Job Discussion Forums

[Katyusha]

I can't reveal my sources, but from what I know, it came from the horse's mouth!

[Nexus]

[maruss]

As I'm sure all of you who live there will agree,it's impossible for a foreigner to understand how things are in Russia without experiencing them,especially the corruption and bureaucracy and the reasons why few people reveal their actual earnings etc!!Things like employee protection and western style institutions are either non-existent,or at best still at a hybrid stage and unless you can accept this,you will have a rude awakening!As I wrote before, these schools offer just a way getting in with visas and basic accomodation-try arranging those on your own!!In my opinion, if they were more honest with their recruiting ads and said the salary is adequate for a starter to get by on but not more,they would be doing themselves a big service,rather than misleading people by promising'middle-class' etc.I also strongly disagree with them expecting unknown people to share appartments and would not accept it-unless of course she was 20 years younger and very friendly etc!!But seriously though, privacy and space are sacred, and come home wanting only sleep. sweet sleep!!
Of course freelancing is much more lucrative, but as our other friend rightly said,the risks are also much greater, especially at the beginning when you don't have a network of reliable students to pay yiur bills from etc!

[Katyusha]

Dear Nexus,

If you still work at BKC, you can ask the general director of the company yourself.

[steven_gerrard]

They aren't owned by the same person but it's safe to say that they're owned by people who know each other rather well.

[canucktechie]

[Nexus]

[BELS]

Katyusha, what's bugging you so much about Nexus's comments. I am curious, it doesn,t bother me, and perhaps nobody else. Let us know your reasons. In fact I have a few other rumours I could mention , that shocks me, coming from Russians and the native English community of large establishments. I dare not say too much until I find more evidence myself.But I do fear their is a Monopoly in Moscow in regards to EFL

[steven_gerrard]

BKC and Language Link have a monopoly on EFL in Moscow? Don't make me laugh- there are tons of other schools in the city and room for a lot more for those who can pitch it right.
Out of the thousands of EFL teachers in Russia, LL and BKC employ no more than a couple of hundred between them- hardly cause to call the Monopolies and Mergers Commission, is it?

[BELS]

[steven_gerrard]

[Wonderwall]

[Texan1975]

To all, thanks for all the colorful inputs to this thread, I never thought I would get such a great discussion going. BELS, thanks for the great input and advice, I'll definitely take it to heart. Let me ask all of you, what is your opinion on the Baltics or Ukraine? I'd be nearly as interested in teaching in those countries as well.
As far as your concerns, BELS, I'm not too worried about the living conditions or environment. I served on active duty in the US Navy for nearly 7 years (still in Reserve) and went through some tough living arrangements, and lived through two Connecticut winters, though you're right in replying that they never were as bad as Moscow usually is in the winter. I'm simply fascinated by Russia and have always wanted to spend some time there. The lack of great pay doesn't really concern me either, I never thought this would be easy or highly lucrative. I'm planning on doing this for one or two years, then return to the US to pursue graduate school. Thanks again for all your great comments. To BELS, it sounds like you're especially knowledgeable about life in Russia, if you're honestly telling me not to go there, please elaborate a little more, I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks, Jonathan

"Eternal peace lasts only until the next war" Russian proverb
My favorite Russian quotable

[Texan1975]

One thing I didn't think to mention, I have two years experience teaching at the college level (military academy). Nothing to do with EFL (navigation) but still the experience is there. Does anyone think this will enhance my chances or won't affect them at all. Thanks, Jonathan

[maruss]

Long hours, split-shifts, tiring , stressful environment, grotty accomodation and no privacy,and poor pay at that!Surely for these jobs to be advertised so often, there must be a reason-either business is expanding at an incredible rate-or, as is the case, the conditions cause the staff turnover to be so high!But like the postings said, they DO offer a way to get into Russia,which is no mean achievement, believe you me!Just try applying for a visa and invitation on your own and you will soon find out what I mean,let alone finding an appartment when you ge there etc!!One of my main gripes is this shared appartment thing-if I come over with someone else or volunteer to share with somebody who I know I am compatible with, the o.k. but otherwise,I like my space and privacy, especially after working 15 hours per day in all kinds of weather etc!!
I hate to say it, but as so many other people agree with me after experiencing the place themselves,including good Russian friends, the country is still as rotten as it has been for centuries and exploitation, graft and corruption are the order of the day there-in fact it is becoming worse!
However, you can make some wonderful friends and experience what is undeniably one of the worlds most fascinating countries with unique cultural and historical sites,so perhaps it's best to see it that way and not let the bad thiungs get to you TOO much!Otherwise better try somewhere else!Once it starts to get you down,it;s time to leave-run , comrade run, the whole world will be behind you and probably wondering why you went there in the first place!