Job Discussion Forums

[xtremdelt8]

I plan on getting a TESOL certificate in Prague next summer, then I hope to find a job in either Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, Poland, or even staying in the CR.

My worry, though, is that throughout my research, I have found many comments and complains about illegal work situations in these countries. Are there many legit companies to work for? As a newbie, should I focus on a different part of the world to get my feet wet?

I've looked around on this forum and haven't see a list of possitive, legit schools and experiences...mostly complaints and horror stories. Can someone please driect me to some honest schools and work opportunities, as well as share some of your happier experiences working mainly in Russia and/or Ukraine.

Thanks.

[coledavis]

I think most of the places referred to on the CIS forum are legal; they're just not very nice. Do remember however that people tend to write about the nastier places. Anyway, I think you would do best to decide on which country takes your interest (n.b. Russia itself is a very big place, so if you are interested in Russia, it would be worth working out where you would ideally like to live). Then people might be able to help a bit more. 'Some place nice and legal, somewhere' isn't likely to elicit much of a response. Sorry.

[xtremdelt8]

Right...I guess I wasn't very specific.

I'd like to work in or close to the bigger cities...Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Kiev, Riga, Vilnius, Bucharest...I keep seeing areas in Siberia being thrown around on this site as well.

Would it be wiser to search in lesser known, smaller cities as a beginner, or should I aim high right off the bat? And, again, what is the work visa situation like for an American?

[coledavis]

That helps a bit.

Handling Siberia first: well they have big cities, but I as I get the impression that you want either capitals or very cosmopolitan places, Siberia is probably not for you.

Smaller cities: I think the market is bigger in bigger ones. It is a difficult question as to whether or not a small town would take the risk on a new teacher, given that they won't have a system in place. See Russia in a minute.

Being an American: EU countries are much more difficult given the need for a visa and schools won't bother when there are plenty of TEFL teachers from the UK and Ireland to choose from. So, regrettably, places like Vilnius, Riga and Bucharest are probably out.

Ukraine: it's not in the EU but EU citizens can get in easily to start with, so you're at a disadvantage (I think, but you should check to see if Americans need a visa.)

Russia: This is better news. You are on a par with Brits in that we all have to apply for visas. Moscow has a fairly heavy demand for teachers. As a newcomer you might find it easier to apply to what are called the McSchools; they help you find your feet. St Petersburg is also worth a try; you could try visarus.co.uk - never mind its Britishness; it's a good source of information about teaching in StP.

Being an American in Russia: Some schools prefer Brits and more specifically English people. A few prefer Americans. Plenty are open-minded in this respect.

If you want to stay in Europe, I would have thought trying to get pally with schools in the Czech Republic during and after your course might be your best bet. A school just might want to go the extra mile to help you with a visa. But I wouldn't bet on it.

Hope that helps you.

[xtremdelt8]

That was helpful, albeit disappointing. But thank you for the information.

I would hope TEFL WW in Prague would help point me in the right direction with schools in that area that could help me secure the right visa needed. I wouldn't mind staying in CR, but getting caught in central/eastern Europe without proper documents, or with an expired tourist visa is the last thing I want. Though, it sounds to me that many people take their chances.

[maruss]

..if you decide to go to Russia,rather than Moscow, for many reasons after experiencing both myself.
But the E.U. cities you mentioned,including those in former S.U. countries are like another planet nowadays compared to Russia.Cole is also unfortunately right with the E.U. work permit situation,especially under the present tight economic climate and they do check paperwork etc. quite rigidly.Prague is also as good as,and in many ways better than the other cities you cited and in your situation I would do my utmost to find something there.

[BenE]

Hey Don't forget to have a quick check of Minsk in Belarus. Just make sure you apply before you come here or things could be tricky. Life here is pretty reasonable.

[coledavis]

I like Minsk, but I found it difficult to find a decent employer there.

[xtremdelt8]

Belarus would certainly be on my list had I not read on this very forum how nearly impossible it was to find work there. Because of this, I didn't even put it on my radar of possibilities.

Your post gives me some hope. (Even though 2 of the most evil women I've ever met were from there)

[coledavis]

Oh, go on, tell us!

[spiral78]

Ok, I also want to hear about the evil women!

But, aside from that...


I would hope TEFL WW in Prague would help point me in the right direction with schools in that area that could help me secure the right visa needed. I wouldn't mind staying in CR, but getting caught in central/eastern Europe without proper documents, or with an expired tourist visa is the last thing I want. Though, it sounds to me that many people take their chances

TEFL WW I know by reputation and I'm sure that they will definitely provide connections to reputable schools that will help their teachers get legal paperwork.
It's no longer true that people take chances inside the Schengen zone (google it for a list of countries). Things changed in Jan 2009, and it's now far more likely that one will be caught, fined, and deported - or some level of possible penalties will be applied.
However, non-EU member citizens CAN still get legal papers in the 'new' EU member countries, and it's a feasible option for most - though you'll want to consider timing to help maximise your chances of success.

Most job contracts in the region are Sept - June (little to no work around in July and August, unfortunately). There is usually a small wave of hiring in Dec/Jan for new contracts, and to fill places where teachers don't return from their winter holidays. So, you don't want to find yourself job hunting in November or February, obviously.

Overall, don't discount the possibility of being able to land legal work in Prague after your course, though it never hurts to have backup options!

[xtremdelt8]

Well, since you asked...

I stayed in a hostel last year while I was in Krakow. Poland. (Great city, by the way) The American owner was married to a very beautiful woman from Belarus. She was there 2 days out of the week I was there. Clearly, she wore the pants in the relationship and ran the business. Just an overall, unfriendly, evil woman. She reminded me of an attractive, young Cruella Deville.

Right now, I live and work in a very touristy beach area of Florida. Over the summer, we see a lot of Russian and Ukranian students come here to work the hotels and restaurants. We also get a few from CR, Poland, Belarus and Moldova. Once they get to know us and the shyness wears off, they are really quite friendly and fun to be around. (In fact, one of the Russian girls has become my dog and house sitter while I go on vacations) The girls from Belarus, however, are notoriously unfriendly. No one can explain as to why that is.

[smithrn1983]

I've taught in both Russia and CR and am an American, so it is doable in both countries. Most schools in CR want to interview you in person, so applying while on your tefl course is the way to go. I left in 2008, but when I was there, if you interviewed in person, even without legal work status, you still stood a good chance of being offered a job.

Before you apply, though, read through this post http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=83736. Best advice I've seen on landing a teaching job anywhere.

As for Russia, the earlier post was correct that a 'McSchool' is probably your best option for landing a position there. Jobs in Moscow are easier to find than in St. Petersburg, but it can be done. You might also check the visa requirements for Russia, though. I believe you have to be in a country in which you have legal residence to apply for an employment visa now.

For any teaching job, especially if you have to interview over the phone, ask if you can contact someone who currently, or recently, taught there. Find out all the facts you can before you go, both from the contacts they give you, and from people here. Keep in mind, though, that both groups are more than likely biased one way or another.

If you do wind up getting offered a job in either country, and want some advice, send me a pm, and I'll answer any questions you might have.

[Dalton]