Job Discussion Forums

[Holbs]

Has anyone ever worked with Wall Street Institute?

I'm considering a position in their Moscow school, and just wanted some feedback about schools themsevles or if by chance you've actually worked at the one in Moscow, that would be really helpful!

And anyone that can give me some tips about living in Moscow, that would be great!

Thanks.

[Genes]

Hey Holbs!

Sorry this probably isn't the email you were expecting! But I think we're applying for a position at the same school! I was about to post the EXACT same question... so if I find any info I'll let you know for sure. Goodluck hey, maybe I'll see you there!

Genes.

[maruss]

Under present circumstances,I would advise anyone thinking of going to work in Russia to think twice about it,especially with the way the economic crisis is developing there.If you are already there,then I'm sure you can see what's happening yourself but as a general rule,be wary of any job offer until it proves to be bona-fide.If possible try to talk to another ex-pat who already works for the firm before agreeing to anything. Ask questions and never leave anything to chance,presuming it will be o.k. because it probably won't!Even then,don't forget that contracts are often not worth the paper they are written on and employers use them to their own advantage,not yours!
Keep us posted on how the interview goes and good luck!

[Holbs]

Thanks for the words of warning maruss. I truly hope that if I were to be offered the position and accept, I wouldn't be given any reason feel that way, or have the problems you describe.

And I thought I was trying to talk to other expats who have worked for Wall Street! So please, anyone out there who knows about the Moscow Wall Street, it would be wonderful to hear from you. [and thanks to those others who have sent private messages regarding this post]

Also Genes, hope your interview went well. What are you thoughts/impressions on it?

[ecocks]

Wow - you gotta love new TEFL teachers thinking about moving to Eastern Europe don't you?

Guys, you need to pay attention to the world situation and listen to the folks who have been on the ground for a few years.

Many of us have lived here for a time and things have appreciably worsened over the last year. The economic impact on TEFL is catastrophic and this area of the world is being squeezed like granny's pocketbook in the grasp of a bill collector. The marginal schools are going back to tactics from 5years ago and the cautions concerning the exchange rates are critical to your ability to survive financially. The few good schools seem to be consolidating their Native English Speaker positions to fewer people and trying to keep pay high enough to offset the crunch.

Then there are the visa and registration issues. It can still be done but only if you are really going to pay attention and get with a decent employer.

[Uncle_chop_chop]

no no no

what you get paid is what you make the most of it, if u dont get smoked everynight like most of these others and blow cash on things u dont even need, u will spend nothing excpet of course for food

[canucktechie]

Agree with ecocks.

Sure there are a few decent schools but the people on the ground here have a big advantage in any openings that may arise for the next year as they can visit the schools personally and they already have local experience which of course the schools like.

In the past you were protected to some extent at even the dodgy schools in that they were always looking for people and if they treated you badly you might leave and they would have trouble replacing you. In the old days you could get your own business visa which allowed you switch schools. Also if you had your hours cut you could easily find some more work. No more.

Not meant to be a comment on the particular school you brought up, they may well be OK. If you're just looking for adventure well sure give it a try, just make sure you have a stash of money to get you home if things go sour.

[Holbs]

I do really appreciate all your caution warnings on the Eastern European front and budget issues. Good to know the experience of others. It certainly seems like there is an awful lot of bad feeling from Daves to Russia at the moment.

However...

What I'm hoping is that someone out there has information on Wall Street Institute itself. I know there are loads of rubbish schools out there, and crap contracts and the whole global economic crisis, but Wall Street from what I understand seems pretty credible in most countries, and I've heard they're planning to opening another center in Moscow this autumn. So-- IF ANYONE OUT THERE HAS WORKED FOR WALL STREET INSTITUTE, [especially in Moscow, but elsewhere would be helpful too], I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU PLEASE. Thanks!

[CdnInKorea]

Everyone else has posted messages about Russia but not Wall Street, so I'll post a message about Wall Street but not Russia

I worked for WSI in Korea for almost a year, and it was a really great experience. I only left because I got another job offer with 12 weeks vacation instead of 2. Besides that, WSI is great and I recommend it.

I know WSI Russia will be different than in other countries, but all WSI branches all over the world must conform to a lot of things to use the WSI name (as evidence: WSI Japan didn't a few years ago and they all got closed by the American HQ). I imagine it's similar to how a Starbucks coffee is similar no matter what country you're in.

PM me if you have specific questions about WSI.

[CdnInKorea]

[spanglish]

Sorry, I don't have any personal experience working with Wall Street or in Russia, but...Wall Street generally has the reputation of being one of the lowest paying employers.

Here in Colombia, they don't seem to be too bad though.

Just ask specific questions like:
- professional development - do they have a DOS? How long has he/she worked there? Do they have a DELTA and/or masters degree?
- Is/how much prep time is expected? (WSI in Colombia doesn't require any prep)
- Will you need to travel to businesses to give classes?

Also, check out what International House offers (they have lots of positions open right now in Moscow) as a useful comparison.

[Holbs]

CdnInKorea--cheers for the information, good to have some news from someone who knows about WSI
Spanglish--thanks also for your input, great to get feedback.

Anything else anyone has heard/knows about WSI would be very helpful to hear about!

[maruss]

Avoid Russia for the time being until the financial situation there improves considerably.It was never easy at the best of times and nowadays it is getting very tough there,including for people like us!

[slaqdog]

Isn't the point about working for the mcdonalds style chains that they offer you experience as a newbie and to an extent you are more likely to get your money that in other schools?
My limited contact with wall street was a weird interview many years ago in spain which consisted of about 6 teachers listening to a non teacher saying how great it was to work there; and if we were still interested we should phone back to arrange an interview. When I phoned back I was told the position was filled. IE they called us in for an interview that didn't exist for a position that had already been filled. They had some weirdness going on about only employing women too (a bit like the BC thing about only employing homosexuals and women with moustaches) my impression was of a shoddy unprofessional organisation BUT that was then.....and in another country

[Holbs]

Re the above, I ended up accepting the job and working at the school.
Anyone has any questions send me a message and I'd be happy to fill you in and answer them.