Way to Russia Talk Lounge

rchamberlain · Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2007 6:38 pm Post subject:

I have chosen to delete my comments about the Samantha School.

surfguy · Lounge Wizard Joined: 13 Apr 2006 Posts: 6979

to each thier own...and people certainly have a right to thier own opinions

rchamberlain · Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2007 7:57 pm Post subject:

Post deleted by me.

surfguy · Lounge Wizard Joined: 13 Apr 2006 Posts: 6979

rchamberlain · Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2007 2:14 am Post subject:

I have chosen to delete my comments about the Samantha School. Robert.

surfguy · Lounge Wizard Joined: 13 Apr 2006 Posts: 6979

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.

apage · Just Starting Joined: 15 Nov 2007 Posts: 1

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 Very Happy

I hope you're working somewhere you enjoy now.

krasatulya · VIP Joined: 29 May 2005 Posts: 590

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 Think

rchamberlain · Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2007 3:47 am Post subject:

I have chosen to delete my comments about the Samantha School. Robert.

surfguy · Lounge Wizard Joined: 13 Apr 2006 Posts: 6979

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!

yorbcbud · Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2007 4:25 am Post subject:

WayToRussia · Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2007 7:40 am Post subject:

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

yorbcbud · Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2007 8:05 am Post subject:

I don't know, Dmitry, if you wrote this or not, but I like this quote,

rchamberlain · Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2007 3:15 pm Post subject:

I have chosen to delete my comments about the Samantha School. Robert.

jwilliams · Posted: Wed Nov 28, 2007 12:27 am Post subject:

rchamberlain:

I remember you as well and I am surprised to see that you are accusing me of "slurring" the Samantha School. I am just sharing my experience, which happened to be negative. You don't seem to have all the facts right about my experience at the school, but since it happened to me and not to you, I can't really expect you to know all the details.

I'm glad to hear that you are doing well at the Samantha School. I hope in your future posts that you do not continue to paint me in a negative light, as I remember you and your wife fondly.

Cheers, and good luck to you!