Job Discussion Forums

[coledavis]

[Foma87]

The original post was about helping two ppl get to SPb, who hadn't had much luck finding a school that'd help with a proper visa. I only proposed coming over on a business visa in light of this. The original poster thought about this route, but understandably decided not to, either from fear of being labeled irresponsible (opinion) or being barred from the country for life (disinformation). I'm joking of course, but these are both references to Cole's comments. If I was thinking about coming over on a business visa, I would want facts. NOT some guys personal opinions regarding propriety, which Cole dutifully provided. His comment about stained reputations (and "marked cards"??) is laughable -- yes, I am a privileged, irresponsible and probably bad (given my experience and lack of certs) eng. teacher. Why listen to a word I say?

[Sashadroogie]

Don't worry. I am not too convinced many people will.

[coledavis]

The fact that it all seems a joke to you at this stage worries me, although this time I am worrying about you rather than others. Now I realise that this is coincidental as well as anecdotal, but I had a friend who resembled you in so many ways, down to the type of books he liked (and likes) to review, his attitude to rules and his role as a sea lawyer. In the fullness of time, he spent a year inside a house of correction. His arrogance eventually got the better of his grasp of reality. Take care.

[Sashadroogie]

Cripes, Cole! You're putting the willies right up everyone there!

As it happens, a uni friend of mine was caught in violation of visa regulations and was deported from Russia. A grim experience from his re-telling. Granted this was some time ago, in the '90s, and may not be the most up-to-date information available. But, hark! This was during the chaos of the Yeltin years, and the cops were still able to find and bundle him off.

Of course, this rarely happens to those coming over on a business visa. But the point is it can and does happen. There are rules for breaking rules, here as in many lands. But you need to know how the system works, or know people who know.

Don't forget also, on a business visa you are supposed to be employed by a company outside Russia. This means that your school does not officially pay you, and could play fast and loose with your unofficial salary. It is as well to be aware of that from the outset.

[coledavis]

Whoops, I made an error there. The guy I'm talking about wasn't involved in using the wrong visa (although it wouldn't have surprised me had he done so). He was involved in something quite different. My point was in the similarity between Foma's way of thinking about things and this other guy's. He may be developing in a way that will damage himself as well as others. (It is a gift to see yourself as others see you; if they tell you, they offer you a gift.)

[Foma87]

Cole, send me his contact info, I've long been looking for somebody with whom I can discuss Gogol! Dead Souls is playing at Mayakovsky Theater next week, you're invited. Anyway, fellas, enough is enough, a lively debate, I respect your positions.

[coledavis]

[Sashadroogie]

Ach! This thread is settling down! How about we all engage in some real pedantry? Let's correct each other's posts, starting which the dubious use of some pronouns in the subject line!

[Steinmann]

[Alrichar]

[Sashadroogie]

Ha ha! Be warned - you are joining a fractious lot, quick to stab you in the back, or the front, for the sake of a misplaced subject pronoun!

Best way to deal with it is just to pour yourself another little drink. Won't do any harm at all...

Hic!