Job Discussion Forums

[NuestroJuan]

Greetings, brothers and sisters in the TEFL world. I haven't posted on this website in years, but I've been trawling this area for some time now, as I'm reaching an important and juncture.

Firstly, the name's John. I have a BA from an American university (Majored in Spanish. Hmmm...), a CELTA, and four years of teaching experience: two years in a village school in Azerbaijan (where I still live now) with the U.S. Peace Corps, and two years with English First in Baku, where I'll be working 'til May 31st. To be perfectly honest, my experience with EF in Baku has been highly positive. Perhaps I have low standards, but I've gained some good experience here, and the local staff have been quite good to me. Just FYI, native speakers are somewhat of a premium in this oil-rich city, and salaries reflect that, if you can find a decent place to work.

Anyway, I know basic Russian, and I want to come to Russia to work and improve on the language. Now, all of us who are experienced in language learning know that it can take quite a long time to get a foreign language right. However, I'm interested in coming to Russia for around six months. It may sound strange that after all this time in "the 'baijan," I'd want to just come to Rossiya for half a year, but there are things I'd like to get back to over in the States next spring. That's unrelated, though.

I'm very open to whatever options are out there. I'll be on vacation until mid-July. Then, I'm free to get to work. Location is not a big concern. Small city? No problem. Moscow suburb? Sure, why not? Siberia? I'll buy a coat. All I care about is not getting harassed by locals (Been there. Done that.) and staying safe. I'm also open to various work environments. A McSchool wouldn't be ideal at this point, but if that's all there is for me, I can take it. A private school would be even better, as I imagine the salary and benefits would be more attractive. Though most of my experience is with general English, I'm also open to giving business English a try. To put it simply, I'm not particular (How particular can you be in this business, anyway?). What matters most to me is finding quality employment, working on Russian, and not losing a bunch of money (In fact, saving some would be lovely.).

This post is already getting long. My apologies.

My first question for the group is about location. Obviously Moscow has a plethora of schools and courses, but what other cities would you all recommend for finding decent employment? I would like to be able to work full-time and pick up a few extra lessons once I get settled in and make some contacts. From your experience or by word-of-mouth, which cities/areas of cities are promising? Clearly, there might be many, but any personal testimonies would be greatly appreciated. Secondly, what kind of schools would you all recommend for someone in my situation? Let me back up a bit and acknowledge the fact that, yes, I know six-month contracts are hard to come by in Russia. If need be, a nine-month/academic year contract might be the way to go. I guess I'll just need to make the appropriate contacts and see what they need.

I guess I'd like all of your input because I'm curious about where to start. I know I can Google ESL jobs in Russia and find plenty of joints in which to possibly work, but I don't want to waste my time and filter through a bunch of garbage contracts. Which networks/job websites would you all recommend? If anyone has any direct school contacts, that would be great, too. I don't have much experience with job hunting from afar, since I got my current job by simply waltzing into Baku and doing an interview.

I guess it would be good to narrow down my focus. My problem right now may very well be that I'm too open. Nonetheless, any input would be wonderful. I'm definitely ready to get the ball rolling.

Also, if anyone needs information on teaching in Azerbaijan, feel free to let me know. It's a more conservative culture, but the market's good.

A bottle of homemade Georgian wine for whoever gives the best �advices.�

Cheers. Thanks a million.


John

[kona]

Probably not the best reply, as I've never been to Russia, but I have been interested in learning Russian and am always on the look out for affordable language courses. Novosibirsk in Siberia might be up your alley; it's the third largest city in Russia, and has a decently priced language program.

http://ciep.nsu.ru/index.php/price-list.html

I'd surmise that if you were on a student visa, you could just freelance and make decent money, but I don't know what type of budget you're working with and it might be out of your financial means. You definitely don't want to be stuck in Russia without a paddle.

coledavis I think works in Siberia, he might have info for you, too.

All the best.

[coledavis]

I did work in Siberia, but I have still got a list of Siberian schools which take (or have taken) native speakers. Most are in the Novosibirsk area. If interested P.M. me or check out my email on www.coledavis.org

[Seeker of truth]

John,
It's been years since I was last in Russia. Just remember that Moscow is extremely cosmopolitan. The competition and networking with fellow expats has pluses and minuses. Thus, the advice of others about Novosibirsk or Siberia sounds more reasonable.

Please let us know what you end up doing and how it goes.