project tbilisi
a 2-week journalism programme in georgia's capital
Discover Tbilisi, tell your stories, and bring your magazine publication to life!
We’ve teamed up with a local Tbilisi-based travel journalist to launch a new 2-week publishing programme. Join us for an exciting journalistic adventure in Eurasia: hidden courtyards, bustling markets, underground art scenes, historic neighbourhoods, unrivalled food and compelling stories. Working as a team of reporters, you’ll get out into the city, meet the characters, uncover local gems, conduct interviews, take photographs and write your journalistic travel guide. The course culminates in a beautifully designed magazine, featuring your articles, photographs, recommendations and discoveries, which is published online and printed with your bylines. This is a unique way to see Tbilisi, while finding your voice, making new friends, memories and mementos you’re genuinely proud of.
What's included
Work with us to make a travel guide to Tbilisi //
Your byline features in a pro publication //
The magazine is published online and printed //
You’ll receive printed copies of your collective work //
Regular journalism workshops & 1-1 feedback //
Certificate of course completion and references //
Visit a local media outlet – see local pros up close //
Historical & architectural tours //
Traditional Georgian wine tasting and cooking class //
Day trips across Georgia //
Accommodation during your stay in Tbilisi //
Pickup at the airport / train / bus station //
Tbilisi public transport card //
E-sim for unlimited roaming in Georgia //
Tbilisi Dates // Prices
May 8 – May 22 2027
€1475
Early registration 10% discount (deposit paid in 2026)
Group bookings 10% discount
the tbilisi team
William Barber
Will has been coordinating TTJ's journalism programmes for 7 years, working with groups of international students, bringing to life cultural magazines guides primarily covering Berlin. He'll be onsite in Tbilisi managing the day-day and overseeing workshops, as well as the Project Tbilisi print and online publication.
Baia Dzagnidze
Baia Dzagnidze is a Tbilisi-born travel content creator, writer, and blogger behind Red Fedora Diary. She writes about Tbilisi, Georgia, and destinations beyond, covering culture, food, history, and travel experiences. Her work has appeared in National Geographic Food, Wanderlust, Lonely Planet, Horizon Guides, and other publications.
why tbilisi?
The East-meets-West setting of Tbilisi creates the perfect backdrop for our journalism project and your stories. A blend of Persian, Ottoman and Soviet influenced architecture sprawl the Mtkvari river and hillsides, making the city a photography-playground. Expect legendary hospitality, with some amusing characters and a seriously strong and diverse food and wine culture. Dig through the winding markets for clothes, trinkets, ancient books and memorabilia, or take in the street art and countless exhibitions. Enjoy a mix of traditional and modern nightlife: polyphonic singing and folk dancing, or the vibrant bar and club scene. Tbilisi is our project base but we’ll also take some tours into the incredible Georgian nature, visiting vineyards, mountains and monasteries.
programme outline
Journalism crash course
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Admin: How to submit your work / magazine style guide / who’s our target audience
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What is journalism?
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Separating journalism from PR and non-fiction
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How to be complimentary without sucking up
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How to be critical without being dismissive
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Journalism and AI
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Opinions & propaganda
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Finding your voice
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Consider your journalistic angles
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Good practise: detailed, descriptive, precise
Reporting / Site visits
- Learn the essentials of journalism while putting together a magazine guide
- Explore Tbilisi as an in-the-field reporter
- You’ll be writing 6-8 short-form ‘blurb’ articles of places around the city
- Shorter does not equal easier! We’ll help you say what you want within the word count
- Take notes, take photos, ask questions
- Research your sites/topics in depth
- Connect with people related to your topics
Editing and feedback
- Articles submitted for feedback and editing rounds
- 1-1s to give you full attention
- These pieces should be very well researched, so know your topic
- Always double check your facts, figures etc before submission
- Be prepared for some scrutiny!
Bringing the magazine together
- Create the masthead / imprint
- Start a flatplan – this gives us an overview of the magazine and page counts
- Team photo for the magazine
- Writers / photographers credits and bios
- Contents page
Deadlines
- Making a magazine in just 2 weeks is not easy
- We’ll have strict deadlines for all articles
- Stick to the guidelines for submitting and formatting
- Unfinished / unedited work could be cut from the publication
- If you need more time please communicate
Closing stages
- Be prepared for some long days as we finalise everything
- All your articles should be submitted for a last edit
- We’ll print colour proofs and read through them as a team
- Fact-checking team go through all the details
- Magazine is published online using Adobe In-design
- Magazine is sent for printing
- We’ll post you some copies when they arrive
who's this for?
Students //
Gap-years //
Freelance creatives //
Job changers //
Aspiring writers & journalists //
Travel / Food / History Bloggers //
Anyone Georgia-curious //
Testimonials
previous publications
applications
Ready to join us?
Like more info?
FAQs
English is not my first language, can I manage this programme?
Sure! The language barrier is not the biggest hurdle, as long as you understand your assignments, and your reporting is in shape, we’re here to help fine tune your written pieces.
I have no journalism experience, will I have trouble keeping up?
Previous experience is not needed to take this programme, the goals are obtainable for beginners and those curious to know if journalism is the right path. It does require perseverance and commitment, though.
I’m a university journalism student, is this programme relevant for me?
Yes! We’re not heavy on journalism theory – you’ll be working in a newsroom, filing real reports. Your features will be published in a pro magazine with your byline.
I'd like to find my own accommodation in Tbilisi, is this OK?
Sure! Please let us know this and we’ll adjust your invoice accordingly
Why should I make a magazine?
Magazines and publishing maybe feel like dated concepts, but they are actually still very good journalistic practise. Every word and claim counts, and there needs to be serious precision in everything we do – once it’s sent for print there’s no going back! Not to mention you get printed copies of your work as meaningful memories and proof of your publication.
provider info
Our Goal
Our mission is to connect, inspire and develop budding journalists, writers and designers through our Tbilisi based programme.
Inclusion Policy
Our organisation does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, religion, disability or any other protected characteristics
Student Expectations
Enrolled students are expected to treat each other and our teachers with respect.
Our course sizes are small, and we expect our students to attend classes and complete their assignments according to the schedule.
The use of drugs is strictly prohibited during our courses.
Plagiarism and flagrant use of generative AI to complete an assignment is forbidden unless authorised by staff in special circumstances.
Anticipated Fees
Our course fees vary, but you will always find them on the relevant course page. The fees do not include flights or meals. Please ask us for up-to-date anticipated costs.
Essential Eligibility Criteria
Our course is primarily classroom based, but we do require movement across the city to visit the sites you’d like to report on. All our classes are taught in, and require, spoken and written English. Participants must be 18 or over during the programme.
