Job Discussion Forums

[ithos]

I'm looking into teaching in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan and would really appreciate any info on the current ESL situation there, eg. availability of jobs, working conditions, salary vs cost of living, etc. and general info on what it's like to live there, easy to make local friends, attitude to foreigners, all that kind of stuff.

It would be my first ESL job, I'm 23yo Irish male, I have an unrelated MA and will have a CELTA soon too.

Any info greatly appreciated!

[gingerlady]

I think I saw it on tefl.com, but sorry, I've never been there, although I was interested also. It sounds like an interesting place surrounded by lots of nature. The name of the school is the London School if you want to try and google it.

[ithos]

Thanks I'll get googling =)

[ithos]

The fruits of goole http://www.tlsbi.com/Tefl.htm

"Teach English with the London School

The London School offers an incredible opportunity for TEFL teachers.

Foreign teachers only teach 4 days a week, with just four 80 min lessons a day. Teachers are provided with a large room with all conditions, free of charge.

Teachers are paid every two weeks, with a monthly stipend towards return airfare. Accomodation is free.Email Us for details.

Teachers take one week of vacation at Easter, one week in summer and another two weeks at Christmas.

During the summer months, the school organizes excursions to the nearby mountains, where teachers can relax and take in the wonderful scenery.

Cultural trips are also available so that teachers are introduced to the legendary Kyrgyz hospitality and traditions. Teachers who complete their contract term will be provided 3 day horse trekking tour free of charge. Email us for details.

For general details about Bishkek(ATMS, phone rates, etc.), see our Info page.

If you want to find out more about Kyrgyzstan and the region, here are some suggested books and links worth checking out."

Thanks for the lead, gonna email them now and will update with any new info.

[ithos]

D'oh, missed the NO Paddys sign

"1. Due to our students� needs, we can only accept resumes from applicants from United States and the United Kingdom. (Citizenship must be from birth.)"

[maruss]

Unfortunately quite unstable and very much third-world....I would strongly recommend anyone contemplating going to live and work there to get the very latest official info. from a site like fco.gov.uk and then contact the school with a long list of pre-prepared questions,as well as e-mailing some of those former teachers before making any decision to go there.

[Kofola]

I spent a couple of weeks in Bishkek last year and really enjoyed it. Bishkek is a modern city with a mix of Kyrgyz and Russian people, although there are not as many Russians as there once were. This makes it less Muslim and a lot more tolerant than the more rural areas esp. regarding clothing for women. The countryside is a very rural and fascinating antidote to Bishkek, which has expensive shopping centres, plenty of internet cafes, restaurants, wifi locations etc. The standard of living is much much higher there. There is an expat community, mostly teachers and students - there is an American university there. I found the people to be very open and friendly, however, English is not widely spoken. Knowing Russian would be very helpful.

The economy is in serious trouble. Towards the end of last year, there were almost daily blackouts for long periods of time. How much that has changed, I don't know. The US lost their military airbase when the Russians offered a substanstial financial package to the Kyrgyz in an attempt to reassert their influence in the country. It's probably too early to know what kind of effect this is having. But if you decide to go, bear in mind that daily life can be difficult there at times. The government is widely regarded as corrupt and the Central Asian republics are considered to be particularly ill prepared to deal with the economic crisis.

That may all sound like doom and gloom, but personally I'd jump at the chance to go back. It's a fascinating place and the hospitality unrivalled. Do love the food, too. But, I'd always make sure I had enough money to bail in a hurry if I had to.

[jonniboy]