Job Discussion Forums

[evelopez]

Hello, everyone. I just completed a TESOL certification class, and am planning to start applying for jobs in Moscow within a month. I have been a lurker on this board for several months, and have read all the posts regarding the big three mcschools, etc.

My question is this: I understand that most schools offer just a tourist visa that they update every three months due to the high price of a business visa. However, I would really prefer a multiple entry business visa because A) I want to be able to come and go as I please, B) I don't want to fall victim to a school that fails to properly update my visa C) I don't want my passport out of my hands every few months to be updated.

Are there any schools that offer multiple-entry business visas? Has anyone had any luck in negotiating this with a school?

I am a soon-to-be first year teacher, but consider it a full-blown career (meaning, I don't identify with what people describe as "backpacker teachers.") Many thanks in advance for any advice you might have for me.

[Holbs]

I just got a job with Wall Street Institute, and they are offering a business visa. I'm afraid I don't know much about any of the other schools, or if WSI has any more openings.

[canucktechie]

[evelopez]

thanks for the advice and updates.

[txmsk]

I would suggest you start your career elsewhere. I'm here on the ground in Moscow and the economy is terrible.

If you want a successful start in TEFL where you will be fully supported and have relatively good living and working conditions, I would recommend you take a position in one of China's larger cities.

Schools here in Moscow tend to not support teachers as much as they should, in addition to paying very low rates; the schools that provide housing simply take this out of your pay, they do not pay the rent on top of your pay.

If you really must come to Moscow, I'd suggest BKC only because it would give you the support you'd need as a first year teacher.

Avoid IPT Russia and other business English focused schools as the economic crisis has hurt them quite a bit.

[rusmeister]

I think the simplest way to put it is that the McSchools will live down (not up) to your expectations, and lots of teachers and would-be teachers have really LOW expectations. That's why the situation has gotten this bad.

Courses and groups have been closing rapidly (especially courses for adults) due to student inability to pay. Unless there's a magic turn-around in the next couple of months, you're not going to see expansion in the fall.

[txmsk]

This is without a doubt the situation as it is - schools just can't get groups to open, and in general in the summer, Russians are too lazy to study because it's not in their nature to study in the summer.