Viewing topic: Greetings

Hello! My name is Tom. I have studied the Russian Language for three years in a formal classroom environment. After the 3rd year, there were no more courses in the small sectarian school I attended, so I continued on by myself, in self-study. Also, I have received help from a Ukrainian emigree. My basic level of skill is in the intermediate range. From childhood on, I was always fascinated with the USSR/ Russian Federation. It was a place that was so totally different from the pluralistic, affluent and open society that I knew in the USA . I just had to find out what made this place the way it was. Visiting the Soviet Union for the first time in 1971, only perked my interest and I continued to read her great literature and study her often violent and tragic history. After college and seminary, I married and occupied myself with the responsibilities of work and family life. In February, my wife of 20 years, passed away and I again found myself free to go where I wanted to go and to do what pleased me, without fear of the consequences to others. While I have never lived in Russia, nor have I taught there, I have been there and studied there now for six times, having stayed in: Moscow, St.Petersburg, Torzhok, Tver, Achinsk and Krasnoyarsk.

Although a stranger to land of the Rus, I am not; still, I am a, "babe in the woods," when it comes to knowing how to teach English to Russians. My aspiration is to take a CELTA course as a way of familiarizing myself with the teaching culture. My only real teaching experience is a result of a number of years giving instruction in catecheses courses designed to help adolescents prepare for full membership in the life of the Church. Any tips or pointers that anyone can give me that would help me in making a smooth transition from life in Virginia to life in Moscow would be greatly appreciated.

Respectfully,
Tom Antonson

Hello, when will you be in Moscow? I am staying there for the first time in November, but am familiar with life in St. Petersburg. The first thing I can notice is that it is expensive there. Using an agency I found a room in a communal apartment for about $400 a month. I am a beginner at Russian language.

My schedule is as follows:
March 15-30 interviews with schools
June 1-? residency in the city hopefully leading to full employment or advanced studies.
Hope this is helpful
Я желаю Вас всего наилучшего! Том

Hi Thomas,

Welcome to the site. I wish you all the best in your plans to teach in Russia!

Hopefully the visa situation will have become slightly clearer by the time you get round to moving out here.

Disappeared?