Job Discussion Forums

[Desertpearl]

Hi guys,
I am considering teaching in Russia. And of course I have been reading all of your gripes about it for a few days now. I take what you say to heart but I am still considering going there because I want to improve my Russian and re-familiarize myself with my native culture. I don't doubt that they will attempt to screw me every chance they get. So what I really want to know, if you guys are kind enough to enlighten me, is the answer to the following questions:

1. What exactly are the penalties for breaking a contract with one of these schools? I know that you will lose your supposed working visa. However, from what you guys say the schools don't give you an employment visa anyway but only a business visa which does not legally permit you to work anyway. So what I want to know is if there are other ramifications of breaking contracts with them e.g. threats, serious legal penalties that they had ever been known to enforce etc.

2. What are the penalties for working without an employment visa? What is enforced?

3. Do any of the schools pay for all or part of your flight right after or soon after you arrive?

I look forward to your answers

[jpvanderwerf2001]

I am considering teaching in Russia. And of course I have been reading all of your gripes about it for a few days now. I hope you haven't only read the gripes; there is some very practical, and positive, info on these boards.
I take what you say to heart but I am still considering going there because I want to improve my Russian and re-familiarize myself with my native culture. I don't doubt that they will attempt to screw me every chance they get.
Not everyone will attempt to screw you, to be fair. One just has to do plenty of research.
So what I really want to know, if you guys are kind enough to enlighten me, is the answer to the following questions:

1. What exactly are the penalties for breaking a contract with one of these schools? I know that you will lose your supposed working visa. However, from what you guys say the schools don't give you an employment visa anyway but only a business visa which does not legally permit you to work anyway. So what I want to know is if there are other ramifications of breaking contracts with them e.g. threats, serious legal penalties that they had ever been known to enforce etc.

I don't know if there are any real penalties--besides probably having to leave the country, if you break your contract.

2. What are the penalties for working without an employment visa? What is enforced?

Probably deportation and a huge fine for the company who lets you work. There are ways around having to face this situation, however.

3. Do any of the schools pay for all or part of your flight right after or soon after you arrive?

Many schools pay you throughout the length of your contract, so you don't use the school for a one-month, tickets-paid, holiday to Russia. Others pay you at the end of the contract.

Good luck!

[zeke0606]

Look in the Russian forum - I posted an answer there.
Zeke