About Us
Our Mission and Vision
MISSION:
The Organization for Liberal Education in Georgia (OLEG) aims to promote and enrich traditional liberal arts education. We are committed to the belief that liberal education endeavors to free human beings from unexamined opinions and to equip them to make thoughtful choices in both societal and personal life.
We conduct programs to:
• develop a diverse, informed network of individuals and liberal arts institutions
• drive a cross-cultural exchange of ideas and human resources between the nation of Georgia and the United States
• facilitate opportunities to extend the benefits of liberal education.
VISON:
OLEG envisions developing a community of lifelong learners, excellent parents, friends, and citizens who revive and generate the Georgian tradition of liberal education, an education of careful listening, respect, and thoughtfulness that is the best foundation for individuals and democratic societies.
Our Values
Our History
OLEG began as a student endeavor in Spring 2008 lead by students Nini Aduashvili, a native of Georgia, and Noel Brockett of St. John’s College, Annapolis, MD. That summer, it conducted its first Summer Program. Four students and one professor traveled from St. John’s to hold a one-week workshop in Tbilisi. The success of this program had a wonderful effect on both institutions. New Gelati’s enrollment doubled in one year. The St. John’s students started the Qartuli Club as a way to introduce fellow students to Georgian culture. All of the students and faculty from both institutions reported personal growth experiences which you can read about here.
Our Partners
New Gelati Academy, within Grigol Robakidze University
New Gelati Academy is a classical “liberal arts” baccalaureate program with the addition of some elements that are designed to equip students to make an effective transition to careers or graduate study after receiving their diplomas from New Gelati Academy, the school of liberal arts and sciences of Grigol Robakidze University. New Gelati is located in Tbilisi, Georgia and the primary language of instruction is English.
New Gelati is OLEG's primary partner in promoting traditional liberal arts education in the country of Georgia. Through OLEG's partnership with New Gelati we together have identified their primary needs as
- faculty development
- student enrollment
- help establishing the Bachelor of Arts with the Georgian Ministry of Education.
OLEG continues to assist and work with New Gelati to achieve these goals and seek out more ways to fullfil our larger mission of promoting traditional liberal arts education in the country of Georgia.
Georgian Holidays - Travel Company
The Georgian Holidays travel company in Tbilisi, Georgia works with OLEG to arrange all of its travel needs for its programs. As their website says:
Our experienced team offers you high quality service. Our mission is to put together your perfect trip, to help you with wide array of travel options, support your personal preferences with creative solutions. Easy planning and efficient management will make your holidays unforgettable.
Their expert coordinaters always work to meet the challenging demands of our programs. Without their great work and cost-effecient rates our work would not be possible. We invite you to visit their website and learn more.
