Summary
- Affordable MBBS option with English-medium teaching in Georgia
- Cultural shock, food issues, and homesickness faced initially
- Mixed academic experience with FMGE prep challenges
- Supportive Indian student community eases emotional adjustment
MBBS in Georgia is fast becoming a popular choice for Indian students who don’t get seats in Indian government colleges or cannot afford high-cost private institutions. While admission experts and brochures present a beautiful picture of campuses, the real experience goes far beyond the surface.
In this blog, we will listen directly to the Indian student experience of MBBS in Georgia, bringing you first-hand stories that cover everything from cultural adaptation and language barriers to academic struggles and moments of joy.
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Why Georgia? What Attracted Indian Students?
“My NEET score wasn’t enough for a government seat in India, and private colleges were too expensive. Georgia felt like the right path.” – Pranav M., Gruni, 3rd Year
Top reasons cited:
- No donation-based admission
- Affordable tuition fees (₹20–35 lakh for the entire course)
- Globally recognised MBBS degree
- Focus on clinical exposure and English-medium instruction
First Impressions and Culture Shock
Priya, a second-year student at Tbilisi State Medical University (TSMU), recalls:
“The moment I landed in Tbilisi, I realized how different everything was. People spoke Georgian or Russian, the food was unfamiliar, and even buying basic groceries felt like an achievement.”
Culture Shock:
- Homesickness due to unfamiliar festivals and food
- Difficulty in adjusting to cold weather and public transport
- Confusion around using local currency (Lari) and Georgian SIM cards
Tips:
- Join Indian student groups and food communities early on
- Carry ready-to-eat Indian food for the first 2 weeks
- Download offline translation apps like Google Translate or SayHi
Inside the Classroom: Teaching Style & Language Challenges
Ravi, currently in his 4th year at New Vision University (NVU), shares:
“The biggest challenge was understanding the Georgian accent during lectures. Most professors speak good English, but it takes time to get used to.”
Academic Pros:
- English-medium teaching with supportive professors
- Modern labs and simulation equipment
- Access to government hospitals for clinical rotations
“The syllabus is tough, but manageable. FMGE coaching helps. The first year is the most crucial.” – Neha S., GRUNI
Academic Cons:
- Some modules taught with slides only, lack of textbooks
- Limited face-to-face doubt clearing in the first year
- Language barrier during hospital rounds in rural areas
Read Here: Top 5 MBBS Colleges in Georgia Ranked by Indian Students
Hostel Life, Food & Daily Routine
Most Indian students either stay in university hostels or nearby rented flats. Grogol Robakidge University (GRUNI) student Saurav Banerjee tells us:
“Hostel rooms are decent, but I missed home food terribly in the first few months. Thankfully, we now have a small Indian mess run by a senior.”
Common Hostel Features:
- Heating and Wi-Fi included
- Shared rooms with 2-3 roommates
- Indian kitchens allowed (in private hostels)
Food Struggles & Solutions:
- Indian groceries are available in Tbilisi and Batumi
- Some universities offer Indian mess (TSMU, GRUNI, NVU)
- Students eventually learn to cook!
Emotional Health & Support Systems
Adapting to a foreign country can be mentally exhausting. Some students face loneliness, performance pressure, and seasonal depression.
How Students Cope:
- Weekly video calls with family
- Campus mental health counsellors (available in select universities)
- Indian student unions organising Diwali, Holi, and cricket tournaments
“It was the Holi celebration organized by our Indian seniors that made me feel I belonged here.” Said Richa, 3rd year student at GRUNI
Read Also: Which MBBS in Georgia College [2025] Suits You Most?
FMGE Preparation & Future Outlook
While Georgia is a preferred destination for MBBS, students still need to clear the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) or NEXT in India.
FMGE/NEXT Challenges:
- Some colleges lack structured FMGE coaching
- Students rely on online apps like PrepLadder or MARROW
Proactive Steps by Students:
- Forming weekend study groups
- Attending guest lectures by Indian professors
- Choosing colleges that offer in-house FMGE coaching (e.g., GRUNI, BAU International University)
Pros and Cons Summary
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Globally recognized degrees | Language barrier in clinical years |
| Affordable tuition & hostel | Homesickness & emotional stress |
| English-medium instruction | FMGE preparation is self-driven |
| Multi-cultural exposure | Initial food and climate adaptation |
Is Georgia the Right Fit for You?
MBBS in Georgia is not just an academic decision, but a personal and emotional journey. The stories of students show that success here demands resilience, adaptability, and a strong support network. For those who are prepared, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience, both professionally and personally.
Also Read: NMC Guidelines for MBBS in Georgia in 2025
