Teach English in Russia
Teaching English in Russia is a great way to experience the beauty of this large, mysterious nation. Teachers in Russia have the opportunity to explore its cosmopolitan cities, breathtaking wilds, and warm hospitality while teaching abroad.
Teach English in Russia
Options for teaching in Russia
Teaching English in Russia gives applicants the option of teaching in public or private schools. English is included in public school curriculum, so English teachers are always needed. However, student support is still insufficient in many schools, and young professionals often realize they need to improve their business English after they have graduated. Private schools, therefore, provide a booming market for English teachers.
Salary and benefits when teaching in Russia
Private school teachers in Russia enjoy a salary of approximately USD 1500-2000 per month, and benefits include accommodation and airfare reimbursement.
Teach in Russia – Hiring
September and January are the most typical start months in Russian schools. However, teachers in Russia are needed on an ongoing basis, particularly in private language schools, so those looking to teach in Russia are encouraged to check back often for available teaching jobs.
Qualifications needed to teach English in Russia
Successful candidates should have a TEFL/TESL certificate and prior teaching experience. Russian language students tend to be very interested in formal grammar, so those who have trouble defining specifics—the present perfect tense, subjective pronouns—would particularly benefit from a TEFL certification.
Visas for teachers in Russia
Those hired to teach English in Russia will need to apply for a work visa before entering the country. Teach Away offers assistance in this process for successful candidates. Currently, teachers will need the following in addition to their visa application form:
- A passport with at least six months’ validity beyond their last day of residence in Russia, as well as two pages of free space for the visa
- An offer letter from the school including job details
- A negative HIV report issued within three months of the date of the visa application
- Three passport-sized photos
- A stamped, self-addressed envelope for the return of the visa from the Embassy or Consulate
Visa applications need to be made in person with the closest Russian Embassy or Consulate, and the processing time is around 15 business days.
Living in Russia
Mysterious and often misunderstood, Russia is a culture rich in history, art, and beauty. Whether marveling at the architecture of Red Square or exploring the breathtakingly wild scenery of the Kamchatka peninsula, new arrivals to Russia can expect to be left awestruck.
Cost of living in Russia
Most foreign teachers will find themselves in a major city such as Moscow or St. Petersburg. Rent is one of the biggest expenses, so securing a contract that provides accommodation is helpful. Teachers who do need to pay for their own apartments might consider living outside the city center, as costs are significantly reduced. The price of rent is often set in US dollars, so teachers should be aware of the conversion rates.
Housing in Russia
As mentioned above, many school contracts include accommodation. For those that do not, most schools will provide assistance for teachers searching for an apartment. New residents might consider searching for housing outside of the city. Teachers often have roommates in order to share the cost of an apartment.
Things for teachers to do in Russia
For those interested in cultural activities, Russia boasts some of the world’s best architecture, ballet, and classical music. For more contemporary fun, Moscow is full of clubs, bars, and art cafés.
Although most young people have studied some English in school, official English translations—even in major cities—are not as common as in many other places of the world. It’s helpful to at least have a grasp on the Cyrillic alphabet before heading to Russia. Once there, though, enjoy Russian hospitality—just don’t forget to bring a gift if invited to someone’s home!
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Traveling in Russia
Traveling the world’s largest country is no small feat. The country’s larger cities are concentrated in the west, but the vast Trans-Siberian Railway makes it easy (logistically, at least) to travel the length of the country—though the journey takes a full seven days! Those looking to make the trek on the historic railroad can choose from a number of routes, including several that terminate in Beijing via either Mongolia or Manchuria.
If a week-long train trip doesn’t sound attractive, Russian cities offer some of the world’s most popular destinations. Moscow’s Red Square competes with the Hermitage in St. Petersburg in terms of history, culture, and popularity. The resort town of Sochi, meanwhile, is rapidly preparing for the influx of visitors it will receive when it hosts the 2014 Winter Olympic Games.
TEFL Certification for Private School Teachers
Many private schools in Russia require applicants to possess a TEFL certificate. The OISE University of Toronto TEFL Online Certificate can help you become a leading candidate for some of the top Russian private school positions.
Russia at a Glance
Capital - Moscow
Language - Russian
Population - 142 million
Government - Federation
Major Religion - Russian Orthodox
Size - 17,075,400 square kilometers
- Russia is the world’s largest country, covering about one-eighth of the earth’s surface.
- Russia spans nine time zones.
- Traveling from Moscow to Vladivostok on the Trans-Siberian Railway is a 7-day journey.
- Siberia’s Lake Baikal is the world’s deepest lake and holds about 20% of the world’s fresh water.
- The average annual temperature in Moscow is 5.8 C (42.4 F).
- Moscow has more billionaires than any other city in the world.
Teach English in Russia
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