Why is there a demand for English teachers?  
The demand for English, especially Business English, is soaring to new heights. English teaching centres have appeared all over Russia at a rate far too fast for the British Council to keep track of. In Moscow alone there are an estimated 200 language schools. Those with a paper qualification are still almost guaranteed work and some companies will even over hire rather than lose a good catch. It has been estimated that three quarters of the 4 million pupils in Russian schools are learning English and it is set to become the compulsory first foreign language in all secondary schools. It is popular not only among students, but also among older professionals. Many young Russians are already fairly competent in the language and want to become more familiar with the western culture to enhance their career prospects.

How do I go about getting a job? It is essential that teachers give careful consideration when choosing a job and destination. EFL teachers would be advised to research school locations for the availability of facilities of personal interest. A second consideration is the type of teaching you will be expected to do. Teachers who are capable of performing in a variety of EFL classroom settings (young learners, adults, general, business English, examination preparation) are in the greatest demand. Likewise, teachers who are prepared to be flexible in regards to teaching schedules will find a far greater number of employment opportunities. Few schools can afford to advertise and recruit teachers abroad, therefore internet advertising is becoming increasingly important. The most popular sites among Russian companies are www.visarus.co.uk. www.tefl.com, www.eslcafe.com and www.teachabroad.com.

Do I need to learn/speak the language? It is not essential to speak the language, but knowing the basics will prove helpful in everyday life.

Where do EFL teachers live? Most universities offer free or subsidised accommodation.  Employers normally arrange accommodation for their teachers in small shared flats, with host families or in student hostels where conditions are very basic. 

What is the food like? Try a blini (pancakes with savory or sweet fillings) and of course caviar. Learn to drink vodka the Russian way. Fresh fruits and vegetables are rarely used in food so the main five components of a Russian meal are potatoes, bread, eggs, meat (especially beef) and butter.  

What will I do in the evenings, on days off or on my holidays? In Russia, you can try unique cuisine, visit world famous buildings and spend all night partying, playing in casinos and entertaining yourself in Europe’s top night clubs. There is lots to choose from, with 221 museums, 2,000 libraries, over 80 theatres, 100 concert organisations, 45 galleries, 62 cinemas and 80 club establishments of culture in St Petersburg. Take a scenic train ride across Siberia on the longest continuous railway on earth, covering 5,869 miles. With the nickname "Venice of the North," be sure to explore St. Petersburg's 300+ bridges built on 42 islands. Russia's most famous image, St. Basil's Cathedral, with its multicoloured domes, is well worth paying a visit to on the edge of Moscow's Red Square.

Safe? Crime rates in Moscow tend to be slightly lower than in the capitals of many other European countries. Foreigners should, however, avoid carrying large amounts of money and being in secluded places during night hours.

How much does it cost to travel from the UK? Flights from London to Moscow start from £100 with low cost airlines.

When is the best time to travel for English teaching jobs? Peak hiring times are September and January.

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