Taste the City: English, Food & Stories in Tbilisi
A four-night / five-day ESL food and culture retreat where adults practise English through Georgian food, walking tours, history, hospitality, and storytelling.
Dates
24–28 June 2026
Location
Tbilisi, Georgia
Level
Adults, B1+ friendly
Themes
Food · Culture · Language
More Than a Food Tour
This retreat is not only about food. The deeper theme is connection — how food connects people to place, memory, history, hospitality, identity, and storytelling.
Tbilisi is ideal for this experience because the Old Town, sulfur bath district, Narikala area, balconies, food culture, wine traditions, khinkali, khachapuri, supra, and tamada toast culture naturally connect language, history, and real-life communication.
What Participants Will Do
- Practise real English communication in social, cultural, and food-based settings
- Explore Tbilisi through guided walking activities
- Learn useful English for describing food, places, atmosphere, and experiences
- Take part in food-review tasks, storytelling games, and mini-presentations
- Experience Georgian hospitality, including food traditions and toast culture
- Build confidence speaking English with other adults
- Create a final 'My Tbilisi Story' presentation or short video
Five Days in Tbilisi
Daily Itinerary
First Taste, First Impressions
Arrival, confidence, first impressions, and sensory English.
- Welcome session: The Taste of a City
- Tbilisi Food & Culture Passport
- “Three Objects, One Story” speaking activity
- Walking icebreaker: Find the City
- Welcome dinner and Menu Detective speaking game
Language focus: Describing places, food, atmosphere, and first impressions.
Food as History
Connecting food, places, and historical change.
- Storytelling warm-up: The City Before Us
- Old Town / Meidan / Abanotubani / Narikala food-history walk
- Team video challenge
- Acting task: The Feast in Old Tbilisi
- Blogger-led dinner session: How to Taste Like a Food Blogger
Language focus: Past simple, historical storytelling, sequencing, and explaining reasons.
Hospitality and Human Connection
Invitations, politeness, gratitude, and cultural comparison.
- The Language of Hospitality
- Good Host / Difficult Guest role plays
- Hospitality observation walk
- Design the Perfect Welcome group project
- Optional toast practice / light social dinner
Language focus: Inviting, offering, accepting, refusing politely, and giving compliments.
From Tourist to Storyteller
Becoming confident English storytellers and mini food-tour guides.
- Food Blogger English workshop
- Tbilisi Food Tour Challenge
- Design a 60–90 minute mini food tour
- Become the Guide rehearsal
- Blogger-led dinner session with live storytelling model
- 45-second food blogger moment in English
Language focus: Storytelling, recommendations, comparing, and giving reasons.
My Tbilisi Story
Reflection, confidence, and final storytelling.
- Final project: My Tbilisi Story
- Short final presentation or video
- Memory Walk
- Closing circle
- Certificates and small awards
Language focus: Past tense, personal reflection, storytelling, and future intentions.
Daily English Goals
Describe a new city, food, and atmosphere using sensory language.
Tell a simple historical story connected to a place and dish.
Invite, offer, accept, refuse politely, and compare hospitality traditions.
Create and present a short food-tour story in English.
Tell your personal Tbilisi story with confidence.
Who This Is For
This retreat is for adults who want to improve their spoken English in a real, social, and memorable way. It is especially suitable for learners around B1 level and above who want more confidence using English outside the classroom.
Why Tbilisi?
Tbilisi offers the perfect mix of food, history, walking culture, hospitality, Old Town atmosphere, sulfur baths, viewpoints, Georgian traditions, and unforgettable meals. It gives participants something real to talk about every day.
Your Hosts
Professor Christopher Korten
Oxford & Cambridge · International Teacher Trainer
With over twenty years of international experience across five continents, Professor Korten works with universities, institutions, and educators worldwide. He brings deep expertise in ESL methodology, communication training, and immersive learning design.
Arevik & The Bites Blog
Food Storytelling · Cultural Immersion
Arevik and The Bites Blog bring food storytelling, Georgian cultural expertise, and a talent for turning every meal into a memorable experience. Their knowledge of Tbilisi's food scene and traditions adds depth and authenticity to every day of the retreat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What level of English do I need?
This retreat is designed for adults at B1 level and above. You should be comfortable having basic conversations in English, even if you want to improve your confidence and fluency.
Is this a language course?
Not in the traditional sense. This is an immersive experience where you practise English naturally through food, culture, walking tours, and social activities — not through textbooks or grammar drills.
What is included?
The programme includes all guided sessions, walking activities, food experiences during the programme, materials, and a certificate of completion. Accommodation and flights are not included.
Who are the hosts?
The retreat is led by Professor Christopher Korten, Arevik, and The Bites Blog — combining expertise in English language education, cultural immersion, and food storytelling.
How do I register?
You can reserve your place using the Stripe payment link on this page, or contact professorkorten@gmail.com for any questions.
Reserve Your Place
Join us in Tbilisi from 24–28 June for five days of English, food, culture, walking tours, and unforgettable communication practice.
Questions? Contact professorkorten@gmail.com