Job Discussion Forums

[shinny]

Hi guys! I've read through a good many posts here at this stage and it's already been a great help in giving me a taste of what it's like to teach abroad. I don't have teaching experience as of yet but I do have a BA in English literature and I'm a native speaker from Ireland.

I've knuckled it down to St. Petersburg and a big town in Siberia. Would love your thoughts on the prospects of earning money/having a good time in both places. I would like to earn enough money so that I can save about 500euro per month and would prefer to take on a 6 month contract if possible. I know you can get 6 month contracts for work in Thailand, is it easy to get one for Russia?

Would appreciate any thoughts or advice at all as I really know nothing at this stage but this is something I want to do asap. Thanks a mil.

[Sashadroogie]

Hi Shinny

Doubtful about six-month contracts: would not be worth your would-be-employer's while to go through the pain of the visa process for a teacher who isn't going to stay for at least a year. Even an academic year (nine-months.) You might be lucky, and find someone who'll agree to that, but I'd be very surprised. Or, you could just not tell a school what your future plans are, but that would be a little dishonest, and may result in losing any bonuses and other benefits, like flights etc.

Another thing with visas is that they tend to take ages to get. So, I am not sure that you'll be teaching anywhere in Russia within a month or so. There is another thread devoted to just this issue.

Also, have you got a TEFL cert of some kind? A CELT or equivalent? You'll find it invaluable for teaching Russian students.

As to salaries, you may be setting your saving sights a little too high. Certainly for your first time out. You'll most likely be offered a job from a McSchool, where salaries are on minimalist side.

Sorry if I sound a little off-putting. Working in Russia is a grand old adventure. But it does require preparation and realistic expectations. Wouldn't want you to rush over here only to find yourself in a bind...

Best of luck to you!


Sasha

[shinny]

Thanks for that Sashadroogie, sound advice I think. I do need to give this more thought but as regards length of contract I could see out a 9 month contract for sure.

I do want to get going as soon as possible but if I was able to be sorted by early November that would be fine. I really dislike hot weather (am in a minority I know, but probably not on this particular forum!) and I would love to do this in Russia first and foremost but if I do need to go down the McSchool route that might leave me too broke and because I do need to save as well is there anywhere else you would recommend? (apart from Russia)

[Sashadroogie]

Sorry, I don't know where you can get set up easily and quickly to save that much - either in Russia or elsewhere. In Russia, you need to slog it out in the trenches first before good opportunities come your way. South Korea may be your best option. But please note that you must sign up for the separate Korea forum on Dave's. Do not post questions about it on a general board.

All the best to you!

[shinny]

What exactly are these McSchools Saasha? I can't seem to be able to pin them down. Also, would you by any chance know what the average pay is with them?

I also don't have a CELTA certificate, just my degree in English. Well I have a postgraduate as well but not in English/teaching.

[Sashadroogie]

McSchool is a derogatory term for the large chain schools that have a branch in most districts of Moscow - like McDonalds. Rate about as highly in academic terms as do fast-food joints gastronomically. Main offenders are: BKC-IH; Language Link; English First. All equally rubbish, with slightly varying details, but useful for getting that all important initial toehold.

Salaries in such places, to the bast of my knowledge, do not even amount to 1000 euro per month. Though you do get a crappy flat to share with another teacher. Can't see 500 being saved. Not until you are established and get some privates lined up. But that takes a little time.

Hope that helps.

[shinny]

Massive help Sasha, and I really appreciate your taking the trouble.

I suppose in terms of getting private lessons set up I'd really need to have some Russian which I don't have at all. Damn. A few years ago I paid out for a beginners Russian class and abandoned it early on due to having too much going on in my life. Really regret that now. I normally always follow through on something like that once I start it.

I assume you get your own room in this flat, or do they expect you to share the room? Is that really all I can expect to get realistically speaking? If so, I might just go down the road of South Korea or Taiwan after all. I'm going to look into the salaries and see what the difference is but I did really have my heart set on Russia I must say.

[shinny]

Sorry, should have checked this too but I presume the McSchools are for adult learners? And what kind of money do they pay for these courses?

[Sashadroogie]

Hi again.

No, you do not need any Russian to teach, or to set up lessons. It might help, but it is not essential. So, no need to worry on that score.

Your room should be private, but you share kitchen and bathroom facilities. The snag is more about who you are sharing with, as in any other rental situation. Please note that the standards of comfort are very,very low, to put it mildly. But you won't be cold, at least!

McSchools are for all age-ranges. Expect at least one class of Young Learners, and even maybe a teen class too.

No data to hand what tuition fees are. Depends on times of class and type. But for a couple of evenings a week in a group, I think 10,000 rubles a month is what most Maccers charge students. I don't know how many students afford it, to be honest.

Hope that helps you to narrow down your choices.

[coledavis]

Re mcschools and ages: it depends on the individual school, but they usually teach adults and teens, some also doing younger people.

A couple of additional notes.

I agree with the comments on the time taken to get out to Russia. If it is really important to get out there quickly, then Kiev and possibly other parts of Ukraine may be better for this academic year. There is frequent demand for native speakers and you should be able to travel there initially without a visa (although not to work; it is up to employers to sort this out). Go to the Ukraine forum.

Your English degree will make your cv more attractive to some employers, but you should still learn to teach. (If you continue your teaching career, you will find that some employers - I think in the Middle East - actually ask for an English degree, but they usually want a teaching qualification as well.)

[shinny]

Hm, Kiev is definitely worth considering then, thanks for that tip off. I'll get onto that forum and investigate my options, but without a doubt I do feel that I have a grasp of how things are in Russia and I really appreciate all the help, truly!

I can put up with frugal living conditions and I expect that in these countries. I am doing this for the adventure, for the experience and to try put some money by at the same time. I also want to have a good year of it and work my butt off and I actually have taught music lessons before so I do have some experience. It's all in the preparation! I'm up for this! Totally want to be an excellent teacher during the year too. Hey I'm competitive, not doing my best is unacceptable to me!

I am still considering south Korea as well though due to the better wages. am I right in saying that their climate is good, as in a mix of hot and cold, proper winters, etc.? Sorry, I looked it up but just would like human confirmation if poss! If anyone knows here that is.

Also, thanks again. This is a massive decision really and I am indebted to you for this help.

[coledavis]

[Sashadroogie]

I dunno, Cole. I usually get newbies to at least buy me a bottle of vodka in return for my helpfulness!

Note to newbies - this is my favourite: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HL3L7x7Soew

[coledavis]

Impressive ad, with some attractive scientists. I think the final bit with the rotating models was a bit of an anticlimax.

[shinny]