actions caused Georgians to lower their opinion of me. I could feel their resentment, and at times it was severe enough to make me worry about my safety in some situations.
Overall, Georgians liked that I’m American. They treated me respectfully, and some were fascinated that I was living in Georgia. Speaking Georgian delighted them immensely. They loved that I was willing to connect with them in their language.
14. What advice do you have for volunteers who share your identity?
My advice is to be extremely careful with whom you confide. I’d caution them to be careful about what they say and to put their safety first. I believe the level of openness about personal identity is a personal decision. I know it can be difficult to remain silent and be unable to express yourself fully. If possible, I think the best course is to find other people with whom you feel safe enough to share. For me, the other American volunteers provide me with a much-needed safe space.
I found Georgia to be a safe country for women. Georgians were friendly, respectful, and cared for guests and would protect them. I traveled alone mostly, as do many women in Georgia, and the environment was conducive for doing so. Female volunteers should feel safe. Georgia has a low crime rate and a culture of hospitality and inclusion.
Impact of Media and Final Thoughts
15. If you share content online, how has that shaped your service?
I shared some of my experiences in a blog I created. It was nice to review my thoughts, and I loved sharing what I’ve observed and learned. Georgia was very interesting, and it was good to have a place I could point to with pictures and everything I wanted to say in a neat format. It was good to have these things recorded, because I’d love to go back to Georgia someday, when it feels like a distant memory.
Blogging about Georgia was good for my emotional health. Being a Peace Corps volunteer was occasionally very difficult, and it felt good to express myself about it. It can be a struggle to adjust to a new country, learn a new language, and live with new people. Using informative social media gave me a chance to express my thoughts and feelings in a constructive manner.
Hit the Road – Peace Corps Journey in Georgia
I’m a Peace Corps Volunteer serving in Georgia, sharing stories, reflections, and snapshots of daily life during my service for my future self and anyone curious about the Peace Corps journey. You can read more HERE!
16. What final advice or thoughts would you share with future volunteers?
I loved Georgia very much. I think the people there were amazing. Their culture is vibrant and welcoming, and the country is gorgeous. Although there’s a divide in gender for various things, like different tasks for men and women, different ways of gathering in groups, and more things than I can mention shortly, I was treated very well, and I never felt isolated or unsafe. I was always treated with great respect. Male volunteers should be made aware of the alcohol culture. There is a very strong pressure for men to drink heavily and often. Male volunteers were known to be shamed if they refused to drink, so I think you should either have very strong boundaries or appreciate alcohol carefully as you attempt to blend in. Strong boundaries, in general, are useful in Georgia. Georgians are proud of being good hosts, and they love to feed or help people. Often, you’ll have to say “No” many times before they’ll consider listening.
If you’re curious about more of my thoughts on Georgia, and things you should be aware of before coming here, please message me!
Are you thinking about joining the Peace Corps? If you’re curious about service and ready for something new, apply today. Like Alanna, you can live abroad, work with communities, and grow in ways you didn’t expect. Apply to the Peace Corps and take the next step.
The content of this post does not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Government, the Peace Corps, or Georgia Government.
