Teaching English in Russia
Finding Work
It is extremely easy to find TEFL jobs in Russia. New positions are advertised daily on internet sites. If you are in the country, it will also by very easy. Try looking in universities and language schools. Be aware that in larger cities like St. Petersburg and Moscow, finding work may not be as easy. If you are looking to secure a teaching job in Russia before heading out there the advantage is that it will speed up the visa process which your employer should organise for you. Be sure to ask about this. A good site to look at is www.visarus.co.uk. You will find a large number of Russian companies on here and there is also a forum for TEFL teachers living in the country.
The Teaching
The work going for TEFL teachers in Russia is very diverse. This could be working with young learners, adults, business English or examination preparation. It is important that you are flexible in this country as you will find a greater number of job opportunities. The average salary for a TEFL teacher is around 40,000-60,000 Rubles. You can live well with this amount of money.
The standards of efficiency can by pretty low in Russia. If you are going to be teaching there, be prepared to work in a very laidback environment where things will get done, but all in good time! There is a shortage of teaching aids in many places in the country, so it is necessary to be resourceful.
Living
For most people moving to Russia, they will find it quite a culture shock. The weather can be pretty cold and grim, the people will act differently and the way the country works will be new for you.
The best thing to do is to just throw yourself into it. Learn a bit of Russian before heading out, this will not only help you in day to do activities but also help you make friends and feel more confident. After a while you will begin to settle into the way of things and will have hopefully made some friends. Russians are a very interested people and will be keen on knowing about you and your background.
Regarding accommodation, employers usually arrange or help foreign teachers with accommodation. This can be in small shared flats, with host families or student hostels. If you are looking for accommodation yourself, teachers often find lodgings. This is cheap and there is a lot of availability. Remember, if you are moving to Moscow, living here is expensive and you must be careful with how much you spend.
Cost Guide
Renting an apartment – 10,000–30,000 Rubles
Meal in a restaurant - 500-1000 Rubles
Cup of coffee - 100 Rubles
Bus fare in a city – 16 Rubles
Toothpaste – 42 Rubles
Litre of milk – 27 Rubles
Cigarettes – 50 Rubles
