Job Discussion Forums

[Alrichar]

Hey guys, thank you so much for the help. One more question - I've heard that the ESL scene is quite different in St. Petersburg than in Moscow (like everything). Is it really that different? I haven't heard exactly how it's different other than smaller and perhaps with less turnover, but does anyone, especially someone who's taught in SPb, have a strong opinion about it?

I guess two more actually, given our (pretty low) level of qualification (my gf does have the same TEFL as me though), where would you suggest we apply? Like I said, I've applied to a few places already, but there are so many schools. I've held off on LL so far because the only thing their website lets me apply for with the options I'm clicking (internet certification and less than 1 year teaching experience) is teacher intern, which I suspect doesn't compensate very well.

[coledavis]

[coledavis]

[coledavis]

[Alrichar]

[Sashadroogie]

Dear of dear, this thread will drive me to drink : )

Alrichar, can't help you too much with St Petersburg and its EFL scene. I do not have any experience there beyond a few seminars. All I know is that it is a smaller market. But internship at LL is the same everywhere, often likened to one of the inner circles of Hell.

And just so everyone is clear, TOEFL, like IELTS and Cambridge tests, is a test of English language proficiency for speakers of other languages (though not exclusively - anglophone emigrants to Australia sometimes take IELTS to boost their immigration points). None of these is preparation or a requirement for a job teaching English. To teach English there are different certificates about. Celta is the best known, with Trinity a close second. These certs are generally known as TEFL certs.

It is not a mark of elitism to know the difference, not pedantry to clear up any possible confusion for the OP. Similarly, it is not wise to make blanket statements about the law in most countries without proper knowledge - but it is most unwise to do so in Russia. Cole is correct here. Coming over and working on the wrong type of visa does pose risks. However minimal they may seem, they are real and not to be dismissed lightly.

The entry barrier to EFL, in Russia as elsewhere, is exceedingly low. What this means is that it is not so hard to pick up work. However, it can prove extremely trying holding down a job and quite challenging to provide a decent service for learners. And without any formal training and certification or basic teaching knowledge, you could be stuck with bottom-end jobs, labouring under the misapprehension that this is all that EFL in Russia comprises. I hope that doesn't come across as snide - it is not meant as such. But I have seen so many neophytes come and go, usually burnt out and bitter, and cursing the job, and totally unaware of all the other, better, possibilities that are around, if only they had had the training and knowledge to secure access to these better pastures.

Best of luck!

Hic!

[coledavis]

[coledavis]

[Sashadroogie]

Moderate drink? Never heard of that... strange idea. Does that mean just one butilka before breakfast or two?

What's that Oscar Wilde witticism about moderation?

[spiral78]

I have got teaching colleagues who have a TOEFL (as well as a TEFL) cert. The non-native speaking ones . Well, actually most have a Cambridge or IELTS cert, TOEFL being the US version of the test of the English level of non-native English speakers, and the US version not being in great demand on this continent in any case. And let's not even get into TESOL and TESL and the rest .

[Sashadroogie]

But do you not have a TOEFL, Spiral? And do you feel bitter about it?

[coledavis]

Think I tried one and one of my teeth became a bit loose.

[spiral78]

Yes, I was told I was not qualified to take a TOEFL.
Yes, I am bitter.
Should have been born in a country with different native language than English.
What were my parents thinking??? Precluded me from ever getting to take a TOEFL....
Will be complaining to them (bitterly, of course) about being native English speakers in an Anglophone country.

[Foma87]

Cole, I'm not a 'know-it-all', if you have concrete examples of ppl getting permanently barred from Russia for working on a business visa, please share. I have an acquaintance who helps sort out visa issues for expats in Moscow. He has many clients and personal contacts in Migration and has never heard of anything like that happening. But that's Moscow. Not to continue the pointless dialogue, we're worlds apart, even though we reside in the same country, but I've seen more than a couple expats here lose their mind because of disinformation spread, either from schools or forums.
As far as risk is concerned, to each his own (or as the Russians say vse po svoemu), but you're living in Russia, something of a risk in and of itself. I don't know about you, but the authorities are the least of my problems.
Your dismay about my lack of experience and certs is fair game, though. It was certainly an interesting first year

[Linochka]