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rchamberlain
Frequent Guest
Joined: 07 Nov 2007
Posts: 22
Location: Moscow, Russia
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 Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2007 6:38 pm Post subject: |
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I have chosen to delete my comments about the Samantha School.
Last edited by rchamberlain on Mon Jun 01, 2009 12:53 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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surfguy
Lounge Wizard
Joined: 13 Apr 2006
Posts: 6979
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| Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2007 7:02 pm Post subject: |
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| to each thier own...and people certainly have a right to thier own opinions |
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rchamberlain
Frequent Guest
Joined: 07 Nov 2007
Posts: 22
Location: Moscow, Russia
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| Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2007 7:57 pm Post subject: |
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Post deleted by me.
Last edited by rchamberlain on Mon Jun 01, 2009 12:54 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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surfguy
Lounge Wizard
Joined: 13 Apr 2006
Posts: 6979
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| Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2007 10:59 pm Post subject: |
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| Quote: | | A question to Mediashark (the moderator) - Can I start a sticky thread that recommends good schools in Moscow? If so, I'd put Samantha at the top of the list. |
Regardless of what mediashark says I would like to see a thread with your ideas on it. Not sure if you read the other threads here...but I know that there are others who visit this site who are looking to work as ESL teachers in Russia (Mosco). Just because one person has a bad expererience doesn't mean that others will too. The thought of teaching English doesn't interest me in the slightes...but obviously to some it does. But from a traveler's stand point and one who has an interest in Russia I certainly like to read the experiences of others. Actually too though I think Mediashark was being some what neutral in her responses...however she seemed to just share what she knew of the teaching situation there in Moscow seeing how she was living there and associated with teachers. Anyways...as a current employee of Samantha School I am sure you are some what biased and not currently as objective as you could be...understandable of course. But answer us this: Has the Samantha school suffered in any way...because of all this? Too is business for the school at a decline-for whatever reasons? If so...it is a shame...but then too all businesses have to deal with thier negative issues...and I am curious as toif that is in fact what is going on now? ...Damage control! But I do wish good luck and prosperity though to the School |
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rchamberlain
Frequent Guest
Joined: 07 Nov 2007
Posts: 22
Location: Moscow, Russia
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| Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2007 2:14 am Post subject: |
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I have chosen to delete my comments about the Samantha School. Robert.
Last edited by rchamberlain on Mon Jun 01, 2009 12:56 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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surfguy
Lounge Wizard
Joined: 13 Apr 2006
Posts: 6979
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| Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2007 2:43 am Post subject: |
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| Hmmm...well perhaps Mediashark will notice this thread...which BTW hasn't seen much activity as of late. But too your comments and opinions I am sure will merit value on the school and speak well to those who are interested in teaching English. Even me...I get criticized all the time on this forum from a few of the members...but too there are many here who know me for who I am. Ans so let those who disagrree with me have thier opinions...makes no difference to me. And I use this as an example for Helen and the Samantha School...let those who take interest decide for themselves. As for Mediashark I talk to her daily and will pass word to her with regards to the posts. |
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apage
Just Starting
Joined: 15 Nov 2007
Posts: 1
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| Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2007 2:11 am Post subject: Samantha School |
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I am currently teaching at Samantha School and would happily recommend it to anyone who wants to teach English to children in Russia.
I have had no problems receiving my pay, negotiating hours or getting my visa.
Helen has been more than helpful since the day I arrived and it is upsetting to see one woman's personality abused like this, especially by people who haven't even met her. It seems that people are much less ready to believe her side of the story simply because she is Russian. If you dislike and distrust Russians so much, then Russia's probably not the best place for you to come and work anyway.
I have worked in several places in Russia and elsewhere and would rank Samantha School as one of the better places to work if you are really interested in teaching.
Employment conditions in Russia clearly differ from those in 'the West' but the conditions at Samantha are MUCH better than anywhere else I have worked in Russia.
I think Helen was perfectly justified in coming on the site and defending herself and, whether it's affecting her business or not, she is perfectly within her rights to be upset at the personal nature of the abuse. I would be horrified if it were me.
As for the visa saga, it is unfair to complain about employment conditions on one hand but expect to be allowed to stay illegally on a visa for a place where you no longer work.
Employers do have the right to fire people, to make demands on their employees and, yes, they even might get a little stressed sometimes (I have never seen a school with no stress). They are trying to run a business and their principle responsibility is to their customers: the children and their parents, and not simply to ensure their teachers spend a nice year 'experiencing' Russia (although having said this, from my experience, Helen IS concerned that her staff are enjoying their time here).
When I applied for the post at Samantha, Helen put me in touch with several of the current teachers. I spoke to them before accepting the position and would invite anyone else considering working at Samantha to do the same so they can make their own mind up. I would be happy to speak to anyone about working there.
jwilliams I'm sorry you had a bad experience. However if you're still upset about it now in 2007 hopefully that means you haven't had any worse experiences since and you're a lucky girl  I hope you're working somewhere you enjoy now. |
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krasatulya
VIP
Joined: 29 May 2005
Posts: 590
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| Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2007 2:36 am Post subject: |
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It's an interesting phenomenon that no one posts their good experiences regarding the Samantha school until there is a negative comment, then they seem to come out of the woodwork  |
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rchamberlain
Frequent Guest
Joined: 07 Nov 2007
Posts: 22
Location: Moscow, Russia
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| Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2007 3:47 am Post subject: |
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I have chosen to delete my comments about the Samantha School. Robert.
Last edited by rchamberlain on Mon Jun 01, 2009 12:56 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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surfguy
Lounge Wizard
Joined: 13 Apr 2006
Posts: 6979
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| Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2007 3:49 am Post subject: |
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| well said Apage...and we wish you continued success with your employment there at Samantha School. Honestly this thread died down for a few months and nothing negative had been posted since...well a while ago. So I am sure things are back to normal. Anyways good luck to the school...and to everyone with trying to learn English. After all English is fast becoming the number one language spoken throughout the world...pretty amazing! |
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yorbcbud
Lounge Wizard
Joined: 17 Feb 2006
Posts: 4903
Location: Сорренто, Британская Колумбия, Канада
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| Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2007 4:25 am Post subject: |
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| krasatulya wrote: | | It's an interesting phenomenon that no one posts their good experiences regarding the Samantha school until there is a negative comment, then they seem to come out of the woodwork |
This is true, unless you, like me, subscribe to the theory that "no news is good news" Seems like a normal progression to me. Unless the school was exemplary in it's performance, why would you hear about it at all? |
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waytorussia
Frequent Guest
Joined: 17 Mar 2010
Posts: 14
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| Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2007 7:40 am Post subject: |
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Check out the new Guide to Teaching in Russia, which we put online as a part of the new Expat Guide to Russia.
Expat Guide to Russia
Teaching in Russia |
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yorbcbud
Lounge Wizard
Joined: 17 Feb 2006
Posts: 4903
Location: Сорренто, Британская Колумбия, Канада
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| Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2007 8:05 am Post subject: |
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I don't know, Dmitry, if you wrote this or not, but I like this quote,
| Quote: | | one of the internationally known schools that have Russian branches (BKC, Language Link, English First, etc.). Of course these schools also have their fair share of disgruntled former employees, but in general they are safer. |
I think it should be kept in mind, particularly in this thread. |
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rchamberlain
Frequent Guest
Joined: 07 Nov 2007
Posts: 22
Location: Moscow, Russia
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| Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2007 3:15 pm Post subject: |
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I have chosen to delete my comments about the Samantha School. Robert.
Last edited by rchamberlain on Mon Jun 01, 2009 12:57 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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jwilliams
Just Starting
Joined: 21 Aug 2011
Posts: 0
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| Posted: Wed Nov 28, 2007 12:27 am Post subject: |
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Post deleted.
Last edited by jwilliams on Sun Aug 21, 2011 8:09 am; edited 1 time in total |
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