Job Discussion Forums

Langle · Joined: 20 Nov 2017 Posts: 5

Hello everybody,

Im new to the forum and looking for some advice. My situation is that is that ill be getting my BA in political science in a week or two and im looking for options after graduation. My main consideration of TEFL comes from my ambition to to learn Russian as I want to eventually come back to the states to do further education in Russian history. I plan on getting a Celta and next September plan to be at an intermediate level of Russian.

So do folks think this is a wise move? Will I be able to break even considered the cost of living and cost of Celta?

PS It may seem obvious but to make things clear: I have no teaching experience.

aris · Joined: 19 Apr 2014 Posts: 8

Hi there,
I think your plan makes sense. With a college degree, celta and native speaker status you'll probably get more than one offer so you can afford to be picky. Plus not so many teachers want to come to Russia any more because of the recession and the political situation, so there is a lot of demand for foreign teachers. As far as breaking even goes, it depends on your lifestyle. But if you start with one of the mcschools, they will provide you with accommodation in a shared apartment, and utilities are very cheap in Russia, so that will help. You'll also have a choice of a 24 or 30 hour contract, plus probably a discount on Russian classes. The pay is not that great, but if you live relatively modestly you'll get by. For more extravagant living, saving, paying off your celta etc. you can give private lessons. If you're lucky and land a position at an international school, or some other school that pays more than the mcschools, things will be easier.
Good luck!

elkotik · Joined: 19 Jan 2017 Posts: 31

I'm going to play devil's advocate, but why only a year or two? You either do it as a career or not at all, not as a job to just travel the world. Moscow at least is already inundated with tourist teachers or people who wanna live there and "teach" (in the loosest sense of the word) to earn money to fund their travels/partying etc.

aris · Joined: 19 Apr 2014 Posts: 8

It depends on whether you view teaching as a vocation or just another job. But if you're qualified, I don't see why you cannot do it for some time and then move on. I think one can still be a good teacher, even if it's not their dream career.

Langle · Joined: 20 Nov 2017 Posts: 5

elkotik · Joined: 19 Jan 2017 Posts: 31

Langle · Joined: 20 Nov 2017 Posts: 5

Spasibo · Joined: 02 Dec 2015 Posts: 31

If you are a fresh grad with no teaching experience, Moscow may well eat you alive. With the ruble exchange rate to the US dollar, you seriously would be better of finding a job at home and save up a bit first.

After living expenses in Moscow you would be lucky to break even or even save a penny. Consider you'll need to pay your flight over to Russia and have funds for medical insurance etc...

Plan ahead and take even half a year or a year to get over. You missed the Sept hiring for this academic year and you'll need to get a certificate. also it takes time to get the visa invitation and paperwork. good luck.