TEFL Course in Russia

Are English teachers in demand in Russia?

The demand for ESL teachers with TEFL certificate in Russia is particularly enormous with Russians looking to learn English, the international language of business and commerce.

For a number of young Russians, the use of English is the key to a new and better life abroad. Furthermore, tourism, oil and services outsourcing in Russia rely heavily on the use of English language, a reason behind the increasing search for ESL teachers.

The demand for ESL teachers with TEFL certificate in private language schools in Russia far exceeds the supply and these schools are continuously on the lookout for ESL teachers who can take their client companies through the basics of business English or a more advanced course in some cases.

In addition to these, English language is included in the public school curriculum, so English teachers are always needed and ESL teachers with TEFL are the most preferred.

What are the requirements to teach English in Russia?

English teaching jobs are easy to come by in Russia once you have a TEFL certification which hands you a window to getting the best possible offers made available to ESL teachers in the country.

Although, a Bachelor's degree isn't a strict requirement to get an ESL job in Russia, it also gives you an edge over other applicants for the same job.

What type of jobs are available for English teachers in Russia?

ESL teachers inn Russia can teach in private language schools, international schools or take up private tutoring roles.

In the private language schools, teachers should expect to teach a wide range of students ranging from children to adults for an average of 30 working hours per week with a 9-12 months contract.

Teaching in International schools is also another opportunity for ESL teachers with TEFL certificate in Russia. However, these sort of jobs require some teaching experience but one to consider especially if you enjoy teaching children.

ESL teachers who are more inclined to teaching adults and business related issues can teach English to business clients. These sort of jobs require traveling between locations as lessons will be held in the company's office.

What is the salary for English teachers in Russia?

ESL teachers in Russia can expect to earn between $1000 and $3000 depending on factors such as location, experience and qualifications. It is important to note that holding a TEFL certificate gives you an edge and you may be able to negotiate salaries better.

Private language schools typically offer between $1000 and $1200 and have attached benefits such as a shared accommodation and airfare while International schools pay higher with their between $1500 and $3000 with benefits such as flights, housing and medical insurance.

ESL teachers who teach business clients earn about $1500 on the average but have no additional benefits in most cases.

Can you save money while teaching English in Russia?

The cost of living in any city in Russia depends on a number of factors such as location, earnings and budget. Generally, the cost of living considering the basics such as groceries, transport and rent ranges between $350 and $1050.

Accommodation Options: Many ESL teachers are offered shared accommodation by their employers so it is worth talking to your school about.

Some ESL teachers opt to take up accommodation spaces outside the big cities with rents considerably lower than those obtainable in the big cities like Moscow, St. Petersburg.

Generally, a one bedroom apartment costs about $300-$550 in a city like St. Petersburg and $160-$250 in a smaller city like Chelyabinsk.

What type of visa do you need to teach English in Russia?

For ESL teachers to teach legally in Russia, there is a need to get a work Visa. Work visas in Russia are of single-entry and multi-entry types. A single-entry work visa means you can only enter Russia once, so you can’t travel outside of Russia during your stay while a multi-entry visa permits you to leave and enter Russia multiple times.

The requirements for a work Visa in Russia includes an original HIV blood test certificate, letter of invitation and a completely and correctly filled Visa application form. The letter of invitation needed to process a work Visa will be handed out to you by your sponsor or employer.

It is important to note that your work visa in Russia is connected to your employer that is, its validity becomes null and void when you leave your job or when the contract ends.  If you're changing your job, your new employer will need to sponsor another work visa on your behalf.

Hiring season and process for English teachers in Russia

Although, September and January are the typical start months in Russian schools, ESL teachers in Russia are hired all year round particularly in private language schools. Hence, ESL teachers are encouraged to always look up opportunities all year and applying.

Many ESL teachers get job offers before making way to Russia as most schools are happy to recruit teachers ahead of their arrival. ESL teachers can submit CVs online and get interviewed over emails, phone and on Skype too.

ESL teachers can also get teaching jobs on arrival in Russia using a tourist visa. In this case, you need to visit schools physically, hand out your CV and interviews will also be conducted physically.

Fun and travel activities while teaching in Russia

Russia is a whole new world of adventure different from what you have ever been used to or experienced. Russia is the world's largest country covering one-eighth of the earth surfaces and is home to lots of fun places.

During your stay, you could pay a visit to Lake Baikal, the world's deepest lake to watch the best of show boaters on water or enjoy an evening at the Samara Academic Opera and ballet theater. You could partake in a simulated rocket launch in Star City, Moscow or get treated to a dinner by doubles at the Twin Stars diner.

One of the unique things to do in Russia is to visit the Military Disneyland where you could play with grenade launchers, and come face to face with a surface-to-air missile. Whatever your idea of adventure or fun is, Russia has a lot in store for you.

Important cities in Russia

Moscow, St. Petersburg, Chelyabinsk, Novosibirsk, Nizhny Novgorod and Rostov are the most important cities for ESL teachers in Russia.