Job Discussion Forums

[Chi Ki Bhoi]

Hi folks,

I was wondering whether anyone would be willing to give some advice on my situation-I'd appreciate it immensely.

After working in France for several years after my undergrad degree, I completed the CELTA, taught in China for two years at a public university came back to the UK, did my Post-Grad teaching certification (English Literature/Language) and completed my NQT year. Jobs are practically non-existent at the moment and any interview that I do get, I end up losing out to someone who has done supply work for several years and has more experience.

Now, I know that the forums are for ESL teaching, but I've been looking into teaching in international schools since I have a full teaching certification and I've decided that I have no real desire to stay in the U.K. but to instead work abroad for the foreseeable future. There are very few positions at this moment in time since the academic year has already started, but one has recently come up in Moscow.

The school is relatively new and is by no means first-tier, but I would like to ask the forum's opinion on the salary/benefits and whether this would be sufficient for a guy in his late 20s not living the high life. I have been quoted a salary between 70k-90k roubles ($2269-$2917) a month after tax, annual flights, (free) shared accommodation and health insurance.

I've done as much research from reading these forums and searching the net as I possibly can and as a result I'm fully cognizant of the fact that the salary is by no means stellar (though I know that a good many live on less than this, it's not like I've just walked out of university and snagged a job at a McSchool) and accommodation can be a gamble (and slightly worse since most good international schools offer single occupancy).

I'm in contact with a more established school in Jakarta which has slightly better benefits for a January start and which may or may not come to fruition (I'm still being considered); so, I'm hoping the forum can see my predicament. I would love to work in Moscow at some point in my career but it would obviously be better if it were at one of the more established international schools.

So, to cut to the chase-would I be able to live (reasonably) well in Moscow on that wage? I'm not looking to save a lot, but I would be looking to put something away each month since the clock ticks ever on. Or, in the forum's opinion, would I be better to wait and find out about the Jakarta job, then come back a few years later when I have more experience and money wouldn't be as much of a problem?

Apologies for the rambling nature of this post and thanks to anyone who can offer any words of wisdom!

[Houston]

80-90k salary is very good for someone in their 20s in Moscow, especially if they're paying for accommodation. You may want to ask them if they offer accommodation assistance rather than shared accommodation though. You could easily get a decent flat of your own on that kind of salary.

[Chi Ki Bhoi]

Thanks for that Houston.

I was just anxious from the way people speak about the cost of living in Moscow on the net that I wouldn't be living particularly comfortably on that wage, but clearly I would be, so thanks for pointing that out.

I'm not entirely sure they would consider giving me a housing allowance, but I'll definitely give it a try-nothing ventured, nothing gained, I suppose!

[jpvanderwerf2001]

How many hours do they expect you to teach per week for that salary? If the hours aren't too outrageous you can surely find private students and perhaps--*gasp*--save some cash!
I think that's enough to live fairly comfortably in Moscow, especially if your accommodation is taken care of.

[Houston]

Moscow is not that expensive to live in unless you're big into the consumer lifestyle, and you want a modern updated apartment near the city center.

[Chi Ki Bhoi]

[Peg Leg Pete]

The salary is ok, as others have already suggested. If you are only going to be here for a period of time, rather than laying down some roots, then I'd say it was a good deal.

Hope it works out for you, and that the experience you gain will be of some use in your future-I really hope that this is so, otherwise it does say rather negative things about home

[Chi Ki Bhoi]

[Peg Leg Pete]

I wouldn't call it pessimistic. Realistic would be nearer the mark.

Originally from London, but I've been away for so long now I doubt I'd know the place.

If you stay for a couple of years you might find that taking a few private lessons will help you further, and might get you some useful contacts.

I've been in Moscow about 4 years and am here for the long term.

[anubistaima]

The most expensive part of living in Russia is the rent. If you have that covered, you'll be fine.