Job Discussion Forums

[Kommy000]

Hi guys, just wanted your input.
Iam an American citizen with Russian background. I immigrated to US when I was a kid.
I speak fluent english and now I actually speak russian but with accent.
When I speak english, most people think I'm from NYC which is actually like my second home.
Lately I've been thinking of taking ESL course via USF that teaches Oxford seminars so that way I can travel overseas and maybe see the world and just try something new.
I was even thinking of getting job in Russia for a year as an American citizen.
Here is my question. Do you think I will have problems finding job? Will they not consider me a native english speaking person?
I thought I would have a small advantage of speaking russian, it would be easier for me and schools to communicate with me.
Most jobs I see ask for native speaker, so I'm not sure if I should just forget about the whole idea.
I was even thinking of instead of Russia, trying Asia. Maybe it will be easier to pass for your average american and maybe they will not care of my russian background. I also wouldn't mind picking up extra language skill while living in Asia.
So basically what do you think? Should I give up on trying Russia since they might just treat me as an average russian person who speaks english and will not consider me native english speaker? Should I try asian countries or should I just give up on the whole idea because of my background.
Any help would be appreciated. Sorry if I sound a little ignorant. I'm new to this, so please be gentle, lol.
Thanks

[jpvanderwerf2001]

Hi guys, just wanted your input.
Iam an American citizen with Russian background. I immigrated to US when I was a kid.
I speak fluent english and now I actually speak russian but with accent.
When I speak english, most people think I'm from NYC which is actually like my second home.
Lately I've been thinking of taking ESL course via USF that teaches Oxford seminars so that way I can travel overseas and maybe see the world and just try something new.
I was even thinking of getting job in Russia for a year as an American citizen.
Here is my question. Do you think I will have problems finding job?

No.

Will they not consider me a native english speaking person?

No. You have American citizenship. They have no reason to think otherwise.

I thought I would have a small advantage of speaking russian, it would be easier for me and schools to communicate with me.

Knowing Russian well will be a great advantage, IMO, especially when it comes to dealing with administration and authorities. It may even be helpful while in the classroom.

Most jobs I see ask for native speaker, so I'm not sure if I should just forget about the whole idea.

There's no reason for them to think you aren't a native speaker, especially if you don't tell them (I certainly wouldn't).

I was even thinking of instead of Russia, trying Asia. Maybe it will be easier to pass for your average american and maybe they will not care of my russian background. I also wouldn't mind picking up extra language skill while living in Asia.
So basically what do you think? Should I give up on trying Russia since they might just treat me as an average russian person who speaks english and will not consider me native english speaker? Should I try asian countries or should I just give up on the whole idea because of my background.

You should have no problems. You have an American passport (I'm assuming), you live in the States, you say you have a native-speaking level, everything should be a-ok.
I know Filipinos who pass as native speakers in Moscow, and their language, while excellent, isn't native level. Therefore, it shouldn't be an issue, IMO.

Any help would be appreciated. Sorry if I sound a little ignorant. I'm new to this, so please be gentle, lol.

No worries. Good luck!

Thanks

[coledavis]

Firstly, forgive me if the errors (see selective quotes below) were just made because of typing at speed. However, if they're not, then I think you need to think carefully. Advanced level students are not going to be helped by people with an indifferent attitude to articles (an, a, the) and senior teachers, including Russians (who are no slouches when it comes to grammar) will spot the shortcomings. Maybe teach beginners and elementaries for a while, while brushing up on the grammar. There is nothing wrong with teaching lower levels, by the way; some of my most rewarding moments have been watching the metaphorical chicks learning to fly. Again, forgive me if the errors were merely a matter of haste.

[mdk]

Are you married to the idea of teaching? I'll bet there are lots of things you could do if you are fluently bilingual. Many of them much more fun (or at least rewarding and interesting than some of the teaching jobs you will find.

Why don't you have a look at the classifieds at

www.themoscowtimes.com for a start?

I would just go on over and hang out for a bit and see what turns up - like Mr. Micawber. Autumn in Russia is the best time to visit. Go meet some people and scope it out. If you look in Yandex you can find a room in a Russian apartment for a few weeks. I stayed in Saint Petersburg for $30 a night. It was a big hundred year old apartment next to the Catholic Church/ex-French Consulate -almost as interesting as a walk down Nevsky Prospekt.

[maruss]

If you go there on a short-stay tourist visa you will probably have to leave the country again once you find a firm who can get you a work permit.If you come from Europe it's not so bad but otherwise that could be a real problem-and an expense!

[ontoit]

Right. If you speak like you write, then your grammar mistakes might raise some eyebrows. Then again, it seems that most people in Russia expect to be offered more than will be delivered - could be a match.