How much can I earn teaching English in Russia?
While English is commonly taught in schools across Russia, the standard of teaching is generally quite low. Due to this poor standard, many Russians choose to learn English once they have left school as a way to improve their job prospects. Many parents also send their children for private lessons outside of school hours. This high demand means there are job opportunities in most parts of the country, although the biggest markets are found in Moscow and St. Petersburg.
What are TESOL salaries in Russia?
As Russia is so vast in size, salaries can be very different in different parts of the country. Private language schools offer the majority of teaching jobs and these usually pay an hourly rate which typically equates to around $650 per month for a newly qualified teacher. If you have previous experience you can expect to earn substantially more than that. Free accommodation or a housing subsidy is often included in a contract which is a real bonus if you are living in a big city where rental properties can be very expensive. If you manage to find a job from within your home country, you might also get your airfare fully or partially paid for. The highest earning teachers in Russia are often those who choose to work as private tutors either full or part-time. Conversational English practice is typically charged at $15 to $25 per hour, while business English tutoring and exam preparation is charged at $35 to $50 per hour.
Who are the main employers of English language teachers in Russia?
Private language schools provide a large percentage of the available jobs for ESL teachers in Russia, particularly for those with little or no classroom experience. These offer classes for adults and children of all ages and can be found in all the major cities. Moscow is home to the largest number of language schools which offer either full-time contracts or flexible jobs that allow you to work for more than one school at a time. A typical full-time position in a private language school will require around 30 hours of classroom time, plus extra time for planning.
Who else employs English language teachers in Russia?
If you have some previous experience you might also be able to apply for jobs in universities, colleges, and international schools. These employers generally offer substantially better pay levels than language schools, however, positions in these areas are relatively few in number and the competition is likely to be quite fierce. Another growing market for qualified ESL teachers is the business English sector which has plenty of opportunities based on individual needs within private companies. These classes are often given before or after the normal working day so the hours might not suit everyone. However, the pay scale for this type of work is generally very favorable.
Can I earn extra cash as a private English tutor in Russia?
Across most types of employer, many ESL teachers in Russia choose to offer private tutoring on the side as a way of adding to their main income. Often the simplest way of finding clients is by word of mouth or by advertising on notice boards in areas where students tend to gather. Private tutoring is a very flexible option as you are free to set your own timetable and once you have enough clients you might decide to make it a full-time enterprise.
What is the cost of living for English teachers in Russia?
Despite a recent rise in the overall cost of living, Russia remains a very affordable place to live and work. If you choose Moscow or St. Petersburg as your destination, you will find that the notable exception to this is housing. Good apartments in popular areas are often in short supply so rental costs have risen sharply in recent times. The best advice is to look for jobs that include free accommodation or a housing allowance in the contract. If that is not possible, you will probably need to share an apartment with another teacher.
