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 Smile

[zeke0606]

Desertpearl,

I first came to Russia in 1999 to Togliatti and in 2003 to Ufa. And I am still here...
One thing that I have found living here and having permanent resident status is this:
Every city has it's own interpretation of the 'official' laws and rules governing foreign workers.
Your three questions are legit and very worth asking.
Over the years I have found most contracts are voided by the schools themselves. Not in every case, of course.
Working with a business visa can be enforced, that depends on the city you are in.
As far as schools paying you, even your salary, is sometimes chancy.

I can tell you this. I was leaving Togliatti at the end of my contract in 2002 and had visa extension stamps in my passport and was arrested at the Samara airport. It seems that the passport control officers had never seen extension stamps before. I was held for two hours in a real jail cell and finally released. I had that gut feeling to arrive 'very very' early for this flight and that feeling proved right.

I do wish you the best in your employment in Russia. If you make to Ufa, Ask around for the 'American guy' and you and I will have a beer!

[gondwana66]

Desertpearl. Not sure if I'm too late for you but I also worked Togliatti for four years and honestly never had any problems with money, nor did any of the teachers I knew personally. Nevertheless I did hear of one teacher who left and the school apparently were able to stop him leaving the country. True or false I can't say.
As far as re-imbursement of airfares I had to wait the full 12 months but they gave it no problem.
When getting new visas the school gave me letters and never any trouble at the Russian embassies or airports although once they stopped me at Samara to go right through my computer looking for spy material!
Russia's OK and I'll be back.

Gondwana66
http://pangaea901.wordpress.com/

[ancient_dweller]

[ancient_dweller]

so what did you decide in the end?

[spark93111]

Hey zeke: My wife is from Ufa, what's the job market like there? I've been there many times, 5 weeks just this past summer. I'd like to try my hand at teaching in Ufa if possible. ref: 57 year old rookie above.