Job Discussion Forums

[Dalton]

Hey folks, long-time reader, occasional poster here. It looks like I'll finally be getting CELTA-certified in spring of 2012 in my hometown in Canada and then saving like a fiend in order to storm Russia in late August. I'll likely go the McSchool route for my first contract and look to try a central city like Ekaterinburg or Novosibirsk rather than Moscow/SPB (but who knows?).

What I'd love to know is the board's feeling on the following:
- The best time to start the visa process/how much time to allow
- what documents are necessary to get a work visa (photocopy of degree vs. apostille of degree, HIV test, etc)
- how much money, at a minimum, to bring
- whether, in the case of "travel reimbursement", to get a one-way or return flight arranged and what to hold on to to redeem this perk

That's all I can think of at the moment, but some guidance from the long-time posters would be truly appreciated to the best of their knowledge/ability and respective of the ever-changing landscape of this type of work in Russia. Of course, if there's anything further that's of importance to address, any input is great. Thanks!

[jpvanderwerf2001]

Cool!
I'll try to help...
What I'd love to know is the board's feeling on the following:
- The best time to start the visa process/how much time to allow
I'd give it a month just to be safe. However, they can be done in a week or less (even a day in some embassies).
- what documents are necessary to get a work visa (photocopy of degree vs. apostille of degree, HIV test, etc)
If possible, I would bring originals of every document you can. I seem to remember having to have my diplomas translated and notarized here in Russia. However, I am unsure which of the quadrillion administrative processes I needed that for. Ask your school for a detailed (and I mean detailed) list of what's needed.
- how much money, at a minimum, to bring
This will depend, of course, on what benefits your job wil give you (for instance if they'll be paying for your accommodation, etc.). If you were looking at Vladivostok I would recommend enough money to fly out and living expenses for the first month or two...in the $3000 range.
- whether, in the case of "travel reimbursement", to get a one-way or return flight arranged and what to hold on to to redeem this perk
[b]I would work this out with your future employer. Most get one-way tickets in and out, at least in my experience.
Good luck.[/b]