Job Discussion Forums

[LateStarter]

Hi out there,

I know age has probably be done to death on this forum, but if you could point me in the right direction I would appreciate it.

I have just done two years in China, and am wondering what age restrictions, real or imaginary, are in place in Russia. I have my CELTA.

I am an older woman, (59) good health etc, enthusiastic and energetic with kids and adult classes, and am always up for challenges that go with extremes of lifestyle. I've done Senior Teacher and DoS roles, and am not afraid of hard work.

What are my chances in Russia? Hope you can help.

[Peg Leg Pete]

I think you'll be fine. Your experience should help-you are not new to this 'game'.

As for Russia, well I've worked with older teachers than you (so you still have time on your side) and they enjoy it. Just be careful with who you work with and it can be a good experience.

[maruss]

Petes advice is spot on!

[jpvanderwerf2001]

As a matter of fact, I think Russia is one of the better places to teach for more experienced teachers. Russian students tend to respect those of an older age.
Now, living here in winter might be another thing altogether...

[maruss]

If you go to Moscow the size of the place makes commuting around from one place to another very tiring and stressful and many people only realise this once it's too late!If you must go and work there,try to get a job with a firm where all your lessons will be at one site and your accomodation preferably as nearby as possible.Especially as you are prepared to teach young children,you should be able to find a well-paid position either in a private school or with a family that will comply with these conditions.Failing that,I would consider looking outside Moscow.
I am nearly the same age as you so I can see how it would affect you after my own experiences.......

[kazachka]

Our oldest teacher was 67. He recently moved back home after about 10 yrs here. We have quite a mix at work of 40 50smthgs as well as 20 30 smthgs. My boss prefers experienced teachers who have been here a while.

[LateStarter]

Thanks everyone who responded to my post.

One query: from your experience what would be a good starting school - should I aim for the McFactories as a starting point, and a good entry into Russia and Russian ways of doing things?

I would value your opinion. Cheers

[Sashadroogie]

As many others have posted, myself included, there really aren't any very good options for starting out, at least in Moscow. The tried and trusted way is indeed with a Mac, BKC for example. For all the faults of these places, and there are many, new teachers to Russia are taken care of fairly well. Flats, visas, transport etc. and an extensive network of colleagues all help to make for a softer landing. Plus, the teacher training can be pretty good too. Just realise, that you are actually paying for all this logistical support - very low salaries, need to be very flexible re timetabling etc.

So, don't plan to stay with any of them for more than one contract. When you are ready, find other smaller schools that pay better but expect you to fend for yourself, and switch over to them.

Best of luck!

Sasha

[ancient_dweller]

the problem is the fact that the mcschool salaries are so disproportionately low that it works out as pocket money. You are literally living on the bread-line for a year to gain this 'experience'.

[Sashadroogie]

Well, that is true to an extent, though usually only for an academic year. Most teachers find a new place by that time if they plan to stay in Russia.

Yes, the pay is peanuts in MacLand, but I do not know of any other way for outsiders to break into life here, in Moscow at least. It's tough going, and most people, even those who speak some Russian, need some help to get established. Just call it paying dues, and gain whatever you can from it.

Though as for breadline, I think beer-line may be more accurate for some...

[ancient_dweller]

ill settle on 'beer-line' then.

[maruss]

Being just a bit younger than the person who started this posting and having experienced Moscow myself in what was a very hard winter,I would seriously consider the amount of travelling and commuting any job there would involve:it is very stressful and physically and mentally exhausting to have to travel around the place and I certainly would not do it unless I was being paid well!Equally important is eating the right kind of nutritious food and as most edible products in Russia are imported,this means it is expensive.......living out of tins and eating cheaper junk food from various stalls is not a good way to maintain your health,although no doubt plenty of younger people will insist they are doing just fine on it,probably washed down with beer or something stronger!The standard of health in Russia generally is poor due to these and other factors and being ill is definitely an experience to avoid there!!
Anyone who reads Eve Lopez experiences while working for a certain Mac School will soon agree with me???
I would definitely take out private medical insurance in my own country which covers Russia,rather than believe that cover offered by these firms is adequate and make it top priority to find out which private clinics there accept your policy,preferably before you arrive in Moscow because if you have to pay yourself and then reclaim afterwards the charges are enormous!Better to have the policy and never need it,than to need it once and not have it.......

[cookbook13]

one

[cookbook13]

two

[cookbook13]

three