Job Discussion Forums

[Deano1979]

There seems to be quite a cynical view on these forums regarding the chain schools. I don�t see much advice coming through other then �stay at home because there is no money here�. What would you recommend is the best way for people to seek employment in Russia and avoid the same pitfalls that it seems many people have fallen into? Just to get a few things straight. This is not a career for me. Im looking to bankroll one years stay in Russia, maybe two if I enjoy myself. I would prefer to teach business people, as I have a strong commercial background. I am currently based in Africa. I have a CELTA and a degree(Bcom). Im quite happy if I can put food on the table and go out for a few beers once in a while.

What would you recommend is the best way for me to approach this? Staying at home because the money is crap is just not an option. If I must live like a pauper then I will live like a pauper. I would rather avoid it if I can, but Im really not in this for the money. Im looking to avoid Moscow completely. I know there is more work, but I have no interest in living in a such a big city. I would prefer to go somewhere more remote.

Thanks in advance.

[mdk]

Hmmm, an interesting question. I am certainly not an expert, but I have some ideas.

1.) The more Russian you can speak (and read) the more you will be able to enjoy your stay.

2.) In my case I first went to Siberia and made 7,000 rubles a month with a secondary income of $300 but that was because I was living with a very nice lady who helped me find a job. That was five years ago.

[NB: The Russian word for "introductions" is "Znakomstvo" and if you go to

www.yandex.ru you will find a whole section devoted to introduction sites which are actually being used by Russians to meet other Russians as opposed to the "Find lovely Russian brides" scams. For instance, I have found some nice ladies on www.mamba.ru. The russian word for pen pal is "perepiska". - You may take your clue from there.]

A couple thousand bucks of combined salary and savings pr month should see you right in Moscow if you are careful.

The McSchools aren't actually evil. They're run by people who cater to prosperous who in turn a lot of times have paid a lot of money and who aren't terribly interested in applying the butt to a chair and cracking a book, so it can be frustrating.

Teaching Russians English is a lot more fun if you can work with more middle class and, perhaps, more motivated students.