Way to Russia Talk Lounge

BELS · Lounge Lizard Joined: 30 Mar 2005 Posts: 107

The last post has written a lot, and due to this he must be passionate about his school, and his.

Now I have answered some of your question. One in particular about where in other forums have you found slander about this particular school. To be honest probably in all forums that have anything to do with teaching in Russia, or being expat teachers. I think it was deleted because a certain moderator thought that the two particular sites are direct. competition to this site. Which is totally untrue, both sites are different . This site specialises in travel, another specialises for EFL teachers in Russia and the rest of the world, the other specialises in Expats living in Russia, and is useful for those living in Russia.

Now I'm not going to paste the addresses this time, as I'm sure you know who they are. I thought I was being informative, as the other two sites do allow informative sites. Of course they don't allow blatent advertising or spamming, and there is a difference.

If I was a director or a DOE of an EFL I would enjoy debating on such threads as this one, I would enjoy slander of a few, and I would enjoy trying to win the debate. But I'm not for the moment, my wife and I are tutors with an entrepeneurs license. But we might be in the future, once we get through this damn red tape and arguments with local goverment. We need to be licensed and then we need to go to the Ministry of Foreign affairs for permission to invite and employ native speaking teachers.

And if I got negatives from forums, believe me I would be on these forums enjoying the arguments and fighting for promotion of my school. Because I believe in what we do is quality.

If you do know these other forums you will see I already have a lot of support from other experienced expats living and working in Russia.

BELS · Lounge Lizard Joined: 30 Mar 2005 Posts: 107

I have never had grievance about Samantha school, as I have now no need to be employed by a school, I have a very highly professional Russian wife , who has a linguistic degree in teaching EFL, and who also has great knowledge of being a Tour operator dealing with red-tape in Russia, France and the UK. She is bi-lingual in English and Russian.

She has helped me a lot to develop our business in Moscow. The red-tape is astronimical and very time consuming. Their arelots of personal visits and queing. I don't know how she copes, especially when we have a hyperactive child of almost two years old. But we are getting there slowly, the Russian way.

One of the little problems we have at the moment is the entrepeneurs license that is argued is not an a legal entity? therefore why can't we be licensed. We believe an entrepeneur's license is a legal entity.

No !!! We don't want to form a company !!! We are going to try again, we are going to form ourselves as partners as entrepeneurs next week.
That means that their will be a Russian involed in this entrepeneur partnership, my wife. I can't visualise us being refused a school license, but we will see.We will keep trying whatever.

To summarise: You must be a legal entity to be a school. There is a possibility that partnership with a Russian is necassary. We have have to cross this barrier that some local authorities prefer companies. Which is nonsense, as an entrepeneurs license is a legal entity by law. And why do we want it as an entrepeneur? because the taxes are only a straightforward 6%.

Companies are expensive to form, taxes are much higher and you would need an accountant to work out your taxes.

Hopefully this is useful info for those living in Moscow, or those intending to do so.

Many have asked what about being a franchissee of a school? Forget it!! it will cost you a fortune, and it's not necessary. You can develop a school here on a shoestring, with zero investment. And you will have marketing advantage against those franchisees. You won,t have the costs including Royaltie fees etc. And you won't be restricted to garbage coursebooks.

BELS · Lounge Lizard Joined: 30 Mar 2005 Posts: 107

In regards to income from Samantha Scchool to let's say Language Link. Language Link offers a full package. From interviewing them from their home country. To covering their travel costs, visa costs,and full guidance The biggest issue is the cost of accommadation in Moscow.

Is there enough income to cover the cost of accommadation with Samantha school ? if yes fine. Will they be able to survive and enjoy their income after the accommadation costs etc? Ok fine. If their salary is high enough. But I stil still state that Samantha school is not for the newbies. BKC and Language Link are for the Newbies. And although the incomes of BKC and LL are low, you must compare what costs you will have by being employed by those who don't offer the full package.

Let's not forget that BKC have offered 1500 rublees per academic hour for freelancers. and over 2000 rubles for outside Moscow. of course that's for experienced freelancers, with no package or benefits and you will be responsible for your own taxes. But hopefully you now get the gist.

To summarise, it's LL or BKC for newbies, thussia for the first time. Don't expect much , just a working holiday. It's not a profession, and you won't be earning anywhere any wher near what a middle class Russian is earning, no matter what they claim. Sorry Smile

NO BMW's

sheena88 · Just Starting Joined: 21 Aug 2008 Posts: 1

I have read a lot of the comments about Samantha School and Helen, and would like to put in a good word for her. I studied Russian Language in Moscow for a year, 2007-2008 and my friend recommended work at the school. I taught there for the year and really enjoyed my time there. Helen was a great support to me and I did not see this cruel side of her people are speaking of. I am not denying what people have said but I'd just like to put in a positive review. As only a few teachers were permanent working there I think Helen has had bad experiences with people dissapearing and giving her no notice. So she is likely to have issues trusting people.
As a full time student the money was not a motivator for me taking the job, so I appreciate the pay is maybe low for the job, but I valued the experience and would consider Helen as a great employer. When I left, I gave her a months notice and this wasn't a problem at all, I was sent off in style with a wee party and gifts. So I hope this forum doesn't make people not want to work at the school. And if Helen's reading this, hello from Scotland!!! xxx