Job Discussion Forums

[technodrome]

Ok, it's clearly not impossible -- there are many of you teaching in Russia right now, some of you novices -- but has it become "prohibitively difficult" for someone looking to break in? Are most of the openings nowadays little better than traps (the good ones having gone to veterans with insider knowledge)? I'm considering getting a SIT Tesol certification in the Spring in the hopes of teaching in Fall 2010. As far as I can tell, it's a respectable program, but should I take seriously their claim that they can help me find/vet prospective schools? I'm also pretty spooked by comments I've read here about the ruble's instability. I doubt any school pegs salaries to other currencies and am wondering what strategies folks here use to protect themselves.

Thanks![/b]

[coledavis]

[technodrome]

[coledavis]

Most Russian starter jobs are there as they're the biggest markets, but the macfirms do have branches elsewhere. Try looking at www.visarus.co.uk at the all Russia directory of schools, and look for Language Link and English First there.

[Sashadroogie]

Dear technodrome

I don't know much about the SIT Tesol certificate, but so long as it includes observed teaching practice, then it should be just as acceptable to employers as CELTA or Trinity. What employers don't want is some mickey-mouse online course. These most definitely are not respectable.

And remember, any course at this level is termed 'pre-service'. This means you will not be transformed into a ready-to-go teacher after just a four-week course. That is not the aim of the course. However, you will have enough of a grounding to be trained further on the job during your first year in gainful employment. So choose your first school wisely. Go somewhere that offers proper support and professional development. As Coledavis says, the much loathed McSchools are, sad to say, probably the best options in Russia in this respect. But boy! do you pay for the support...

[maruss]

Both Sashadroogie and Cole have put it very nicely....there's no easy way into Russia,especially with the economic situation etc.I would also consider his advice about going to other countries,particularly if you don't want Moscow or St.Petes......do you really have any idea what it would be like to live in a Russian provinicial city where you might well be the only foreigner around,especially if you don't speak the language either?A sense of adventure is a good thing,but it could turn into a nightmare!!

[coledavis]

I'm not saying that your local course is necessarily a mickey (or minnie) mouse course, but I would make two points: firstly, you don't know (unless you're sure of the accrediting body) and secondly, the big name qualifications are specifically asked for by some employers (whether we like it or not) for the same reasons and therefore improve your chances of employment, not only when looking for your first job, but also when competing for the better jobs. My last job went to me rather than the opposition partly because I held the CELTA (my employer's words not mine).

My point about going to another country such as China was not meant to put you off Russia. It was more about finding a job quickly and with relative ease, so you can get that first job - hard work for several weeks at least, as you get used to preparation and it starts to get easier - rather than letting your new found skills go to waste for several months.

This is the all Russia directory:
http://www.visarus.co.uk/community/schools
Novosibirsk has 41 schools listed and does have an expat community, as the city is quite popular with TEFLers (which also may mean competition, but hey, give it a go). I can see an English First there, and also a Benedict (another chain). These are not recommendations, as they vary in terms of supportiveness etc etc.
Tomsk has 12 including a Benedict; I have heard good things about that one, although I gather that the accommodation is a university flat (sorry US people, apartment).
Tyumen is an oil town, the bubble deflating during the recession, but they've got an English First there, may be worth a go.
You get the drift.

So you try them and other parts of Russia. Note Maruss' point that if you get a job somewhere quiet you may be the only expat. He's mentioned the negatives; I would also mention the fact that you're likely to be valued more.

If no luck then get a start in another country - it's still experience and gives you the chance to exercise and develop the skills you've acquired - and apply again for Russia as an experienced person. Hope that's helpful.

[dirimini]

Although I'm not the OP, thanks to those who offered their insights. Very helpful.

[technodrome]

[jpvanderwerf2001]

Sounds like Vladivostok might be a good fit for you then. There's a small, but existing expat population, and jobs are available--at least as far as I know.
You can PM me if you have any questions.

[jpvanderwerf2001]

P.S. I should add that, although I suspect there are jobs to be had here, Vladivostok is quite pricey. You can look at my Vladivostok thread to learn more, and PM if you have further questions.

[dirimini]

[technodrome]

[Velocipedaler]

[dirimini]