Job Discussion Forums

Chancellor · Last edited by Chancellor on Wed Jun 04, 2014 1:42 am; edited 1 time in total

Okay, I just finished a contract at a language school in Kazakhstan and was going to be hired by another school in Astana. My visa expired and I obviously had to leave KZ in order to do the visa run. I just received an e-mail from the prospective employer who was trying to process a new visa. The e-mail states (the [sic] is mine):

"I gave your documents and certificates with diplomas to the ministry of foreign affairs [sic]. Unfortunatelly [sic], they said that they do not provide visa to holders of TESL or Celta [sic]."

So, does this mean no more native speaker English teachers who have TESOL certifications (e.g. CELTA)? Something seems strange about that. Before I left, the new employer stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had mentioned wanting to see on the university transcripts a statement about being eligible to teach (something you will not find on American university transcripts since eligibility to teach comes from state governments, not universities).

I tried looking for information on the website for the KZ embassy in the US, but there was nothing. Hopefully, the embassy will respond to my e-mail, though I doubt it.

lucifer911 · Joined: 02 Feb 2009 Posts: 58

do you have a bachelors degree? CELTA is recognised everywhere. I think they mean we do not provide VISA to holders of CELTA without bachelors degree. If you have a bachelors degree what course did you complete?

also may I ask how long did your VISA last?

Chancellor · Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2014 2:25 am Post subject:

I have a bachelor of science degree in multidisciplinary studies and a graduate certificate in global studies. I also have a 250-hour TESOL certificate with 20-hour teaching practicum. Here's a further update from the prospective employer:

"One of the criteria is appostiled and translated into Russian or Kazakh languages Bachelor or Master degree's diploma that proves the right to teach or/and has the subjects of teaching the language. And the second is DELTA."

American university degrees don't confer on people the right to teach. For example, I'm eligible to teach early childhood to 8th grade and ESL in the State of Texas, but that's because I completed a teacher certification program and passed the state content examinations. However, these are not associated with my degree or graduate certificate.

lucifer911 · Joined: 02 Feb 2009 Posts: 58

it seems like they want TEFL teachers with a masters degree in applied linguistics just to get VISA approval. They are going to have a tough time filling teacher vacancies by expecting a masters degree and more importantly a DELTA?? I would hope they pay the appropriate salary for someone with those qualifications because most people would take up good positions in universities in Saudi, UAE, China, Korea etc.

The Russia forum on here is quiet so hopefully someone with knowledge on this can give more insight into the CIS countries.

meridok · Joined: 10 May 2012 Posts: 3

most schools get round that problem by stating that they are hiring 'Tutors to develop English speech' rather than 'English Teachers'. In that case you need an apostilled copy of your CELTA so that the school can get a visa support number.

Chancellor · Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2014 1:41 am Post subject:

We'll see what happens. There's a prospective employer in Atyrau that's going to try to process a visa.

lucifer911 · Joined: 02 Feb 2009 Posts: 58

good luck.. keep us updated.

robinbanks · Joined: 28 Apr 2009 Posts: 77

I have a Bachelor's degree and a masters in Applied Linguistics plus a teaching certificate.Does that seem enough to get a work permit?Any tips about living in KZ.What's the tax situation like?

Chancellor · Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2014 8:00 pm Post subject: Re: Working in Khazakstan

jonniboy · Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2014 4:15 pm Post subject:

I taught in Almaty 2012-13 and there were teachers working there with visa and without degree. As Maruss said, a lot of schools class you as "Tutor for developing English skills." KZ is the type of place where a lot of laws are flexible if you can pay the right people off.

Chancellor · Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2014 8:33 pm Post subject:

I decided not to deal with all that bureaucratic nonsense and accepted an offer from a middle school in China.

Chancellor · Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2014 4:02 am Post subject:

UPDATE: Kazakhstan recently announced that for one year starting July 15, 2014, citizens from 10 countries (including the US and UK) will not require a visa if they're visiting Kazakhstan for 15 days or less. Too bad that doesn't apply to work visas.