Job Discussion Forums

[tuco]

When I received my Bachelor's degree in English literature and linguistics two months ago, a relative of mine made me a generous offer: as a graduation gift, he would pay for me to take a TEFL course. I've registered to take CELTA in the end of August, but now I'm not so sure that it would make sense to attend the course for someone in my position.

I will be going to Moscow in October for 5-6 months, or maybe even a year. You'd think that having dual citizenship conveniently eliminates visa-related issues, but with every blessing there's a curse: every young man in Russia has to perform a certain kind of service for his country. This means, as far as I understand, that I can't work there officially because my passport lacks a certain stamp. Does it follow logically that I won't be able to teach English in Moscow? Muscovites tell me that I could always work under the table, but is it really such a common practice? I could also teach private students only, but do I really need a certificate for that?

I have tons of other questions, but there's no point in asking them until I establish whether I can work in Russia... I'd be very grateful if you could give me some advice.

[coledavis]

While I think you might be better consulting a Russian lawyer, my take is that any and all Russian citizens are liable to be conscripted. Therefore, I think the logic goes that if you hold yourself up as a working person (even as an American or Canadian teacher of English), you probably are taking the risk of ending up in a pair of boots. If you enter and get employed just using your foreign passport, maybe you'd get away with it, but given computerisation having improved a lot over the last few years, I wouldn't rely on information dissonance; i.e. the authorities may just be able to put two and two together.

Yes, people do 'privates'. These are not legal, especially if you are not paying your tax. The usual scene is that people are doing these on top of their usual jobs as English teachers. In your case, presumably doing it as a Russian citizen, you may get away with it along with lots of other Russian citizens, but then I wonder how conspicuous you would be as a newcomer with bits missing from your passport.

Consult a lawyer, but think carefully for yourself. Also, see what other forum contributors have to say. (I think they would say that I err on the cautious/legalistic/moralistic side.)

[Sashadroogie]

Cole, yes, you are in grievous error of not enjoying enough of the good water. But your comments on the whole seem spot on, given that few of us here will know too much about the legalities of all this.

To the OP, re dual nationality, I am uncertain whether or not someone can enter Russia using a foreign passport if they also possess Russian citizenship and passport. This link give some more, and a little confusing, information:

http://moscow.usembassy.gov/adoptions04.html

Might be better off waiting until you are over 27 - avoid military service etc. However, I have heard that this is only a problem if you also have an internal Russian passport.

As for the Celta, if someone else is paying, then go for it. It ordinarily wouldn't really be worth it for just 6 months of teaching, but as the cost of the fees are not an issue in your case...

However, on a non-economic note, someone in your position (Russian speaker, degree in linguistics) will still certainly benefit from doing the course. Even just for teaching one-to-ones. It is teaching, after all, and this is not usually something covered by English literature or linguistics courses.

Best of luck!

[Foma87]

I'd say you could certainly find a way to come to Russia to teach privates and avoid military service, especially if only for a year: contact a lawyer. To my understanding, those holding dual citizenship can be conscripted, though I could be mistaken: http://www.garant.ru/products/ipo/prime/doc/3035031/


No respectable Muscovite's income is completely white, either. You'll have no problems there.

[tuco]

Thank you guys so much for shedding some light on my situation. I will consult a lawyer as soon as I get there.

I just completed week 3 of my CELTA. I'm really happy that I decided to it.