Job Discussion Forums

[AV15]

Hello,

I've got a job at one of the international schools in Russia (Moscow), starting September 2017. I've been offered $50,000 before tax. This figure includes the flight and accomodation allowances. I have a PGCE and one years experience post-qualification in a UK state school.

Is this OK to live well in Moscow? It's a significant amount more than I'm on in the UK but I don't know about cost of living in Russia. How much should I expect to pay for rent in the capital city?

[spiral78]

Are you on your own or with dependents? That will make some considerable difference, as will your definition of 'living well.'

However, unless you're significantly burdened with non-earning family members, I'm inclined to think this is a very reasonable salary for a newly qualified teacher with just one year of experience.

[AV15]

I'm on my own, and male, if it makes a difference.

It's a significant amount more than I make in the UK, where I'm currently on the M1 pay bracket. But extra money needs to be considered relative to cost of living and I've never been to Russia before. Rent is my biggest concern since other outgoings can be controlled easier. How much is it to rent in Moscow? If I lived in London there's no way I could afford to rent anything there...is the Moscow rental market any better?

[spiral78]

[AV15]

School say the tax is 13%, so that'd make my take home approx $43,500 a year. They can help with regard to landlords when it comes to providing a translator, but you get put in a hotel for a couple of weeks at the start of the contract and it's up to you to find a place that suits.

To narrow it down a bit...what would be the cost of renting a 1 bedroom studio apartment about 20-30 mins by metro from the centre of town, in an area where I don't have to worry excessively about crime? I don't need to be right in the centre but a reasonable distance is essential for stuff like weekend entertainment.

[Vasey]

Use the internet with extreme caution when you are there.Bear in mind that all of your internet browsing history/messages on Vkontakte goes straight to the FSB via SORM2.

[jpvanderwerf2001]

If you are alone, then it should be ok. You won't be living large, but $50K should be enough to pay rent, have a social life, and perhaps save a few bucks. It is a decent step into the country, and other opportunities will probably present themselves, should you stick around.
Best of luck!

[danshengou]

[maruss]

Russian friends tell me that you can find a reasonable one-room studio for around 20-30.000 roubles per month nowadays if it's not in the expensive central area -a lot depends on the landlord liking you as a tenant!Unless you speak Russian well and have Russian friends to help you, though, finding one is going to be the problem!Also bear in mind what area it is and how far from the metro, local shops and other facilities you will have to walk- or maybe even get a bus?Also how far from work is it?Unless you have experienced Moscow living it is very hard to understand the importance of these criteria!
Another point is that the greener and quieter the area, the more desirable it usually is, even more so if transport links and facilities are good- there are some very depressing and grungy suburbs in Moscow and most of it consists of high-rise blocks which are characterless.But do bear in mind that the city is very overcrowded, polluted, noisy and stressful to live in and it can wear you out very fast!Essentials tend to be expensive in comparison to wages and good quality stuff even more so- mind you, having said that, I saw plenty of crap areas in London when I was over there a couple of months ago, Harlesden coming to mind as one of them!Rents are also appalling, as you know and forget buying a flat,unless you are an oligarch!

[maruss]

You wrote $50 000 per year or did you mean 50.000 roubles PER MONTH SALARY??
IF it's the former then you are on to a good deal-$4000 per month is serious money, especially nowadays, with the rate for the rouble being as low as it is?
But many Russian private firms offer 40-50.000 roubles per MONTH salAry for teaching jobs
and a room in a shared flat etc.

[mitsui]

BKC-IH says they pay 40,000-50,000 per month.
Is it realistic to get that pay or does it depend on the amount of classes?

[maruss]

You will most probably get that as it's a minimum salary at a 'mac School' for an expat teacher and if you are new then they will try to ensure that you earn it by making you work split-shifts in spread-out locations etc!Unless you are a glutton for punishment don't take it!

[mitsui]

Yes well I talked to a Russian from Yekaterinburg who said teachers could make lots of money in Moscow, especially in private tutoring. I have a wife and bills to pay, so I will look elsewhere, like in the Gulf or east Asia.

[maruss]

As we have often said on this site before, people who make that have usually been established there for some time and have private lessons with either individuals or companies on a freelance basis.Very rarely can you just arrive and set yourself up like this, the only exception being if you are lucky enough to get a job with one of the prestige international schools who do often pay very well.In return they expect the best and can afford to be very choosy about who they employ!
Also do not overlook the hassle of getting a work visa and finding accomodation etc. if you go independently.

[sauditeacher]