Job Discussion Forums

Bratan · Joined: 25 Jan 2015 Posts: 4

I saw there was a thread about this before, but it all got a bit out of hand. Hopefully that won't happen again...

I'm curious as to how EFL teachers are finding things in Russia since the Ruble crisis kicked off. The news in the West often paints an exaggeratedly bleak picture of Russia whenever it comes to anything, and I'd like to hear from some people who are actually there. Has it had much of an impact for you? Are you still able to live relatively well?

Phillip Schofield · Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2015 7:20 am Post subject:

It depends where you shop and what you buy.
I haven't bought any electronics since before Christmas, so I can't say if prices have increased much in that area.
As far as food goes, there has been an increase of between 10 and 100 rubles on most goods.

The metro has risen by another 10 rubles, but I'd still say that 50rubles a ride is cheap.

On the whole, it hasn't affected me too much. But I would imagine that people with families or those who have just lost their jobs would feel it worse.

It is sad when I consider how much my money was worth last year in comparison to today.

Sashadroogie · Posted: Sat Mar 07, 2015 6:12 am Post subject:

Still living very well, even in base financial terms. Having a mixed income helps offset some of the effects of ruble devaluation.

Some price hikes have affected me, though. Foreign books are usually linked directly to their sterling price, so all Cambridge and Oxford EFL materials have increased dramatically. As have novels etc. But this just means more people will just download PDFs instead.

Food prices are increasing too, so some changes to the shopping list are inevitable. But so far, none of the panicky fears of shortages have been justified. Interestingly, restaurant prices have not gone up as much as I would have expected. Possibly shows how much they were gouging to begin with.

The main impact will be trips abroad. Gone are the days of five or six spur-of-the-moment weekends in western Europe. Too costly now, starting from the airfare onwards.

But overall, it's business as usual, and life is pretty good.

JamesonWhiskey · Joined: 18 Jan 2014 Posts: 34

Как Саша уше написал. I've found food more expensive sure. And the Metro is marginally more expensive. But am I still able to save more than half my paycheck every month while still partying every weekend and paying for my girlfriend, sure am.

kirby42 · Joined: 14 Nov 2014 Posts: 55

Would you recommend it as a destination for newly qualified teachers? I can speak a bit of the language and have always wanted to see it.

I asked a guy I know in St. Pete about it and he said: "In fact it is probably not the best time but who knows? Maybe tomorrow it will be even worse Smile

"

JamesonWhiskey · Joined: 18 Jan 2014 Posts: 34

I don't see why not. It's been fine for me and my coworkers who came here with no Russian have no complaints.

In fact, my ex-girlfriend went to Thailand for her first job. A more popular, less objectionable choice many would say.

She hates it. The company she works for is crummy and she is teaching classes of FORTY unruly kids. I'm glad I chose Russia over that!

Sashadroogie · Posted: Tue Mar 17, 2015 8:23 am Post subject:

Come to Russia! Become a full person!!

kirby42 · Joined: 14 Nov 2014 Posts: 55

Yeah I'd like to see it, but just with what's going on currently makes me question if it's wise. I guess I'll apply for some jobs and see how I get on, might not get offered anything anyways.

Sashadroogie · Posted: Tue Mar 17, 2015 6:24 pm Post subject:

You'll be offered something. Certainly in Moscow. If you have any foreign savings, then they'll go further ; )

Seriously, the media reports of Russia's financial collapse are overstated. As much as the so-called demise of the euro and the break-up of the US in 2008.

Come to Russia! Nobody made all that much dosh in their first year tefling in a McSchool anyway.

Phillip Schofield · Posted: Wed Mar 18, 2015 7:00 am Post subject:

Sashadroogie · Posted: Wed Mar 18, 2015 3:01 pm Post subject:

Sanctions will probably remain until all parties revert to the proper use of articles when referring to the Crimea and the Ukraine. There was never any of this trouble when this rule was observed, apart from a minor episode in the 1850s. Statistics don't lie!

GF · Joined: 08 Jun 2003 Posts: 238 Location: Tallinn

Actually, things in Ukraine are heating up. The rebels/terrorists are threatening to abandon the ceasefire because they and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov say the Ukrainian parliament is trying to "rewrite" the agreement reached in Minsk, Belarus, last month. In addition, Russia hasn't removed its troops from Ukraine yet and keeps sending more heavy equipment across the border to reinforce the rebels/terrorists. That's enough to keep the sanctions in place.