Job Discussion Forums

rickf · Joined: 25 May 2004 Posts: 2

I'm hope I'm not repeating anything that has been previously discussed; I couldn't find any thread mentioning this school, but anyway.....

I see that "The Business Academy" in Kiev is advertising, among other places, on TEFL.com. $1450/mo + furnished flat + vacation.

from what I've read, this appears to be quite an offer for the Ukraine and almost too good to be true. I've been in Poland for 3 years and have started looking around for other jobs in Central Europe.

Anyone have ANY info on this outfit? Ad says they started in '05

Thanks!!

maruss · Joined: 18 Mar 2003 Posts: 1145 Location: Cyprus

That's VERY good money for Ukraine, even in Kiev but I'm afraid I know nothing about the firm so I would tread carefully if I were you!

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

I haven't worked there but I've spoken to them and had a very positive impression. I think it's a serious place looking for experienced teachers. If I were going to Ukraine, I'd contact them.

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

This is WAY above the going rate in Ukraine, and with that compensation they can be very choosy about who they hire. So go ahead and apply, the worst that can happen is that they don't hire you.

Still I would not work for any employer in Ukraine without a cash stash that will see you through if you get into problems. Employees basically have no rights there. This is not a dig at this school (or any others), just reality.

jonpernick · Joined: 26 Oct 2006 Posts: 12 Location: Ukraine

I have lived in Kyiv for 4 years and I don't know of this school. I know of many. The compensation they are offering is crazy high. A decent apartment in the suburb of kyiv will cost upwards of $500 per month. Then, Ukrainian law states one month of vacation is required.

Payroll tax is a flat 13% so maybe this is a gross amount. Still, this is high. My school pay $1000 per month after taxes. This is for 26 contact hours and no grading. Other credible schools might pay the same on an hourly rate without the guarantee.

good luck,

jonathan

matt41 · Joined: 05 Apr 2005 Posts: 12

hello there, im mulling over a move to kiev from st petersburg... here im making around 700 pounds a month... (1400 dollars) just wondering if you could enlighten me as to wages in various schools in kiev... with names if possible!

matt41 · Joined: 05 Apr 2005 Posts: 12

Oh and whats the story with ukrainian work permits, work visas? can you just renew your free tourist stamp every three months or is it impossible? Its got to be easier than bloody russia!

jonpernick · Joined: 26 Oct 2006 Posts: 12 Location: Ukraine

work permits.... wow... you really don't want to do that. First, only a company sponsoring you can do that. And, that company must hold a specific legal status. And, A work permit is a only a permit to work. It is not a visa and does not replace a visa. As a matter of fact it will allow you to get an IM-1 visa which then requires you to get an internal passport from the Ministry for the Interior. This is the unbearable part. The document has at least 10 different parts. You must show among other things that you were never arrested in Ukraine... that you don't have HIV/AIDS and the list goes on and on. I have heard that you can have a company do this for you but it costs upwards of $200.

The easest method is to live in Ukraine and every 90 days to "cross the border" and return. That is the easiest. There is always a business visa but that visa has its problems as well. good luck.

ccrider · Joined: 24 Aug 2005 Posts: 11 Location: United States

If you are receiving an invitation, (personal or from a business); a business visa is no problem. I got one two years ago with an invitation from an English school in Ukraine. Also, you do not need a work permit if you are a teacher. Teachers are considered volunteers and have special work status; as do doctors, scientists or anyone else that may be considered to be helping the country. Check the Ukrainian embassy web page for information and call to double check on this. This is where I got my information in 2005. This is the embassy in the U.S. I don't know about other countries. Also, if you do go there the director may tell you that they need your passport to get a work permit. I gave the director the information from the Ukrainian embassy and did not need to get a work permit.

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

You do not need an invitation to get a business visa, you can just go to an embassy and apply (EU, US, Canada anyway). I know this from experience.

As other posters have said many teachers don't bother with visas at all and just leave every 90 days.

Ukraine is very easy on the paperwork side, the problem is just that there are very few good jobs there.

ccrider · Joined: 24 Aug 2005 Posts: 11 Location: United States

Go to:

http://www.ukrconsul.org/visa/visa_types.htm#A

ccrider · Joined: 24 Aug 2005 Posts: 11 Location: United States

Even though an invitation is not required now, the business visa form requires that you state how/by who you will be supported while you are there and what your address will be.

matt41 · Joined: 05 Apr 2005 Posts: 12

Thanks guys.. good info... will be taking another trip to kiev to see what kind of conditions they offer... face to face
i have 2 years experience and a CELTA so it is its not hard to gey offers.. just curious has anyone got any info about decent schools or more important 'no go' schools or the ones with really low wages?

and accomodation? Its kind of rough in St Petersburg, expensive and a big fat commission.. how about there? for me its the most stressful thing and if you screw it up you face 6 months with a flatmate problem and crap location

maruss · Joined: 18 Mar 2003 Posts: 1145 Location: Cyprus

If you think it's bad there,you should try finding a decent flat in Moscow nowadays!Unless of course, you don't mind working to give half of your salary on rent....
Ukraine is certainly worth checking out,although do bear in mind that the political situation there is potentially unstable.Just pray that the pro-western faction prevails.

ukrjamie · Joined: 27 Oct 2006 Posts: 5 Location: Krakow, Poland

the business academy is a sister school of the london school of english. they have been around in ukraine for about 10 years, so they know how to run a school and treat teachers well. the business academy offers a decent salary as they are only interested in people with delta and 8+ years experience....