Job Discussion Forums

[GEG]

I am being courted by this school and scanning through the posts about the cost of living in Moscow, I am afraid! They are quoting salaries in dollars too - interesting. Housing is provided (including utilities) but I am curious if anyone has any info about this school. Thanks in advance...

[maruss]

If it is Yulia who is dealing with you,she is nice enough as a person but the fact is that their salaries on contract are just too low,especially with the cost of living there nowadays.This firm is not the only culprit by far and there are worse ones,but don't be tempted by their lure of 'decent' accomodation as it will almost certainly be shared!(I also saw some ex-pats who worked for them who I definitely would not even go for a drink with socially,let alone share my living space!)A possible alternative might be for you to suggest that they employ you on an hourly basis instead,depending of course on how much they are prepared to pay,but I doubt if they will..I tried it and they never finally gave me any classes,despite promises!In such case they will also obviously not provide accomodation etc.
Best advice,look for something else...

[GEG]

Many thanks for the feedback, I thought the thing was too good to be true. Thank God for the folks who let other teachers (like me) know about the schools.

[Sashadroogie]

Actually, Windsor are not at all bad these days, so I would go for it GEG if I were you. They have always paid a bit more than other schools historically, as far as I know. And with the recent visa regulation changes and the drop in teachers coming to Moscow, I think they, like most schools, are much more open to hourly-paid deals. Feel free to bargain away.

As for accommodation, as Maruss said, it won't be great, but at least it will be provided. Most decent places are well beyond a teacher's salary anyway, so any school hovel soon looks like a bonus, shared or not.

I know quite a lot of the ex-pat staff who work there, so not sure if Maruss' information on that score is really up-to-date enough, as they seem like regular people to me. Small group - 5 - 6 foreign teachers and a larger crew of Russian part-timers.

They are not the most organised of companies, it is true, but as Maruss said, the director is very easy to get on with. I wouldn't just write them off. Negotiate some sort of deal with them and see what you think. I doubt it would be much better with any other outfit.

[maruss]

With the new visa rules and shortage of teachers,you will have an advantage,especially if you are experienced so as 'sashadroogie' says,try to negotiate with them before you say yes or no.But I would not accept a shared flat on principle and never give way on that!Also find out where you will be working-i.e. at the their offices or mostly at different places around the city etc. because commuting is horrendous and winter will be coming etc!Also try to find out whether it will be adults or children-I only accept adults because I don't have the skills,experience or the patience to teach kids,especially in classrooms and got more money from in-company work anyway.But most of all,remember that you need to earn at least $2000 per month(preferably more!) clear after accomodation with todays Moscow prices to be able to get by without living out of cans etc.If they can't guarantee at least this then look for something else!

[scot47]

A salary in US Dollars ? I would negotiate out of that one ! Give me Euros please !

[dadarren]

With the crazy economy in Russia the US dollar is actually a very common currency in Russia, even with Russians. Sometimes when big money is involved the price is actually labelled in US dollars. So it's not too strange to be working out a contract with US dollars in Russia. Even if you're paid in US dollars as many people are, it is easy to convert almost anywhere to the Ruble if need be

[tannhauser]

I agree, the housing is not very good and some of the areas nearby the school are not the safest of places to be. Having said that we are paid well and there is a sense of community in the staff room. Do not expect to save a penny - the cost of living is staggering. The main plus sides are that students are keen and Yulia is helpful.

[rusmeister]