December 20, 2024
Secrets of Preparing for the Georgian Citizenship Exam: An Insider's Perspective
An Interview with Tea Akiashvili: Philologist, Head of JUST Study, and Teacher of Georgian as a Foreign Language
- Tea AkiashviliHead of JUST Study
Obtaining or restoring Georgian citizenship is a significant process that requires not only completing legal formalities but also passing an exam. This exam includes knowledge of the Georgian language (for both restoration and obtaining citizenship), history, and the basics of law (specifically for obtaining citizenship). To successfully pass the exam, a candidate must go beyond merely memorizing the material; they must truly understand the language and legal norms of the country.
Proficiency in the Georgian language and a solid understanding of the basics of legislation not only help candidates pass the exam but also facilitate adaptation to daily life, career development, and integration into the local community. For this reason, choosing a competent teacher becomes a crucial step toward success.
Proficiency in the Georgian language and a solid understanding of the basics of legislation not only help candidates pass the exam but also facilitate adaptation to daily life, career development, and integration into the local community. For this reason, choosing a competent teacher becomes a crucial step toward success.
Today, we are speaking with Tea Akiashvili, a philologist, teacher of Georgian as a foreign language, and head of the JUST Study practice. Since 2006, Tea has been teaching Georgian as a foreign language. Starting in 2018, she has also been preparing students for Georgian citizenship exams. Her teaching methods skillfully combine theory and practice, enabling students to effectively learn the material and apply it in real-life contexts.
In this interview, we will discuss the challenges that may arise during preparation, how to structure the learning process effectively, and common mistakes to avoid to ensure success in the exam. If you are planning to obtain Georgian citizenship and are seeking professional support in your preparation, this article is for you.
In this interview, we will discuss the challenges that may arise during preparation, how to structure the learning process effectively, and common mistakes to avoid to ensure success in the exam. If you are planning to obtain Georgian citizenship and are seeking professional support in your preparation, this article is for you.
— What is your experience in the field of teaching the Georgian language, and how long have you been preparing students for the citizenship exam?
I started teaching Georgian as a foreign language in 2006. I am a philologist, which is my main profession. I developed a unique methodology that focuses on spoken language and practical grammar. This approach helps students to understand the structure of the language and independently create, for example, verb forms.
I began preparing students for the citizenship exam at the end of 2018, right after the exam was introduced. Before that, I was preparing candidates for interviews with the commission. The course covers three subjects: the Georgian language, the history of Georgia, and the basics of law.
I began preparing students for the citizenship exam at the end of 2018, right after the exam was introduced. Before that, I was preparing candidates for interviews with the commission. The course covers three subjects: the Georgian language, the history of Georgia, and the basics of law.
— What level of knowledge do your students usually have, and is it possible to start preparation from any level?
— Preparation can be started from any level. My unique methodology allows students to thoroughly learn the language in the shortest possible time. This course is especially useful for those who want to prepare quickly and effectively for the exam.
— What are the requirements for the exam, and how much time does it usually take to prepare?
— According to the Citizenship Law, candidates must pass a test in the Georgian language, the history of the country, and the basics of law. The test consists of 30 questions, and in order to pass each subject, at least 7 questions must be answered correctly.
The preparation time depends on the level of knowledge and usually ranges from 2 to 5 months.
The preparation time depends on the level of knowledge and usually ranges from 2 to 5 months.
— Which part of the exam do students find the most difficult, and how do you help them?
Each subject has its own specifics:
• Georgian Language: The questions are divided into three parts: grammar, vocabulary, and text comprehension. Each part requires a specific approach.
• History: Here, it is important to focus on chronology.
• Law: Legal terminology is the most difficult, but the carefully selected materials help students to easily overcome this challenge.
• Georgian Language: The questions are divided into three parts: grammar, vocabulary, and text comprehension. Each part requires a specific approach.
• History: Here, it is important to focus on chronology.
• Law: Legal terminology is the most difficult, but the carefully selected materials help students to easily overcome this challenge.
— What mistakes do students often make, and how can they be avoided?
— The most common mistake is memorizing answers. To avoid this problem, it is important to:
• Understand the essence of the questions;
• Structure the material;
• Study the material progressively.
• Understand the essence of the questions;
• Structure the material;
• Study the material progressively.
— Can you recall any successful cases, and what contributes to students’ success?
100% of our students successfully pass the exam. This is due to:
• The correct approach to learning (understanding instead of memorizing);
• Regular work;
• Motivation and a positive attitude.
• The correct approach to learning (understanding instead of memorizing);
• Regular work;
• Motivation and a positive attitude.
— What recommendations would you give to those who are just starting their preparation?
— The material is quite extensive, so it is recommended to break it into parts and study it step by step. Also, a crucial factor is generating interest in the language and creating a positive attitude, which makes the learning process easier.
Conclusion
The citizenship exam is an important step that requires knowledge of the Georgian language, the history of the country, and the basics of law. The right methodology and regular work are the keys to success. If you want to be well prepared for the exam, the help of a professional teacher will assist you in overcoming any obstacles.
Remains Unchanged
- The exam consists of three question blocks: Georgian language, Georgian history, and the fundamentals of Georgian constitutional law.
- Applications can be submitted in person or through a representative acting on the basis of a notarized power of attorney.
- Applications and/or exams can be completed at the Public Service Hall in Tbilisi or at any Georgian consulate or diplomatic mission abroad.
- Minors and individuals unable to undergo testing due to health reasons (provided they present a corresponding medical certificate) are exempt from taking the exam.
Taking the exam and undergoing an interview are key stages in the process of obtaining Georgian citizenship. Over 300 candidates successfully passed the exam and confidently underwent interviews in Georgian at JUST Study. If you’ve decided to prepare for the exam consciously, come to JUST for knowledge and confidence in achieving a positive outcome and trust in your abilities.
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MARIA GUSEINOVA
Leading Manager of Commercial Department
Leading Manager of Commercial Department