Job Discussion Forums

[kate_bread]

Hi guys,

I've been lurking here for a while, but am now finally sticking my head above the parapet

I'm looking to move to Russia in August/September. I have a CELTA (like every Tom, Dick and Harry, it seems...) and a degree in Russian, and am currently working as a native-speaker/teaching assistant in Austria.

The general advice seems to be to work for one of the chain schools at first, to get the visa and experience, and then find something better once you're on the ground. I have some friends working as teaching assistants in various international schools in Russia and Uzbek, and they seem to be having a fabulous time.

My question is this:

Knowing what you know, do you think it would be better for me to a) try to get a job at a chain school, slog it out, and be grateful for the experience (it would be my first time being a real, official teacher), or b) try to get a job at an international school where you're only a teaching assistant (i.e. it adds very little to my CV, and this time next year I'll be eligible for exactly the same jobs as now) but at least I would have time to find a real job for the following year?

Or maybe a third option that I haven't considered?

I'm looking to make a life as a teacher, I'm not just looking for a way to fund a gap year.

Any suggestions would be gratefully received

Kate

[osen77]

Hi Kate,

I would try bkc/IH. I've worked for them for a year and thinking of going back in September. Since you want to make a career of it they would be a good option, they're good with training and career-building. They offer celta/delta and have frequent seminars, plus you teach all ages and settings (school, evening lessons, in-company) so you would have a chance to see what you like.

Having said that, the situation in Moscow is hard now, what with the recession and political situation/sanctions, so you'd have to take everything into account.

Good luck!

[Mingvase]

Seeing as you have a degree in Russian, why not consider a PGCE course in modern languages? It's only a year and then you could become a modern languages teacher in an international school. Or can you get a job without a PGCE? I thought they asked for QTS but maybe you can get in without having it.

[kate_bread]

I have considered these options, it's good to hear them echoed elsewhere. I'm not sure if this is standard or if my friend was just well-liked, but when he was a TA at the international school I think they offered him a PGCE if he wanted to stay another year.

I wouldn't like to do a PGCE in the UK, British kids are horrible