Job Discussion Forums

[liseechka]

I am a native English speaker and would like to teach English in Moscow. I am trying to figure out options at this point.

I have some experience teaching (intro to Computer Science and German classes), but none teaching English as a foreign language. I have tutored some ESL students. I have BSc in Computer Science and I am looking into taking the CELTA class with BKC in the summer or fall.

With this background, what is my best bet for finding a job? (I don't want to be a programmer there.) What is the English teacher market like in Moscow at this time? Is it best to talk with many different schools before getting certified, wait until certified to approach schools, try doing all private lessons, or some other scenario? Is this a good time to be applying or is it better to wait until winter/spring/summer/fall?

Btw, my husband is Russian and his family lives in Moscow. We would be able to stay with them as long as we want -- I'm thinking not too long as their apartment is tiny (as I know is typical). So I wouldn't necessarily be dependent on a school for housing. Speaking of which... these schools that say they offer housing as part of their compensation - do they still help out if you're married and don't want to share with another teacher?

And one last major question. Is the CELTA really necessary? I certainly don't mind doing it, I've put in my share of hard work before. But I don't want to do it only to find it gets me an extra $10 a month or something like that. If it is, are there cheaper (yet still reputable) options than BKC's ($1700) course?

Thank you so much!!

[BELS]

How long and how serious do you want to be an EFL teacher. I mean do you want to make a lifetime career of it. If you dont, then dont waste your time and money on a four week TEFL course of any type.

You say you have experience in teaching ESL, are you confident and prepared to teach a class ? if so then that enough, thats all a four week course can offer you. Of course dont apply to a school that sells the CELTA course, because they will say you are not qualified to them.

Get a list , find every EFL or ESL school and email your C.V
Shop around.

You are married to a Russian YES ? Do you want to settle in Russia for some time? Then yes its a good idea to do private teaching. Are you or your husband business orientated. Then most definately yes go private, much more per hour. Alternatively go partime with a school , forget CELTA and do private lessons on the side.