Viewing topic: Interesting story

I recieved this letter from Guzel about a couple teachers that she had hired. I think it could be of interest and maybe even stop someone from diving into something that they are not ready for. Traveling to a country such as Russia may not be for everyone no matter how romantic the idea sounds.

Will privet!
How are you doing? I haven't heard from you in so long.
I have heard about tornado in Alabama.Is everything OK in Oklahoma?

At the beginning of February we had two new teachers: one was from Canada, Toronto - James, another one was from US (Virginia)- Terry.
Just imagine: they both disappeared in a WEEK!
Terry was a mama’s boy. He called to his mom two or three times a day and said: "Mom I love you so much. You know they are so different."
I don’t know may be he has noticed a third eye in our foreheads or maybe we are so ugly.

Terry couldn’t live without his mom: he couldn’t cook, didn’t know how to wash his clothes (he just threw his clothes out).He brought two really big bags and he didn’t know what was inside, because his mom packed his bags. Once Alsou and Regina took him to the skating rink (now you’d better sit before reading next line of my letter) so he didn’t know how to fasten his shoes-strings and Alsou did it!
James was pretty much the same. But he was just younger (23y.o.) and may be that is why his behavior didn’t look so stupid. While he was coming here he lost his bags in London (he had a stop in London).So he didn’t ask about his bags in London airport. When he came to Oktyabrsky he called to his mom and ask her to find them.

While they were here I asked Vildan and Arthur to take them and show Oktyabrsky, shops, Internet, cafes, etc. Our guys did everything. And... in three days after that they yelled at Regina(I don’t know why they chose Regina for yelling) that they ran their food out and they were starving. Our Lena (the girl who worked in Tuimazy. Now she works at our school as a manager) became so angry and she seized them by their hands and went shopping. They both knew where the shops were and how to buy. But it was found out that they simply did not want carry heavy bags from the shop. Lena carried! One day they agreed upon meeting at once with 3 people. So at the same time three different companies were waiting for the in three different places: 1) students at the skating rink; 2) our staff at the cafe; 3) Level 5 students in another cafe. What do you think where did they came? Nowhere!

That week was absolutely crazy for us. In a week they just said that they both were going home tonight because they had a cultural shock. We just opened our mouths. They said about their decision at about 9 p.m. (at the end of the school’s day) and the flight was from Ufa at 5 a.m. They wanted Rafis to drop them up to the airport. I said that it was impossible because he had to be at the office in the morning. Terry said that Rafis would have enough time to come back home and he can sleep later. Well we asked Regina’s brother-in-low to drop them to the airport. Girls and me were so upset with everything that we decided not to go to the airport and just said good-bye at school. I asked them to give the keys from the apartment to Regina’s brother-in-low. What did they do? They took the keys with them and left the electricity in the apartment. More over Terry left a bill for his calls to US - $100 USD.

The letter went on, but I think this says it all.

I am not surprized at all, there are a lot a pups out there! Tell Guzel that the other cowboy guy she spoke to, me, is still interested in working for her but can't go until late August and can stay for 9 months. I am a seasoned traveller and loner plus I speak a fair amount of Russian. She had a problem in Ufa with my invitation last time but I have two more passports left up my sleeve. I feel bad for Guzel, she sounds like a nice gal.

Thanks for the offer, but the comment "two more passports left up my sleeve." makes me kinda nervous. I don't think I could reccomend something that might get her in trouble with the people that she gets the invitations from. Might just kill her school for good if she were to push false papers through.

You're right she is a sweetheart. And I am sure you wouldn't want to do anything that would cause harm, good intentions aside.

Don't worry they are all legal and she knows about my citizenships.

Is your name David T from Oregon? I recieved a couple letters from David and he informed me that he was turned down by the Ufa Visa office too. They didn't state a reason for the turn down, and it didn't sound as though David was a seasoned traveler in his letters.

I find it curious that two teacher were turned down in the same time fram. I haven't heard from him again, but he was planning to try for the school that Anna (Digdug) is at in Kazan. I will check into it and see what the problems is; if possible from where I am.

Yeah, Will it's me, David! I thought you'd know. How many other ex-cowboys are doing this? LOL

Who said anything about EX Cowboy..... Hell, I was on a rank mare just two days ago. If it stops raining I will be back at it again. If you want to come down here I have a couple horses that need cleanup. Split the profits with you.

I am in the process of putting up an arena, new barn is on order and I need someone to bale some grass before I get burried in it. There is no such thing as an Ex Cowboy, it's in the blood.

I for got that I had written an article about this very thing. For anyone interested I think it is still listed under my articles and it can be viewed by going throught the my article on the front page "Making a Difference in Russia".

For most of the schools in the smaller cities there can be a fine line between making a profit for the year and closing the doors. When they have to provide Visa Invitations, Apartments and other expences to coax teachers to those out of the way places it can mean that they themselves are doing without at the same time. Keeping up with Moscow and St Peteserburg size schools and staying competitive with salaries can take it toll.

Please take this into concideration when shopping for a school.

Hi everyone, its been a while since I've posted here, but I wanted to set the story right.
I previously had respect for you Will , but after learning further about what you have said about this school and the people there I dunno what to say.
Yes, this is an interesting story indeed, considering it is entirely a lie.

I'm one of the teachers that were hired on false promises.
A single flat with half decent accommodation. I didn't expect the Ritz when I arrived, but the flat was in a bad section of town. Bums would drink, crap and piss in the hallways, beat on the door, and the elevator there was about ready to break. The water pipes also froze several times while we were there.
The toilet and bathtub looked like they haven't been cleaned in years. It makes you wonder.

When I did arrive another teacher was there in the apartment. It worked out ok though he is a nice guy.
The people there are nice and I was treated ok. I have no bitterness towards anyone there. But I must say, I'm disappointed in learning that Guzel has written to you such a letter.

I wanted to explain to you further about the reason I was on the phone so often, you see I had an error with my visa and I was told to leave the country within 24 hours of time. Now picture yourself in my shoes trying to think things over. You now have to leave the country or be thrown into jail? My parents had to contact senators, us embassy and other officials to make sure I was allowed to leave. So yes, I was on the telephone quite a bit.
Regarding my phone bill, I was not paid for teaching a week. So, I'd imagine 1/4 of my payment agreement did cover the $100 phone bill even though they mentioned it as a gift.

About my skate shoes, not regular shoes, yes I can tie my own shoes. But I had never put on ice skates before and also it took about 5 pairs of skate shoes until I found ones that fit me. The laces were loose and I did need assistance. It was quite a nice moment with the children there and other people helping me put on my skates.

Regarding washing my clothes, well I originally was promised by Guzel a soviet style washing machine, which turned out to be a wooden board over an old bathtub that looked like it hasn't been cleaned in ages.
So, I never washed clothes on a scrub board before. Who here in North America has done this?

Its disheartening to know though thinking back the night we left and said goodbye to Rafis and Guzel.
I never said anything about Rafis could sleep later after driving us to the airport. I have respect for him. The man works hard and loves his wife.
I guess the tears that Guzel cried when we left the apartment were not real. They were just crocodile tears.

It was quite early in the morning, and James and I forgot we had the key still. Picture around 4:00 am in the morning and we were tired and upset about the situation.
Regina did not go with us to the grocery store it was Helen that did.
About Helen having to carry our groceries, well we carried in each arm bags and she offered to help carry a bag also. I had a water cooler sized jug in one hand and in my other another bag full of groceries.

I also don't appreciate you posting the statements from Guzel without checking with me or James first. This made a bad situation worse for us. I wanted to mention also its quite an expensive flight to travel to Oktyabrsky. That being said false advertising about this school should be corrected.

I just spoke with Guzel on the phone yesterday and she told me more of the same as she wrote. Since she never lied to me about the school or the accommodations I find your rebuttal some what lame. It’s interesting that you and James were the only two teachers to have been to the school in Oktyabrsky that have complained. I didn't know it was you in the story until now, I didn't know your first name. I also have been keeping up with the site forum so I don’t know if you posted anything about going to the school. I wrote a letter to James with a copy of the letter Guzel sent me. So I am sure that he knows about it. Sorry, I didn't have an e-mail address for any one named Terry.

I am not the only one to sing the praises of Guzel's school, Anna (Digdug) was also there as was another American teacher, Thomas Barrett from Montana. On one of my trips we were all there at the same time. On my last trip Tom was still there, and having a blast. There were 4 other teachers there before use, from Canada, Australia, New Zeeland. I checked with them and great rave reviews about the school.

I can see that you’re embarrassed that I posted the letter. Your post doesn't make sense and the Visa issue doesn't wash,,, Guzel would have known about that and not faulted you for leaving. It also doesn't make sense that you and James had to leave at the same time. Sorry you didn't like the plumbing, but it still looks like you're a whining cry baby. When I first visited Robert in St. Petes, his apartment wasn't any better than what I had in Oktyabrsky (Though he has remodeled it since). He has lived there for four years, didn’t seem to bother him. I also saw Sky’s Apartment and it was a long the same lines.

The picture you choose for you profile on this site seem appropriate, you’re a little girl. Maybe you shouldn’t stray too far from home.

For anyone that didn't get to read the article I wrote about this kind of thing:

Click Here (Sorry Will - don't need to post the whole thing here)

So Will, you spoke with Guzel, it seems fitting since the both of you are obviously
trying to lure more poor unsuspecting teachers into this trap.
It was unfortunate I had to contact the US embassy.
Guzel was aware of the embassy, they were calling the school while I was there.
But not only the embassy, but our state senators kept a close eye on my particular case.
You have no idea what happened and you were not there during that time.
There is more I can mention such as when I arrived I found that my suitcase had been cut
and I had to pay $60 US dollars to enter the country.
The question I have is why you are so defensive about this?
Are you afraid your book sales will drop?

I am laughing my ass off at you and James, As I did the day I received Guzels letter. I received a long letter from James today too. Though your letters don't seem to back each other up, little in consistances. Your attacks on Guzel's school aren't working as an excuse, you contradict yourself in your own post. Plus the fact that I have been there three times. I lived in that apartment on my first visit, Anna was living there on my second visit, and Tom was living there on my third visit. I know there is a wash machine there, Tom fixed for Anna to use. Though Tom and I did our washing in the bath tub in the other apartment we shared for two weeks. Face it your a cry baby that got in over his head and got scared. The point of my posting the letter from Guzel was to keep other cry babies from doing the samething. You cost her money and time. You said you had to leave because of your visa, Why did James have to leave at the same exact time you did? He didn't mention any problems with his visa, though just like you he tried to turn it an attack me, my book and my reasons for my travels to Russia. I never hide my reasons for my travels from the moment I started posting here. And at least I did write a book. Two now actually, working on the third one now. Your not fooling anyone.
Grow up little boy!

Just to let you know, my visa was incorrectly marked that I was a preacher
instead of a teacher.
Guzel was the one who told me that the local authorities wanted me to leave within 24 hours
of time.
Guzel was the one who took my passport to the local authorities.
She was the one that interacted with them so any information I was relayed through her.
According to what I was told, the Republic of Bashkortostan does not allow preaching.
So obviously this was a problem for me.

The nearest US consulate officer advised my family that this republic is still old style Russia
and if they wanted you out, you had better leave period.
About James, he arrived before I did and went through several difficulties that I will let him
explain himself if he chooses to post here. But he observed what I went through while I was
there. By the the time I was able to leave, he definitely wanted to leave also.
Anything else about James will have to be mentioned by him, I cannot speak for him.

I don't want to get involved in a row where I wasn't there and I don't know the facts. However, I feel I must stick up for Guzel, as I have worked for her and I wouldn't want to see the excellent reputation her school has deservedly acquired become tarnished.

For anyone thinking on going to this school: Guzel is a kind, thoughtful person and Will has in no way overstated her kindness. If you have a problem she will do her best to fix it, you only have to ask. When I first moved into my flat it had no curtains and the light from streetlamps kept me awake. So Guzel bought some material and made me a pair of curtains. The sofa bed was broken in the middle, but only cos no one had told Guzel about it. She got her husband to fix it right away. When I had visa problems in Kazan she helped out, even though I wasn't working for her anymore. I could go on and on with examples.

Thanks Anna for coming in and helping. I received another letter from Guzel this morning. Apparently she has received a letter from Jame in rebuttal to the letter I sent him. She didn't say what all the content was, but judging by the letter he sent me, I would say it was unkind.

Russians don't think as we Westerners do and any contraversy about them is looked on as embarrassing and shameful. Though the whole point of my posting was to keep others from making the same mistakes that were made by folks in this thread. Guzel has asked me to have it deleted, and as with her wishes I will be writing a letter to Robert to have it done.

I will also be writing another article about this situation (not using names of people or schools) I think it is an important lesson that can be helpful to others in the future.

That being said, this thread is over.

Digdug wrote:

I don't want to get involved in a row where I wasn't there and I don't know the facts.

Forum Rules wrote:

The forum is intended for discussion, debate and meainingful exchange. All users are free to express opinions that are not racist, sexist or otherwise offensive to other users.

robert.leitch[a]gmail.com

As pointed out by Robert, I am the one that posted a private letter that I shouldn't have. I can take my lumps and be told when I am wrong. I seem to taken the posting differently than it has turned out and I appoligize to all parties in volved.

Guzel wrote me a private letter giving me her account of what transpired to her knowledge and I posted it without her permission. Again for that I Appoligize To her, which I have done privately also.

Anna was correct to take her possition and stay out of the middle. Apparently I have strained my standing with this Website, possible to the point of disrepair. I beleive the site is a neccesary tool for people to make contacts and informed judgement about travel, schools and other aspects concerning EFL in Russia.

Asking guzel to appoligize to parties involved would be pointless, I am the one responcible, point your fingers at me. After her finding out about it, she quickly asked me to have it deleted. Which I have done.

I apploigize to Robert for any problem this posting causes and will not post again.

I see Will is not man enough to apologise properly to Terry and James, as I asked him to (I wasn't referring to Guzel or myself when I asked for the apology) - so here's a little something I prepared earlier, but didn't post since I decided to give him a stay of execution and a chance to redeem himself.

I add that since I just banned Will from the site, a little of this post is redundant, but even site admins need to vent now and again:

I kept out of this thread from the start because it just looked like nothing more than a smug gossip post.

Now, however, I have to step in. If what Terry says is true (and let's face it, he has no reason to lie to save face as at least his surname wasn't mentioned in the first post - he's just trying to set the record straight as far as I can see) then we have a serious problem on our hands here. From Terry's account, a school has caused major problems for one, possibly two teachers, and then sent an inaccurate account of it to the person who likes helping them find teachers.

This can easily happen - a school can turn bad or circumstances can get nasty at the drop of a hat, without necessarily having any precedent. What matters in the latter case is how things are handled.

It sounds as though Terry would have had no problems with the school's handling of the situation and probably would have stayed quiet about it had Will not posted the letter from Guzel.

Now Will has opened up a whole world of shit for Guzel and her school, and a little personal one for me and this site.

The issue at hand is not that she/the school mistreated teachers - that is open to interpretation. There is, however, the issue of a mishandled visa and potential legal problems for a teacher, coupled with a possibly false account of the situation being posted on VisaRus plus a little bit of libel and slander thrown in for good measure.

The main problems I have are: what she wrote to Will in her email (I'd say it was a simple breach of professional confidence at best, a cunning ploy at worst); the fact Will posted it on a public forum without removing names (they may only be first names, but, as you see, they led to one of the parties identifying references to himself); Will's utter determination to justify a Russian woman's right to bitchy gossip.


Will - I could almost respect you for your blind faith & loyalty to Guzel, but this is
a serious matter and has to be dealt with as such. This is not Oklahoma - this is a country where foreigners can quite easily end up in jail and/or deported and/or heavily fined if they have visa problems. We don't need schools here who start precedents for the authorities to come down on EFL teachers. Guzel has clearly not exercised due care and attention.

Do you really think Terry and James went all that way to conspire to muddy Guzel's angelic reputation? I can tell you, Will, that there is a lot you don't know about Guzel's professional history. I can't post any of it here because it was told to me in confidence recently and has no hard evidence to back it up. Unlike some around here, I don't go in for preaching hearsay as gospel.

Your absolute denial that anything like this could have happened (a bit like going swimming at the Barrier Reef and saying there are no sharks there because you didn't see any) without your having been there to see it first hand makes me think Terry is quite right to question your insistence in the matter.

From Terry's (fair, civil and level) account, Guzel didn't handle the situation very well and made it much worse by drawing you into it. You are not school staff and this was none of your business. I believe that her email to you may have been a design to pre-empt anything Terry or James might say against the school. She's a shrewd woman, Will, and she seems to be playing you for a sucker. Sadly, she chose the wrong person to have as her advocate - she might have chosen someone who could argue her case convincingly and maturely, and not in playground-speak (how old are you now, Will?).

Situations like this are not a matter of James Dean loyalty, they require serious, mature attention.

As for your personal attacks on Terry - you seem to be fairly determined to have him sue you. Not only do you post potentially slanderous gossip about him in public, you go on to insult and humiliate him. Let me take you to task on a couple of the taunts you threw his way:

TheHorseman wrote:

"Face it your a cry baby that got in over his head and got scared."
"Grow up little boy!"

TheHorseman wrote:

"The picture you choose for you profile on this site seem appropriate, you're a little girl. Maybe you shouldn't stray too far from home."

TheHorseman wrote:

"it still looks like you're a whining cry baby"