Why I Left Australia to Study Dentistry in Georgia (And Why I Don’t Regret It)

If you had told me a few years ago that I’d be moving halfway across the world to study dentistry, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. Like most aspiring dental students in Australia, my original plan was to stay local. I spent countless hours preparing for the Australian application process, sat the GAMSAT, and put my applications in. Unfortunately, I missed out on securing a place.

Because dentistry in Australia is notoriously competitive, many students find themselves stuck in a cycle of reapplying year after year. I knew I didn’t want to be stuck in that limbo, but I also knew I still wanted to become a dentist. So, instead of waiting around, I started researching alternative pathways and looking at what other students were doing overseas.

That’s when I discovered Georgia. At first, it wasn’t a country I had ever considered, but the more research I did, the more it made sense. The universities offered internationally recognised programs, the admission process was more straightforward, and it gave me the opportunity to actually start pursuing my career without spending years reapplying back home.

After speaking with students who were already studying there and learning more about what the experience was actually like, I decided to take the leap. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I’ve made.

“You're Moving Where?” - Breaking the News to My Family

People always ask me how my family and friends reacted when I told them my plan. To be fair, they weren’t completely shocked - mostly because they knew how badly I wanted to study dentistry and that I was willing to do whatever it took to make it happen.

The funny part was that when I first told people I was moving to Georgia, a lot of them thought I meant Georgia the US state, not the country! That definitely led to a few confused conversations and a lot of laughs.

At first, most people thought it was a pretty crazy idea to move halfway across the world for dental school. There were a lot of questions about why Georgia and what life would be like there. But once I explained that there were already a number of Australian students studying here and that it was a pathway others had successfully taken, they became much more comfortable with the idea. Now that they’ve seen me settle in and progress through dental school, they’re a lot more supportive and confident that it was the right decision.

Getting In (And the Reality of Agency Fees)

Looking back, getting there was much easier than most people expect. Once I decided that studying dentistry in Georgia was the right path for me, the admissions process was actually quite fast and straightforward.

I initially applied through an agency, and they were helpful in guiding me through the paperwork and assisting with the recognition of credits from my previous pre-medical degree. Thanks to that, I was able to receive credit for a number of subjects I had already completed, which made the transition much smoother.

One thing I did notice, however, was how much some agencies charge - especially considering most applicants are students already dealing with tuition fees, flights, and relocation costs. Having gone through the process myself, I realised that while guidance is valuable, the fees can sometimes be difficult to justify.

As I started sharing my journey on TikTok and showing what life is really like as an international dental student in Georgia, more and more students began reaching out. That naturally led me to start helping students with their own applications. For me, it’s never really been about running an agency. It’s about helping students navigate a pathway that I personally went through, answering questions honestly, and making the transition as smooth as possible. Since I’ve lived the experience firsthand, students know they’re getting advice from someone who’s actually studying dentistry in Georgia rather than someone simply selling a destination.

What Studying Here is Actually Like vs. Back Home

Adapting to a new country also meant adapting to a completely new academic system. Here is a breakdown of the biggest differences I experienced transitioning from my Australian Health Sciences degree to a Georgian dental program:

The biggest adjustment is probably how continuous the assessment is. In Georgia, we’re orally tested every week on the material covered in the previous class for most subjects. At first, that was something I wasn’t used to, but it definitely forces you to stay on top of the content rather than cramming before exams.

Another major difference is that everything is delivered in person. Whether it’s a lecture, laboratory session, or clinical practical, attendance is expected. Given that dentistry is such a hands-on profession, I actually appreciate that approach.

Finding Patients and Surviving the Language Barrier

One thing that surprises a lot of people is that the university doesn’t provide patients for you. As dental students, we’re responsible for finding our own patients, which usually means asking in student group chats, community groups, or simply bringing friends and family members. It sounds intimidating at first, but in reality, it tends to work out quite well.

As for the language, everything in the dental program is taught in English, so there’s no requirement to be fluent in Georgian. That said, learning the Georgian language is actually a subject within the program, which has been a really fun part of the experience. Learning basic phrases helps a lot and gives you a deeper appreciation for the culture.

I’ve found that language barriers aren’t as big of an issue as many people expect. The younger generation, in particular, speaks and understands English quite well. There have definitely been a few funny moments where I’ve tried using my Georgian and completely butchered the pronunciation, only to have the patient switch to perfect English and save the conversation. Those moments are always humbling!

Let's Talk Money and Mental Health

Compared to Australia, the cost of living is noticeably lower. Accommodation, food, transportation, and day-to-day expenses are generally much more affordable, which takes a lot of financial pressure off students.

One thing that attracts many international students is the tuition fees. Depending on the university, you’re generally looking at around USD 5,000-6,000 per year, which is significantly lower than what many students would expect to pay in Australia, the UK, or other parts of Europe. As for hidden costs, I personally haven’t encountered any major surprises. The overall expenses are more predictable than I initially expected.

However, one thing people don’t talk about enough is the mental toll of being so far away from your support network.

Social media can make studying abroad look exciting all the time, but there are definitely moments when you miss family events, birthdays, holidays, and simply being around the people you’ve known your whole life. Academically, you’re also adapting to a completely different system while trying to build a new life. During the first few months, you’re not just learning dentistry - you’re learning how to navigate a different culture, healthcare system, language, and way of life. It takes time to find your rhythm.

Will I Go Back to Australia? (And My Biggest Piece of Advice)

Australia has always been the place where I ultimately want to practise, and that goal hasn’t changed. My family, friends, and long-term future are there. That being said, studying abroad has definitely opened my eyes to how many opportunities exist internationally. I’ve met students and professionals from all over the world, and it’s made me realise that there isn’t just one pathway to becoming a dentist.

If I could go back in time to Day 1 of packing my bags in Australia, my biggest piece of advice to myself would be that time is going to fly by much faster than you think.

When you’re standing in the airport saying goodbye to your family, it feels like such a huge chapter ahead of you. You think you have all the time in the world. Then suddenly you’re looking back wondering where the years went. So, enjoy every moment. The good days, the difficult days, the stressful exams, the random late-night conversations with friends, the weekend trips, and even the moments when things don’t go according to plan.

You will miss home, and there will be times when it’s hard. But whenever that happens, remember why you made the decision in the first place. Remember the goal, remember the sacrifices, and remember how badly you wanted this opportunity. The difficult moments pass, but the experience and growth stay with you forever.

If you’d like to follow my journey, here’s a link to my TikTok: @elchamiadonis