Job Discussion Forums

[Sashadroogie]

Two issues here - closely related. First one, yes there are racist attacks in Moscow and elsewhere. However, actual racist violence is not something the vast, vast majority of locals engage in. The youtube clips, though horrific, are not representative of life here. The locals are just as likely to whack each other if in a state of inebriation, so race is not always the trigger.

Second issue is the police reaction in the (hopefully unlikely) event of something of this nature. Do not expect anything helpful from them - certainly not protection. The locals are in the same boat on this, actually. As has been noted, there may even be more danger from the uniformed than not.

As to prejudice in the classroom - can't really comment. But McSchools do hire various nationalities, and while there have been some issues, I do not think they were too serious. At least, no more than anywhere else.

To the OP. Don't be put off by clips on the Internet. Come to Russia. But make sure to have your street smarts with you too.

Best of luck to you.

[ancient_dweller]

I must be floating about different parts of Moscow. Drunk wolfpacks... give me a break.

I agree, there ARE instances of racism. But I am sure you can pull up instances from any European country!

One humorous observation I have made is that of the 5 or so black men that have coincidentally been entering the metro, not a single one has ever used a metro card. Every one of them has jumped the barrier. I've never jumped the barrier. I see people do it all the time, but I'm a guest, so I follow the rules. Their behaviour doesn't do much for stereotypes!

As for police, well, you take your chances. Police in the UK are useless as well. My friend got run over by some youths - deliberately, in front of a lot of people and he knew who it was. It was the local yobs, police didn't dare do a thing. My poor mate spent a few weeks in hospital because the CPS found there wasn't enough evidence.

So, we live in the same world. For everyone who wants to pull out these youtube clips. Please for every racist/violent encounter there are a million pleasant ones.

Coming to Russia as a foreigner you are bound to receive unwelcome comments. That is because, most people do not know any different. I would argue the risk of attack based on race is higher than for elsewhere but by no means a reason to not work here!

My goodness, grow some balls! Go through life looking at the possibilities, if you worry about whats behind every corner you won't get very far.

Sorry, but it disappoints me when people are making decisions based on race. Be it at the potential receiving end or the other.

I was looking in to going to Prague myself. But the wages there just don't cut it. So, by taking that option you would be cutting yourself out of liveable wages. You have expressed an interest in Russia. By going to Prague you would be taking a pay-cut because of race and that's depressing.

To all the other posters, yes, you have all experienced racism. But I am sure you have experienced countless others that were warm, human and friendly.

As for the black man with local woman - never seen that.

[smithrn1983]

Ancient_dweller has a point. There is racism in Russia, but maybe not a reason to stay away. I've definitely heard a number of racist comments from students here, but I've also heard them from students in the Czech Republic as well. Racial tolerance isn't really that high on the list of priorities in either country. I've heard people in both say, "I'm not racist, I just hate X group of people". Usually when these comments come up in class, I just change the topic of conversation. To my mind, it's not worth the time and effort to argue with ignorant people, and besides, I'm supposed to be teaching them English.

As for violence, I know people, including teachers, who have been beaten up in Russia, the Czech Republic and Spain. You're going to find violence pretty much anywhere you go; it's up to you to avoid it. Keep your wits about you, don't stumble around drunk in the middle of the night in parts of town you don't know and you should be ok. Also, if someone tries to pick a fight with you, walking away is definitely your best option.

As for the schools, most of them in Moscow, and the students as well, care that a teacher is a good teacher. Skin color is not usually a factor here, though accent can be. Some students insist on British or American teachers even when they can't tell a difference between the accents themselves.

Sasha is right about the police. As my Brazilian friend once told me, "Don't ever call the police. They might decide to show up."

[ancient_dweller]

I agree, sometimes students do make comments. The only thing you can do is change the subject.

I actually found that comments were particularly popular with students under 16!

[taylor.1988]

ancient, you seem to disapprove of my worries that my physical/mental wellbeing may be at more risk than elsewhere in the world. There was a report on the UK/Aus/NZ govt travel site saying that one needs to be very careful if especially you look different (kidnappings, beatings... etc). Apologies for the prudish behaviour (i am aware of it), but i was curious, you know how russia is portrayed in the west. so thx for the info so far.

Such worries are natural especially for someone living in comfortable safety about to take a huge step out of the bubble, giving up a $63k position at a good uni in a western world for the sake of 'adventure'. An idea im toying with atm. So it appears my worries are not simply based on race as you say, though it does make up about 30% of it. It's not a matter of growing balls, but rather making sure i'm not met with a nasty surprise having invested significant capital and time, given up a very rare and high paying job only to experience rejection. You should understand i have a lot to lose if this goes wrong. And im learning that it is relatively safe, so im happy to see that

Its not so much the attacks, but being accepted by locals in general that is more important to me, though attacks are on my mind. I am not an idiot who thinks everyones after him, but am aware that racially motivated attacks are less rare over there. Which is why im asking. My paranoia isnt unjustified.

Also, I actually have equal interest in Russia and Prague so I would choose one that appears to be safer - i am rather risk averse, and money is of little concern to me so long as i can live ok. The pay cut you speak of seems to be minimal.

Thank you Sasha for a neutral reply.

[ancient_dweller]

No I understand what you are saying. I hope the comments here have helped you and you let us know how you get on - what you decide.

As for the gap in money between CZ and Russia - it's less of a gap than it is a gulf! I think the maximum I heard people could earn in a month in CZ was about 40,000czk and averages are nearer 20-25,000czk. I think the starting salaries at the mcschools with accom thrown in are more than the average. And the mcschool salaries are a tiny percentage of what Russia - especially Moscow has to offer.

Incedentally, I met a Tajiki teacher the other day. She had lived in America for some time and her husband moved back so she starting teaching English. She didn't mention anything about racism. (Although, as is humorous for kids in Britain to call each other 'gay' or equivalents theirof, 7 year olds call each other 'Tajik'. So I wonder how she gets on...)

[smithrn1983]

[quote="ancient_dweller"I think the maximum I heard people could earn in a month in CZ was about 40,000czk and averages are nearer 20-25,000czk. I think the starting salaries at the mcschools with accom thrown in are more than the average.[/quote

When I was in the Czech Republic a few years ago, I was earning over 25,000czk average working outside of Prague, making quite a bit less per hour than what schools in Prague would offer. Last I checked, hourly rates with a zivno were around 350czk/acad hour. That comes out to around 570rub/acad hour, which is still less than what a lot of schools in Moscow offer, but not quite as bad the number quoted above. Working 30 hours a week, one could earn about 70,000rub/month give or take depending on cancellations.

Working the same number of hours on an hourly contract in Moscow should bring in in the neighborhood of 100,000rub, and that assumes you teach all your clients through a school with no private lessons to be had. With private lessons, the number goes up significantly.

McSchools seem to be offering around 30,000rub plus free shared accommodation outside the center. Average in that flight and visa fee reimbursement is another 3000 or so a month, plus an end of contract bonus of about the same amount, and the package is probably worth about 56,000 rub/month.

To the OP, if Prague and Moscow hold equal interest for you, why not do both? Spend a year or two in each, experiencing the best of both cities?

[ancient_dweller]

do both - what a great idea.

Moscow takes a little bit of time to build.

Those figures you gave for Moscow seem about right on average.

The mcschool calculation seems interesting. it doesn't look so bad when you look at like that. only that the accomodation is shared.. unless you are into that..

[dmocha]

Live and teach for a while in Korea and you're going to encounter at least as much racism as you might in Russia. The point is, like dog doo on the sidewalk, it�s there but best to step around it. Making a big deal over it takes away opportunities to see the good stuff there.

If you are a white male trying to make it in ESL in Canada, expect �reverse racism�. Like I said, it's everywhere.

It's not the colour of your skin that matters, it's how thick it is.

[Sashadroogie]

Yip. Thick skin is a must for life over here. And not just to do with serious issues like the topic of this thread. A relatively minor annoyance like the lack of basic customer service will probably be what will take a greater toll on your willingness to continue living here...

But it can be done! : )

[ancient_dweller]

[taylor.1988]

Thanks all, i appreciate the input - i agree with dmocha, koreans are pretty xenophobic, and they think kimchi cures cancer... well...

I think ill plan for CZ first, though moscow salary seems a little higher than i expected

Suppose ill be there january if all goes to plan, ill return to this thread when that happens

re: ancient dweller - i apologise for being a bit snappy in this and other posts, no hard feelings, i appreciate your help .

Cheers