Job Discussion Forums

asamouse · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Posts: 11

Hi guys - anybody have any recent experiences in Kyrgyzstan (specifically in Bishkek and/or at The London School)? I'm looking for info on what life is like there and cost of living, and haven't found any posts on the topic that are all that recent... Any input would be appreciated!

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

One school there was run by a guy called Maytum and you got $500 plus your accom.For Khirghizia you could live reasonably well on this,although not save much of course by western standards.But since the trouble there a couple of years back he hasn't been advertising for people at all and it's possible the school may either have closed or that his staff have decided to stay on.Do bear in mind that the situation there is a bit unstable and it is still a third world country in many ways but also a very interesting and very attractive one in many areas, especially if you like mountains etc!
Let us know if you find out any more news about the school.I did have their address and phone number but seem to have lost it,unfortunately.There is (or was) another foreign run school in a different town in Khirgizia but they also seem to have gone quiet.

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

Hello. Any idea what a typical TEFL salary is in Bishkek? An employer is asking me what I'm expecting.

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

Ask them to make you an offer-meantime try to investigate the cost of living etc. from a source outside the potential employer before you agree to anything!Remember you can only say yes once!Also, what else do they cover?Getting there may well prove expensive, so who is paying?
As a general rule,no employer pays more than they have to,unless you are an exceptional candidate and can offer something which nobody else can!But in your favour is the fact that not many people would be prepared to go to a place like Kirghizia just to earn a meagre wage..

Kofola · Joined: 20 Feb 2009 Posts: 159 Location: Slovakia

I applied for a job in Bishkek in the summer (a university post). The salary quoted was 1,500 USD pcm with free accommodation and flights paid. They were willing to go higher - a fair bit higher, I suspect - for qualifications and experience, but I didn't pursue it in the end.

TEFL schools pay considerably less, as far as I know (prob half).

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

Thanks. That's useful.

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

Especially in a place like Kirghizia and you could have saved 75% of it easily with the cost of living there and free accom.
Private language schools there were paying around $500 a few years ago.