Job Discussion Forums

veg_guy · Joined: 21 Apr 2005 Posts: 2

I have a couple of questions on how to get started with teaching English in either Kiev or St. Petersburg:

1) Is TEFL certification needed to get started in either of these two cities?

2) Is it best to have a job lined up before I go or should I wait till I'm there to find employment?

A bit about my background: I have a bachelors along with two master's degrees. Have spent about 200 hours in the classroom as a volunteer working with 2nd and 4th graders.

Thanks in advance for any info.

expatella_girl · Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2005 6:21 am Post subject:

I can't help with your certifications but I have a couple of hints.

Kiev and St. Petersburg are in two different countries. This is indeed an important point. Kiev is in the Ukraine. The Ukraine has recently become very friendly with the west and has lifted many visa requirements for foreigners. This is extremely beneficial. The visa hassles and registration problems in Russia are a giant, major, never-ending headache. This to me, would make the Ukraine very attractive (I've never been there.)

Kiev is well south of St. Petersburg. 1,000 miles at least? The 2 months of near total darkness in Russia in the depth of winter can be very depressing. Kiev is much warmer.

Just a couple of thoughts.

bobs12 · Joined: 27 Apr 2004 Posts: 310 Location: Saint Petersburg

I think at least the Russian side of this question has been dealt with at length recently - check the last few threads.

Russia:

TEFL -not really

Job lined up - better, yes.

Just contact a few schools and see what they offer you. Don't mention TEFL certification unless they ask, just mention your classroom experience and the age groups you worked with.

BELS · Joined: 24 Mar 2005 Posts: 402 Location: Moscow

Best get yourself fixed up with a contract and free accomadation before you arrive. shop around. when you have settled into that country, and know your way around , do a bit of private work to top up your wages. You will need the money

BELS · Joined: 24 Mar 2005 Posts: 402 Location: Moscow

In regards to having a TEFL, I havent found it necessary, and its a lot of money to spend, unless you are young and want to make it a lifetime career, otherwise it is a waste of money. It's a shame that no school has not thought of providing a CELTA lasting over a years period, whilst the teacher works for this school on a years contract.

The income is not a great incentive, after paying so much money for a four week course. After all it only helps you prepare to teach in a classroom. And by the looks of things, you are already prepared to teach

veg_guy · Joined: 21 Apr 2005 Posts: 2

Thanks for the input everyone!

ibasiram · Joined: 24 Mar 2003 Posts: 107

Be careful about the visa. you can come to Ukraine between May 1st and September 1st as a tourist without a visa. The main reason is to facilitate the Eurovision, and also as a trial to see how it works. Ukraine is eager to lift the necessity for visas.
After September 1st you will need a visa, as far as I know.
Lots of schools in Kiev, quality varies a lot of course, and being unqualified, then you couldn't realistically expect to get a job with a more reputable school there, and so you wouls earn less. It depends on how long you want to be in TEFL as to whether or not you decide to do the CELTA.
Ibasiram Smile

BELS · Joined: 24 Mar 2005 Posts: 402 Location: Moscow

I am sorry, but I disagree with Ibrisirham. Lets have a look on how an employer would view your credentials. From what you have stated on your credentials I as an employer would hire you.The only reputable ?????? schools that will not hire you are probably the schools who are selling the CELTA course.

I suggest you send your C.V to every school you can find, and see the results.

Please let us know of the results, I for one would be interested in what response you get

ibasiram · Joined: 24 Mar 2003 Posts: 107

Well, its not only the schools selling the CELTA who demand that you have it. And there are some quite reputable schools here. That's not to be doubted, and because they're reputable, they can afford to be picky.
Very Happy

zaneth · Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 10:49 am Post subject:

ibasarim, are you sure on the no visa thing for Ukraine? I saw an article in a newspaper that Americans won't need visas anymore. But when I looked for information on the web I found that Americans don't need an invitation, but still have to get a visa.

I'm planning travel this summer and need to decide whether to go through the Baltics or through the Ukraine to get to Western Europe.

ibasiram · Joined: 24 Mar 2003 Posts: 107

Zaneth,
The Visa thing is true for Europeans. I'm not American, so I haven't checked if its true for them or not, and my American colleagues here are not very hot on that question either.
Maybe it would be more hassle free to travel through the Baltics - travel from Riga to Warsaw, and make your way from there.
By the way, Zaneth, what part of Russia are you in? I could be heading there soon.