Russia

Stretching across more than 17 million square kilometers of vast tundra, evergreen forest, and glassy lakes, Russia is a country of unparalleled size and magnitude. While its extensive topography alone is a force to be reckoned with, Russia’s economic and political scope is equally tremendous, and the country continues to play a major role in global markets and international affairs today. Like the Matryoshka dolls you’ll find stacked throughout the nation’s many shops and stalls, Russia is packed to the brim with cultural treasure after cultural treasure: Land of literary greats, venerated Czars, opulent mystics, unforgettable architecture, and silky-smooth vodka, the nation is home to a seemingly endless offering of iconic sights and dynamic traditions to explore. History Today, Russia is a federal presidential constitutional republic with a population of over 144 million people. The nation boasts the fifth largest economy in Europe, a feat made all the more notable considering the country’s relatively recent transition to a market economy following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Of course, Russian history dates back far beyond the USSR, communism, and the fall of the Iron Curtain. Many link the country’s origins to the Vikings, who established the first East Slavic state in the region and introduced Orthodox Christianity to its inhabitants. In the centuries that followed Viking rule, the region endured Mongol invasion and became home to storied czars like Ivan t…

Each country has its own requirements and qualifications when it comes to teaching. Some require a bachelor’s degree in any field. In others, you’ll qualify with only a high school diploma and your TEFL certificate. Some countries have strict visa requirements that may disqualify you based on your citizenship or criminal background. Let’s take a look at the qualifications needed for teaching English in Russia. Education A bachelor’s degree is not required to teach in Russia, but it is preferred by employers. Those who do not have a bachelor’s degree will still have options to teach in Russia. Citizenship There are no specific citizenship requirements to teach English in Russia, though schools tend to prefer to hire teachers from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa. English Fluency If English is not your first language you’ll still need to have a high fluency in English, and you might need to be more flexible about your school and location preferences to compete with native English-speaking candidates. Some schools might occasionally make exceptions to this rule if an instructor holds a teaching license or additional qualifications. Background Check A clean background check is not a requirement when applying for a visa in Russia, but some schools might require applicants to submit a criminal record check during the hiring process. Medical Check A medical check is required in order to secure a work visa to teach in Russia.…

Important Update: Due to recent political developments, hiring for U.S. citizens in Russia has slowed down, and obtaining a work visa has become increasingly difficult. Some schools may be hesitant to hire American teachers, and visa approvals can be unpredictable. If you are considering teaching in Russia, we strongly encourage you to research current visa regulations and job market conditions before committing to the process. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ With its vast size, immense population, and influential role in the global economy, Russia presents a booming market for English teachers. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in the late 20th century and Russia’s subsequent transition towards a more liberal market economy, many Russians have sought out English instruction in order to improve their job opportunities, and English has also become an increasingly popular choice among foreign language offerings at Russian public schools. As a result, there are ample opportunities to find work teaching English in Russia today. Most TEFL certified English teachers will find jobs at private language schools, and many also secure positions as private English teachers or tutors. Teaching at an international school in Russia is also a possibility, though you’ll need to hold the proper qualifications in order to do so. Each of these job types comes…

Now that you’ve explored the job types available to you, it’s time to begin the application process! There are several steps to take to find a job teaching English in Russia, and we have them all outlined here below. Heads up! The timelines for your job application process and for gathering documents for your visa may overlap. You’ll want to be working on both processes at roughly the same time. Be sure to check out our Russia Timeline , as well as the Applying for the Visa section for more information and to make sure you are staying on top of your visa documents while applying for teaching positions. Step 1: Prepare Your Initial Application Materials Resume & Cover Letter Your resume and cover letter are the keys to connecting with schools and beginning the application process. International employers look for specific elements in a resume that may differ from what you’re used to seeing domestically. To take a deeper dive into international resumes and cover letters, visit the Prepare section! Once you’ve updated your resume and cover letter to meet the recommended international standards, submit your draft to your Student Affairs Advisor for review. Step 2: Determine Your Preferences A major part of the teaching abroad experience is enjoying where you’ll actually be living! Do you have a preference when it comes to your daily routines and surroundings? Do you want to live in the bustling capital city of Moscow? Or do you crave a picturesque, small town experience in a c…

Congratulations on your job offer(s)! If you’ve been offered a position from a school in Russia and you’ve followed our previous advice, you’re already off to a great start. But what’s next? Determining whether or not the offer is right for you. To help make this decision, follow the recommendations below by reviewing the basics. Whether you have one offer or several, the key elements you’ll want to take note of are: salary, working hours, vacation days, sick days, housing, airfare, insurance, and bonuses. Let’s take a closer look at what to expect with each of these elements. Review the Basics Salary The average starting salary for a first-year English teacher in Russia is 32,700 to 91,700 RUB per month. Anything significantly lower or higher should make you ask a few questions. If the reason for the pay difference is obvious, like you’ll be in a rural location with a low cost of living or working longer than average hours, you may find that you’re okay with it. But don’t accept a contract that is paying you less for doing the same amount of work the average English teacher does, or one that doesn’t fit into your work-life-travel balance. Upon the successful completion of a one-year contract, some Russian employers will offer a contract completion bonus or re-signing bonus (if you sign on for another year). Not all schools will offer this perk, and many schools will determine your bonus amount via a performance review. You’ll want to make sure that any bonus details are clea…

The word “visa” tends to provoke daunting images of endless red tape and paperwork but we’re here to ease your anxiety and hopefully have you zipping through this process like a pro. Below, we’ll outline two common visa routes for foreign English teachers in Russia, and then dive into a deeper look at the required documents for a work visa in Russia. As is always the case with any of the visa advice we provide, please be sure to cross-check this information with your local Russia consulate or embassy to ensure you are getting the most up-to-date, accurate, and personalized instruction there is! Feeling overwhelmed by all this visa talk? All-star ITA graduates Mandy K. and Conan S. both taught in Russia, and remark that while the visa application process can be time-consuming at times, it’s largely manageable thanks in large part to the visa assistance teachers receive from their Russian schools. Here’s Mandy, who taught in Togliatti: “The process was fairly simple,” she says. “The school provided me with an invitation letter (which is necessary for any type of visa in Russia). Russia requires an HIV test in order to get the visa. The application is somewhat lengthy, but not too bad. It takes about 3-5 weeks once you send in the application for the visa to be approved and mailed back.” Conan taught in Moscow, and summarizes the visa experience: “For Russia, the process for a work visa [consists] of a blood/HIV test, a letter of invitation from your company, and the completion …

In the days, weeks, and months leading up to your move abroad, it’s more important than ever to stay organized and ask yourself: What are the logistics I have to consider and the loose ends I have to tie up in order to thrive in my new home? Do I have to worry about taxes? What about health insurance? And what the heck do I do about a cell phone? Fear not, TEFL teacher. In this section, you’ll find the tips, resources, and wisdom to tackle these questions and more! Review the Basics Health Insurance Although in a perfect world an apple a day would keep the doctor away, in reality, even teachers get sick. Cue health insurance. Regardless of the country you end up in, you should always inquire about health insurance before accepting a position. If health insurance is indeed provided by your employer, it’s imperative that the relevant details are outlined clearly in any contract you sign. You will typically receive basic health insurance from your school in Russia as long as you are formally employed by them on a work visa. If, for some reason, health insurance is not included in your contract or if you want to supplement your school’s health insurance plan with a more comprehensive private insurance option, you will need to do your own research in order to determine which plan might be the best fit for you, your health needs, and any dependents you might be bringing abroad with you. With so many insurance options to choose from, picking out a good provider can be daunting for s…

You have finally made it to the end of the Russia section, no small feat! Here is all of that wonderful information from the previous section laid out step-by-step and month-by-month before your intended departure date for Russia. This timeline is not only for the planners and checklist lovers (although you will love this too!). It is strongly encouraged for anyone planning a move to Russia to help keep you on track and organized as you make your way through the process. Finding a Job in Advance Positions in Russia can be found year-round, though August is a traditionally slow hiring month. Take your desired start date and subtract from there. While it may be possible to move some parts of the process along quicker, follow this timeline as closely as possible. 4-5 months before departure: Begin your research and complete job search documents ___ List out your preferences and priorities ___ Read through ITA’s resources, attend Student Affairs webinar ___ Network with ITA alumni , read alumni stories , and watch alumni videos , etc. ___ Research Russian culture ___ Ensure your passport is valid for at least one and a half years beyond the entire time you plan to be in Russia ___ Finalize your international resume and cover letter ___ Obtain copies of your degree, TEFL certificate, and transcripts in case a school requests these documents during the hiring process 2-3 months before departure: Find a job and begin visa process ___ Use the Russia School Finder , job boards, and Fa…

I work a maximum of 30 academic hours per week (an academic hour is 40 minutes), but I teach mostly children so sometimes preparation time is a little longer, since I find it sensible to have too many activities instead of not enough. My contract stipulates that I don't disclose my pay to anyone so, I'm sorry but I can't share that here. However, my school provides my flat and pays my utilities, so I'm able to save a significant portion of my pay. My spending is mostly on food and entertainment. I work for a language school that provides English classes from age 3 years old to adults. I get two weeks of paid vacation annually. Kristine B. Yakutsk, Russia The city of Moscow is huge, with tons of galleries, museums, music shows, theaters and dances (like their famous ballets) around every corner. There aren't too many other expats besides teachers but the company is large enough that we are a significant community in and of ourselves. The metro is incredibly convenient, but dating is far more preferable for foreign men here than women because of the appeal and the proportions of women-to-men in Moscow. The Russian cuisine isn't anything to write home about, but there is also a lot of Uzbek and Georgian food. Annie C. Moscow, Russia