Job Discussion Forums

en-cha-le-li · Joined: 15 Mar 2005 Posts: 3 Location: Massachusetts, USA

Hi, I wanted to ask a question about my potential status as a native Russian speaker. I was born in Moscow but migrated to England and then the US when I was eight. I've completely mastered English, although I do have a slight accent (I'd be very surprised if a non-native speaker could pick up on it), but I'm worried that I might be at a disadvantage because I'd imagine that language schools would prefer a bona fide American/Brit. In your experience/opinion, given a TEFL certificate, a BA in Linguistics, possibly a bit of teaching experience, and a giant network of extended family members in high places, would I have a fighting chance at getting a half-year winter-to-summer contract at a good language school in Moscow or, preferably, St. Petersburg? Thanks in advance.

-Katia

BELS · Joined: 24 Mar 2005 Posts: 402 Location: Moscow

Well first of all I m not a school , just an individual, and I believe you should just simply inform the employers you have lived in a native English since you were very young, some school interviews you might have a Russian interviewing you. I f they attempt to speak to you in Russian, because its easier for them, appoligise and say my Russian is a bit rusty, can we speak in English. Believe you will have the upper hand then, and you will sound impressive.

I suggest you get a list of all the EFL schools in St Petersbourg and email your C.V and check what they have to offer. Shop around and dont take the first offer, some of them will try to take for a ride and give you peanuts

Any just my humble individual opinion, you are well qualified and you should tell the employers you are a native English speaker, otherwise they will insult you with rates of pay for Native Russian teachers.

GabeKessel · Joined: 27 Sep 2004 Posts: 150

What citizenship are you holding, though?

BELS · Joined: 24 Mar 2005 Posts: 402 Location: Moscow

good point if your talking to en-cha-le-li , If she is a British citizen of USA, or will it be UK, then she should be classified as a native speaker of that country. and say no more about, dont confuse the employer.

Me , I am British (Anglichaneen) with a Russian wife who is fluent in English and has an EFL teachers Degree, and we are settled in Moscow. Thats why I felt qualified to reply in this area. My wife decided not to pursue this career because of the income offers. However she is now considering going fulltime as a private teacher, the income comparison is amazing

canadka · Joined: 12 Apr 2005 Posts: 3 Location: Moscow

I've noticed a trend at the schools I've worked at over the years, and that is hiring Russian native speakers who have lived abroad for an extended period of time as EFL teachers. This is especially true in courses that teach simultanoues translation skills. I don't think that being a re-pat puts one at a disadvantage, except in the case where a person wants conversation practice focusing on a particular region. I agree with the poster above who mentioned not mentioning your status unless you think it will advance your candidacy for a position. There are some schools that will pay less even though you are, in some ways, able to offer more then a native speaker. If you hold a non-Russian/CIS passport best to emphasize your fluency, rather then being a native-Russian speaker.

BELS · Joined: 24 Mar 2005 Posts: 402 Location: Moscow

I think the main disadvantage is market demand, the russian student normally prefers an english native speaker, and what the customer wants is what the customer gets. As a result of this the schools seek native speakers, not because they want to , but because that is the demand. This is why they pay more, however I am very surprised how there is a possibility to be less.

waxwing · Joined: 29 Jun 2003 Posts: 719 Location: China

This question has been asked before on the forum.
I'll say what I said before: I believe most schools will be primarily interested in a passport. A passport from an English speaking country would probably be a prerequisite.
The next question, however, is what is entered under "Lieu de naissance/Place of birth" on the passport information page. If it's a location in Russia then, conceivably, a prospective employer may baulk.
In my opinion, they'd be foolish to do so, especially in your case (living abroad from such a tender age). If I were them I'd be delighted to have a bilingual (although you didn't specifically state that your Russian is still functional).
Koroche, I think the possession of a passport will be the clincher. All the other qualifications you mention are big pluses too.

BELS · Joined: 24 Mar 2005 Posts: 402 Location: Moscow

As we are on the subject, what if a Russian native has a TEFL Russian degree, and also has tefl certificate, a certificat designed mainly for english nativr speakers, however it is acceptable for a non native english person to take, providing his or her english is to a very high standard, normally has to pass a tough English entry test. I would also imagine more difficult for a non native speaker to complete the course

If she or he is awarded with this TEFL certificate, plus the Russian TEFL degree do you think that this person should be on the same payscale as a Native speaker. How do you you think employers would veiw this.

BELS · Joined: 24 Mar 2005 Posts: 402 Location: Moscow

As we are on the subject, what if a Russian native has a TEFL Russian degree, and also has tefl certificate, a certificat designed mainly for english nativr speakers, however it is acceptable for a non native english person to take, providing his or her english is to a very high standard, normally has to pass a tough English entry test. I would also imagine more difficult for a non native speaker to complete the course

If she or he is awarded with this TEFL certificate, plus the Russian TEFL degree do you think that this person should be on the same payscale as a Native speaker. How do you you think employers would veiw this.

zaneth · Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 11:40 am Post subject:

If you have a giant network of extended family members in high places you hardly need to be asking us lowly expat teachers about what to expect in Russia. What are you worried about?

I know Russian teachers whose English is practically perfect. They get a relatively high wage but they are not native speakers, don't claim to be, and I can't imagine they would ever pretend not to speak Russian. I don't know if this is good advice.

I'm sure you'll be able to find something good. You have more than just the language, you have all that experience abroad, cultural, etc. Anyway, you're just on for short term. Look for something with interest and prestige, perhaps. Don't worry too much about the wage.

Nexus · Joined: 08 Mar 2004 Posts: 189 Location: Moscow

I know of one Russian teacher who worked (maybe still does) for one of the big schols in Moscow. The school director instructed him to tell his students that he was actually from Hull! (assuming no-one would have any idea about the place) Of course, he still got paid the Russian salary etc.

Who can guess the school?

ilugru · Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 15 Location: Moscow

Well, I'm Russian, I was born in Moscow and have lived most of my life here, have been to London only once and that was a long time ago. I have a degree in Linguistics and a CELTA, and these two were sufficient to find work with one of the biggest schools in Moscow. My salary is the same of the native speakers, I believe. Some of my colleagues come from Bolivia, Serbia, Poland, Chech republic, you name it. As for the demand for natives, it is only partly true and it depends on how the student in question studied English before, how satisfied he/she is with it and what kind of teaching he wants. So, to cut it short, I reckon in most places the fact that you're Russian will be an advantage for you in Moscow and i'll be very surprised if in ST. Petersburg it proves to be different.