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Moving to Russia
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Sukhendra



Joined: 17 Dec 2014
Posts: 10
PostPosted: Tue Dec 23, 2014 4:55 am    Post subject: Moving to Russia Reply with quote
I have just finished my TEFL course and am planning to move to Russia in May after I graduate from University. I am from India with an academic background in Engineering and a work experience in the fields of Marketing and HR (I am looking forward to a career in these areas). Teaching is something which interested me for quite some time now, as I volunteered in India and Malaysia and have also worked for a couple of months in a Kindergarten in Russia. I have already lived in Russia for about 9 months now (3 times of 3 months each) and have decided to move there on a long term basis if not forever. I am looking forward to a decent opportunity to teach English somewhere in Moscow or Petersburg, which serves my interest and also feed me with atleast basic money for survival. I am not concerned with the falling Ruble or whatever as I have made up my mind for an year now and I know Russia is where I would live most of my life from now on. Any suggestions which help me in finding an opportunity and if any VISA issues come up would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance
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spiral78



Joined: 05 Apr 2004
Posts: 11534
Location: On a Short Leash
PostPosted: Tue Dec 23, 2014 2:17 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
And what sort of TEFL course was it?
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Sukhendra



Joined: 17 Dec 2014
Posts: 10
PostPosted: Tue Dec 23, 2014 3:17 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
A 120 hour course from the AMERICAN TESOL institute
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spiral78



Joined: 05 Apr 2004
Posts: 11534
Location: On a Short Leash
PostPosted: Tue Dec 23, 2014 4:25 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Online course for 395USD? Unfortunately you'll probably find that's considered substandard for the region, if that's the one you did.

The basic standard is a CELTA or equivalent - 120 hours on site, with actual teaching practice with real students.


I have to admit that even with a CELTA an Indian citizen will probably have a hard time getting set up as an English language teacher. Russia is not politically correct in this respect, and I honestly think you'd have a very hard time getting a reasonable level of respect as an English language teacher, regardless of your actual skills at the job.
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Sukhendra



Joined: 17 Dec 2014
Posts: 10
PostPosted: Tue Dec 23, 2014 6:20 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Hello Spiral78,
Thanks for your reply.
1) Yes, it is the same course you are referring to. Is it considered sub standard in Russia alone or most of the world? With all my education and first language being English, I was considered a native speaker in my previous workplaces. Is none of that going to play in my favor?
2) I didn't particularly understand your term "politically incorrect". I have been to Russia thrice and haven't had any issues with VISA etc. As far as I know, India and Russia have decent political relations too with the number of visitors from either country to the other increasig quite vastly in the recent past. Please shed further light in what you were trying to aay,
3) With all honesty, I am looking forward to a job in English Teaching to serve my passion and feed myself. I am looking forward to a long term career in business management later on. Hence I am open to any part time or full time opprtunties irrespective of salary and respect.

With all the economic situation surrounding Russia, don't you think it is going to be a little easier for me to start a career in this area exactly now?
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spiral78



Joined: 05 Apr 2004
Posts: 11534
Location: On a Short Leash
PostPosted: Tue Dec 23, 2014 6:25 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Quote:
Is it considered sub standard in Russia alone or most of the world?


Substandard most places, unfortunately. It's the observed teaching practice with real students that is the key.

I'm of course familiar with Indian native speakers of English - the problem is that you will be competing with
1. qualified Russian teachers of English
2. native speakers from the US/UK/Canada whose accents are often preferred (rightly or wrongly)

TEFL in general is quite competitive these days almost everywhere; some of the TEFL training courses don't represent that reality very well to prospective trainees.

I'll let people who are on the ground in Moscow elaborate as regards your chances of finding reasonable work in Russia. I work with Russians and have done long-term, and have worked in Moscow, but it's been a while.

Last edited by spiral78 on Tue Dec 23, 2014 10:53 pm; edited 2 times in total
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Sashadroogie



Joined: 17 Apr 2007
Posts: 11061
Location: Moskva, The Workers' Paradise
PostPosted: Tue Dec 23, 2014 6:49 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
What Spiral means by 'political correctness' is that Russians are quite open about various racist opinions related to language ability. This may or may not come against you if applying for a work visa as an English teacher.

As for it being easier to find work during these troubled economic times, I am afraid I wouldn't be so hopeful. On top of everything else, there appears to be a shift in government attitudes towards giving visas to foreigners to teach English, when there are plenty of Russians who can do the job just as well.

Not saying don't try. Just that nothing is ever easy here. As you must already know by now.

Best of luck.
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Brunouno



Joined: 18 Apr 2013
Posts: 129
PostPosted: Wed Dec 24, 2014 5:33 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
You said you have lived in Russia in 3 month intervals. Does this mean you were on business visas when you were there? Work visas and business visas are two totally different visas. I thought that you had to be born from a native English speaking country to be eligible for a work visa to teach. Anyway, everything that the other guys have said is correct, but let's not beat around the bush. There are many Racists in Russia, and even if HR who hire teachers aren't racist, they are going to be aware that many students wouldn't accept an Indian teacher. That's not to say it's impossible for you. You may get work, but I would be expecting a lower salary and conditions.
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maruss



Joined: 18 Mar 2003
Posts: 1145
Location: Cyprus
PostPosted: Wed Dec 24, 2014 12:15 pm    Post subject: Sincere advice:don't do it!! Reply with quote
I know India has it's problems and corruption etc etc. but if I had to choose between living for ever there or in Russia I would still choose India any day!
Ask so many Russians why they have left-or want to get out of there as soon as they find an opportunity to work abroad etc.At least India is a democracy,even though it has many faults!
Please feel welcome to P.M. me if you want to ask any more questions.
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