Teaching English in Eastern Europe

[Josh Wilson]

David,

I've had a lot of experience with the ESL market in Russia (it was my first 
job when I got here) - I don't know how well it translates to the rest of 
Eastern Europe, but a few things I would advise your student of:

1) There are many, many organizations to steer clear of (in Moscow, this 
list includes Harvard School of English, American Language School, New York 
Language Center, and others which are known for swindling the teachers they 
hire).

2)  To stay on the safe side, she should try to work for an international 
school (such as English First) - the pay tends to be lower, but the teacher 
is more likely to receive it.

3) The ESL market is exploding - many schools will say that the credentials 
are needed, but this is only for advertising purposes, most will hire any 
native speaker looking for a job.

4) Signing a contract that includes visa support, etc., might seem like a 
more stable option, but (again, at least in Russia) coming on a business 
visa or tourist visa and finding work after arrival will usually mean higher 
pay.  Contracted work is usually very lowly paid.

5)  She can see an article on this issue here 
http://www.sras.org/news2.phtml?m=283

6)  She is more than welcome to contact me for more info.

Hope this helps!

Josh

Josh Wilson
Vice Director of Programs
The School of Russian and Asian Studies
www.sras.org
jwilson at sras.org





----- Original Message ----- 
From: "David Powelstock" <pstock at brandeis.edu>
To: <SEELANGS at listserv.cuny.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, October 25, 2005 1:46 AM
Subject: [SEELANGS] Teaching English in Eastern Europe


> Dear Colleagues,
>
>
>
> A student of mine is interested in teaching English somewhere in Eastern
> Europe after she graduates this May.  I don't really known what to tell 
> her,
> having had no experience with this.  Is there a demand?  Are ESL 
> credentials
> universally required? Are there organizations that recruit potential
> teachers?   Any you would recommend? (Or would advise to steer clear of?) 
> I
> would be very grateful to anyone out there who might be willing to share
> their experiences and ideas as to how one might go about making something
> like this happen.
>
>
>
> Cheers,
>
> David
>
>
>
> David Powelstock
>
> Asst. Prof. of Russian & East European Literatures
>
> Chair, Program in Russian & East European Studies
>
> Brandeis University
>
> GREA, MS 024
>
> Waltham, MA  02454-9110
>
> 781.736.3347 (Office)
>
>
>
>
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