Viewing topic: An introdction

Hi, I just wanted to introduce myself.

I am planning to go to Russia (St Petersburg in particular) this year to teach English.

I have just completed a TESOL course through Teach International in Australia but don't have any experience yet.

I sent my CV to a number of private language school and got a number of offers. Most of them said that if I was to come to Russia they could find work for me.

Still a little confused about visas, the costs of living (i.e. rent, food etc) and whether they can be covered by wages from teaching at different private schools (i.e. how many hours per week at what price do you need to do).

Hi again!

Cost of living is a good question. I'd say you can get by here fairly well on anything from $800/month, accommodation depends on whether you share an apartment or not. A single-room apartment not far from the centre is likely to be around $400/month, you could probably share a 2-room place for around $250-$270ish

Don't launch straight into working full-time - build up your workload gradually, pick and choose the best offers, try to keep a schedule that allows you to live 'normally' (eating, sleeping, etc.) remember to figure in time for planning lessons, travel, etc.

Also, jumping straight in can lead to early burnout for a beginner - while it's all new and exciting you can work crazy hours and travel all over the city. When it becomes routine you start wishing you'd picked better-paying jobs closer to home

I'd recommend aiming for no more than 20 hours per week (don't take all this on straight away though) put out some adverts for private students when you arrive, take no less than $11-$12 per academic hour (around 300 - 350 roubles per 45 minutes) but always aim higher ($15-$18 is good, but rare) no matter what the type of work is.

That gives you an approximate average income of over $900 a month, and is a perfectly manageable workload.

Budget carefully - keep in mind that you should always have at least $500 available for emergencies (that should be more than enough to make a quick exit from the country to a friendly neighbouring state ). Budget to put away at least $100 a month. If you can't do that, you're having too much fun

Monthly expenses will include visa registration (depending on the agency you use - it may be a $15 monthly thing, or it may be a six-monthly payment of $60 to $70 dollars) telephone, internet, etc.

Putting away money every month really is important - unless you have a really good contract (I don't recommend contracts anyway, especially with the current uncertainty about the new labour laws) you don't get sick pay! A dose of the St. Petersburg flu can easily lay you low for a couple of weeks, during which time you may lose some of your clients. Been there, done that.

Also consider looking for some casual work doing editing, writing, or anything you can do from home to tide you over if you do get sick. It's always good to have some variety anyway, and it can always lead to bigger things.

Forget about making a fortune while you're here, or paying off any massive debts you have back home

Although invitations to do short teaching gigs in camps or projects out of the city or even out of the country can sound tempting, just avoid them. If you need a break, go to Tallinn for the weekend. It will work out cheaper in the long run (another been-done-that )

No doubt more useful advice will arrive shortly!

Quoting Bobs12: <i>avoid camps...</i>

I know where that's coming from.
That's where I met Bobs.

We had fun, but I think we'll both be avoiding them in the future.

I also advise taking it easy at first...but don't wait too long.

I have learned to live on about US$600/mo. However, it's a bit boring.

Just an update:

I will be arriving in St Petersburg on the 26th of April 2007. It took me a little longer to organize things at home than I thought it would but I am finally arriving and I can't wait!!!

Just wanted to let everyone know how great Mike Sherman at the American Language Master has been. He helped me (and I greatly needed the help) get the invitation to work and walked me through getting the visa.

Hi Slade, I would be keen to hear your opinion of the teach international course that you took. I'm thinking about doing one with them myself before I start looking for a job. Do you think it was worth the dollars? How useful was it? etc. Anything that you've got to say about it i'd be keen to hear.

Cheers,

David