Thread: A couple questions on teaching English in Moscow

Hello! I too have thought about going to Moscow through teaching English but I have adjusted my plans. I will often write "as I understand it" because I have no experience, only research into the subject.

Expats have written asking "what good are you going to do for the students?" and they ask because being devoted to teaching is not the same as my teaching a little only to get into the country for my own desire to travel. Russia is not like some East Asian countries, for example, where native English speakers can come, teach a few weeks and then disappear to travel, concentrating on their own desire to travel with the students they are to serve taking second place, if that. I am not saying this is about you personally but this is the situation in many countries. But again, I think in Russia, as they say in the U.S., they 'don't play that!' I think the Russian government takes the reason you are coming to their country seriously.

I think that is what people are trying to ask: is teaching English just an idea or are you really committed to the job? Also, as I understand it, many Russians know English but need help with Business English and grammar. This fact has made me adjust my thinking also about going to Russia to teach English: in Russia, my students would not be poor school kids like in some countries but professionals or students with education behind them. I have no background in business, I hate grammar! What good can I do them?

I know you want to go it alone but just for future reference: there are companies that will take your money to 'volunteer' to teach English but check those companies out very carefully. They often provide the experience of short term teaching with the main lure of traveling/visiting the country. Some companies are not really legitimate or honest in their word: examples outside of Russia are companies taking money from people to volunteer to teach 'orphans' when these kids are not really orphans at all. I have been looking into one company, they seem to be proving good, where in exchange for English tutoring, a family will sponsor you and provide a place to stay. I like this company only because they seem very serious about anyone coming to teach actually being devoted to teach. There are fees but they also cover housing once you get there, money you need to spend eventually

I have also been looking at a school in Moscow, BKC International House; it has been difficult to get independent reviews from former students. But this school seems like it takes preparing the teacher seriously. It does cost money. But they do give you the papers to apply for a business visa, for three months, which does not sound like much but I have read that getting the three year visa is more likely once you have that first visa. They provide housing, that's part of the tuition too. So there is some support, help with the documents you can't get on your own and less worry about where you will live once you get there. They teach both TESOL and CELTA. They have a last class this year October - December; after that, I think classes start again late spring 2016. They also are constantly supervising your progress as a student too: you'll find out if you like teaching and the hard work involved in it: for example, you need to make lesson plans, unless you are somewhere just for conversation with someone to improve their English. But you mentioned Skype: people can go on that or other ways online to just have conversation without a teacher, I would think

As for the letter of 'invitation' you need: you need it to get the visa. And you should be able to show the letter whenever you are asked, such as customs at the airport. The letter is required even for tourists or if you are staying with a private individual: they have to obtain it for you. I have seen suggestions about ways around this rule but that is not the way I want to go: I want to stay in the country, not get deported or questioned. I think the reason people mention being arrested is that working "under the table" is not allowed: for example, if you are on a tourist visa and are found to be teaching/working, you are breaking the law.

I understand about picking Moscow, by the way, but that is mostly because I am used to navigating cities. It's also practical because I wouldn't have a car. And the numbers of people wanting English lessons would be greater, as well as schools for training.

I live in the U.S. and my country's State Department for overseas travel is a good source of information. For example, it is pointed out that some who have made arrangements to teach English are scammed or the situation they find themselves in are not good: not getting paid the rate agreed on for example. So, really, I think following Russia's laws is a protection. Check your country's and Russia's State Department websites, they have cautions: even if you have no interest in working with a company, it benefits you to know these things. And some of their advice may apply: if you arrange to go to a school to learn, there are rules about how long they should keep your passport (they need it because you must register your presence once you arrive in Russia).

I guess the main thing is that I am one who wants to go to Russia to experience life and meet people and maybe in the past I could have just showed my passport and be on my way. But now there are requirements. Some of the people who have commented, I don't think they mean to be harsh, just realistic: the time seems to be past when you can just show up in Russia and freestyle it. Once you are there, I have heard things get easier: for instance you get the original visa with some hassle but after that it is easier to use that visa to get a three year visa. You probably can find people willing to pay for private lessons but you need to not only get to Russia but be able to stay. Practical advice seems so negative when someone like you has a passion for something but I think people just want you to be safe, not be let down once you get to Russia and enjoy your time there.

Now, I think I will end this too long comment! Mary