Job Discussion Forums

[MadGoldfish]

Hey folks, what's the going rate for private lessons in Moscow at the moment? Been out here for a few weeks (thanks to everyone who pointed me in the right direction), and was thinking about taking on a student if the price's right. It'd be prep for schooling in the UK.

Also, any idea whether schools are generally amenable to you reducing your hours when you've established yourself as a good teacher, and any advice on how to phrase it to them?

Cheers

[Sashadroogie]

As far as I know, typical private rates are between 2,500 rubs to 3,500 for 90 mins. Depends on many factors, lesson type, distance, small group or individual. If students try to bargain down, this is a bad sign. I don't take them on. There are plenty of other students who will appreciate that your highest rate is still better than a school's lowest. Certainly, do not go lower than 2000 rubles.

As to reducing your hours, this doesn't sound easy. But I wouldn't even broach the subject directly. I would simply be 'unavailable' at certain times. Depends on your contract commitment, of course. If you have agreed to 20 hours, then in fairness, you should honour that. But don't be pushed into having to be available 12 hours a day everyday for whenever there is a school class going.

Of course, it should not need to be stated again, but sometimes is, never ever hand over your passport to your school if you are thinking of going rogue. They'll simply have your visa cancelled behind your back.

Good luck.

[MadGoldfish]

That was quick! Well, I like the school, I like the students, I like the locations. The pay is reasonable given I applied without any teaching experience (650/ac hr). What I don't like (surprise surprise) is the split shifts.

They're do-able obviously but I don't want to be doing them long-term. Plus I'd like to do part-time work for my old company (non teaching related). Don't want to sever my ties completely with the school but can't really think of a good reason to reduce my hours.

We'll see I guess. Give it a couple of months at least and play it by ear. There don't seem to be many native speakers knocking around at this school so that might help.

Cheers Sash

[kazachka]