Job Discussion Forums

[zedington]

Lately, in my quest to learn as much as possible regarding teaching in Russia prior to my arrival, I�ve noticed a trend of negativity. Through various online sources, I�ve seen every potential reason for coming shot down as a �bad idea.� From noble idealism, such as a simple desire to teach others, to less noble motives, such as the wide availability of beautiful women. I�ve read that coming for money is a bad idea, as the job barely pays enough to keep you alive. I�ve read that coming for a cultural experience is a bad idea because �you�re not here for a vacation, you�re here to teach.� Every rational motive to move and teach in Russia I�ve come across has been dismissed by someone as being the �wrong reason� to come.

That said, I�m curious to know, for the teachers already there, *why* did you come to Russia to teach English? Have your expectations been met or exceeded? And finally, what, in your opinion, *is* a reasonable reason for coming to an almost-third-world foreign country and teaching only moderately interested students at a significant pay-cut?

Note, for the record, I�m not making any kind of judgements here, I�m just genuinely curious to know what the benefit is, in the minds of those already involved in the business. Nor am I looking for someone to convince me it�s a good or bad idea (my choice, for better or worse, has been made).

Anyway, thanks in advance for any responses.

[Seeker of truth]

zedington
Although I lived in Russia for about a year in 1989, I actually taught ESL in Japan for a few years. However, the ESL experience in any country would still have similarity. Any job/experience will have its pluses and minuses. Part of the trick to be successful is to focus on the positives so as not to let the negatives get you down. I've been told this statement applies to being married as well.

With that said, I think teaching ESL in Russia would be the best way to get a "cultural experience". It's much better than just traveling through for a few weeks. Teaching ESL for at least a year gives you the opportunity to experience the culture at a deeper level. You can also make some life long friends in the country. Yes, you'll barely earn "enough to keep you alive", but keep in mind your salary will still be significantly higher than that of most people there.

Now, as I rot away now in my cubicle job in corporate America, I'd like to think that inside I'm a richer person as a result of my experiences from years past.

[Brooks]

I worked in Russia because I wanted TEFL experience.
And, because I had studied Russian for four years, and I wanted to improve my understanding of it.
I did, especially with listening and vocabulary.
Learning Russian in the US is very limiting, and I learned it back in the 80s, and they were still doing the grammar-translation method.

I have been in TEFL for about ten years and my students in Russia were pretty good and better generally than the Japanese I have taught.

[BK4872]

I also have made up my mind ( for better or worse) to teach in Russia. I do not think it is crazy and do not let others suade you from your dreams and ambitions! Russia is a great place and Russians are great people! good luck !

[ibasiram]

Hello all,

So, firstly, I believe that people usually vocalise their negative experiences more than their positive ones. I guess it's human nature to do that, but it's not always so good. Therefore for every negative thread you read, there are surely a myriad of positive ones, but they are experienced, but not written about, unfortunately.

Of course teaching in Russia is the best way to get cultural experience. In this way, you get to see how people live day to day in their good moods and bad moods. I agree with Seeker of Truth on what he said.

Money - well if you compare Russia Vs Britain / America, of course it's not encouraging to come here, but remember that your wages will, in most cases comfortably cover your daily expenses as prices are lower.

Like you, I was also worried about these things before I came, but by coming, you can feel the exaggeration of previous negative posts.

Enjoy Russia,
I

[zedington]

[jpvanderwerf2001]

I came to Russia, initially, because I'd been living in India for a year and I wanted a big change (and got it). I'm thinking of staying in Russia another year for the following reasons (these might not, of course, jibe with everyone's experience):
1. Work. I've found that, as a qualified native teacher, I am treated with respect by my peers and the students. Teachers are held in higher overall regard here, in my opinion, than in most other countries where I've taught.
2. Play. Russians and Russia are fun. They love to party, laugh, generally enjoy life. There is a certain fatalism, granted, but I think while you're (relatively) young and healthy this is fun.
3. Social life. The women are gorgeous and there are many of them. So that's that.
4. Living standards. I don't make a heckuva lot of money, but I live well. Compare this with India where I made a lot of money (relative to the standards there), and I didn't live as well. Things are nicer here than in India, for example (meaning infrastructure and the like). In short, $1200/month in Russia leads to a better standard of living (for me) than the same salary in India because nicer things are more readily available.
Hope this helps.
Good luck!