Job Discussion Forums

[hansend4]

Hello everyone,
I'm new to teaching English. (well actually I will be new once I start teaching, heh!) I'm very interested in Moscow for the language and culture. I will graduate this spring with a degree in music composition.

I have been reading the forum and trying to gather as much as possible but I still have some questions.

1) Would I be more likely to be hired if I take the celta course that bkc offers in Moscow, or would I be just as likely to be hired if I were to take the course in my hometown?

2) If I am hired, do I have the choice of teaching in Moscow, or do they place people where they are needed, possibly in smaller towns?

3) I understand that they provide shared flats. Does this entail just shared bathrooms, kitchen, and living spaces, or does in include sleeping quarters as well?

4) I know it probably varies a lot, but how likely is one to be hired, assuming they have a bachelor's degree and Celta certificate?

Thanks a lot in advance! Any advice is appreciated. Also if there is any information you can think that I haven't specifically asked, but which you feel might be useful, feel free to let me know!

[smithrn1983]

First of all, probably all of these questions have been answered on this forum somewhere. The details and horror stories of bkc have been well documented here. As for where you get your CELTA, no it does not matter where you get it. It's well-regulated and every course is audited by an outside CELTA trainer to ensure quality. However, being able to interview with a school in person DOES raise your chances of getting hired. If you want to work in Moscow, doing your CELTA there gives you better chances of finding a job there. There's a thread in the Czech Republic forum on job interviewing. Do yourself a favor and read it very carefully.

[VladJR87]

Though I never got any real numbers or good evidence, the impression I got from both BKC and (more importantly) BKC employees was that if you want to be employed, by BKC, in Moscow (or surrounding area), you should get the certification through BKC.

If you want to teach English, and BKC/Moscow area is one of your choices, you can get your certification anywhere you want.

In my case, I found that the certification was much more expensive locally, to the point that you throw in airfare and housing, and it was very reasonable to get it in Moscow. You add in the experience and likely improvement in job aspects- way better deal to do it abroad.

That being said, I have not done it yet, I leave in January, so someone will likely have better, more informed opinions than me. However, I was facing the same debate recently, and I decided that since my heart was set on Russia, I better get the certificate there. At this time, I have no desire to teach in Korea, China, etc... so if my certificate did not get me a job in Russia, it would have been a waste, better to up my chances by getting it there.

I was told they are working on apartment arrangements soon, so I may have more information for you on that , though I was under the impression they are two bedroom apartments, but the alternative would not surprise me.

I have been told BKC will actually guarantee you a job if they train you and you pass. I did not buy into that, particularly since BKC does not say that... but it seems pretty likely. To be fair, if BKC does not, there are many alternatives, many of which are opened to you now that you are already in Russia.

I faced two significant questions in making my decision...

1) If I get my certificate, and do not get a job in Russia/Eastern Europe- will I consider it a waste of time?

2) If I get my certificate in Russia, and do not get a job- will I consider it a waste of time?

[maruss]

Unless you have some connection with Russia or at least have friends there and a basic knowledge of the language, it is not an ideal place for a first-time teacher to go to.There are many reasons why and they are well documented in the various postings on this site so you can study them at leisure....
As for BKC accom. it varies in quality but as a general rule you will not get a single appartment for yourself and will be expected to share one,although you will have your own bedroom.Getting your own flat is a privelege usually kept for more senior staff.Equally important to the standard of accom. is where it is situated in regards to your workplace as regards travelling and also because some areas,especially in the south and south-eastern suburbs of Moscow,are notorious not just for being ugly but also for bad ecology and air quality!If you refuse BKC accom. and opt for an allowance instead the amount they pay is not enough to cover the cost of even a small,basic studio in a remote suburb,bearing in mind that you need a minimum of 30.000 roubles per month(around $900-1000) plus a months deposit and agents commission,unless you find one privately.
The other question to consider is whether you REALLY want to do this course and teach as a career or is your priority just to find a way to go and live and work in Russia for a while?Only you can answer that.

[Houston]

[hansend4]

Thanks a lot guys!

I'm pretty excited about Russia (as many many many seem to have been) but am also taking the potential realities into accout (based on the horror stories). But I'm sure it's worked out decently for some and I'm young enough that I could back bounce back from a rough year. Hmmm... tough choices

[maruss]

Whilst I cannot vouch personally for them of course,much of what they allege about Russia is plausible,based on my own experiences and observations there!In such countries rules and regulations are only on the statute book so in other words,expect almost anything and you won't be surprised!Russian people know it and have learned how to handle it on a daily basis,otherwise they would not survive!
Just try to keep your nose clean,learn to take a few knocks...and enjoy what can be a very exhilarating ride and is never boring!