Job Discussion Forums

freebeacher · Joined: 10 Sep 2003 Posts: 76

Is there a large demand for native speaker teachers in the Crimea? I ahve been reading about Koktebel and it seems like a place I would like. How far is it from Simferopol? Simferopol seems like it should have language schools with a population over 300,000. How far is it from Koktebel?

Can you suggest any schools to try?

How complicated is the work visa? Thanks.

Toad · Joined: 10 Nov 2008 Posts: 15

Is there demand at all for teachers in Ukraine? The reports coming out of Ukraine from friends and my partner's family is that the proverbial excrement has hit the fan, unemployment is rising fast, so are prices.

I am also considering Ukraine so would like to hear from people who have been or who still are there.

re the visa and other questions, look at http://www.tryukraine.com/work/english.shtml

please report! Smile

T

mforehand1965 · Joined: 30 Nov 2008 Posts: 4 Location: Kyiv, Ukraine

In response to the first I can say that I have lived and taught here for two years and have never heard of any language schools lower than Donetsk, geographically speaking. I did do a cursory search of the net for the places you listed and only saw Russian Language teaching. The Crimea is an interesting place none the less. But not a hot bed of English Language training.

Regarding the current situation. Tough for everyone, regardless as to whether you at a big school, freelance, or at a small school. The school where I work has received lots of applications recently for teachers at smaller schools. My gut reaction is that there are more teachers than students in the freelance market at the moment.

For the "big schools", i.e. more than 1000 students, the applications are in fact not pouring in but that is more an effect, in my opinion, of the really bad press we have received recently. and yes, the economic crisis has hit this country hard and its politicians have not helped us too much.

as a native speaker and a DOS I can say there are still openings for the unique teacher who brings something more than CELTA to the table.

doubt this helps, from my contacts within our organization it appears this is a Europe wide trend.

freebeacher · Joined: 10 Sep 2003 Posts: 76

Thanks for the replies. The link from tryukraine makes it all sound very easy, but they want $USD20. per month to list a resume and photo for schools to view. They claim to have obtained work for teachers in Crimea.

Toad · Joined: 10 Nov 2008 Posts: 15

Can anybody say what the 'going rate' is for native speakers in private lessons at the minute? I hear that it has dropped but what is the rate now?
I also hear that often people set the rate in USD rather than UAH.

What about rent on a flat, what's the going rate? My girfriend did a search in Ukrainian but there were no prices on the ads

Thanks again

Also, does anybody know the border at Medyka, Poland and if I can buy car and health insurance there?

T

kc4real · Joined: 15 Jan 2009 Posts: 27 Location: VA, USA

Why do you all want to teach in Crimea so badly???
There are Schools in Odessa and it's on the coast and closer to Crimea, you would be better of taking a job there and then traveling to Crimea to find something else!!!

Just be realistic, it's not the best time for finding work here and looking in Crimea will only make it more difficult for you!!!

As for flats or apartments i live in Kharkov and it's pretty normal to pay $150-250 for a 1 room apt. and $225-350 for a 2 room furnished apt. but posting on the internet is not popular for most people here and you can find much better deals once your here. most people that post apt.s on the internet are large companies that charge to much. Rent here is like many things it all depends on the circumstances and demand. If someone really wants to rent an apt. but doesn't have anyone to meet the price they will go lower.

It's the same with your private lessons, it all depends on what you can get people to pay, but I would say that private lessons are not that popular here right now, so you will have to really sell your self or find some of the wealthier people which can be done!!!
Go to the mall and leave fliers on all the expensive cars!!!
Best of luck!!!

beachguy69 · Joined: 06 Nov 2009 Posts: 36

If you are not here I would not come here. The new laws regarding the business visa will have everyone running out of the country. This visa does not allow you to stay any longer then 180 in a year....
Many teachers will be leaving the Ukraine in the next six months.

kc4real · Joined: 15 Jan 2009 Posts: 27 Location: VA, USA

HHHMMMMM, do we really need VISAs??? I teach in Kharkov, I have been here since March and I still don't have a Visa, I planned to get one but all the other teachers told me they don't have one, and it's just a big waste of time and money!!!

My school doesn't care either way, the Police don't seem to care, and no one at the airport even ask a question about it, so are you sure it's necessary, even if there is a new law do you think it will be enforced???

Just curious what school you teach for and how you like it???
What city are you in???

I still recomend teaching here, because even if you have to deal with a visa, it's a lot better then many countries in in the EU where Americans can hardly work because of EU restricions!!!

beachguy69 · Joined: 06 Nov 2009 Posts: 36

You do have a visa. You have a tourist visa which is only good for 90 days. When you leave after the 90 days they will fine you and tell you you can not come back for 90 days.
I am in Dnepropetrosvk.
[email protected]

kc4real · Joined: 15 Jan 2009 Posts: 27 Location: VA, USA

Ok, I understand that's the law but in my experience no one enforces it, or at least it's rare!!!

I went back to the USA in September, for two weeks, after having over stayed my 90 days, and no one said anything to me about it, I didn't have to pay a fine, and I came back 2 weeks later with no problems!!!

I feel like I could probably stay here as long as i want with no problem, but at some point leaving and returning could be an issue!!!

I'm no suggesting that it's a good idea to ignore the law, it's just difficult to know which laws will actually be enforced!!!

I hope your enjoying your time in Dnepropetrosvk!!!

beachguy69 · Joined: 06 Nov 2009 Posts: 36

I left in October to change my visa to a Business visa. They give me a difficult time about coming and going on that visa and it would not be allowed again. I called the Embassy in Wash DC and Kiev and both told me that my one year business visa is only good for 90 days. The new law states we can not be here for more then 180 days a year.
Please be careful when you leave they now can tell you not to come back for either 90 or 180 days.
Just a friendly warning so do not have your stuff here and can not come back into the country

kc4real · Joined: 15 Jan 2009 Posts: 27 Location: VA, USA

Ok, well thanks for the advice, i will keep it in mind!!!
If they enforce that law then i think it will really be difficult for schools here to keep many Native English speakers!!!

Are you planning to go to teach somewhere else soon???

beachguy69 · Joined: 06 Nov 2009 Posts: 36

The only way to stay in Ukraine for us is a work permit. Both the tourist and Business visa will not allow you to return for 90 to 180 days.
You will be at the border and not allow in the country.
Please take this advice carefully so this does not happen to you.
You think the government cares about you when you are illegally working in this country.
If you are teaching and do not have a work permit you are illegal......