Job Discussion Forums

[Usurename]

Hello, I'm new to the boards and to EFL. I am a recent college graduate who studied English and Russian and am looking to teach English abroad in Russia, preferably St. Petersburg. I know about certification (which I have yet to get) and currently have no teacing experience, unless you're counting a summer as a camp counselor.

My question is this: Having looked through the major schools listed in St. Petersburg, it appears that most of them begin in September. Thus, I am too late to apply for these programs. Without experience, am I totally a lost case? I currently do not see many schools advertising for help in January (or after October, for that matter) and those that hire at more irregular times tend to want experience. I have considered taking a job elsewhere for a year; somewhere less picky and more flexible in hiring times. I would prefer Russia, though. So what does this board recommend?

Thanks already for having read this overly windy post.

[james1977]

Hi,

You'll find that most schools will take you on on a part time basis at any time of the year. You can find a good list of schools (and the ones to avoid) at http://esl.visarus.co.uk

[rusmeister]

And at some places just showing up in Sept or Oct can get you a full-time job, when an expected teacher drops out or doesn't show up. Plus, some places just put up last minute ads. Sept/Oct is the time to get hired.

[alex_j]

I'm English and based in Saint-Petersburg. Me and some other expats are planning to organise a teacher's collective to avoid getting messed around by private schools. Free-lance teaching pays better and is a very good sideline to regular private school teaching. Get in touch!

[email protected]

Alex