Job Discussion Forums

[mrpoe]

Does anyone have any first hand information about Language Link or one of the other schools in St. Petersburg (positive and negative)?

I plan on relocating to St. P. in the Autumn. I have a CELTA, a year of experience, degree, etc. I'd prefer a school that will process my visa, provide private (not shared) accommodation, average salary for the market, Russian language lessons and positive working environment.

I found a couple of other recent posts with questions about St. P. No one responded. Have all the teachers fled the city ?

All responses welcome.

[Peg Leg Pete]

Don't bother with Master Class. You'll be waiting an age to get paid. The admin there gets really annoyed about teachers expecting to be paid.

Apart from them, I've no other info on St P.

[Linochka]

I was given the only current vacancy in St P with LL a couple of weeks ago, so I was quite curious about it too. I'm still waiting for my LOI so I can apply for the visa, so I can't give any first hand experience yet, still being in the UK and all.

I've heard the turnover rate is slightly lower than the Moscow branches, which is a good thing. But it might be hard to plan exactly when a space will be free and make predictions when you want to go, i.e. 'in Autumn', as you say. I would say you should keep looking at the available locations vacancy page on the site, and if you see one for St P, apply immediately. That's what I did - otherwise I would have been in Moscow or Ekaterinburg much sooner instead.

Of the Big Three 'McSchools', I've heard that LL employees have the least complaints. That's not to say there aren't any split shifts or anything, but issues like getting paid on time don't seem to be a massive ordeal compared to some other horror stories about the others.

Re: private accommodation - LL won't provide that in St P. But they will give you an allowance towards it, if you look for your own flat. I'll be living with one other person, and personally I prefer that because it will keep costs down, i.e. splitting the cost of necessities like washing-up liquid, etc (and face it, with a McSchool salary you'll appreciate any cost-cutting). But be prepared to find your own.

I find reading blogs really help give an insight into how the school and conditions are. Even if the person doesn't specifically mention the school, you still get a glimpse of the kind of lifestyle you can expect to lead. I came across this, written by a girl who worked for LL in St P: http://teachingmissjen.wordpress.com/page/8/

Sorry I can't tell you what it's like yet. Hope I was some help.

[mrpoe]

Thank you for the information.
Can anyone comment on any of the other schools in St P?

(If anyone is thinking of moving to Hanoi and has questions feel free to send me a message.)

Regarding LL in St P:

1. Do they still have 3 schools in the city? Are they very different from one another?

2. Do the teachers have a decent room to prepare lessons with computers, photo copier and supplemental materials, etc? Or, would I be preparing lessons at home using my own equipment and supplies?

3. Are split shifts typical, or occasionally assigned, or ... ?

Regarding other schools: Any information is appreciated. As I learn more about the schools and how they operate I may have to change my expectations.

If you have looked for housing on your own in the city, can you describe your experience?

Cheers

[frankjohn2]

avoid Eduka.