Job Discussion Forums

[ComradeBL]

Hello All!

I have a few questions in regard to living & working in Russia, specifically, Siberia, and am hoping the pros here could provide me with guidance & assistance. I'd be very grateful!

First a bit about myself:

I am a 10th generation native Carolinaian who grew up in the backyard of the Savannah River Plant. (SRP's claim to fame is that it was one of a handful of locations in the USA built to refine nuclear material for deployment of nuclear weapons. If you've ever seen the movie, "The Sum of All Fears" w/ Ben Afleck, the nuclear material used to construct the dirty bomb that blew up Baltimore came from SRP.) For better or worse, growing up on the frontlines of the latter part of the Cold War in a town that at one point had been in the Guiness Book of World Records for most PhD's / square mile (and both of my parents are/were professors) was an experience that most "Southern Bumpkins" did not receive. To enhance that experience, I studied German in high school and took a pen pal who lived in Saxony near Dresden in the former Deutsche Demokratische Republik / East Germany. We became friends just before "Die Mauer" / The Wall came down. In essence, my childhood gave me an international appreciation and a strong interest in the former "bad guys."

I attended university earning both BA & MA degrees in Political Science and began a PhD program in the same before realizing I was burn out of school. I've done political consulting, ran for state office, served in The White House, but, ultimately, have follwed in my family's footsteps of education.

Shortly after my doctoral attempt, I was hired by a community college that provides educational opportunities to enlisted military personel. My primary assignments were with the US Navy, administering & teaching foundation English/Math and State/Local Government aboard USN vessels, although I did an administrative stint in Afghanistan. I have lived all over the world's bodies of water and many of the world's continents. I know how to be resourceful and adaptive to ever-changing situations. I do speak/read/write German fairly well and can read basic Cyrillic but know little beyond the alphabet. I have spent a good bit of time in Central & Eastern Europe (Czech Republic, Poland, & Ukraine), but I have not been to Russia.

Two years ago I left my previous community college to join a community college back in the USA. Currently, I am a half-time administrator/half-time instructor with over 10 years instruction & administration in higher education. I have an TEFL certificate and am currently working on an additonal MA in English. While I enjoy my work, I really do miss living abroad. I single and with the exception of a modest mortgage, my parents/younger brother and my job, that's about all of my comittments. I feel that if I am ever going to experience living in Russia, now is the time.

I made contact with a school in Siberia in the heart of oil country and we have spent the past few weeks hammering out the details of a contract. I think we're fairly close to something mutually acceptable, but wanted your imput as to expectations.

My questions to you are:
1.) In today's Russian/world economy, what should be my expectations on a salary/benefits package for living and working as an Administrator/Instructor in Siberia? Additionally, what should I expect my outlays to be in Siberia?

2.) What can you tell me about Siberia? Is it everything the sterotypes say it is or is Siberia the cultural paradise of lore?

Again, I am very grateful for all of your imput and look forward!

Thank you so much!

[maruss]

I have never worked there and only visited some cities:most of the Soviet era purpose built oil towns are frankly pretty awful,the exception possibly being Tyumen which also has an older,historical sector and somewhow feels more human?
There have been some very bad reviews on this site about Surgut in particular but I cannot comment on them as I have no experience of any of those schools.But I would bear in mind that it is not like Moscow in anyway,where at least you can find an alternative job if things go pearshaped....even worse it is really remote and getting out of there can cost you an arm or a leg if you have a scrap with your employer and they refuse to buy your ticket out!Although you come from the U.S. where winters can get really cold in places,experiencing the kind of temperatures they have in Siberia is something else!
The only advice I can give you is to check it out and check it out before you agree to go and get satisfactory answers to all your questions:if you have any doubts they may well prove to be well-founded-at the end of the day,employers in Russia have the upper hand so if you can talk to an expat member of staff,so much the better!

[jpvanderwerf2001]

First off, I don't want to be "that guy", but the word is 'input'.

Now to more relevant info.

Salary: I don't live in Siberia, but I've been in that neck of the woods a number of times. How much you need to make, of course, depends on your lifestyle. If you're a "regular" single guy--eat out occasionally, travel once in a while, enjoy a night out now and again, would like to date a few of the locals--AND your rent is paid for, I would suggest a starting salary around 35,000 rubles. However, with your quals and experience that should probably be closer to 40-45K.
If your rent is NOT paid for, I would think you'd need 15K more.
(Be sure to ask about bills, etc, in regards to the flat!)
Your package should also include airfare reimbursement, visa reimbursement, official work permit, health insurance, assistance with apartment finding, and assistance with registration (like holding your hand and taking you to the registration office; I'm not being trite, this is mega-important). If any of these are NOT included, ask many, many questions (starting with "Why?").
If your company is hooking you up with a flat, ask if it's "Euro-remont" (i.e. renovated). If it isn't, expect something quite, um, spartan.

About Siberia (many of these apply to Russia in general): The people are quite friendly and sociable. The women (if that's your thing) are absolutely gorgeous. Hearty, but basic, food. Cold--very cold, between Nov-Mar (I guess you knew that). Stunning nature (if you can access it).

If you mind your p's and q's and ask enough questions, you can expect a wonderful experience in Siberia. Where are you going, exactly? It might help to answer questions more specifically as Siberia is a massive place.

Best of luck to you.

[Sashadroogie]

but the word is 'input'.

And a bonus prize to the first poster who can tell us what feature of connected speech the subject line is an example of!

[ComradeBL]

jp & maruss - Fellas, THANK YOU very much for your INput and commentary. It is greatly appreciated!

jp - OOOOPS! My appologies! There are some words out there that I know are wrong, but, for whatever reason, is scarred in my brian as being correct...that's one of them...alot is another (drove my high school English teacher to an early gave)

I am very grateful for your specifics on what to seek in a potential contract. Here's what the school has offered thus far:

Housing - non-shared accommodation provided with telephone and 1000Mb paid Internet access in the apartment provided by the company (unsure about other utilities or if apt is "Euro-remont"..I'll have to ask)

Travel - 100% reimbursement of travel expenses or the alternative is for them to purchase e-tickets directly and I do not have to take the initial cost hit

Visa - invitation for entry working visa to Russia and refund of visa expenses on arrival (Is this everything required/needed to be working legally in Russia?)

Medical - basic medical insurance that covers emergency cases, acute illnesses, injuries (including out-patient treatment and hospitalization) but doesn't cover dental service (only acute) or chronic disease (Is this standard medical in Russia? I am in excellent health but would appreciate any feedback that can be provided on how health care works in Russia...)

Holiday - 11 1/2 month contract - 2 weeks paid vacation at New Year/Orthodox Christmas & 5 national holiday periods throughout the year; the month of June is off with two weeks of vacation paid and two weeks not paid


jp & maruss - I was a bit concerned when you posted that Surgut was the area of Siberia to "watch out." This institute is in Surgut.

The school has provided me with the name of a former expat (Brit) employee to contact as a reference of the school. I've sent an email to him and await his response.

Looking forward to your & any other expert's words out there!

Thanks again!!!

[maruss]

This is a classic example of a Soviet era oil town,although the mega-bucks from the oil have bought a lot of newer buildings and improvements.It's just that unless you like artificial things its monotonous and uninspiring.
There were some serious run-ins reported by teachers who went to work at a couple of schools there and one in particular led to a slanging match between the expat DOS and former teachers on this site!!Basically he refuted all the allegations they made against him and the management of the firm and if you have the patience to plow-back through this site you should be able to find them!I just hope that it is not this school you are dealing with,otherwise I would be careful!
Having said all that,the biggest drawback is that a place like Surgut is so remote that you are out on a limb if anything goes haywire and especially as the firm are providing your accomodation you will no doubt be kicked-out of it as soon as you leave the job!Hotels in Russia tend to be expensive and sometimes of poor quality-or both so always have a contingency plan in case such a situation occurs,perhaps another teacher who will put you up for a few nights or maybe a Russian girlfriend who would be glad of your company in return for perhaps some help with the groceries etc!
But hopefully none of this will happen to you (except of course the last one!) and you will enjoy the many delights of Siberia which our friend in Vladivostok has already described!
Good luck!

[jpvanderwerf2001]

I am very grateful for your specifics on what to seek in a potential contract. Here's what the school has offered thus far:

Housing - non-shared accommodation provided with telephone and 1000Mb paid Internet access in the apartment provided by the company (unsure about other utilities or if apt is "Euro-remont"..I'll have to ask)

Doesn't sound too bad. The next question I would ask is the flat's proximity to the institute, and what type of transport is needed. I haven't been to Surgut, so I can't comment on the state of public transport there; however, if it's anything like most Siberian cities and cities in the Russian Far East...well, not so great.

Travel - 100% reimbursement of travel expenses or the alternative is for them to purchase e-tickets directly and I do not have to take the initial cost hit

I would take them up on that e-ticket move like yesterday!

Visa - invitation for entry working visa to Russia and refund of visa expenses on arrival (Is this everything required/needed to be working legally in Russia?)

Hm, not sure on this one, since it's a work permit (not visa). However, as long as it's for one year and you aren't required to leave the country during that span, then it sounds legit.

Medical - basic medical insurance that covers emergency cases, acute illnesses, injuries (including out-patient treatment and hospitalization) but doesn't cover dental service (only acute) or chronic disease (Is this standard medical in Russia? I am in excellent health but would appreciate any feedback that can be provided on how health care works in Russia...)

That should be fine. Dentists are mega cheap here, so if you do have any little nicks or marks you'd always wanted to take care of, it probably won't cost much more than $30 to get that work done.
As far as hospitals go, it looks like you'll be covered. Keep in mind, also, that medicine here is much cheaper than in the West. (However, I won't get into the quality of the hospitals and doctors...Just don't get too sick.)

Holiday - 11 1/2 month contract - 2 weeks paid vacation at New Year/Orthodox Christmas & 5 national holiday periods throughout the year; the month of June is off with two weeks of vacation paid and two weeks not paid

Pretty standard. There is an official number of days they are required, by law, to give all official workers. Be sure to know what that it (it's 36 in Vladivostok, but may be different in Surgut).

jp & maruss - I was a bit concerned when you posted that Surgut was the area of Siberia to "watch out." This institute is in Surgut.

Can't comment. I didn't write that about Surgut, since I've never been.

The school has provided me with the name of a former expat (Brit) employee to contact as a reference of the school. I've sent an email to him and await his response.

I would ask for as many ex-pat, ex-workers as you can. That particular person may have just had an exceptionally good time. It's smart to get a fuller perspective from more than one contact...

[ComradeBL]

jp & maruss - Again, thank you for the heads up. I've asked those questions you suggested and here are the replies:


Housing - non-shared accommodation provided with telephone and 1000Mb paid Internet access in the apartment provided by the company (unsure about other utilities or if apt is "Euro-remont"..I'll have to ask)

Doesn't sound too bad. The next question I would ask is the flat's proximity to the institute, and what type of transport is needed. I haven't been to Surgut, so I can't comment on the state of public transport there; however, if it's anything like most Siberian cities and cities in the Russian Far East...well, not so great.


The flat is fully equipped and newly decorated in a block of flats within a walking distance. The flat isn't very large, there is just a living room, kitchen, bathroom and a balcony. It's quite cozy though not luxurious. The heat works well in winter, very comfortable, private, secure and very close to the school, with hot water, TV and a washing machine.

Public transportation is cheap and works well, taxi service is ok, most destinations are in walking distance and for some cases we have a company driver. Surgut is not a big city, we are in the centre of it and most shopping centers, restaurants and cafes, clubs are nearby.



Visa - invitation for entry working visa to Russia and refund of visa expenses on arrival (Is this everything required/needed to be working legally in Russia?)

Hm, not sure on this one, since it's a work permit (not visa). However, as long as it's for one year and you aren't required to leave the country during that span, then it sounds legit.

This is how the the whole visa process has been explained to me:

"The Visa situation is complicated, that's right. We help with all the paperwork required, and try to make the whole process as comfortable for our employees as possible. It takes time (at least a month) to obtain any visa, that's why the sooner we start the better.

There are two types of work visas:
A single entree visa for 90 days issued by a Russian consulate on the basis of work visa invitation (which, in turn, is issued on the basis of work permit)

A multiple entree visa issued on the basis of a single entree visa at the local department of the Russian Federal Migratory Service (FMS) for the period validity of the work permit. With a work permit for the new period, it is possible to prolong the work visa, and also to obtain a new multiple entree visa in FMS without leaving Russia.

We will send you a work visa invitation. A work visa invitation (single entree for the period of 90 days, purpose - "employment"), can be issued on the basis of a work permit by the local department of the Russian FMS on our application. With this invitation letter you will have to apply to a visa centre.

There is a way to shorten the whole process, to obtain a humanitarian visa or a business visa first, come to Russia and here wait when the work visa is ready and then get it without leaving Russia. But we will probably won't need it."

Truthfully, I think I am more confused now that I was before asking...



The school has provided me with the name of a former expat (Brit) employee to contact as a reference of the school. I've sent an email to him and await his response.

I would ask for as many ex-pat, ex-workers as you can. That particular person may have just had an exceptionally good time. It's smart to get a fuller perspective from more than one contact...


The expat wrote back saying the school is "an amazing place to work."

- staff are a delight and the children are lovely
- has every possible modern teaching aid, such as interactive whiteboards, overhead projectors, video links with American tutors, etc.
- payment is prompt in roubles into a bank account which they will set up for you, usually around the 14th of each month
- the major problem is the cold; in winter (which starts in November) the temperature drops to minus 25C and stays there or colder until the middle of April - he continues to work for them but only during the summer months as he cannot handle the cold

[jpvanderwerf2001]

Multi-entree visa? Get fries with that?
Kidding. You are right, the process is convoluted (welcome to Russia!), but in the end it looks like they're doing right by you in terms of the work permit.
Flat sounds pretty standard.
What's the pay? If it's in that 35-45K range, this sounds like a decent gig, apart from the crazy winters!
Good luck

[ComradeBL]

JP - Thanks so much for your heads up!

Got more development on the job description.

The school proposes that I hold dual roles, like my current arrangement, where I am an administrator and an instuctor. From now until Jan it would be 1/4 admin & 3/4 instruction. From Feb forward it would be 1/2-1/2. My original understanding was that the contract would run for 12 months. However, the latest description labels the duties from Oct-Jan & Feb-May. I don't know what that means...

The current proposal is all that I've mentioned above (housing, travel, medical, visa, etc.) and a salary of 75-80,000 RUB / month. This school is more than a language school and I have expressed that I expect to be paid comprable to what I earn at home; I am worth it!

The school's policy with the locals is a bonus structure. I'm interested in this arrangement, as well, in addition to a solid expat salary.

Unrealistic expectations? Right on target? Is what the school offered fair?

Thanks!

[jpvanderwerf2001]

75-80K is more like it. I mean, in dollar terms, that's still sub-$3000/month; so, considering many things in Russia cost MORE than in the US, I would say it's a fair deal for an administrative role in a smaller city. However, again, I say that with the caveat that I've never been to Surgut. I can say that in Vladivostok that salary would allow for a relatively comfortable standard of living (one- or two-room flat in a decent area, frequent restaurant trips, ability to buy good, quality food; some travel).
I'd say go for it!
Best of luck

[anubistaima]

1. Never been to Surgut but I worked in Siberia for three years. The winters were the best part. Siberian (Russian?) cities are ugly. UGLY. Grey, dirty, falling down to pieces. At least the snow covers all day and makes them look "magical." If you can get out of the cities, though, nature is stunning.

2. Russia (including Siberia) is expensive. Forget buying clothes and other things regularly. If you don't mind, and considering rent is paid for, you'll be fine.

3. I seriously doubt you'll get 75-80K. Best of luck (honestly) but I doubt it.

[maruss]

75-80.000 roubles per month plus accom. seems to be generous for Siberia as our friend in Vladiv. also says.....because this is Russia I would be naturally wary and try every possible means to verify it BEFORE you sign anything!

[mdk]

A university professor in Iomsk circa 2003 made around $300/month

(a) your colleagues will love you totally to death.
(b) ar some polint they will expect you to deliver the goods better than a local Russian.

If they wee paying $2800 the Brits would be on them like ugly on an ape.

[ComradeBL]

All - Thank you again for your feedback and insight. It is greatly appreciated. I where to turn when it comes to ESL & the Russian Federation...

I think we've worked out the final bits and I am awaiting the school's reply. I hope to either receive the contract or be told to "F**k off!" this week. I've been patient, but I'm ready to move forward regardless.

Thanks again!