Job Discussion Forums

Sashadroogie · Posted: Sat Jul 25, 2015 12:50 pm Post subject:

Yes, yes, yes. We can all boast about our success. But tell me this, please. How long have you retained your students? Two months? Two years?

Filling up a schedule isn't so hard. Keeping a stable one is a different story.

And for this talk about a professional reputation, Russians generally do not think of teachers with no degrees or teaching qualifications as professionals. Do you tell them you have no real training? What do they say then?

Sashadroogie · Posted: Sat Jul 25, 2015 12:53 pm Post subject:

Private students can be very lucrative, of course. But not having any quals puts you out of the running for anything else higher up the ladder. Institutes, unis etc. (There are some that pay far, far more than the usual universities most of us are familiar with.)

Sashadroogie · Posted: Sat Jul 25, 2015 3:19 pm Post subject:

Worked for the university, or worked in a language annex attached to the university. Not quite the same thing.

Foma87 · Joined: 13 Sep 2011 Posts: 116 Location: Moscow

I have an undergrad degree and MA, though no teaching cert, so it's not like I'm not educated. Nor am I boasting about how many privates I have and money I rake in.

What I'm not sure about is what Sasha means when he mentions working for unis, institutes and other gigs higher up the latter than privates. If he means elite, private international schools for kids, than I suppose I see his point. Otherwise, I'm at a complete loss -- Russian unis, higher up the latter, really? Maybe someone can enlighten me.

The point is that for many, certs are not necessary to do well as a teacher in at least Moscow, where I work. Of course, I'm not saying that not getting a cert is advisable or won't help you in any way.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Foma87 · Joined: 13 Sep 2011 Posts: 116 Location: Moscow

Gamajorba · Joined: 03 May 2015 Posts: 357

Can I just stress that I never once said that one can't be a good teacher without qualifications?

Yes, it is perfectly possible, however, in places like Russia, they will take someone with qualifications over someone without easily. This is not to say that the person with qualifications is a better teacher as such, but you know...paper at hand...

However, one thing I do disagree with is people who think they can just teach English without any training whatsoever and do it as and when they want, without thinking about the students needs or their own REAL desires. I mean, I WANT to teach English and whatever, I don't see it as a quick fix of money making like so many Brits and Americans seem to think it is.

How Russia actually even employs people with cr*ppy TEFL certificates, or worse, NOTHING AT ALL, is beyond me.

Mr. Kalgukshi · Posted: Sun Jul 26, 2015 2:13 am Post subject:

Deats is no longer with us.

Unless there is an immediate return to civil discussion on this thread, others will be joining him.

Members noticing inappropriate postings on this or any thread are requested to promptly advise the Mod Team by Report Post or PM.

maruss · Joined: 18 Mar 2003 Posts: 1145 Location: Cyprus

Can be very lucrative,true....but they come and go and unless you have a stash saved -up to cover your rent and regular outgoings etc. they are not enough to rely on,even more so when the 'dacha season' is underway?
The secret seems to be to find a job with at least a basic salary,preferably with suitable accom. which leaves you some hours free and then top-up with privates?

maruss · Joined: 18 Mar 2003 Posts: 1145 Location: Cyprus

Most jobs advertise a salary of around 50.000 R. plus accom. of some kind....this is now less than the equivalent of $1000,which is not much to live on in a place like Moscow.Back in 2006 I earned around 70.000 which was worth over $2000 at that time..shows how times have changed!
Russia is now more than ever for the experience,rather than the money?

Sashadroogie · Posted: Mon Aug 03, 2015 4:06 pm Post subject:

As was ever the case, Maruss, there is more money to be made than is ever advertised in LTO job offers.

Is still the Klondike of Europe - Moscow, that is, at least.

maruss · Joined: 18 Mar 2003 Posts: 1145 Location: Cyprus

the hardest things is surviving life in Moscow,not the job so much!It wore me out and I left feeling years older than when I first arrived!Worst things in my opinion?Overcrowding,pollution, noise, stress and the inevitable winter weather(but anyone should expect the weather anyway!)...other things?high cost of living,generally inhospitable environment and people(until you get to know them individually) and language problem for anyone who cannot at least read the Cyrillic alphabet....
Not surprisingly,Moscow is badly rated for life quality by ex-pats compared to to other places,even though most of them get good salaries and benefits etc!
Many Russians agree with me and would leave if they could but stay because of work etc.

Sashadroogie · Posted: Tue Aug 04, 2015 5:48 pm Post subject:

Sounds broadly similar to London to me...

maruss · Joined: 18 Mar 2003 Posts: 1145 Location: Cyprus

Knowing both cities well,I consider they are vastly different from many aspects,including quality of life,environment and also the standard of public services etc.although I admit that the Moscow metro is superior in some ways to the London Underground and certainly much cheaper to use and if forced to choose I would definitely say London any day rather than living permanently in Moscow!But I will also admit that in my case it is irrelevant when I have lived mostly in Cyprus since 1979!