Job Discussion Forums

lechatbleu · Joined: 23 May 2012 Posts: 13 Location: Krasnodar, Russia

I am very new to all this, I only recently finished a TEFL certification course, and am beginning to try to decide what my options are. I have a degree and the TEFL certificate, but no teaching experience. I was considering Russia because I have a basic knowledge of the language (I was once nearly fluent, have lost a lot, but figure I'd pick it up again) and some familiarity with the culture.

To find out more, I've been lurking here and reading old posts, and I'm wondering if someone can explain "McSchool." Obviously, I have a general idea from context and I get the McDee's reference and what that usually implies, but I guess I'm asking what exactly that describes in the case of English language schools.

And since most of the posts seem to be about how to avoid a McSchool, is that possible, or even advisable, given I have no experience? Is it the kind of situation where you have to "pay your dues" working there before you can move up the ladder to something else?

Thanks!

smithrn1983 · Joined: 23 Jul 2010 Posts: 320 Location: Moscow

In general a McSchool is one with crappy conditions, low pay, shoddy recruitment policies and a revolving door for teachers. Unfortunately, without experience, you'll be unlikely to find any way around them. It is an instance of 'paying your dues'. You spend a year working for them, build up some private students and then seek greener pastures elsewhere after your first year here.

Also, if you're new to Russia, they generally do help you adjust to your new surroundings better than the other schools, who just assume that you already know your way around over here.

Hope this helps.

Sashadroogie · Posted: Fri May 25, 2012 4:41 am Post subject:

Moscow MacSchool: BKC-IH; Language Link; English First.

Big chain schools, many branches, no standards, crappy pay, high workload, burnout certain.

Yet, for a newcomer to Russia, they do sort out all the paperwork and assorted hassles. Essential for most people fresh on the ground. Do a contract with them, then go it alone and make some proper money. Grin and bear it. And drink, heavily. Blend in!

Hic!

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

Sashadroogie's advice hits the nail on the hand. Freudian slip - head. For those with no experience of either English teaching or Russia, then McSchools have their place, for a year I would say.

lechatbleu · Joined: 23 May 2012 Posts: 13 Location: Krasnodar, Russia

Thanks, that is helpful! I am worried about the paperwork and logistics of settling in, so if it makes things easier in that respect, I suppose I can put up with the rest for a year. Rolling Eyes

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

Also, I think these places vary somewhat in their degrees of depravity. I'm also not sure how far the assumption that other schools are much better is founded on green grass conjecture.

Sashadroogie · Posted: Fri May 25, 2012 2:36 pm Post subject:

Probably founded on the principle that small is beautiful. A Maccer is so large, it lumbers around like a slow-witted beast, trying to figure out basic things like time-tables. One hundred teachers in 30 branches is genuinely hard to manage,but still, the amount of chaos that incompetent administrators manage to create is truly breath-taking to behold...

stacyrey · Joined: 10 May 2011 Posts: 19

...and if anyone wants info on Language Link, I'm with them right now, not returning, and would LOVE to let you know about my experience with them!
Wink

Sashadroogie · Posted: Sat May 26, 2012 9:09 pm Post subject:

Oh go on then! The Shangri-la of TEFL in Russland?

Caporetto · Joined: 09 Apr 2012 Posts: 33 Location: Belarus

Let me guess, a chain of schools - every branch exactly the same across the country (you've worked at them all I imagine), with no redeeming features whatsoever. Gruel breakfast at 5am and ritual flogging by the DoS after a 48 hour week. Begs the question: why are you there? They've invented planes, get on one.