Job Discussion Forums

[lisawagners]

I am a recent college graduate who wants to move to Moscow or St. Petersburg later this year to become an English teacher. While I have a university degree, I am not certified to teach English. Can you guys please suggest some ways of obtaining the certification? I think I want to live in Russia while studying for my certfication, although this is not mandatory. I read about the TEFL Institute (located in Chicago) that has a program in St. Petersburg but would like to know all my options.

Thank you.

[melissalloyd]

I'm in roughly the same boat as you are. From what I've researched and figured out you should get some sort of TEFL certification if you want a job at a decent and remotely reputable school. Any school that is willing to hire you no certification and no experience will probably pay you less than 30,000 ru a month ($1000 us) and will not be particularly helpful or sympathetic to your status as a foreigner in Russia.

You should also think about your reasons for teaching in Russia. From what I've read here as well as researched, teaching in Russia is not for the faint of heart.

[ancient_dweller]

TEFL qualifications don't necessarily matter, but they are definitely useful. And those schools that offer $1000 or so will give you some sort of training anyway (hence the low salary).

Outside of those schools, the salary is actually much higher.

One thing though - schools won't take you on as a permanent teacher (ie. work permit given) unless you have a qualification. However, this route is considerably less lucrative anyway so unless you want the 'experience' of living like a student - but in one of the most expensive cities in the world, then don't go for one of those schools.

Best off just heading out - have a few $k of savings to keep you going for a few months and the work will start coming your way pretty soon.

splash your CV around and someone will call!

[Jazziz23]

Hi, I'm in the same situation as well. I have a degree but no TESL. Where are the schools that pay higher than $1000 US? Can you provide names?

[Jazziz23]

Can you tell me which schools accept people without any TESL as well?

[ancient_dweller]

I'm not sure any school or teacher will admit they hire unqualified teachers!

You might not have a TEFL, but what about all that 'training' you do for your colleagues on that 'area of work' that was very important. How you simplified some very technical information through the use of presentations with lots of interaction like 'role-plays'. So you might not have taught English, and you might not have a qualification... But just expand on those transferable skills you have already acquired and point out how they would mean you would adapt very quickly.

[matt41]

Hi,

I worked as a teacher for 4 years in SPB.. Just came back actually. It will be a bit tricky getting your first job in the city.. you will need some teaching experience.. Lexica will hire you, give you a visa and the conditions are decent.. ALM (American Language Master) is a good place to start, they take unqualified teachers and will give some on the job training..

Money wise you can expect 30,000 - 40,000 a month.. I don't know if you will be able to avoid a contract these days... schools are making it part of the deal if you want a visa with the school

When I worked there I got my visa independently and didn't have to depend on schools.. I don't think you can do this anymore unless you want to get a student visa and work illegally (schools all pay cash in hand so this is possible)

PM me if you have specific questions

[Houston]

Cheapest CELTA course will probably be Budapest, which is what several recent graduates have told me. It will certainly be cheaper than taking the CELTA in Moscow, which I did about half a year ago.

I wouldn't say teaching in Russia isn't for the faint of heart, but I would say that people who whine a lot shouldn't come here.

[Mikalina]

No, no, Houston. You must be able to whine to work in Moscow.....

What else will you do in the staff room......?

[ancient_dweller]

i'm yet to go to a school that has a 'staff room'. I remember those from 'real' school when I had to stand outside them during my lunch break... I would not whine for a few weeks if the school i work at had one.

[Mikalina]

BKC-IH, mate.

It is written in the contract that staff must do everything within their power to make the teachers whine....

Actually, if I remember correctly, one of the reasons I resigned was that they turned a staff room into a classroom - whined for weeks over that one.....

[ancient_dweller]

we don't have a staff room, so we use the entrance or a classroom. bkc-ih has loads of schools.

[Houston]