Teaching ESL in Russia
Like any citizens of a world economic power, Russians are very interested in learning English. They have begun to introduce the language as part of their national curriculum, giving ESL teachers a rapidly expanding student base.
Russia: At a Glance
Russia: Living in Russia
Russia: Teaching ESL in Russia
Russia: Financial Snapshot
Peak Hiring Season in Russia
Types of ESL Teaching Jobs in Russia
How to Find ESL Teaching Jobs in Russia
Largest Chain Schools in Russia
Tips for ESL Teachers in Russia
Requirements for ESL Teachers in Russia
Embassy and Consulate Locations
Peak ESL Hiring Season in Russia
Russia may not be as popular an ESL market as China, South Korea, or Japan, but it is an attractive option for many wanting to teach English overseas. It is often easier to find work in smaller Russian towns or in rural areas. Most Russian English schools require their teachers to have a TESOL certification from a known TESOL program.
Types of ESL Teaching Jobs in Russia
Public Schools
The Russian education system changed with the fall of the Soviet Union. Students who were previously only able to attend public school are now suddenly able to attend one of the rapidly opening private schools. The public school system is an employment option for many ESL teachers, as English is now part of the official curriculum; however, job openings are less frequent when compared to private schools.
Private Schools
Private schools are currently in demand because of the lack of support still given for English in the public school system. Young professionals are also seeking English lessons to help boost their job prospects, which means ESL teachers of business English are highly sought after. Private schools usually send teachers to the client's place of business. The ability to discuss business comfortably is essential.
Universities and Colleges
The number of public and private post-secondary institutions is steadily growing in Russia. There is a noticeable increase in salary for English teachers working in a Russian university or college. The requirements for teaching ESL at a Russian post-secondary school are higher than many other teaching positions. In addition to having a TESOL certification, English teachers applying to teach in this environment should have a degree, ESL experience, and a working knowledge of the Russian language.
Private Lessons
Education and an understanding of the English language are two things that are highly regarded by Russians. Many Russian parents are willing to offer large portions of their household income to ensure their children are not at a disadvantage and have a good understanding of English.
Marketing is an important skill for any ESL teacher considering offering private English lessons to Russian students. There are plenty of free online forums where teaching services can be posted and there are usually also postings in Russian newspapers. Those teaching private English lessons in Russia will typically earn 500 - 1,000 RUB an hour.
How to Find Jobs Teaching English in Russia
The biggest key to finding a job teaching English in Russia is to find the hidden job market. Russian schools usually work within fairly tight budgets, leaving little to no money to advertise job openings. By conducting some research, many ESL teachers will stumble upon these hidden jobs. There are excellent websites available that post Russian teaching opportunities for free and some Russian publications also feature openings. Many Russian employment websites are written in Russian, but they can easily be translated into English using various online tools (i.e. Google Translator).
Online resources that may include ESL teaching jobs in Russia are:
- Oxford Seminars' ESL Teaching Resources
- http://www.eslemployment.com/esl-jobs/europe/
- http://www.eslcafe.com/joblist/
- http://moscow.craigslist.org/
- http://stpetersburg.craigslist.org/
Russian English Newspapers:
Largest Chain Schools in Russia
The number of private international English schools in Russia grows quickly enough that it is almost impossible to keep track of them. Private language schools offer Russian children an English school curriculum in a Russian setting. Parents sending their children to private schools are responsible for paying the tuition out of their own pockets. These schools are great opportunities to find ESL jobs in Russia. Required qualifications vary greatly from school to school.
- Denis' School
Denis' School was founded in 1992 as a school where both children and adults could learn how to communicate in the English language. There are now Denis' School locations in ten different Russian cities. Students range from young children to established Russian business executives. http://www.dschool.ru
- Language Link Russia
Language Link Russia currently has 200 teachers teaching English in various cities throughout Russia. ESL teachers working for Language Link Russia all have various amounts of experience and education. In addition to paying a decent ESL salary for Russian standards, the company also offers 18,900 RUB towards return airfare back to America. http://www.isdedu.de
- EF English First
EF English First is one of the largest international English chain schools in the world. With around 40 schools scattered throughout Russia, this international chain school could be an excellent way for many ESL teachers to find their first English teaching job. Applicants are usually required to have a TESOL certificate and a university degree when applying for a teaching position at EF English First. http://www.ef-russia.ru
Other Jobs Teaching English in Russia
Teaching Business English in Russia
Russia is known for being a vast land full of history, culture, and art. Many believe the Russian economy has benefited with Vladimir Putin as its Prime Minister and it seems that a similar economic picture will be similar under Dmitry Medvedev's rule. Russians consider the knowledge of English to be an important factor in their personal business success and a major factor in the future career successes of their children. There are many private Russian schools that offer English classes for professional adults. In addition to finding a job teaching business English, it is also possible to offer private business English lessons.
Jobs Teaching English in the Summer in Russia
Like schools in North America, Russian children have a summer break which can last for almost three months. It is still possible to find an ESL teaching job while most schools are closed. Some private English schools run English day camps during the summer months. These camps can be great places to start teaching English in Russia. The summer is also a time of transition for many ESL teachers. Many teachers decide to return home or find a new job during the summer.
Additional ESL Resources to Help Teach English in Russia
The links listed below are ESL teaching resources that may be useful.
- Oxford Seminars' ESL Teaching Resources
- Teach Abroad - http://www.teachabroad.com
- Transition Abroad - http://www.transitionsabroad.com/
Tips for ESL Teachers in Russia
- Most Russians have some English skills and may be able to communicate. However, Russian is still the most common language. ESL teachers should consider taking some Russian language courses before leaving to teach.
- English teachers should study maps and websites to learn about Russia before they leave. Use the Internet and find transit maps, restaurants, grocery stores, drug stores, hospitals, and any future place of employment.
- Saving up some money before leaving for Russia could be a smart idea. A small savings will help with any unforeseen expenses, especially for a teacher who plans to find a job after arriving.
- Moving to the other side of the world usually means that ESL teachers must find someone to manage their finances while they are gone. Some choose friends or family that they know and trust, while others opt to speak to a professional financial advisor.
Teaching Requirements for Canadians in Russia
ESL teachers planning to come to Russia to teach English will need to get a Russian Working Visa. Canadians will find that getting a Russian visa will take a little time from home but is much easier than getting a visa for other European nations.
Getting a Russian Working Visa
Most ESL teachers who travel to Russia to teach get their Russian Working Visa before leaving. In order to get a Russian Visa, an ESL teacher will need to ensure that they have a valid passport and will need to find the closest consulate or embassy office (see below). By filling out the proper paperwork and obtaining the required identification ahead of time, ESL teachers should receive a Russian Visa within 15 business days. Many schools will help with this application process.
Documentation Needed for a Russian Work Visa
- Be sure to complete all areas of the application (forms can be downloaded online at http://www.russianembassy.org/)
- A passport with at least two pages of free space and valid for at least six months after the last day of residence in Russia.
- Every ESL teacher must bring a letter from the school that hired them stating all of the details about the job (who hired them, where they will be working, and what the position entails).
- All people applying for a Russia Visa need to submit a negative HIV/Aids test taken within three months of the application date
- Bring three passport-size photos for the application
- A self-addressed, prepaid mailing envelope for the Russian Embassy or Consulate to easily return the visa. Be sure to call the Russian Embassy or Consulate office in advance to confirm what documentation is needed and what the application fee is. Be sure to bring cash for the payment.
Requirements for EU Citizens to Teach English in Russia
Russia has finally opened its doors to people from all around the world. Members of the European Union have no advantage in finding work as an ESL teacher in Russia over Canadians. The Visa application rules are also the same for citizens of America as they are for people coming from a European Union (EU) nation. Please review the Visa application process outlined above for detailed information on how to obtain a Russian Working Visa.
Embassy and Consulate Information in Russia
Canadian Embassy and Consulates Offices in Russia
Canadian Embassy in Moscow
The Embassy of Canada
23 Starokonyushenny Pereulok
Moscow 119002
City: Moscow
Phone: 7 495 925 6000
Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 810 800 201 41012
Fax: 7 495 925 6025
Email: mosco@international.gc.ca
Website: http://www.russia.gc.ca
Normal Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
Consulate General of Canada in Vladivostok
306-46 Verhneportovaya,
Vladivostok 600003 Russia
City: Vladivostok
Phone: 7 423 249 1188
Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 810 800 201 41012
Fax: 7 423 249 1188
Email: cbcrfe@rambler.ru
The United States of America Embassy and Consulates Offices in Russia
Embassy of the United States in Moscow
Bolshoy Deviatinsky Pereulok No. 8
Moscow 121099 Russia
PSC-77, APO AE 09721
City: Moscow
Phone: 7 495 728 5000
Fax: 7 495 728 5090
Email: consulMo@state.gov
Website: http://moscow.usembassy.gov/
Consulate General of the United States in St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg 191028 Russia
PSC 78, Box L, APO AE 09723
City: St. Petersburg
Phone: 7 812 331 2600
Fax: 7 812 331 2852
Email: acsstpete@state.gov
Website: http://stpetersburg.usconsulate.gov
Consulate General of the United States in Vladivostok
Ulitsa Pushkinskaya 32,
Vladivostok 690001 Russia
City: Vladivostok
Phone: 7 423 230 0070
Fax: 7 423 249 9372
Website: http://vladivostok.usconsulate.gov
Consulate General of the United States in Yekaterinburg
Ulitsa Gogolya 15A, 4th floor
Yekaterinburg 620151 Russia
City: Yekaterinburg
Phone: 7 4232 30 00 70
Fax: 7 4232 49 93 72
Website: http://yekaterinburg.usconsulate.gov
Australian Embassy and Consulates Offices in Russia
Australian Embassy in Moscow
10A/2 Podkolokolny Pereulok
Moscow 109028 Russia
PSC-77, APO AE 09721
City: Moscow
Phone: 7 495 956 6070
Fax: 7 495 956 6170
Email: austembmos@dfat.gov.au
Website: http://www.russia.embassy.gov.au
Australian Consulate in St Petersburg
1 Italianskaya Ulitsa
St Petersburg 191186 Russia
City: St Petersburg
Phone: 7 812 315 1100
Fax: 7 812 315 1100
Email: austembmos@dfat.gov.au
Australian Consulate in Vladivostok
42 Prospect Krasnogo Znameni
Vladivostok Russia
City: Vladivostok
Phone: 7 423 242 7464
Fax: 7 423 242 6916
Email: austembmos@dfat.gov.au
British Embassy and Consulates Offices in Russia
British Embassy in Moscow
Smolenskaya Naberezhnaya 10
Moscow 121099 Russia
City: Moscow
Phone: 7 495 956 7200
Fax: 7 495 956 7201
Email: moscow@britishembassy.ru
Website: http://ukinrussia.fco.gov.uk/en
Summer Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm; 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Winter Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - noon; 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
British Consulate in St Petersburg
PL Proletarskoy Diktatury 5, Smolninskiy
St Petersburg 191124 Russia
City: St Petersburg
Phone: 7 812 320 3200
Fax: 7 812 320 3211
Email: consular.stpetersburg@fco.gov.uk
Website: http://ukinrussia.fco.gov.uk
Normal Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
British Consulate in Ekaterinburg
15a Gogol Street
620075 Ekaterinburg
City: Ekaterinburg
Phone: 7 343 379 4931
Fax: 7 343 359 2901
Email: britcon@r96.ru
Normal Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Irish Embassy and Consulates Offices in Russia
Irish Embassy in Moscow
Embassy of Ireland
Grokholski Pereulok 5
Moscow 129010
City: Moscow
Phone: 7 495 937 5911
Fax: 7 495 6800 623
Email: Form on site
Website: www.embassyofireland.ru
New Zealand's Embassy and Consulates Offices in Russia
New Zealand Embassy in Moscow
Ulitsa Povarskaya, 44
Moscow 121069 Russia
City: Moscow
Phone: 7 495 956 2642
Fax: 7 495 232 0180
Email: nzembmos@umail.ru
Website: http://www.nzembassy.com
Normal Hours: Monday - Friday. 9:00 am – 12:30 am; 1:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Embassy and Consulate Information Outside Russia
Russian Embassy and Consulates Offices in Canada
Embassy of Russia in Ottawa
52 Range Road
Ottawa, ON K1N 8L5
Canada
City: Ottawa
Phone: 1 613 236 7220
Fax: 1 613 238 6158
Email: ottawa@rusembassy.ca
Website: http://www.rusembassy.ca/
Consulate general offices are located in major cities and offer full services including consular services. Honourary consulates offer a limited range of services including consular services. A full list of Russian consulates in Canada can be found at: http://www.rusembcanada.mid.ru/.
Russian Embassy and Consulates Offices in the United States
Embassy of Russia in the United States of America
2650 Wisconsin Ave NW
Washington, DC 20007
City: Washington, DC
Phone: 1 202 298 5700
Fax: 1 202 298 3535
Website: http://www.russianembassy.org
Normal Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 am-12:30 pm; 2:30 pm- 6:00 pm
Consulate general offices are located in major cities and offer full services including consular services. Honourary consulates offer a limited range of services including consular services. A full list of Russian consulates in the US can be found at: http://www.russianembassy.org/.
