Job Discussion Forums

[FM3]

Hello!

I was wondering if a different approach might be made to the subject of schools in Russia and Ukraine; my head is spinning from reading all of the posts

Maybe people could list schools which are good...if such things even exist! Sometimes I get the impression that to teach in these countries is simply a veil of woe.

The information here is good, I appreciate the ability to learn from the experience of others. Yet I find myself wondering where the decent schools are in these countries.

Sadly, I have a fascination with these countries, and Russian is my second language (which I truly like). I'd like to learn Ukrainian too (I can read some Ukrainian but not speak it).

So, I am having a terrible time trying to decide what to do. I've spent time in these countries and really they are the countries in which I'd like to teach.

From reading the forums, I find myself thinking that I will invariably make a huge mistake no matter what I do.

Thanks for any info!

[Sef]

What do you class as 'good'? Schools where you can make money (hahaha)? Schools with a good support system or training program? Or something else?
There's nothing sad about having a fascination with this part of the world, so far it's the only vaguely plausible explanation I've heard for coming here (most people just scratch their heads and say 'I'm not really sure.')
And no matter what you decide to do you will be able to find someone who will tell you it's a huge mistake.

[FM3]

Hey Sef, thanks for the reply!

Well, I suppose by saying "good", I mean schools that don't withhold pay, cancel classes without telling you, give overtime without pay, screw with your visa, ...a whole host of nightmares which I've read about here in the forums. It seems that schools almost endeavor to find various methods of abuse.

Are there schools which at least hold up their end of the bargain?

Is it a case of the few bad examples overshadowing the whole lot, or is it truly par for the course? Must one expect to be mistreated, taken advantage of, abused?

Yes, you are correct, I think. There will always be people who will tell you your are making a big mistake.

The fact is, I will have to do something soon. I am loosing my career (not just my job) to outsourcing. Ever since I first visited Ukraine and Russia, I have toyed with the notion of teaching there. I was immediately enthralled with these places...the languages, culture, and history. I've visited many times. But I never took the plunge, it always seemed too crazy a thing to do...it always seemed that I'd make a big mistake and regret it somehow.

But soon, I will have to do something. My education is not really useful for anything else here in the USA...so, perhaps I should at least do something which I care about, which interests me.

I'd just like to make an informed decision, and not just blindly dive into something.

[ecocks]

Good Schools? Yes, there are "good" schools. They pay on time, have reasonable management, tolerable schedules and offer value for payment to students, owners and teachers.

Bad Schools? Yes, there are "bad" schools that do the things you mention.

People? Yes, there are "people" everywhere. Some are good, some are bad, some are simply incompetent, smart, stupid, ignorant, lazy, selfish, loyal, honest, trustworthy, etc.

Build yourself a network of people who you trust and have integrity.

Remember the old marketing generalization that people are about 7 to 8 times more likely to tell negative stories than positive ones.

Remember that teachers are human too. Some have ego issues with certain procedures, some have political ideologies, a few simply are against organized business in the first place. Not many are really terrorists. Factor all of those considerations into your judgments of what we pass along to you.

People come here and find their own way, eventually. As everyone tells you, we don't get rich (usually), but sometimes we have a glimmer of hope that we can achieve something worthwhile. Usually from our students, often from our new acquaintances, sometimes from our peers and occasionally from our employers. Read and PM a few folks, then start doing some emails and research on where you want to go.

[maruss]

I would agree with the guidelines you have read above-good and bad have many definitions,depending on what you consider most important!
Personally,I would choose Ukraine over Russia,provided you can find a job with a decent school that does not find excuses to withhold your pay etc!
I will also admit that my advice is based on not just my personal experience of Russia but on the fact that I don't like totalitarian regimes who arrest and rough-up people who dare to express a different opinion to the official one!
So what is better about Ukraine?Despite its many ongoing problems,there is at least an air of freedom since Yushenko took over and you can say what you want etc!

[FM3]

Well, I definitely prefer Ukraine. My Russian language skill opens both countries for me, but Ukraine is the place I love.

I just wish I had a clear and definite plan of action. As it is, I feel like I'm flying blind.

I must start posting more so that I can at least PM some people!

[canucktechie]

[FM3]

Somehow it seems like I'm going to end up in Russia rather than Ukraine. I suppose the demand isn't so strong in Ukraine.

My heart is set upon Ukraine, but from what I read it seems like there are no jobs there.

But I do not think I could deal with Moscow. It's not my kind of city at all. I'm glad I went there, but it isn't a place in which I could live.

Since it seems as if there is no work in Ukraine, I wonder if one could start out in a smaller Russian city (instead of Moscow)?

[Sef]

Yeah, there's been a thread on the Ukranian job market recently. Apparently it sucks.
There's another thread on Russian jobs (not Moscow) here

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=169

I don't think you're ever going to get over the feeling that you're flying blind.[/quote][/url]

[hennessym]

anyone familiar with visa regulations?