Viewing topic: Showing up and finding a job in Moscow....but when should I go?

Folks,

I've been trying without much success these past few months to find schools interested in hiring me. The few who have responded and thought my resume looked good of course require a CELTA, which I don't have.

I'm ready to just show up in Moscow and find a job the old fashioned way, as Bobs suggests

When is the best time to go? I have heard August, as most schools start sessions in September, is this true?

As for visas.......I guess I could pay one of those companies I see advertised and get a 30 or 60 day visa, job hunt in Russia, and once I am settled then worry about a work visa. Am I way off base in thinking this will work?

I'm trying to avoid going to Russia and coming home empty handed because my visa ran out.

I'm trying to avoid the some $3000 expense of getting a CELTA

I'm guess schools don't want to go thru the work visa expense and hassle on someone that might royally suck as a teacher.

Any tips?

Again, y'all have been very helpful and I appreciate it. I'll try not to let Bobs' recent rant scare me away!

Regards,

Michael

Strictly in theory, this is actually possible... but, and this is a BIG BUT... in practice it would be pretty tricky...

I have no doubt (99%) that if you step up your efforts in finding work, you'll get a fair few interviews set up before you arrive.

You'd need to come over on a 6 or 12 month business visa at first.... and this is where it gets horribly complicated...

When you arrive, you'll need to start the process of applying for the work visa immediately. The work visa invitation takes an absolute minimum of 3 months to organise. There is no way you'll have it by the time you need to leave, so.... you could stay up to, let's say, 10 weeks, then leave and stay somewhere cheap and nice until it's ready.... Crimea, for example... then on your remaining 2 weeks, return to pick up the invitation or kick asses to get it ready.

You'll need to check this, but I am assured that you can apply for a work visa at any embassy or consulate - not only in your home country. So in theory, it could be done.

Bobs,

In which case, it sounds like I'd be better off going with one of the big-box schools and taking their CELTA class and get on with my life?

I haven't gotten into visa discussions with any of them yet, but I haven't heard anyone say I would need to wait 3 months before arriving.

Michael

Not three months before arriving, three months after arrving and starting the process of obtaining a dodgy work visa It's all beautifully complex

Why bother with the out-of-the-box teaching jobs? You have experience, which is more than a fresh CELTA-brandishing gap-year timewaster has... Plus the schools that put you through a 'CELTA' generally try to get you to work for less afterwards than someone who just comes along and blags their way into a job...

Only do the CELTA if you find out what their wage for qualified & experienced teachers is, and then make them guarantee to pay you at least that if they employ you after the training course.

Bobs has once again bolstered my confidence.

I got an email from a school in SPB and a nice man named James who was kind enough to answer a few emails from me. He says the type of visas his school offers are the kind where one must leave for after 3 months, stay gone for 3, then come back again. If that is the case for all new teachers coming into the country, I just couldn't make it work financially, and I will be forced to teach in Korea for a year to save some money (I have a few friends who have taught there, but I've not the desire to go there just yet).

I still feel like I simply MUST be in Russia by the end of August. If I could go the first few weeks in september and still land a job, then I will do that.

Any thoughts?

And Bobs, thanks once again. You're really racking up those pints I owe for the advice, aren't you!

Michael

That would be James from ALM, I presume Er, safe to say, that's not a feasible option, nor is it the 'standard' approach.

When the Internet connection in the office goes back up (today is a working day, and I'm posting from my phone) I'll try to provide some more useful advice

Not that it that important, but could be James from LangStud also...

I have personal experience of arranging and getting my own work visa - Not cheap and it's also a long process. It took me 5 months from initial application to having the visa invitation in my hand...

So - probably the best solution is, as bobs12 says, to come in on a 3-month visa and immediately get the work invitation ball rolling... When you are sure that you have done all that you can, retire to a safe, cheap and foreign distance.... and keep all fingers and toes crossed!!

That James is no longer doing that job I'm 99% sure it's the other James - he fits the description of 'nice chap' and all..

As yes - Sorry, I forgot the description...

Further to the enquiry - I concur (again). Come along sometime in August and put yourself around! You might even have a bit of nice weather to laze on the sand when you're not too busy!

Regarding the CELTA, it would be nice to have it and I am sure that the schools appreciate that their students are more demanding (an' all that) and say that you just MUST have one. However, when you arrive and they see your beaming smile, I am sure that their hearts will melt and they could possibly find a slot for you.... and probably with little difference in rate of pay...

I am a bit out of touch regarding working for schools now - as I haven't done it for a long time... In my day (blah! blah!) the only reason to have a CELTA was that it got you into the British Council and they are now, of course, RIP in SPB...

Sorry I haven't been around here much lately!

Work has been horribly hectic; yet another reason to get out of that place.

My plan is to come in August, perhaps late August. I'd like to come along say September 12th, but I fear that may be to late.

Or will it? The only reason I would tarry is for a family vacation to Key West. Beach & beers, really hate to pass it up!

Nice to see y'all again.

Michael

bobs12 wrote:

That James is no longer doing that job I'm 99% sure it's the other James - he fits the description of 'nice chap' and all..

No amount of beach or beers could possibly justify delaying your arrival in the Land of Corruption and Debauchery.

Actually, only kidding - have your fun first. There will be plenty of pickings, even in September, I suspects. And fewer tourists. And shorter queues at the bar. Aii!

... Phew!! bobs12 has finally arrived on this thread as well... (But we forgive him because we know he is 'away'). I was getting a bit worried seeing 'mememe' as last poster on so many threads (especially the 'gurls' ones)... Certain allegations could be made...

Yeah - I, too, think that potential teaching work won't be in short supply, even in September (but please don't just stand around and expect it to come to you) ... And please don't ask bobs12 to help you out - and then turn it down cos it isn't paying enough (see post/rant/whinge/rage elsewhere) In fact, it's probably safer not to ask bobs12 for help at all - He is a busy little person and any refusal often offends (read 'hurts')....

(Don't ask me either... btw....)

There again, (being the eternal pessimist), I can think of at least one reason for arriving sooner..

By mid-September it will be a mite colder here, maybe - and 'yon wee lassies' (It's a Scottish thing) may be firmly re-wrapped up in their thick winter coats!!

But if you prefer somewhere else - then that's up to you....

Winter: unwrapping is half the fun - you never know what you'll get inside

Yep - But why do I always get the old crone whose skin needs a quick run over with the iron...?

I appreciate any help anyone would give, yet I certainly don't expect it. I'm a big boy now, and need to find my own way in the world. That being said, I think what everyone who has replied to my and any other post here is doing just that; helping by way of advice.

Again, I greatly appreciate it. Kindness is in short supply in the world.

Then I shall arrive in September. I will have roommates when I arrive, so I'm not so worried about making the huge bucks, though it would be nice

My father taught me that when one applies for a job, there is a stack of other applicants and applications on the interviewer's desk. The only way to stand out is to check back and 'gently hound' the poor soul. I have never gotten a job from a call back; always because I checked back once and often several times until I was hired on. I plan to be a go-getter when I get over there!

Bobs, thanks for letting me enjoy the beach and beers. When I do arrive, it seems as a number of rounds will be on my for your efforts!

Michael