Georgia – The Cradle of Wine – S23

Status

Closed

Trip Destination

Georgia

Approximate Price

$2200 (BWR Grant Applied)

Trip Date

04/22/2023

TO

05/07/2023

Application Deadline

01/17/2023

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

This opportunity is available to all Niagara College students currently enrolled in the Winery & Viticulture Technician and Beverage Business Management programs. Please note that part-time students are not eligible for the Be World Ready Grant.

Physical Intensity

Accommodations

Meals

Steps to Apply

Georgia – The Cradle of Wine – S23

Welcome to the homeland of wine! Nestled between Russia and Turkey, this small but mighty and mountainous country is chocked full of history, rich culture, and of course, wine! Home to 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and an impressive tentative 14 more sites on the list, this country is brimming with fascinating and deep-rooted history and is not to be missed.

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 on a 13-day tour of Georgia and experience the region that brought wine to the world. Throughout this incredible journey, 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. Will you be one of the lucky students to travel to the cradle of wine?

My Advisor
Elisabeth Vint
Study + Work Abroad Advisor
Phone: 905-735-2211 x 3669
Location: Daniel J. Patterson Campus

Travel Visa + Immigration Documentation:

Students are responsible for researching and applying for any required visa(s) on their own; Be World Ready is not able to apply for any travel visa(s) on your behalf. Be World Ready will provide you with supporting documentation as needed to apply for a Visa once the deadline to register has passed. 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.

DAY 1: APRIL 22, 2023

Grab your bags and make your way to Toronto Pearson International Airport to meet up with your fellow classmates to check-in for the trip of a lifetime!

Flight Information:    AF 351    22APR      Toronto – Paris     18:25   07:50   23APR

AF1052   23APR      Paris – Tbilisi       13:00   19:45

DAY 2: APRIL 23, 2023

After a layover in Paris, and perhaps a croissant or two, we board the next leg of our journey to arrive in Tbilisi. Upon arrival, we will head directly to our hotel to sleep off our jetlag and rest up for the incredible adventure that is yet to begin!

Accommodation: Kopala Hotel

Included Meals: Breakfast onboard aircraft

DAY 3: APRIL 24, 2023

Welcome to your first full day in the cradle of wine! We begin our day with a tour of Old Tbilisi, which will include the historic churches of Mtskheta. This former capital of Georgia is home to historical monuments that are outstanding examples of medieval religious architecture in the Caucasus. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

The afternoon, we get up close and personal with the history of wine in Georgia with a visit to the Tbilisi Wine Museum. Winemaking in Georgia stretches back over 8,000 years of history. According to archaeological evidence, the first Georgian wines were made and stored in earthenware vessels called Qvevri. See the remains of some Qvevri in the main hall of the museum. Following our visit at the wine museum, we awaken our senses (and hopefully tastebuds!) with a cooking masterclass.

We cap off our day by coming together for a welcome dinner.

  • Tour of Old Tbilisi
  • Visit Tbilisi Wine Museum
  • Cooking Masterclass
  • Welcome dinner

Accommodation: Kopala Hotel

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 4: APRIL 25, 2023

This morning we visit the Georgian National Wine Agency to learn more about their role in the control and certification of wine production quality, as well as the promotion and progression of awareness in the Georgian wine industry.

Continuing our thirst for knowledge of the Georgian wine industry, this afternoon we will tour the Caucasus International University’s Viticulture and Winemaking Department to learn the similarities and differences between CIU and Niagara College’s programs and approach to wine.

  • Visit the National Wine Agency
  • Visit Caucasus International University

Accommodation: Kopala Hotel

Included Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5: APRIL 26, 2023

We have a busy day with some incredible tours and activities! We begin by exploring Kazbegi and the Gergeti Trinity Church. Surrounded by magical mountain peaks and stunning valleys, you will want to ensure your camera has a full charge with picture perfect landscapes such as these. The gorgeous landscapes continue as we visit the Dariali Valley and scenic waterfalls, enjoying our time in nature. A day full of natural beauty!

  •  Kazbegi Tour
  • Gergeti Church
  • Gveleti Waterfall or Arshe Waterfall
  • Dariali Valley

Accommodation: Kopala Hotel

Included Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6: APRIL 27, 2023

Today is all about fun and beautiful views. Pack a day bag and set out to explore Mtatsminda Park. This park is set atop Mount Mtatsminda, overlooking beautiful Tbilisi. Complete with cafes, souvenir shops, a large Ferris wheel, and even a rollercoaster – it will be a trip to the park that you will never forget!

  • Mtatsminda Park

Accommodation: Kopala Hotel

Included Meals: Breakfast

DAYS 7 – 9: APRIL 28 – 30, 2023

No trip to Georgia would be complete without visiting one of the principal wine producing regions of Georgia – Kakheti. This region is home to two river basins, Ivri and Alazani, which significantly influence the character of Kakhetian wines. We will be spending the next few days in this region, exploring the area and some of the incredible wineries that call it home.

  • Shumi Winery
  • Khareba Winery
  • Ruispiri Biodynamic Vineyard
  • Bagodoni Winery
  • Bodbe Monastery
  • Sighnaghi
  • Ikalto Monastery
  • Alaverdi Monastery
  • Dinner at Khareba Restaurant

Accommodation: Hotel Arge Telavi

Included Meals: Breakfast daily, 1 dinner

DAY 10: MAY 1, 2023

We make our return to Tbilisi this morning where we will stay for the remainder of our time in the incredible Republic of Georgia. The remainder of your day will be at your leisure.

  • Free time

Accommodation: Kopala Hotel

Included Meals: Breakfast

DAY 11: MAY 2, 2023

Today, we have the opportunity to take to the streets of Tbilisi on an optional bicycle tour! This tour is quite physically demanding and would be suitable for biking enthusiasts as it is approximately 25km!

  • Optional Bicycle Tour
  • Lunch

Accommodation: Kopala Hotel

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 12: MAY 3, 2023

Pack a day bag and board the bus as we begin our day by travelling to Marneuli to visit Gadachrili Gora, an archaeological site that is home to the oldest evidence of winemaking in the world. The evidence recorded dates back 8,000 years! The people living at Gadachrili Gora and a nearby village were the world’s earliest known vintners – producing wine on a large scale as early as 6,000 B.C., a time when prehistoric humans were still reliant on stone and bone tools.

We continue our day trip to Bolnisi, one of the most interesting and diverse districts of Georgia. During our time here we will be visiting St. Peter and Paul Monastery Cellar, as well as Shalos Cellar, for tours and tastings before heading back towards Tbilisi.

  • Visit Gadachrili Gora
  • Tour Bolnisi
  • Visit St Peter and Paul Monastery Cellar
  • Visit Shalos Cellar

Accommodation: Kopala Hotel

Included Meals: Breakfast

DAY 13: MAY 4, 2023

Be sure to grab an extra battery pack as we head out for another day trip outside Tbilisi that promises to be an exciting and educational day. Today we have our eyes set on Mtskheta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mtskheta has been inhabited since before 1,000 B.C. and was once the capital of the early Kingdom of Iberia (today’s Eastern Georgia). Once a major trading post, archaeologists have unearthed glass perfume bottles, pottery, metalwork, and jewelry that are presently on display in the town’s museum.

Our first stop is the Jvari Monastery, which overlooks the old capital and makes for an incredible photo stop. On arrival in Mtskheta, we will enjoy a tour and some shopping, including a visit to the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.

Our afternoon takes us to the Department of Agriculture’s experimental farm and vineyard at Sagaurmo where we will enjoy a tour. Following our tour of the experimental farm and vineyard, we carry on to Riravo Distillery and Tevza Winery for tasting and tours of their facilities.

The final stop of the day before returning to Tbilisi is Okami Winery, which dates back to the period of the Soviet Union in Georgia. Concluding our visit, we return to Tbilisi.

  • Visit and tour Mtskheta – UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Stop at Jvari Monastery
  • Tour an experimental farm & vineyard
  • Visit Riravo Distillery
  • Visit Tevza Winery
  • Visit Okami Winery

Accommodation: Kopala Hotel

Included Meals: Breakfast

DAY 14: MAY 5, 2023

Take your coffee to go this morning as we venture outside Tbilisi once more to visit the Samtskhe-Javakheti region. This is an ancient historical region and is known as the cradle of Georgian culture. Here you can find cyclopean fortresses built by ancient civilizations and the Castle of Kajeti. We will also visit Borjomi, known for its mineral springs and fresh mountain air.

  • Visit the Samtskhe-Javakheti region
  • Borjomi
  • Akhaltsikhe Castle, Rabati

Accommodation: Kopala Hotel

Included Meals: Breakfast

DAY 15: MAY 6, 2023

Also, on tap for today is a visit to Abanotubani, the ancient district of Tbilisi to take in a dip in the sulphur baths in a traditional bathhouse. It is these traditional bathhouses that gave the capital its name. Tbilisi means “warm place” in Georgian. Legend has it that back in the 5th century, King Vakhtang Gorgasali stumbled across the springs while hunting and was so impressed he built a city surrounding them.

Tonight, we come together as a group to bid our farewells to the incredible Cradle of Wine!

Accommodation: Kopala Hotel

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 16: MAY 7, 2023

It’s been an incredible time in Georgia, but it is time to say our goodbyes as we head back to Toronto.

Flight Information:  AF1053   07MAY   Tbilisi – Paris       09:00   12:10

AF356      07MAY   Paris – Toronto   14:05   16:05

Disclaimers: Be World Ready does their best to execute the itinerary as outlined above, however all elements are subject to change based on availability or requirement to adapt due to circumstances outside of our control. Cost of the overall experience may fluctuate up to a maximum of $200.00 +/- CAD due to volume of participants and local exchange rate. Students will be informed in writing as early as possible if it is foreseen that the cost will increase. Students are also reminded that it is their responsibility to research the entry requirements to the destination countries visited per their nationality and vaccination status.

* Price per student is in Canadian Dollars and reflects the Be World Ready (BWR) grant which has been applied to the total trip cost to heavily subsidize the rate per person for our Spring 2023 International Field Studies (IFS). Our future IFS BWR grants will not remain this high. To qualify for the full value of the BWR grant applied to this IFS, mandatory training and tasks are required to be completed, training and task expectations will be clearly communicated by BWR staff upon registration. Failure to complete the requirements as outlined by BWR staff will result in the value of the grant being billed back to the applicable student account, up to a maximum of $2500. Securing your seat on this trip will occur on a first come, first serve basis based on registration date, and meeting payment timelines.

Included

  • Round-trip airfare, including 1 checked bag (maximum weight is 23kg/50lb and maximum size is 158cm/62 linear inches)
  • Accommodations
  • Travel Insurance
  • Meals as outlined in the itinerary
  • Activities as described in the daily itinerary
  • Rate per student is in Canadian Dollars and inclusive of taxes and fees

Not Included

  • Visa Fees (if neccessary)
  • Passport (or any associated costs)
  • Transportation to/from Toronto
  • Meals not outlined in the daily itinerary
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Souvenirs
  • Departure taxes (otherwise known as an Exit Tax) or additional fees for items not noted as included, if applicable. Example of additional fees could be overweight baggage.
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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