Job Discussion Forums

VladJR87 · Joined: 06 Jul 2010 Posts: 87 Location: Moscow RU

So I am getting some good advice over in the expat forums, but figured I should seek similar advice here since you all may be more familiar with the lifestyle as both expat, and [poorly paid] english teacher!

For a quick background. I should be starting the BKC-IH CELTA program in January. I am sure the first month (training) will be busier and more hectic than once I begin teaching. I do not anticipate being overwhelmed by the work schedule though, in the least (I did just come off 62 straight days of work, and find myself bored now working less than 7 days a week Wink

).

Lastly, I have a decent amount of money saved up, money I am looking at two ways. The primary function, when I come back to the states (I am teaching in Russia for the experience, I have no plans, though plans change, to spend a decade traveling the world teaching).... anyway, primary purpose is down payment on a house/condo. However, I am also looking at (at least some of) the money as a way to live comfortable in Moscow. I have no desire to live high-class, but when it comes to some luxaries like internet access etc, maybe it will be worth digging into the savings for... That being said...

These are not all necessarily direct questions, but the things that I am pondering lately. Any answers, tips, comments, direction will be much appreciated Smile

.

1- Internet access. It sounds like it is quite affordable. If I purchase a laptop I would definitely at the very least want to look into getting internet access, though it sounds like there is quite the arsenal of options.

2- Laptop: Should I be buying and taking with me, or buying in Russia? It sounds like it may be easier to setup on internet if I purchase in Moscow, but I suspect I will be paying more there (was looking at cheapo refurbs here stateside, not worried about warranty service much).

3- Xbox/Gaming: Maybe I am the first expat going abroad to teach that really wants to play Xbox while there, but maybe not Smile

. I kind of figured I would bring my HDD and buy a system there. I suspect there is a PAL vs NTSC issue, not to mention I would hate to be lugging around an xbox if internet access etc. did not work out. Maybe worth dipping into savings for... Smile

4- Kindle, definitely thinking a kindle is a good route to go for entertainment. Amazon claims they get a connection in Moscow (though it sounds like abroad the free 3g is limited to book buying and wikipedia, which is fine). Though if I brought along a laptop and or xbox this would be less necessary Smile

. The only reason I really consider it is based on the time I spent in Eastern Europe before, finding books in English was a challenge, and more importantly it came down to what was available, and what you [i]wanted[i] to read did not really come into play.

Houston · Joined: 04 Apr 2010 Posts: 44

A 4G mobile usb modem for your laptop will cost you about 900 rubles (30USD) per month, with unlimited data.

Buy your laptop in the states, they're more expensive in Moscow and you don't need to worry about them being compatible, other than buying a plug converter. I'd lean towards portability over size and power, but that's just my preference. Remember that you'll be walking or standing on a train everywhere you go, and you may be away from your flat most of the day.

Life can be pretty sweet without all the American-style luxuries. When in Moscow, do as the Muscovites do. There's so much to do here, and I don't think you'll be wanting to spend a lot of time in your flat playing xbox. If you want the experience here, you have to go out and experience it. Odds are that your CELTA class will be mostly Russian women, so make some friends, because they love showing people around Moscow. It's a lot more fun here if you have Russian friends helping you to navigate Russian culture.

Sashadroogie · Posted: Sat Oct 16, 2010 8:25 pm Post subject:

Not much of a problem getting English language books. Bookshops have an OK selection, and all else can be ordered. And there's a Russian version of Amazon that can probably get whatever you are looking for and deliver it easily - cash payments on your doorstep too. Check out http://www.ozon.ru/

As far as I know, online gaming isn't a problem. At least not for the hordes of teenagers who prefer doing that to English homework. But system compatibility almost certainly will have some technical issues. In any case, if cash isn't an issue all hardware and software is available to buy here, and can be re-sold later.

expat979 · Joined: 22 Jun 2010 Posts: 6

For me personally, an ereader is a must. I have a Sony reader and I use it constantly while travelling to various classes (or waiting in lobbies for students to actually show up). As a teacher, you're probably going to spend a lot of time on public transport, and you'll already be carrying a lot of coursebooks. It's a lot less hassle to one-handedly hold a slim ereader on the metro than a book.

The Russians are getting in on it too. Two years ago, I hardly ever saw an ereader, and now there are at least a couple on every wagon.

Sorry, I can't give you any advice regarding Kindle connectivity.

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

I use the Bebook ereader: http://mybebook.com/
Loads of free classics to read, as well as the ability to add new ebooks.

mayumi_kaneyuki · Joined: 16 Sep 2010 Posts: 12

http://oliverburns.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2010-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-08%3A00&updated-max=2011-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-08%3A00&max-results=8

manbitesdog · Joined: 14 Dec 2010 Posts: 8 Location: Moscow, Russia

I have a sony ereader as well and it was worth every penny. While there are a number of English book shops, the selection can be limited to mostly best sellers. As a girl who likes her options, my ereader paid for itself! As far as an xbox is concerned.... you'll be in Moscow! I am sure you will be able to pass the time in some way. You may regret dragging all that technology around after the first month.