Job Discussion Forums

[aris]

Hi there,

I apologize if this is not the correct forum for my topic, since it's more related to the location than to teaching. I've had an offer from one of the Moscow McSchools for a 9-month contract starting a month from now. I have to decide very soon and I have a few concerns, the main one being that I'm gay (male), and … well yeah, Russia isn't the most gay-friendly place and it seems to be getting worse. I would really appreciate any feedback from anyone who's there. I do know some Russian so that's a plus, and it's the only offer I've received so far.
The other thing is that I want to bring my cat, and pets are not allowed in the provided accommodation. They can offer 10500 per month for teachers to find their own, but that seems awfully low from what I have read on this forum. And I don't know where to start - are there any good websites for people looking for a flat share in Moscow in English or Russian?

Thanks!

[teacher X]

Don't go running around the streets in leather hot pants screaming out loud that you're gay and you should be alright.
I know a couple of gay teachers here and they haven't voiced any problems. They're obviously gay (at least to me), but Russians don't seem able to pick up on it. Perhaps the 'gay' intonation in the voice is lost in translation and the mannerisms are just not noticeable to the average Russian. Hopefully that makes sense.

I've read that there are a couple of gay bars in Moscow too, although I've never seen them myself, so I can't verify that they are real.

10,500 rubles to find your own apartment? That's horrendously low.
My McSkool offers 18,000 (which isn't great, but it can certainly rent you a room). But for 10k I would expect you to have to share a room with someone else, which I'm sure is not something you'd want to do.

Don't forget that the startup cash for an apartment can be very high, including a month up front, a month's rent as a deposit and agency fees, which usually also amount to a month's rent. You'd be looking at around $1500 money upfront (that's a lower estimate, but I'm sure the other posters here can correct me on this)

As for flatshares, I know that there are a few, but I don't know any off the top of my head. If nobody else here can provide you with the info I'll ask some of my friends.

I'd just leave the cat at home.

[aris]

Thanks for the reply Teacher X. A couple of unconfirmed gay bars in a city of 10 million! Doesn't sound very promising... Anyway, my main objective right now is getting some teaching experience, although having a life wouldn't be bad either. Anyone that has some more info on this coming from personal experience but is reluctant to say anything here is welcome to pm me.
On the flat issue. Yeah, 10,500 will hardly get me anything. The funny thing is their website states $400 for accommodation, but my offer only 10500, I wonder why the discrepancy. If you can get any info from your friends re. flatshares it will be very welcome.

[LAR1SSA]

[aris]

Thanks, that's very encouraging! I'll leave my chaps at home, then…

[RussianWinter]

expat.ru is a good bet for finding a flat. When are you arriving? I know several people who are leaving in the next month.

[aris]

In two weeks. Thanks for the offer to help! Actually I've been allowed to stay at the accommodation provided by my school, with the cat… But I'll be in touch if it turns out to be too far away or something, or if my future flatmate and the cat don't get along.