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surfguy
Lounge Wizard
Joined: 13 Apr 2006
Posts: 6979
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 Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2007 8:19 pm Post subject: |
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Ok well I read some of the threads on Dave's ESL...and the teaching gig in Russia sounds like a rough deal in today's Russia. Also noted was the preference for British English...which is understandable as to why |
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greg222
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Joined: 15 Feb 2005
Posts: 599
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| Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2007 11:30 am Post subject: |
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Damn, some of those people on the ESL forum are wankers - complaining that their right to live in Russia indefinitely and work there illegally has been taken away. Sure the days when you could do that were great, but of all the stupid visa rules Russia has, you can't really complain about this latest one.
I looked at the expat.ru job listings and it seems other schools are offering proper visas as well. So two options:
1. Get a three month business visa and go over there to find a school you like that will help you obtain a longer-term visa.
2. While still in the U.S., find an employer that will give you the necessary visa support right now - ie. Language Link, BKC and maybe there are others.
Since you've got a fair bit of money to work with, I'd recommend the first option. It's a bit of a hassle and more expensive, but since there is less opportunity to change schools easily now, it's a good idea to find a school you are sure you will like before you agree to anything long-term. And, if you go with this option, then, yes, the visa support you can order through WTR is fine.
If you decide to go with the second option, try to get a firm agreement from the school about how many hours you will work each week (leave yourself with spare time for teaching privately), and also try to make sure you don't have to teach on their summer camps (unless you would like to spend some time in a depressing little town). By the way, when I was in Moscow you could get $40 an hour for teaching private classes without too much trouble. Given that the number of freelance teachers will probably decrease with the new rules, that number could go even higher.
Finally, I moved to Moscow with less than AU$4000 saved and with no employment lined up. So I reckon you'll get by okay  |
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Thomasineurope
Frequent Guest
Joined: 29 Apr 2006
Posts: 71
Location: SPB, Russian Federation
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| Posted: Sat Nov 10, 2007 2:00 am Post subject: |
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| surfguy wrote: | | Well St Pete is expensive! You probably will pay more like $1000.00 a month. Lot of changes there I am sure. Will be interesting and probably worth it. But do you have something to return to here in the US just incase? |
Actually, yes, I agree. Well, to be more specific, I am estimating a total expense of around $1000 per month... depending on my drinking habits (of which weigh in on the heavy side). As stated, with $25k in savings, I assume I can easily live a year, and quite possibly as many as two, without any employment. However, it is my goal to limit the dependance on my savings to no more then $500/mo.
I have been to Saint Petersburg four times now and believe that my financial situation will be fine. Hell, I spent 6 months on my first trip abroad traveling 26 countries in europe and it only cost around $10k. READ... that was traveling. It is much less expensive to live in one spot. My second trip abroad was one month through Russia, Mongolia and China and cost me about $2500. That included airfare, the Trans-Siberian pass, living expenses and an unbelievable amount of alcohol! Finally, last year, my 4.5 month voyage through 17 countries including Iceland, Scandinavia and the Former Soviet Union probably only cost me around $6k. The fact is, while traveling, I can typically get by on $25-$35 a day. Living in a single city would cost me less.
As for returning to the U.S., this endeavor shall determine my interest in such. I dream of obtaining a career which shall pay me just enough to enjoy living in new cultures around the world. The sale of my house and belongins is to assure I have nothing to return to... that is, except for visiting family.
I am trying to jump in this with both feet and climb my way out!
Last edited by Thomasineurope on Sat Nov 10, 2007 2:17 am; edited 1 time in total |
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surfguy
Lounge Wizard
Joined: 13 Apr 2006
Posts: 6979
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| Posted: Sat Nov 10, 2007 2:16 am Post subject: |
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| sounds good and I think with time it should pan out. BTW watch the documentary that Stephen B posted in the Stalin thread...very good!! |
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Thomasineurope
Frequent Guest
Joined: 29 Apr 2006
Posts: 71
Location: SPB, Russian Federation
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| Posted: Sat Nov 10, 2007 2:24 am Post subject: |
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Thank you Love. I shall. |
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Thomasineurope
Frequent Guest
Joined: 29 Apr 2006
Posts: 71
Location: SPB, Russian Federation
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| Posted: Sat Nov 10, 2007 2:40 am Post subject: |
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| greg222 wrote: | Damn, some of those people on the ESL forum are wankers - complaining that their right to live in Russia indefinitely and work there illegally has been taken away. Sure the days when you could do that were great, but of all the stupid visa rules Russia has, you can't really complain about this latest one.
I looked at the expat.ru job listings and it seems other schools are offering proper visas as well. So two options:
1. Get a three month business visa and go over there to find a school you like that will help you obtain a longer-term visa.
2. While still in the U.S., find an employer that will give you the necessary visa support right now - ie. Language Link, BKC and maybe there are others.
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Thanks! Quite honestly, I will take any and all the advice I can obtain. Though traveling is second nature to me... teaching English is unknown territory. While I feel I have the confidence and determination to pull it off, I can't help but fear my experience and knowledge will be a great obstacle. I simply hope that I can at least be given the chance to succeed as it is rare that I fail.
It sounds as though my best, if not only, option right now is to begin the process of obtaining the 3-month double-entry business visa (this is the most flexible visa that remains, correct?). As if I wait any longer to seek out employment, I won't have the visa processed by the time I wish to leave. That being said, I will begin sending out my resume this weekend and see if I can get any interest from possible schools under the current visa guidelines. If they can extend my visa after my arrival, I will be completely satisfied. If not, I will do whatever is necessary to stay in Russia for a years time on my own. Even if it means flying in and out every few months for the new visa request.
It sounds as though I should also begin to seek out information on the difficulty in gaining "residency" in Estonia or Latvia... or Russia for that matter, to make the process simpler. Though I wouldn't be surprised if this is next to impossible.
Any other advice available is welcome. You guys are my guidebook for the travels ahead. Thank you for all of your input. |
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or BKC, definately read through these many discussions on Dave's ESL cafe. You will find it extremely enlightening.