Job Discussion Forums

[rupert shellgame]

If I accept a job before arrivng, get there, find it's bad or there's something better, how easy is it to change? Would it be better to come over with the job already or to come over and spend some time looking around?

Thank you

[spiral78]

And you're from where? And have what qualifications? And you're going to get a visa to enter Russia how, other than through an employer?

[rupert shellgame]

I'm from the U.S., I've been teaching English in Taiwan for ten years, I've taught university and high school Russian in the U.S. 15 years ago. I don't know about the visa.

[spiral78]

The US citizenship may in future be a plus, if the warm relationships promised by national leaders actually develop. Meanwhile, you need a visa to go to Russia, and it's not simple to score one of these. I suggest you inquire at your nearest Russian embassy; you might also ask if a tourist visa can be converted to a work visa if you find a job (I suspect it would be complicated, but I've always had only work visas, so don't know personally).

You would also be well-served to start applying to schools, though it's not peak hiring period. See if you get any bites; the job market isn't by any means desperate for native speakers, even those with stronger quals.

No CELTA or equivalent cert? That's a drawback.

Your 10 years in Taiwan isn't likely to hold much water as Russian students are a very different kettle of fish to those in Asia, and most employers are keenly aware of this.

Your (presumed) Russian language skills will help.

[GF]

[rupert shellgame]

I do not require income asap, but eventually will. I'm willing to take a job, however, if that's the easiest or only way to get a visa. What I'm asking is: how hard is it to change a job sponsoring your visa if you don't like it?

[spiral78]

That's a question for the embassy, and possibly for a potential employer. It's not that common just to change a visa mid-stream in Russia - as GF notes, it's a place to be sure your legal ducks are in a row at all times.

You are unlikely to get many replies here from people who've done it, outside of those few who have Russian family and long-term relations, and who thus have different types of legal status than you would as a newcomer.

[rupert shellgame]

Well I'm fine with coming over with a job, I don't mind working, I'm just curious what happens if the job is absolute hell. If you find a new job can you change sponsorship?

I've lived in Russia before, speak it fluently, have a lot of friends there, and am no stranger to adveristy or hard work. I really wanna go back and try it out bu obviously it's a different place now. My wife would be going with. She doesn't have the Russian but is working on it.

[spiral78]

[GF]

This isn't a good time to go with a spouse who isn't also generating an income unless your connections can put you up or provide you a low-rent flat. The plum jobs are far and few between and don't usually go to newbies to the country.

[stuckinusa]

OP,
I feel that Spiral has been somewhat misinformed about how difficult it is for Americans to get a Russian visa. In reality, the process for Americans to get a Russian visa was simplified a few years ago due to a treaty between the U.S and Russia. Americans can now get visas to Russia that are good for 3 years and I "believe" Americans can stay in Russia for up to 6 months at a time on that visa, but you'll have to do a double check on that. So no, it is not hard to get a Russian visa. Its just a matter of some red tape and money.

[stuckinusa]

If you want to go to Russia to look for a job you should get a tourist or business visa to enter the country. Once you secure a job, you may have to leave the country until they get your work permit sorted out. Once that is sorted out, you can re-enter the country and start working.

[spiral78]

[stuckinusa]

[spiral78]