Job Discussion Forums

[Dragnic_Daelin]

Simple question:

Would you recommend Russia for newbies?

It is something we can get out teeth stuck into right away or will it make us run away screaming?

[maruss]

Unless you either know the country or the language,have close friends there(who you will need and appreciate,to be sure!) or perhaps have some kind of special interest in Russia and it's history etc. for academic or research purposes then the honest advice is that it is not a recommended destination for a first-time teacher without experience because there are so many potential hassles and drawbacks,many of which are described in the postings on this site and which you can study at leisure......

[coledavis]

In my case, I went there for my second TEFL job (although I had a long varied previous working life). It was quite difficult. So, I'm not saying don't do it, but be prepared for adjustment problems. Having said that, the so-called McSchools are used to taking newcomers, as long as you realise that there is a trade-off for that sort of deal..

[Dragnic_Daelin]

Ok, I've done some reading regarding the McSchools but I've yet to find a post that details the info about them...

What exactly are they?

[coledavis]

There is no post with specific and comprehensive details, but look at BKC International House, English First, Language Link. Essentially, you'll get paid although not particularly well, given accommodation although not particularly good and worked hard up and including 25 teaching hours. Although people complain a lot about them, they do take newcomers and they do induct you into TEFL and Russian life.

[Dragnic_Daelin]

So basically you are given an easy transition into the whole ordeal at the cost of everything else... nice

And I presume other alternatives are more difficult to get into (be in the getting the job and adaption to life?)

[VladJR87]

25 teaching hours? What kind of preparation work is required for that?

Sounds like a breeze .

[coledavis]

Yes, that's the trade-off.
Re preparation time: do note that while 'on the course', you prepare just about everything, you'll be working around your textbook on the actual job and just selecting or writing supplementary materials. So the preparation time does reduce drastically as you gain experience.
Re. other schools: most are small establishments and are unlikely to increase risk by taking on newcomers.

[maruss]

For as long as there are people who are intrigued by the idea of being able to work and live in Russia,the so-called 'Mac-Schools' will find fodder for their cannons who will accept their conditions,at least initially!Because Russia is so different from other countries and so difficult to even visit,let alone stay in AND earn money there these firms can be pretty sure they will find somebody and they know this very well...
With this in mind and a lack of experience in doing the job,it is hardly a good choice for a beginner.If you have worked somewhere else previously and half the self-confidence to sell yourself to one of the better employers then you are more in charge of the game and can work on an hourly basis without being contracted to a Mac School.Of course this route has its drawbacks too-part from the initial outlay of getting there and setting yourself up etc. you will only get paid for the hours you actually work and these can fluctuate,depending on a number of factors, which has to be borne in mind when you plan your budget.
From my own experiences,my advice is still to get teaching experience BEFORE you go to Russia rather than once you arrive...

[Houston]

I know almost no Russian, and I'm a brand new teacher in Moscow.

It's not as bad as it sounds. I'm doing just fine. It's not hard to make friends with Russians who will help you. If you want more info on how to do that, just try couchsurfers.org and join up with their weekly meetings here. Plenty of Muscovites love to show newbies around and introduce you to their city.

Russia isn't as scary as some of the posts make it out to be.

Moscow can be really difficult if you cling to other expats and don't get out among the people. You'll feel alienated and alone, and become bitter like many of the people who inexplicably stay here far longer than they really should.

[coledavis]

Yes, I agree, the expat scene can become a bit of a cocoon. Do try to mix with the locals as well.

[hochhasd]

[Houston]

I have a 30 hour per week contract, with paid accommodation and an unlimited metro pass. Everything else I have to pay for.

You won't make the kind of money you make in Korea while you're here.

Nobody teaches at the public schools, everyone works for a private school. The public schools don't pay you enough to live on.

[hochhasd]

[maruss]

Although there are always exceptions to the rule in most countries,Russia is run on the principle that almost everyone is screwing over everyone else,particularly when it comes to earning money!The way most people deal with it is to always have it in mind and look after their own interests first,knowing that nobody else will!Although it sounds awful(which it is from an ethical and social viewpoint) people there are accustomed to it,just like the weather and other daily hassles they endure.
Expect anything and you won't go far wrong-this also applies to employers who break contracts because they know that especially being a foreigner,it is most unlikely you will do anything about it.(although Eve Lopez was a brave exception last year by taking BKC to court and she won her case!)But if YOU break your contract then your firm will use it as an excuse to fire you-then again they may even ignore it,depending on what you've done and mostly on how much having you there suits them!