Prior to arriving in Georgia, I wondered — do students really work while studying here? Like many international students, I wished to earn some extra money, gain experience, and become more self-sufficient. The good news is that yes, students are allowed to work in Georgia, but there are a couple of things you might want to know.

Unlike in some other nations, Georgia doesn’t have a strict rule on how many hours international students can work. It largely depends on your schedule, your employer, and how good you are at balancing studies. Most of the students that I know work between 20 to 25 hours a week, sometimes a little extra during holidays.

It’s not difficult to find a part-time job, particularly in larger cities such as Tbilisi and Batumi. Cafés, restaurants, and stores usually need part-time employees. Some students find jobs as English teachers, social media helpers, or even online freelancers. If you have design, writing, or digital marketing skills, working online is an excellent choice — you can set your own hours and study simultaneously.

One initial challenge is the language issue. Not all people speak English conversationally, so learning a couple of words of Georgian can go a long way while applying for work locally. However, don’t worry — employers from foreign or tourist districts tend to be more accommodating.

It can be difficult balancing work and school sometimes, but it’s definitely worth it. Working and studying teaches you how to manage time, be responsible, and independent.

So yes, being a working student in Georgia is possible — just be smart with your time management. Study before work, and work afterwards, and you’ll be surprised how it can all work together seamlessly.