Some people travel to Russia and fall immediately in love with the Russian people, the food and the language. Others have simply heard or read about Russia and want to dive into the country headfirst. For long-term travelers who long to call Russia home, or for career English teachers who want to see what teaching in Russia is like, the country has several options.
Despite the long and often-torturous visa regulations, getting a job in Russia is actually quite easy. People who are bilingual in Russian and English will find no problems getting jobs in media and business. For people who don't speak Russian, however, jobs in Russia are limited to teaching positions.
There are three main language schools, often referred to by teachers as "The Big Three." While each offers their own individual compensation and benefits packages, they are quite similar.
Requirements for Teaching English in Russia:
People who are hoping to teach English in Russia will be happy to discover the qualifications are minimal:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- High School Diploma
- Certificate or diploma in Teaching English as a Foreign Language
Although a Bachelor's degree is preferred by these language schools, it is not required. A teaching certificate is fairly easy to get, although they can be pricey. TEFL, TESOL and CELTA are typical universally recognized teaching certificates for teaching overseas. The most basic requirement that these schools have is that the program is at least 120 hours in length of face-to-face instruction and 6 hours of teaching practice.
How to Apply for Teaching Jobs in Russia:
The following sites should be visited by anyone seeking teaching positions in Russia: Language Link, BKC-International House and English First. These are big franchises that operate in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and several small towns and cities throughout Russia.
Although there are dozens of smaller language schools, these three may be best-equipped at dealing with new teachers. Each of them offers a comparable package, including the following:
- Approximately $1,000 a month salary
- Paid accommodations in a flat near the school
- Discounts on Russian language classes
- Airfare and visa reimbursement
- Visa sponsorship
- End-of-contract bonus
People should contact each school directly in order to confirm up-to-date benefits and perks, as these are subject to change without notice.
The Application Process for Getting a Teaching Job in Russia:
Each school requires that candidates fill out an online application. After the application is submitted, the school contacts the people they want to interview within a day or two.
Candidates are usually required to either fax or email copies of their TESOL certificates, diplomas, and signed applications.
The school then asks each candidate for an email interview. This usually consists of a short questionnaire and lesson plan.
A 30-minute to 1-hour phone interview follows. The school then emails successful candidates a contract outlining salary and benefits.
There are countless reasons why people choose to live and work in Russia. It can be a gap year, a new beginning for mid-career people, or a retirement job. Sharing knowledge with Russians, being able to live comfortably in another country, and getting to experience all Russia has to offer are added perks of these types of Russian jobs. These teaching jobs are plentiful and are just waiting for English-speaking people to fill them.
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