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[eslbiz]

Greetings from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Rather than go into details about what is and what is not appealing about Saigon it comes down to I have no feeling for this place. I've taught three years in S.E. and East Asia, and it was fun. I've honed my art. I've travelled a decade all over the continent. But despite the polite students, decent to good wages, selection of vegetarian food, beautiful women, exotic cultures (or not!) it is not for me.

My ancestors come from Kiev-Rus, I have an interest in Orthodox Christianity, Slavic languages and at close to 50 I have a simple emotional need for change and to be with 'my people' (westeners). Thus Russia and The Ukraine are intriguing. I am Canadian. I miss snow.

I am university educated but have no degree. I have only a pre-TESL certificate. I am a good teacher. I am patient and encouraging. My opinion is that teaching well consists largely of working hard, being kind and in good humour. It's not really an intellectual skill. It's more like being a salesman or minister than an academic or intellectual!

As I am about to embark on a my own research and enquiries I ask persons currently working in Odesa or Kiev your impressions and opinions.

To begin...

What sort of salary/hourly wage can I expect? I have a family debt and need to be able to send $200 a month out of the country after all expenses.

Are visas less of a hurdle than before?

There is a tendency in private schools in Asia to 'work you to death'. I can't speak for others, but for myself working 15-20 hours a week is plenty considering the preparation involved.

Best wishes for all teachers working in Ukraine.