Job Discussion Forums

Susya · Joined: 09 May 2016 Posts: 6

New poster here, be gentle please!

I am looking for a TEFL job in Moscow for September 2016, and have an interview coming up with Simply English Moscow. Has anyone worked for them who can give me some information on what it's actually like?

This site makes them, or at least their branch office, look like hell on earth:

http://simplyenglishscam.com/

maruss · Joined: 18 Mar 2003 Posts: 1145 Location: Cyprus

Surely one look at that site is enough to tell you to run fast as far away as possible from these people?
I believe every word of what he says and its' clearly documented!

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

I agree with maruss. This seems quite solid, it's very recent, and it is highly unlikely you will get any/many responses here that are more credible about this specific school.

I would look elsewhere.

Partizan · Joined: 11 Jan 2013 Posts: 61

Susya · Joined: 09 May 2016 Posts: 6

It is 100% clear to me that I do not want to be within a mile of Simply English Kolomna or any of the people involved with that mess, including Travis. If I were into soap opera, I'd also want to know why a DC lawyer is trying to teach TEFL in Kolomna and why he ignored all the red flags.

What is not clear to me is whether the Moscow Simply English folks are equally nuts, which is why I am looking around for someone who has actually worked for them. Unlike Travis, I am not skipping the research part. Nor am I going to just bop off to Moscow without all the paperwork in order. I don't set foot on a plane until I have a work visa and a contract in Russian, among other things. And since my Russian language skills are only moderate, it will be checked over by a native as well.

And I am not looking only at Simply English.

I should possibly start a new topic looking for general advice, but please know that I did not just fall off the turnip truck with regard to Russia. I've spent several months there over the last few years teaching under the table in a field completely unrelated to English or TEFL. I have held four Russian tourist visas, the most recent of which expires soon, and I did the paperwork and consulate visits myself, so I know how the process goes. I am already familiar with Moscow and have spent a month or so there living with a Russian family.

What I do not have is TEFL certification, which limits where I can work.

(Please skip the "how do you know you can teach English?" commentary. I have a Master's in Education with specialization in English, and eighteen years of teaching experience in a different field. I know how to prepare lessons and teach. And yes, I know that TEFL cert would help, but I don't have a good option other than an online course, which does not seem to be well-respected/accepted. As noted above, not stupid!)

I know I could make more money elsewhere (if I could get around the TEFL-less issue), but my interest is specifically in Russia, thanks.

Susya · Joined: 09 May 2016 Posts: 6

Travis is quite easy to Google.

http://suechasebank.com/mw19/index.php?title=About_us

https://www.linkedin.com/in/travb

Judge for yourself.

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

I think you'd be better off relying on the contacts you presumably have in Moscow to help you vet schools there.

This board's simply not active enough for it to be likely that someone here will have direct knowledge of specific schools. I can speak only for one Moscow school myself, and it does not hire non-certified teachers.

maruss · Joined: 18 Mar 2003 Posts: 1145 Location: Cyprus

Unless you can land a job with an International School that pays very well and has other perks,then I wouldn't even consider going to Russia now-as you have been there recently, you surely know the situation on the ground better than most of us?
Without a specialised English teaching quaification such as Celta or Tesol,which is a four week intensive course,you will most probably have trouble finding any decent work in this field but if you are really determined and have around $1500 to spare,firms such as BKC in Moscow run them and they are officially recognised, so your certificate will be bona-fide,although I wouldn't want to work for them afterwards!But be warned, its a very intensive course and you have to be determined and dedicated to get through it!

rottenflesh · Joined: 22 Apr 2010 Posts: 32

I worked here for a full contract term (9 months). Feel free to message or post any questions you may have.