NEW STUDENTS’ GUIDE 2022-2023
PRE-ARRIVAL AND ORIENTATION INFORMATION
Welcome to Bau University. We look forward to seeing you in new academic year. This guide is organised roughly chronologically taking you through the end of the summer, your first day, your first week, and then giving some general advice. It's worth giving this a read because hopefully many of your questions will be answered somewhere within these very pages.
Before you get here
At this point, we hope you'll be enjoying one of the longest and work-free summers you're ever going to get. Enjoy it, and make the most of the time you have at home. You'll probably have lots of questions about what to do before you get here. You'll want to know what to expect in terms of work, and the social side of life, as well as where you'll be living for the next terms. We hope that this guide answers some of the questions you might have, and gets you excited for all that's to come on the journey ahead
Travelling to Georgia
Georgia is served by five airports:
1. International Airport of Tbilisi Shota Rustaveli — TAVAirport
E-mail: tbilisiairport.com
Phone: (+995 32) 231 00 07
2. International Airport KutaisiAlso known as the Kopitnari airport.
E-mail: kutaisiairport.ge
3. Batumi International Airport
E-mail: batumiairport.com
4. Natakhtari airport - Asmall private airfield, which deals with air taxi
5. Airport name Queen Tamar - Mestia.
By Land
You can reach Batumi by land from the neighboring countries: Armenia,Azerbaijan and Turkey you can reach Batumi by land transport. It is prohibited to cross administrative border of Abkhazia and South Ossetia for the citizens of Georgian and foreign countries. Travelling by car: It is possible to reach Batumi from Europe and Asia through Armenia, Azerbaijan or Turkey motorways Travelling
By Bus
Buses depart from Istanbul, Ankara and Trabzon to Batumi every day, during the summer period busses departed from Yerevan and Baku several times a week
Rail transport
The railway connects Georgia withArmenia and Azerbaijan. During the summer the train Yerevan-Batumi-Yerevan works every day as well as the train Tbilisi-Baku, but the train Yerevan-Tbilisi runs every other day.
Getting around Batumi
On foot
Batumi can be walked around from one end to the other-roughly 45 minutes.
By bus and minibus
Batumi has several bus routes. For using the municipal transportation means, one must purchase one of the contactless plastic cards for free. Standard Card - BATUMI CARD – Available for international travelers as well. It can be purchased in the service center of “Metro Service +” located at #55 Gorgasali Str. Batumi. It is also available atthe Express Pay machines(the oneswho have the function of issuing the transport card) of the Bank of Georgia. BusesN9 and N10 go from and to the Airport.
By bicycle
There is a network of red painted bike paths through-out Batumi, including the most notable path a 8kmpath along the sea which stretches along both the beach and portside of Batumi. An automated bike sharing membership, called BatumVelomakesit available to rent bicycles and cycle around the city. To get a BatumVelo card visit the Tourist information center at the main entrance to the Boulevard, near the fountains. You should have an identity card or passport. ‘’BatumVelo’’offers 2 types of packages: The annual package – 20 GEL (10 GEL – price of BatumVelocard+ 10 GEL to your balance for cycling) To replenish the balance on your card please visit the Tourist Information Centre where you purchased the package.
- The price of a 1 day package amounts to 4 Lari(2 Lari- price of BatumVelocard +2 Larifor a 1 hour drive on a bicycle)
- The price of a 10 day package amounts to 10 Lari(4 Lari - price of BatumVelocard +6 Larifor a 3 hour drive on a bicycle)
- The price of a 1 year package amounts to 20 Lari(10 Lari - price of BatumVelocard +10 Larifor a 5 hour drive on a bicycle)
Residence Permit in Georgia
Visa Regime
Citiens of the European Union and Eastern Europe as well as USA, Canada, Turkey,Ukraine, Russia, PPoland,the Baltic ates, Belarus, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and many other countries are now able to enter and stay in Georgia for a year visa-free
Citiens of European Union memberstates may enter Georgia with a travel document as well as with an ID card that is issued by an EU memberstate and contains the person's name,surname, date of birth and a photo. In addition, e tering Georgia and staying for 1 year visa-free is also possible for citens who hold a United Nations(UN) Laissez-Passer, a travel document issued by the UNorits specialized agencies. To enter in Georgia it is necessary to have a passport, valid for at least 6 months from the date of entering the country. Citiens of other states need to arrange visa before travelling to Georgia. In some cases, visa can be issued at land border crossings orinternational airports upon arrival.
LIST OF DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS IN BATUMI:
Azerbaijan - 62 Parnavaz Mepe street; t.: 0 422 27 67 00
Estonia - 60 Gorgasali street;t.: 0 422 27 09 10
Turkey - 9 Ninoshvilistreet; t.: 0 422 25 58 00
Iran - 83 Parnavaz Mepe street; t.: 0 422 22 86 01, 0 422 22 86 02
Armenia - 32 Gogebashvili street;t.: 0 422 21 63 02
Residence Permit
How to register an online application or residence permit?
To register an online application or residence permit you need to fill in an electronic applicacation form, upload the relevant documents electronically, contact Remote Service Operator and express your will online to get residence permit.
Note:
1.Documents necessary for consideration of an applicaation for residence permit in Geororgia shall also be submed materially within 10 days following registration of an electonic application and ached documents.
2.Documents issued abroad shall be translated into Georgian and notarized. Documents issued abroad (if applicable)shall also be legalized or certified by apostille.
Who can apply online for residence permit?
Legally capable foreigner of 18 years of age is eligible to apply online for residence permit. The issue of persons of up to 18 years of age shall be considered based on an application of their legal representative. Only an alien staying in Georgia is entitled to apply online for residence permit, while applicaation for extension of residence permit can be filed online by a person residing both in Georgia and abroad,
Residence permit for study purposes issued for the purpose of study at educational institutions a edited in Georgia.
What documents are required to apply online for a residence permit for study purposes?
Online application or a residence permit for study purposes should be electronically accompanied by the following documents:
- Photocopy of an alien's travel document.
- Photocopy of a document evidencing alien's lawfulstay in Georgia
- Certificate issued by an educacational institution authorized in Georgia confirming alien's studies (indicating the a duraration os study).
- Document evidencing legal income earned in Georgia by an alien and/or by a citizen of Georgia or by his/her relaate having the right of residence in Georgia and a document confirming relationship with that person. The money in an alien's personal bank account may also be considered income; Taking into account the duration of a residence permit for study purposes, the monthly amount of the money should not be less than double the amount of minimum subsistence level of an average customerin Georgia
- 3x4 cm photo
How long does it take to consider an issue of granting a residence permit for study purposes and what isthe fee forthe mentioned sevice?
The issue of granting a residence permit for study purposes is considered in 30 calendar days and the service fee is GEL 300. Fee for expedited service is GEL 450 in 20 calendar days and GEL 600 in 10 calendar days.
How to Open a BankAccount?
Opening a bank accountin Georgia can be a good chance to manage your finances. Banks in Georgia serve foreigners efficiently and the opening processis quick and simple
What Documents Are Necessary for a Foreigner to Open a Bank Account?
Foreigners willing to open a bank account are likely to need the following documents (some banks may open your account just with your passport):
- Passport
- Application form
- Birth Certificate and atendance of a parent(in case of being under eighteen)
None of these documents are required to be Georgian, including your address.
Which bank should I choose?
There are a multitude of banks to choose from in Georgia, many of which are local. That being said, it's possible to select a larger international institution or your personal banking. The most popular banks in Georgia include:
- Bank of Georgia
- TBC
- Liberty Bank
- Basis Bank
- Iş Bank
University fees and charges
An annual fee for the educational service provided in the terms of this contract for program of Medicineis 6500 (six thousand five hundred) USD and for program of dentistry 4500 USD equivalent to GEL according to the National Bank exchange rate of the payment day. A tuition fee must be paid during one academic year on semester basisin two stages within the terms of the academic and financial registration set by the rector’s order. A total tuition fee is paid in two installments.
When Do I Need To Pay
| Term | Tuition FEES |
|---|---|
| Fall Semester | October (50 percent) |
| Spring Semester | March (50 percent) |
Budgeting for life in the Batumi
Living in Batumi depends on your lifestyle. It is estimated that a single student living in Batumi needs approximately 500-600$ a month to meet basic living expenses such as accommodation, food, and other necessities. The information below will help you plan your finances for living in Georgia.
Food prices vary depending on where you shop and what products you buy. Supermarkets often have ‘own-label’ brands which are much cheaper. You can also explore local markets or bulk buying.
| Basic goods | Approximate costsin $ |
|---|---|
| Loaf of white bread | 0.80 USD |
| Rice | 1.50 USD |
| Noodles(300g) | 1.50 USD |
| 1 liter ofsemi-skimmed milk | 2.00 USD |
| 10 medium eggs | 2.00 USD |
| Margarine (500g) | 2.00 USD |
| Cheese (1 KG ) | 5.00 USD |
| Cooking oil | 2.00 USD |
| Wasta–uncŽŽŬeĚ | 1.00 USD |
| Drinks | Approximate costsin $ |
|---|---|
| Cola (2ltr) | 1.01 USD |
| Coffee – instant (100g) | 0.50 USD |
| Tea bags(80 bags) | 1.50 USD |
| Mineral water (3ltr) | 1.20 USD |
Studying at BAU INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY BATUMI
BAU INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY BATUMI is an ambitious international university. We have a strong desire of providing education of the highest quality and there is a strong partnership between our staff and our students that influences every part ofthe BAU activity and is a key of our success.
| Fallsemester | October |
|---|---|
| Final exams | 16-28 February 2022 |
| Spring semeste | March |
| Final exams | 6-18 July 2022 |
Teaching sessions may be timetabled between 09:00 and 18,00 Monday to Saturday, We try to keep Sunday afternoons free from teaching to allow you to participate in extra-curricular activities. When being a medical student, you need to get used to this busy schedule, which may be very different from your previous experience.
For further studies, our library and electronic resources are available and worth using.
Yourresearch might not happen just in booksso it's worth exploring the library and electronic resourcestoo during your first weeks.
YOUR FIRST WEEK
Freshers' Week
Freshers' Week is a great opportunity for all new students to orient themselves to the Bau International University, Batumi. The week is packed with academic introduction and social activity for all students to join. The International Welcome Program sessions Are specifically for international students and provide necessary information and help to start your life at the Bau Batumi international university.
YOUR ACADEMIC INDUCTION WILL INCLUDE:
- Welcome from your Head of school/Discipline
- Academic support and representation in our university
- Understand your program structure and the year ahead
- Meet your personal tutor
- Meet your fellow students
- Finalize your modules
- Familiarize yourself with your academic building
Living in the Batumi
Living in a new culture is exciting but an also be challenging. Here is some basic advice about life in the Batumi.
- Although simple politenessis always expected,Georgian people like to hear'please' and 'thank you' repeatedly! People here are very friendly but can be reserved, especially when talking to strangers. You might also like to download application or basic phrases to communicate easily.
- If you are invited to someone's home for a meal it is polite to take a small gift (or example, wine, chocolates or flowers), or you could invite them to your home in return. It is considered good manners to tell your hosts in advance if you have special religious or dietary requirements
- When you are in a bank, shop or waiting or a bus you are expected to queue; stand in line and wait your turn. People can get very angry if you 'jump the queue'
- Georgian attitudes of sex and sexuality may be different from those in your own country. You are free to live according to your own personal standards, ethics and beliefs and not feel pressured to adopt those of any of your fellow students.
- Georgia has one of the easiest ways to pay your utility or any other bills. The whole country is full of pay boxes, where you can choose the service you would like to pay for,slide the cash and done. Easy! This way you don't need to wait in lines at a post office, bank, or any other office of the provider. You can even buy try trainets at certain pay boxes if you spontaneously decide to travel to other parts of the country
Climate and clothing
Batumi has a warm climate thanks to it´s position next to theBlack Sea. This means that it has nice temperature all year making it an all yearmdestination. Summers can very warm, but not too hot. The average annual temperature in Batumi is around 19 degrees Celsius (57°Fahrenheit). Rainfall in Batumi is frequent year round.
Outerwear
It is better to have 3noptions for outerwear:
- Something windproof — a windbreaker
- Something warm— a winter jacket or a parka coat
- Something in the middle, and better— waterproof
Smoking
Smoking is prohibited in all government workplaces, schools, childcare facilities and recreaation acultural facilities. Smoking restrictions are required in private workplaces, restaurants, bars and retail stores. The use of e-cigareees is prohibited by food service employees at work, exceptin designated areas.
Drinking water
All Georgian tap water is safe to drink unless it is labelled 'not for drinking'. Do not use water from the hot water tap for making hot drinks. You should instead boil a kettle or use a micowave.
Georgian Language
The official language of Georgia is Georgian, along with Abkhazian language in Abkhazian A/R. Georgian language is one of the oldest living language in the world. It belongs to the family of Ibero-Caucasian group. It should be noted that the Georgian alphabetis among the world's 14 alphabets and takes 5th place forits age. The majority of local people in Ajara talking in Georgian,Russian and English languages
Useful vocabulary:
Hello - Gamardjoba
Goodbye - Nakhvamdis
Please - Gtkhovt
Thank you - Madloba
Yes/No - Diakh/Ara
Excuseme - Ukatsravad
What's your name? - Ra gqvia?
Where's hotel? - Sad aris sastumro?
What's the address - Ra misamartia?
How much isit? - Ra girs?
Homesickness
The decision to study at BAU international university Batumi brings the opportunity to make new friends, to expand your academic knowledge, and to change your existing view of the world. But in common with any major transition, it also brings challenges. Feeling homesick can be one of them, even if you've already lived abroad. It is one of the emotional thing that can be a part of what is known as culture shock. Homesickness is a common experience for international students- and for many Georgian students who have left home for the first time. its affect people in different forms: e.g. coming in waves, or slowly building up over time. So metimesit seems like a physical illness, e.g. feeling tied, unwell, or lacking in energy. It can appear when you're not expecting - for example, when things have gone well.
The trigger in this case can be having no one really close or special with whom to share the experience.
Symptoms of homesickness can include:
Feeling down-hearted,tearful or anxious
Feeling lost or lonely
Longing and grief for your former life
Being unable to stop contacting people at home
Being absent-minded, orfinding it difficult to concentrate
Feeling unwell
Brooding on the past
Common triggers may include:
When the 'honeymoon period' has worn off, i.e. Batumi no longer seems wonderful or exciting When you have doubts about your decision to study here When the demands of your course have become more real, and yourself confidence is affected If the local culture feels confusing, unwelcoming, or just too different If you miss a major celebration, holiday or important event that is happening at home When a crisis occurs and your parents, friends or partner aren't there to provide help and support If friends leave Batumi, or if you spend long periods of time hee when others have gone back home
There may be other causes, depending on your particular cicumstances. But the most important thing to remember is that homesickness is normal. Be patient with yourself as you adjust. Try to accept that feeling comfortable in BAU will take some time. It helps if you can encourage yourself, and if you can remember that you are not alone in feeling this way.
Things you can do to cope with homesickness:
Leave your room
It can be tempting to seek the security of your own space, but don't hide in your room for too long. Reach out to others. Invite people for a cup of tea or coffee, orfor a meal. Go into town, for a walk by the river, or see a film. Don't be afraid to talk about your experience of homesickness, but try to stay positive.
Consider how much time you spend in contact with the people back home:
If you keep in touch infrequently, you'll miss the support that you crave from the people who are important to you. But if you rely on them too much, you may risk becoming overly-dependent. Try to strike a reasonable balance to get the best of both worlds, with the aim of developing a new sense of your own independence
Do something
Meeting up with others from your own culture can be an anntide to loneliness, and an essenentialsce of comfort. But it's equally important to leave your comfort zone from time to time. The opportunities are many and varied- get involved, and get busy! Join a student society, play a sport, volunteer, try a new type of food. Attend one of the many performances, lectures, and events that regularly take place across the University and Colleges.
Find away to process your experiences
Many international students post blogs, keep journals, take photographs, or find other mediumsto help them get through times of homesickness and culture shock. A photo journal or blog can become a way of documennting your life at BAU,sharing with others what you experienced, what you've learned, and how you faced up to any obstacles along the journey.