Way to Russia Talk Lounge

Thomasineurope

My name is Thomas Lowers and I am an American living in California. After traveling for pleasure through 42 countries over the previous 4 years, I have decided that I wish to experience what it is to live in a foreign country as compared to just traveling through. With Saint Petersburg being my favorite city of all, after four separate visits, my choice in destination was quite simple. Therefore, I presently have my home listed for sale and plan to arrive in Russia this mid-December.

I am contacting you today in hopes of getting a little feedback. In preparation of this move, I just obtained my TEFL certificate through a company called "Oxford Seminars". While they do not hold the merit of a Cambridge certificate, they were the only option available to me in California. As an extension to this course, they also offer an addition "specialized certificate" of one of three areas: Grammar, Business English, and or TOEFL. My research thus far has led me to believe that it is likely that Russian students will receive the majority of their grammer studies via Russian instructors. Therefore, it does not seem as though this would be my best option. However, the TOEFL course, if applicable in Russia seems to be a great option. While it does include some grammer, it is focused on preparing students for their exams. My question is, is the TOEFL a widely required exam in which many Russian students must prepare for? If not, would you be able to advise through your experience which of these three options seem most beneficial in adding to my resume in hopes of obtaining work?

To be as clear as possible, I am hoping to move into the teaching profession and use it as my financial backbone in my continuation of experiencing the world. I am not looking to get rich, just cover my cost of living. I do not hold a college degree, but instead spent the previous 7 years working within the mortgage industry and am therefore looking to make myself as qualified as possible to potential employers (or at least appear as such). I am relying on the belief that should I gain this initial opportunity in this new profession, I will have the "experience" thereafter to override my lack of educational qualifications in future roles.

No matter what, I know I am moving to Saint Petersburg come this Decemeber. I also know that I will be living there no less then one year (that is the goal I have placed upon myself). While I do not yet speak anything beyond the most basic Russian, I am learning all I can at the present moment. I will be coming with some savings, but certainly do not want to depend upon it for my daily living expenses. Instead I wish to be able to earn enough from teaching for such. If my experience is as great as I hope, I look forward to continue living in Russia for years to come, before deciding upon another part of the world to teach.

Any feedback regarding this topic would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
Thomas Lowers

saint_chrisburg · Frequent Guest Joined: 03 Oct 2007 Posts: 46

Well if you speak as eloquently as you write, you'll be quite a successful teacher.

Ok, I'll give you my valued advice (I'm not modest). I worked as an EFL teacher in St. Petersburg, and currently work as an EFL teacher in Athens Greece.

The TOEFL isn't very widely taken, as it's only really necessary for students wishing to study at an English-language university. In fact, you do not even receive a certificate for TOEFL (compared to the Cambrige and Univ. of Michigan exams); rather, you simply receive a score that indicates how much English you know.

Given that you'll most likely never have to teach a TOEFL course (or if it happens that you do, the school will probably give you the additional training you need free of charge), plus all EFL teachers will teach grammar, my recommendation is that you further your studies in Business English, and here's why:

1) Many EFL teachers don't know what is meant exactly by "business English" and hence don't want to even attempt to teach any business English classes - this means all these classes can fall nicely into your lap, if you so wish;

and

2) Many schools have contracts with companies who specifically want their employees to study business English. Positions working in a business are generally highly desirable (sometimes with higher pay than regular EFL teaching, plus you get to make some very direct Russian contacts in a business setting, which never hurts). If you have any extra training/specialization in business English, you'll most likely be first pick for any such openings that may pop up from time to time.

If you have any more specific questions, feel free to ask. I drop in from time to time.

Thomasineurope · Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2007 11:34 pm Post subject: My course shall begin next week!

Thank you kindly for both your compliment and feedback. I have accepted your advice, in combination with that of other sources, and have since registered for the additional courses in the teaching of "Business English". While I will not complete the class until December, I hope to have my resume prepared by next week for submission to language schools within Saint Petersburg. Should anyone have any recommendations of employers to contact, I'm all ears!

Cheers,
Thomas Lowers

bobs12 · Posted: Fri Oct 26, 2007 4:02 am Post subject:

Try http://www.visarus.co.uk as well for extra info.

However, the current visa situation might knock hell out of your plans Sad