Job Discussion Forums

Wonderwall · Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2005 6:29 pm Post subject:

I'm not suggesting that you don't come to Russia. It's a great (in all senses of the word!) and fasinating place... However, if you want to explore Russia, this may not be as easy as you may think because of the "Business Visa' Tax scam that certain (most?) schools run here in Moscow.

Check out my posting in VISA ISSUES for more info regarding this...

leroy · Joined: 12 Jun 2005 Posts: 49

Why are you so bothered about this "scam", Wonders? It's a typical example of the way things work in Russia and this isn't going to change any time soon. Doesn't make it right but there are other issues for teachers to address first, don't you think?

Wonderwall · Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 11:52 pm Post subject:

Yeah, you're probably right... But then again all information is relevant to people than are 'virgin' to Russia, don't you think?

If we 'know' something that can help people build up a more pixelated picture, shouldn't we at least attempt to provide them with it?

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

Prince Frog · Joined: 30 Aug 2005 Posts: 6

quote="maruss"]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!!![/quote]

Everyone here talks about how hard it is to get a visa to come to Russia. In my experience this isn't true at all actually. There are any number of agencies in America that are more than willing (for a steep fee of course) to provide you with either a tourist or business visa. I receieved a business visa that allowed me to stay in the country three months within a few days. I had to pay for it of course, but it was certainly not difficult, and three months would at least give you time to scope out the territory and see what possibilities existed; perhaps get some sort of free lance work in the meantime. I don't know. I think the accessibility thing on this forum is overblown. If you want to go to Russia, it is actually much easier for Americans to recieve a visa than the other way around.

steven_gerrard · Joined: 07 Feb 2003 Posts: 155

adavidwatson · Joined: 20 Jan 2005 Posts: 28 Location: USA

As a former BKC employee who comes from a long line of Navy people (got DQed for admitting to asthma before I could enlist) I would be AMAZED if BKC or Language Link through anything at you you can't handle after the USN.

The support you get inittially is really helpful coming to Russia. I would not recommend going there without it.

Yes BKC will make you work split shifts and more than likely you will be on the Metro quite a bit which is not taking out of your teaching hours. However my employers in the state never took my commute out of my hours either.

You'll lose one weekend a month to teachers meetings. I actually liked them pretty well as they were instructive and usually we ended up at the bars afterwards.

Unless you are really well trained in English Grammar and teaching you're going to be so busy learning English you may not have much time for Russian. It'll improve after you have some experience and know the text books. (Insist on using English File when you have a chance, much more teacher friendly than Headway.) Teaching is a second shift job so socializing a lot on the weekdays isn't going to happen.

As far as the ownership of BKC and Language Link is concerned the story is less cloak and dagger than the secrecy suggests. As I recall the story there was simply a divorce and division of property.

If you can afford it you might look at doing an intensive course in Russian first if you really want to learn the language.

aussie tim

well i guess I would like to add a piece here. Contracts in Russia are not worth the paper they are written and to say that 550 USD a month in Russia these days is a competitive salary is rubbish.

Russia is not in the black days of the rouble crash, it is advancing ECONOMICALLY and for schools in Moscow and St Pete's are paying a middle class salary is a just not true. I think it is about time that the schools raised the salaries to match the work.

I worked for schools in Moscow and St Pete's and two of the main ones, every time it was a struggle to get the benefits they promise. I have not heard of one teacher taking up the so called cheap Russian language courses.

Gerrard please if you are going to respond to this can you please try and be positive or give something to this post that is not so argumentive.

Anyhow, for new people about to teach in Russia, go for the fun and be careful about what these schools try and tell you about the salaries. 550 is not middle class.

Seeya

leroy · Joined: 12 Jun 2005 Posts: 49

$550 with flat provided is not bad. Not great either but the flat adds another $500 in real terms. $1050 a month is definitely middle rather than low income in Moscow.

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

If you want to see what middle class people get paid in Moscow, go to rabota.ru and check out your favourite profession.