Job Discussion Forums

[allielizzie]

Hello,

I have been researching for quite awhile, trying to get information about English schools in Moscow.

The problem is that everyone is quick to give stories about "their friend" who had a problem, they criticize schools, bit no one ever gives REAL first hand stories and experience.

Also, everyone criticizes the "BIG 3" language schools, but they do not offer up any advice about which schools to contact, and how they found jobs at their current schools.

I am so sick of looking that I am considering just signing a contract with LL!!!! I will have upfront accommodation and a guaranteed (although low) salary, plus support. I am really worried by all the horror stories, but they are never "personal" stories, so I do not know who to believe!

A comment like "I would stay away from them" or "They are bad news" is not constructive... Unless you give more details and advice on what new teachers should do instead ....it doesn't really help at all.

So...... If there is anyone out there willing to help me, I would very much appreciate it. I am TEFL certified, I have 1 on 1 experience and Formal classroom experience. I do not yet have my B.A. but I am working towards a degree in Linguistics and have taken many Applied Linguistics courses. I have lived in Moscow before for a semester, I have also traveled to Russia several times. I am almost fluent Russian. I know what to expect in Moscow, so I am not just a "fresh" teacher who will be shocked when I arrive and need hand-holding. I know the real-estate situation in Moscow, which is why I am so keen on finding a job with accommodation provided.

I would love to hear about your experiences. Particularly with LL.

Have any of you lived in a LL apartment? What are they like? Most importantly, what Metro stops are they at? Can you request a particular area?

Are they considerate about scheduling, or will I have to expect classes at 8:00am on one side of town and classes at 10:00pm ending on the other side of town?

I would really just appreciate some General advice from more experienced teachers. Thank you in advance for your help!

[canucktechie]

[maruss]

Visit his website first then e-mail or phone him for honest advice from an ex-pat who is in the business and can offer you work.
With your knowledge,experience and ability to speak Russian there is absolutely no need for you to go to LL or any of the other 'Macdonalds 'outfits!Why aim for the worst?
Feel free P.M. me for more advice.
Accomodation problems can be resolved.

[kazachka]

I'm not afraid to give advice...Personally, I have never set foot in a "McSchool" as there are better options.
I'll second maruss on Globus. They are not bad and they offer work visas to full timers.
English Unlimited also offers work visas but salary no longer keeps up with cost of living. As of last fall I was quoted 520rub/acad hr=kopecks in today's economy. Plus, they have weekend classes.

I'm not sure if Tom's House ever got their stuff together with work visas, but they also pay better than most. I freelanced for them in 05-06

Bonne used to be great ...then the lack of work visa support came up...I had a great job there for 2 yrs until the visa stuff hit the fan.

I now work at Business Class and take privates when time allows. Feel free to ask questions for more details if needed:)

[BELS]

Some of the advice of recommended schools from the above posts are for experienced expats living in Russia.


But what about Newbies who will have to fork out most of their income for a flat for example? Therefore I suggest that a Newbie to Moscow has only two options, BKC and LL, who will at least give them a full package including flights and accomadation. I say play it safe, on your first visit.th

To be honest with you I wouldn't choose any of the schools in Russia, but that's me, as I am in a stronger position.

If you do decide to settle and be resident in Russia, then do it privately with groups and one to one, and cut out the middle man. That's the only way that you will get a professional income here.

[kazachka]

[canucktechie]

[maruss]

This is the whole point-if you are prepared to use your own money for tickets,visa costs and initial accomodation outlay etc. you can get work with decent hourly rates and you will gradually recover your outlay.But if you want to do it with minimum cost and take one of the'Macdonalds' jobs you will save money initially but the firm will recover it from you many times over by paying you peanuts and you will probably leave before they pay you any bonuses or ticket refunds etc!They are effectively exploiting the difficulties which foreigners face in going to Russia in the first place such as the hassle of obtaining a visa and the not inconsiderable expenses of even cheaper hotels if you go on a package tour etc.In other countries,especially in Europe,it is easy to go and check out the situation before making a decision but with Russia few people have that option!

[canucktechie]

[rogan]

It's a hard fact of life that wanting to do something and being able to do something are two very distinct and seperate things.

[maruss]

pardon the pun,but I too agree with Canucktechie-it is very difficult to make serious money in Russia and recover your outlay unless you can find a way to stay for at least a year,as well as earning a decent amount.
Especially with the new visa rules,this is not so easy to accomplish.
To be frank,I would advise anyone intending to go there mainly to make money to forget it,especially from teaching.Inflation is high and you spend more than you estimate you will need for day-to day expenses.

[BELS]

All I can say is very true, and I am thinking of raising my fees to 2000 rouble per academic hour. Yes!! I am scared, but my wife is spending so much money now on what we should take for granted, especially food, and especially groceries. And looking at the rising cost of living accomadation, especially now we need a bigger place, with a growing family. Wow!! isn't acommadation pricey, and that's 15km outside Moscow!! And the rent for a classroom??? That's even worse ??? What can we do!!!If they keep raising the prices!! We must do the the same to keep level!!!

That's what happens when a country has an inflation problem, raise a price in one area, and everyone escalates to do the same. Problem bigtime!!!!

[expatella_girl]

BELS, you may have been in Russia for too long now.

After reading your post you wrote so much like a Russian--the style, the phrasing, the emphasis.

Dude, you're going native on us.

[maruss]

I fully agree with Bels but this is a problem in many countries due to rising oil prices etc!It is interesting that even though Russia boasts about its enormous revenues from natural resources and supposed 'booming' economy that the whole country hasn't been transformed and there is still so much poverty?Of course it is because there is so much corruption there that most of the money stays in the hands of very few people!

[jpvanderwerf2001]