Republic of Georgia – Homeland of Wine

Status

Closed

Trip Destination

Republic of Georgia

Approximate Price

$2199+/- ($500 Grant Applied)

Trip Date

04/18/2020

TO

04/30/2020

Application Deadline

11/28/2019

APPLY NOW

Cost Information

Cost for Domestic Students: $500-$1000 (includes IFS + BWR Course)
Cost for International Students: $1000 (includes IFS + BWR Course)
Cost for Students Not Willing to Take the BWR Course: ~$5000 (Full amount of IFS)

Above costs are for International Field Studies, for other programs please see the approximate cost listed above.

Program Information

Open to all wine and viticulture students.

Physical Intensity

Accommodations

Meals

Steps to Apply

Republic of Georgia – Homeland of Wine

With the earliest evidence of winemaking (5900 BC) and subsequently the longest winemaking tradition in the world, the Republic of Georgia is becoming more broadly known as the next ‘it’ spot for wine lovers to visit. Join NC Winemaker, Gavin Robertson and archaeologist, Andrew Graham (NC Alumnus) on a 10 Day tour of Georgia and experience the region that brought wine to the world. Throughout the tour we will visit some of the most important wine regions in Georgia, experiencing the broad diversity of both traditional and modern winemaking activities employed in each area.

With wine of course, goes food. A Georgian Supra is a highly ritualized feast that celebrates food, wine and conversation – all led by a tamada , a sort of toast-leader throughout the evening. We will  encounter several of these throughout our trip – especially significant will be the welcoming supra hosted by the National Wine Agency upon our arrival in the capital city of Tbilisi. Tbilisi will be our somewhat permanent home for the trip as Georgia is relatively small and the places we will be going are never more than a few hours bus trip away. Despite this – getting out into the country is what this trip is all about and we will have a couple of overnight trips to the principal wine region of Kakheti and to the ancient underground fortress-city of Vardzia. For those interested in the traditional method of winemaking, we will also visit a production facility for qvevri – the UNESCO Heritage protected tradition of making wine in large clay pots buried in the ground and so much more.

Travel Visa + Immigration Documentation:

Students are responsible for researching and applying for any required visa(s) or ETIAS on their own; Be World Ready is not able to apply for any travel visa(s) or ETIAS on your behalf. Be World Ready will provide you with supporting documentation 11 weeks before departure to apply for a Visa as long as you have confirmed your appointment date at [email protected]. All international students will need to ensure that their Study Permits and Student Visas are not expired before the date of return from the international experience, to ensure that there are no challenges upon reentry to Canada. Travel restrictions and requirements for entry to Canada may change at any time. All travellers are responsible for remaining up to date with any restrictions and requirements for travel and re-entry to Canada leading up to and throughout their International Field Study. Niagara College Canada will assume no responsibility for any changes to governing body travel restrictions, required documentation for travel or any refused entry as a result of change. Travellers are encouraged to review the Government of Canada Website for the latest restrictions and requirements for entry to Canada, as well as to check entry requirements to their destination country as a Canadian citizen. If an ETIAS is not acquired, a visa appointment is not secured, or if a visa application is rejected, Niagara College and Be World Ready are unable to refund any payments made. All payments made towards the International Field Study are final.

All international or domestic students, in full-time or part-time* status, and in good academic standing at Niagara College, are eligible for a Be World Ready grant to help offset the cost of their international experience. You must be actively enrolled in studies during the term of travel to participate. International Field Studies participation is permitted only for students who have not yet experienced a Be World Ready IFS since beginning their studies at Niagara College. Students will not directly receive grant money as the full value of the grant has already been applied to the final payment to offset the total cost of the learning experience abroad. For students who do not complete all grant requirements by established deadlines (including the time of submission), the full grant amount may be charged directly to their student account. Details on grant requirements will be shared with you as part of the mandatory Be World Ready (SOCL 1128 or IDPL 9103) course, which all students participating in a Be World Ready International Field Study must enroll in and successfully complete. Eligibility requirements can vary from term-to-term, and from one opportunity to the next. Please complete the eligibility quiz linked on the specific opportunity page to determine if you meet eligibility requirements.

*Part-time students, are defined by Be World Ready as those actively enrolled in a Niagara College program, taking a minimum of 2 classes during the term of travel that contribute to their program progression and credential completion. Students taking a class that does not contribute to a program would not qualify to participate in a Be World Ready International Field Study.

ITEMS IN ITINERARY ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Day 1| Depart for Georgia!

Saturday April 18

Sit back, relax and enjoy the journey.

 

Day 2| Overnight Flight

Sunday April 19

After a layover in Paris and an opportunity to stretch our legs we are back on the plane. Late this evening we touch down in Georgia before sleeping off our jet lag.

 

Day 3| National Wine Agency Supra

Monday April 20

Shake off the jet lag we’re in the homeland of wine! This morning we will have a brief orientation session followed by a walking tour of Old Tbilisi which includes an introduction to local transit and principal landmarks. The rest of the day is yours to explore Tbilisi at your own pace.

Day 4| Mtskheta

Tuesday April 21

This morning we visit the Georgian National Wine Agency to view their traditional Marani and Wine Library. In the afternoon we will tour the Caucasus International University’s Viticulture and Winemaking Department to learn the similarities and differences between CIU & NC’s programs and approach to wine. Finally we will end the day with a traditional Georgian Supra alongside CIU faculty and students.

 

Day 5| Gadachrili Gora

Wednesday April 22

Today we begin with a visit to the Georgian National Museum in Tbilisi; We will have a personal guided tour of the principal exhibits in the museum with time left over for personal exploration.  This evening we will ride the gondolas up to Narikala Fortress, then walk down from the Mother of Georgia Monument to Old Town Center.

Day 6| Kakheti

Thursday April 23

Board bus for a weekend trip to the principal wine producing region of Georgia – Kakheti . On route we will be stopping at several locations along the way – arriving in the hilltop town of Sighnaghi.  We will stop here for lunch and a visit to the local museum which houses one of the most significant art collections of the famous Georgian artist Niko Pirosmanashvili. The afternoon will consist of a visit to the beautiful Alaverdi Monastery for a tour followed by wine tasting and light lunch at Matsoni House across the road. The evening is free to spend how you please! There is a lot to do in Tbilisi – such as Thermal Baths, ride the gondola up to the Narikala Fortress or buy some art at the Dry Bridge Market

Day 7| Four Winery Tours

Friday April 24

Today is a day dedicated to touring several different wineries in the region. Agenda for the day:

Shumi Winery
Khareba Winery
Ruispiri Biodynamic Vineyard
Bagadoni Winery

Day 8| Alaverdi Monastery

Saturday April 25

The day is free to spend how you please! There is a lot to do in Tbilisi – such as Thermal Baths, ride the gondola up to the Narikala Fortress or buy some art at the Dry Bridge Market.

Day 9| Georgian Technical University

Sunday April 26

Visit to Georgian Technical University to engage with students enrolled in the viticulture and oenology program . Here we will be presenting one of our ‘Ontario Tastings’ to be hosted by our tour group.After lunch we visit the archaeological site of Gadachrili Gora. Andrew Graham will give a tour of the site and opportunities for students to learn about the significant scientific discoveries made there. This evening there will be a supra in Marneuli to be hosted by the Mayor and local dignitaries. On the way we will pop into the archaeological field school dig house to see how student archaeologists live in the field and how rural families live in this part of Georgia.

 

Day 10| Open Air Ethnographic Museum

Monday April 27

Department of Agriculture Experimental Farm – Grape cultivar collection and breeding program. We will be hosted by Dr. David Maghradze, who will tour us around the vineyard and laboratory operations. We will be having lunch in the old capital of Georgia – Mtskheta with time to tour the old town and visit some of its famous landmarks such as the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. This extraordinary (and for its time, enormous) building dates from the 11th century, early in the golden age of Georgian church architecture. Then a quick visit to the beautiful Jvari Monastery of Mtskheta – which provides a spectacular view of the city of Mtskheta below. We end the day with a visit to Tevza Winery for a detailed look at a combined winery and distillery operation. We will be hosted by the winery owner for not only a tour and tasting but we will have dinner here as well.

Experience the Open Air Ethnographic Museum in Tbilisi – here we will explore the history of Georgia as expressed in the diverse ethnic and cultural traditions as preserved in domestic architecture.

 

Day 11| Vardzia

Tuesday April 28

Board bus (4hrs) for overnight trip to Vardzia. The road follows the upper Mtkvari River, passing through narrow canyons and then veering south at Aspindza along a particularly beautiful valley cutting like a green ribbon between arid, rocky hillsides. The star of the show is Vardzia itself, however, with its scores of caves and tunnels, impressive church and dozens of extraordinary frescoes.

Day 12| Final Supra

Wednesday April 29

Board bus for return trip (4hrs) to Tbilisi. Enjoy your last day in Georgia before the final supra of this experience.

 

 

Day 13| Depart for Canada

Thursday April 30

Sit back, relax and reflect on the amazing experience that was the Republic of Georgia

  • Round Trip Airfare
  • All Accommodations
  • 6 Winery Tours
  • Georgian National Wine Agency
  • Department of Agriculture Experimental Farm
  • Mtskheta
  • Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
  • Jvari Monastery of Mtskheta
  • Georgian National Museum
  • Gadachrili Gora
  • Kakheti
  • Ilkalto Qvevri School
  • Alaverdi Monastery
  • Georgian Technical University
  • Open Air Ethnographic Museum
  • Vardzia
The Be World Ready program at Niagara College prepares you for global success through education, exchange, and international experience. This program offers you the opportunity to experience culturally diverse learning environments, understand different perspectives and connect practical skills with a global mindset to help you launch your career.
An international field study is a 7 – 10 day experience that incorporates both vocational and cultural elements, while visiting some of the world’s most famous sights! Many of our international field studies are customized for specific Schools and programs at Niagara College, allowing students to apply the skills learned in the classroom in a real-world setting. All international field studies depart during the Niagara College break weeks to ensure that students do not miss any classes.
All international field studies will include roundtrip airfare (where applicable), accommodations, travel insurance, entrance fees as outlined in the itinerary, and some meals as outlined in the itinerary. A detailed list of inclusions and exclusions will be viewable on the posted webpage for any international field study on our website. Participants can expect to purchase some meals on their own and will need to bring spending money for any souvenirs, extra excursions, incidentals or items of a personal nature.

No. All aspects noted as included in the overall cost of the selected international field study are mandatory with no exceptions made. Our international field studies are built using group pricing and it is important that we do not deviate from the inclusions as it could negatively impact our ability to offer fair pricing to all participants.

In addition to affecting group pricing, these are our Niagara College International Field Study policies, and we cannot deviate from them, as they are part of our risk mitigation and management.

No. Students are not able to book their own flight in any way or alter the flights confirmed by Be World Ready. The round-trip flights as confirmed by Be World Ready are part of the package pricing, and the group is to travel to and from the destination country together.

These are our Niagara College International Field Study policies, and we cannot deviate from them, as they are part of our risk mitigation and management.

Each international field study destination has different accommodation providers or themes. Accommodation types that are used may include a combination of dorm-style rooms, homestays, tourist class hotels, or occasionally hostels. We strive to ensure we use centrally located accommodation when in city centres, allowing our participants to explore their surroundings more easily. Private accommodation is not guaranteed.

Rooms will vary in style on each trip; however, they are commonly twin share (2 people to a room with separate beds where possible). Single rooms may be available for an additional room fee provided adequate notice is given to Be World Ready staff. We strive to ensure you have comfortable, affordable accommodations anywhere you travel.

Students will be given the opportunity to meet their fellow travellers before the deadline to submit their roommate requests. Be World Ready does their best to accommodate rooming requests, but please note that final rooming arrangements are subject to room occupancy requirements and availability. A rooming list will be created by Be World Ready staff and shared with our accommodation providers before your departure. All participants will be emailed and will have the opportunity to identify their preferred roommate(s). While we will make every effort to ensure all preferences are met, we cannot guarantee it.

As long as they are current full-time Niagara College students and meet the program eligibility requirements. Unfortunately, we are not able to accept any persons to participate in any of our international field studies that are not current full-time students at Niagara College.

In addition to regular communications shared with participants leading up to the departure of their international field study of choice, Be World Ready requires students to attend the Be World Ready course, which includes but is not limited to, online trainings and pre-departure training sessions. During the pre-departure training sessions, students will be presented with the overall expectations of the trip as well as in-depth details concerning their itinerary.

During their time abroad, students will be able to communicate with their trip leads directly, 24/7, with any questions or concerns.

All participants are required to hold a passport that is valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond any expected date of return to participate in any opportunity involving outbound travel.

You are responsible for researching and applying for any required visa(s) on your own. Be World Ready is unable to tell you what visa you require and how to apply. Be World Ready will provide you with supporting documentation as needed to apply for a Visa. While Be World Ready is not able to advise or guide you in a heightened level of detail through any particular visa process, you may consider hiring a travel visa service to assist you with the visa application process, such as CIBT visas. Please note that Be World Ready and Niagara College do not endorse any third-party vendors, nor have any influence or control over any outcomes or services rendered. We cannot apply for a visa on behalf of any participant.

All international students will need to ensure that their Study Permits and Student Visas are not expired before the date of return from the international experience, to ensure that there are no challenges with reentry to Canada.

Yes, while it is great to have a Nexus card, all participants must hold a passport that is valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond any expected date of return in order to participate in any opportunity outside of Canada.
Depending on your destination country, we encourage you to book an appointment with a travel health professional regarding any additional vaccinations and medications you may need. It is strongly encouraged that you book an appointment with the Campus Nurse to go over this information. To do so, please visit the medical office to book an appointment at your respective campus.
Be World Ready takes the safety of our staff and students very seriously and has a rigorous risk management assessment when creating all opportunities. Be World Ready staff monitor destination country risk levels as communicated by the Government of Canada. Your safety is the most important aspect of this trip. Be World Ready and Niagara College take all possible precautions to ensure you have a safe, enjoyable experience while travelling abroad.
Students who sign up during the active promotional period for the international field study will be presented with a payment schedule to follow. At time of registration, students will be only required to pay the full non-refundable deposit that is disclosed at time of registration. Students who are permitted to sign up late will be expected to catch up on any payments missed according to the payment schedule advertised. In some instances, there may only be one payment due date.
Complete the eligibility quiz linked on the webpage of the International Field Study you’re interested in to find out if you meet eligibility requirements.
No. Students will not directly receive grant money as the full value of the grant has already been applied to the final payment to offset the total cost of the learning experience abroad. For students who do not complete all grant requirements by established deadlines (including the time of submission), the full grant amount may be charged directly to their student account. Details on grant requirements will be shared with you as part of the mandatory Be World Ready (SOCL 1128 or IDPL 9103) course, which all students participating in a Be World Ready International Field Study must enroll in and successfully complete to receive funding.
Students are only permitted to travel on an IFS to their home country if the IFS is program specific. IFS’ that are open to students from all programs do not permit students to travel if the destination is their home country. The purpose of the grant funding is to help students gain global competencies that they would not otherwise be exposed to, and as such, travelling to destinations they’ve previously lived in does not support this goal.
Students have the potential to travel and receive funding through Be World Ready up to 2 times; students can travel once on either an International Field Study, Summer Institute, or Semester Exchange, and they can potentially travel again for a Work Abroad opportunity (if eligibility requirements are met – please note that if more applications are received than work abroad grants available, priority will be given to those who have never travelled on any type of Be World Ready experience before). So, if you’re wanting to travel on an International Field Study, note that participation on an IFS is permitted only for students who have not yet experienced a Be World Ready IFS, Summer Institute, or Semester Exchange since beginning their studies at Niagara College.

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