Job Discussion Forums

[druzyek]

I'm almost done with my first year of teaching English in Korea and I want to teach in Russia next year. I emailed BKC-IH Moscow several times asking about what documents I would need and they just ignored me. I emailed to ask some other questions, which they were helpful with, but didn't answer most of my other questions. They ignored my follow-up emails too. I only ask because I am planning on doing some traveling between the time my job here ends and the time I would start work there. I would really rather not spend 3-4 months sitting at home in the US (again) not working, waiting to get things like my background check in order.

This seems really shady. Any advice? At this point I would just rather go through a different recruiter since they have been so rude and unhelpful. What should I do?

[spiral78]

Uh...did you scan the titles of other recent threads in this forum??? There are a couple that are highly relevant to your query...


http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=84186

[druzyek]

spiral78, right. Hence my asking for advice at the end of my post. How should I go about finding a teaching job in Russia?

[Sashadroogie]

Sadly, the likes of BKC or Language Link, notorious for rudeness and incompetence, are still most people's best bet in getting a foothold in Russia. Smaller, better, schools generally don't like recruiting from abroad. Too expensive I suppose, and there is a never-ending stream of teachers defecting from above mentioned chain schools.

So, put up with the lack of respect, get a 'contract' with them, try to tolerate their lack of logic, and then move out on your own when you have the suss of Rus.

But be warned...if you think they are being rude and uncommunicative now....

[maruss]

Forewarned is forearmed!

[druzyek]

Thanks for the replies. That is helpful to know.

Maybe one of you could answer my questions instead. What documents can I go ahead and get ready now (I'm an American citizen)? I know, for example, that federal level background checks take about three months. I would like to get that out of the way sooner rather than later. It would really help me out if one of you could give me a list of what was needed when you applied (transcripts, diploma, background check, etc.)

[Sashadroogie]

You will probably be entering on a business or tourist visa, organised by the school so you can do your CELTA. This can be 'converted to a work permit if you get a job with BKC. However, this in-country work-permit application is only sometimes, and sometimes not, possible. Never know why... You may need a trip to Kiev too.

Get your uni quals apostiled and copied/notarised etc at home. You'll need this for a work permit.

Criminal background checks are not needed, as far as I know, though when completing a job application form you may be asked by the school to tick a 'no' box after a question asking if you have ever committed crimes against children.

You'll need an HIV test too, but that has only a 3 month validity, so try to get it close to the time you apply for your work permit/visa. This can be done easily, and cheaply in Moscow. I don't think you need one for a tourist visa, so you may not need one for your initial trip from the US. But check with BKC.

You'll probably also need some sort of health insurance, both for your own sake, and for visa applications. Have a copy of your policy with you in Russia.

Good luck.

[druzyek]

My plan at this point is to do the CELTA in Budapest. It is a lot cheaper than Moscow and it is closer to Germany. Hopefully I can spend a few months in Germany afterward while I wait for my application to be processed.

I've ordered transcripts/diploma copies before so that will be easy and it sounds like getting an HIV test is trivial too. I'm not sure about the insurance though. I didn't have/couldn't afford insurance in the US. Do you have any idea what they might require when I apply for a work visa? I would like to get that straightened out before I leave the US.

[OctoberSkies]

Sashadroogie, I'm off to Moscow soon but at no point has anyone mentioned to me about getting my qualifications notarized. That's a bit concerning. Do these requirements vary from country of origin? Or, am I going to find this out the hard way when I arrive?

[Sashadroogie]

Can't say. But I'd ask your employer pronto if I were you....

[OctoberSkies]

[Nexus]

Requirements for visas have changed a lot recently

I got mine processed a couple of weeks ago (in London) and needed:

- letter of invitation from employer
- HIV test certificate
- letter of support from employer (one paragraph stating that they are going to be responsible for all health expenses etc while in Russia)
- application form

No qualifications/certificates (in any shape or form) required.

I went to an agency and they filled in the form and did all the legwork. In and out in about 10 minutes.

Visa applications will vary depending on which company is inviting you and their status as to how they employ people (ie via teacher visas or work permits). Possibly also where you are applying and whether or not you are resident in that country.

All the visa problems of the last 10 or 12 months seem to have been settled however so just make doubly sure with your employer that they are clear about exactly what you need to produce.

[Sashadroogie]

Unless things have changed radically in the past month, at some point you are going to need an apostilled degree in Russia for a work permit, possible when an initial visa is 'converted' internally. Leastways, that's what I needed to do. Best get it sorted before flying here either way, just in case.

[VladJR87]

When I went to Russia a year or two ago, it could not have been easier . I did rush my application, but I got it in like a day, no mention of any HIV tests or anything. Everyone else on the program had those issues... Did I get lucky, or was my not-so-subtle drop that my family is Russian help me out there .

[OctoberSkies]