Job Discussion Forums

[sisyphus]

Whats the demand for English in Russian cities ? Is it strong and is there a significantly higher demand outside of Moscow and St Petersburg? I know there are a few on here who have started their own school. I am interested in looking at a few cities. Where would be a good idea? I am planning to visit St Petersburg in the new year.

[jpvanderwerf2001]

Demand is huge here in Vladivostok; the three main reasons why (IMO):
1) Immigration. This is the first driving factor: Many people in this region would like to immigrate to English-speaking countries such as Canada, NZ, and Australia;
2) Study Abroad. With the state of universities in this region becoming worse, parents push their kids to study abroad; and
3) Travel. More and more people are traveling abroad; they want to be able to speak while doing so.
I suspect that businesses here do not yet have a strong need for English, especially when compared to companies in the west of Russia. However, this is changing, and more and more businesses are paying for English training for their staff.
Judging by my travels around eastern Siberia (Irkutsk, Ekaterinburg, etc) and the rest of the Russian Far East (Khabarovsk, Yakutsk, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk) I would say that English demand is quite strong in those places as well.
Good luck.

[JimJam]

@jpvanderwerf2001

What's the money like in Vladivostok?

[jpvanderwerf2001]

JimJam,
Starting pay at language schools is in the 30-40K (rubles/month) range. Work is easy to find; the problem is getting a work visa.
University pay depends greatly on quals and demand. Start around 30K, but can be much more. They can usually hook up a work visa, but can be hard to find and set up.
Private work pay depends on contacts and luck (of course). Anywhere from 700-1000 per hour is pretty standard for native speakers.
Main issues here are the aforementioned visa and apartment rentals--they can be tough to find and expensive (expect 15K-plus).

[coledavis]

I have heard from an employer in Samara who is looking for native speakers. Apparently, he is in a position to be able to offer visas. PM me if interested. (NB this is a lead, not a personal recommendation.)

[Americanartistist]

I go to Yalta in Ukraine a couple of times every year and the demand for English is high, so high that hotels even offer English classes to lure visitors from Russia to stay there. Every time I go to Yalta, I have three or four job offers. I think in the early spring before the tourist season starts would be the ideal time to apply at some of the hotels to offer English classes.
JD

[pistollpeet]

coledavis

Could you PM me about the employer in Samara? I'm not able to yet. I am looking to teach there in Jan.

[nemnoga]

...

[coledavis]

Ok, this is from 2009, but I found there was a fair amount of demand in western Siberia too (e.g. Tyumen, Novosibirsk).

[MrPost]

American artist's comment got me intrigued: if there are jobs in Yalta for the summer, how many seasonal teaching jobs are out there during the summer season? I am looking for a temporary/seasonal gig in a stressless touristy location to mentally and morally prepare for the September semester, a move back to motherland after a 15 year absence. It would be great to work at the Crimean vacation spots of the childhood. Am I dreaming or has anyone heard of such positions?

I have teaching experience, tho minimal ESL/EFL. I have seasonal job experience and could be ready to go on a short notice without a visa. Is that a big plus?

American artist, how long are the lengths of 'contracts' you mentioned that you are able to go several times per year? I would generally be really interested in hearing more about those Yalta positions. ... and I can't PM you.

-Igor