Job Discussion Forums

ockyocky · Joined: 28 Jan 2006 Posts: 14 Location: Ukraine

Hi,
I was just wondering if anyone had any information whether first or second hand on the School group called English First.
I saw them advertising and was thinking of applying. I am new to ESL and this would be my first teaching gig. I am used to Russia and really want to go back there to live.
Are they a reputable school and look after their staff? They look quite decent but would like some confirmation.

Thanks for any help

Ocky

Yosma · Joined: 30 Jan 2005 Posts: 24

Personally, I wouldn't touch them with a barge pole.

If you want to live in a provincial city, they may be the only language school in town that recruits from abroad and provides visa and accommodation. From what I've heard, it's pot luck whether or not these provincial franchise schools will give you a rough ride. If this is the case, I'd insist on speaking some teachers that are already there before taking the plunge.

If you're coming to Moscow, I'd suggest either BKC or Language Link (they're pretty much the same). EF's 'system' and course books are notoriously bad and difficult to work with (especially if you're new to teaching) whereas with the others you'll at least get to use materials from the main publishing houses and probably have more academic support.

I'm not sure what sort of deal EF are offering, but see what BKC, LL etc come up with and if it's about the same my advice would be to go with them.

Good luck!

jpvanderwerf2001 · Joined: 02 Oct 2003 Posts: 1117 Location: New York

I happen to currently work at EF in Vladivostok, and have found the administration to be supportive and the school quite nice. Being an experienced teacher, I haven't had much trouble using their coursebooks (though they are not the best); however, I can see what the previous poster was saying about the books being difficult for a inexperienced teacher.
The school pays me relatively well and on-time. I enjoy working here.
But again, as Yosma stated, my experience might not be par for the course. I can only comment on my school and experience.
PM me if you'd like more info!
Good luck.

almaster · Joined: 07 Mar 2006 Posts: 1

I know that EF in St.Petersburg. seems to be pretty inefficient. I interviewed with them once. The interview was strict and kinda useless. Then they wanted me to teach differently, but had no plan. Their students also seem to be leaving to other schools as well. I worked for a school called All English, they were a pretty good. I dont think they have a website or I dont know it. I also worked at a good school called American Language Master, www.americanlanguagemaster.com. They were good. The owner is American and very helpful. I think there are a few others that are good in St.Petersburg. If you are going to Russia, St. Petersburg is really beautiful.

siberiamad · Joined: 23 Feb 2006 Posts: 10 Location: Siberia

I've heard of EF but not much about them, all I'll say is that if you're after something a bit different from teaching in Moscow than I can recommend Novosibirsk, I'm currently with Interlang in Akademgorodok.

Kent F. Kruhoeffer · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Posts: 2129 Location: 中国

^ Привет siberiamad

I'm in Bangkok now but continue to update

The Master Index Russia from time to time.

Do you happen to know what happened to the Interlang.ru website?

It has been down for ages. Do they have a new website?

If not ...

I'd be happy to post their current 'contact info' on the Master Index

i.e., a current e-mail address, phone number, branch info, etc -

if you could provide the missing details.

You could post it here or PM me.

Большое спасибо !

Thailand teaching and travel resources available here :::: The Master Index Thailand ::::

Brooks · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1369 Location: Sagamihara

I had a friend that worked for them in Nizhni Novgorod and he said they were fine. I think with EF schools it is really hit or miss, since they are franchises.

bobs12 · Joined: 27 Apr 2004 Posts: 310 Location: Saint Petersburg

Hey Mike, ALM only pay wages after 3pm. A bummer if you're a busy chap like me and have to run around the city like a headless chicken every day.

EF in St. Petersburg are truly rubbish. They have two, yes 2 native teachers right now. Nobody wants to work there. No matter how desperate they are they won't budge from their daft bureaucracy-bound wages system and make even expereicnced teachers (well, 4 years) go through their mandatory 'probationary' period. This despite the fact I was doing them a favour by covering at a time when there was only ONE other native teacher.

Avoid.

Can't say anything for EF in other cities as never worked there. EF is a franchise and the director is reputed to fly around in a private jet. Guess where your wages are going.

ALM is a good school, it's one of only two I know of in the city where the teachers are happy enough to actively invite more on board. In most of the others the attitude is indifferent at best. The only thing it needs to do is be a bit more American and loosen up on the 'зарплата только после 3-х часов" sh** which can really annoy people who have to BE PLACES AFTER 3 O'FLIPPIN'CLOCK!!!

Plus Mike throws good parties. EF doesn't.

canucktechie · Joined: 07 Feb 2003 Posts: 343 Location: Moscow

I knew a guy who did freelance work for EF in Moscow and he thought they were OK, but that's a different animal from being a fulltimer.

It's my impression (I may be wrong) that EF in Moscow does not provide accommodation for teachers, and that's reason in itself to work for BKC or LL instead.