Increasing number of English-speaking teachers moving to Russia
Are you considering upping sticks and starting a new life abroad? Whether you’ve recently graduated as a teacher or have years of experience working in the education sector, your dream job may very well be waiting for you in Russia.
There’s been an increasing number of elite and international schools opening across Russia, explains online newspaper Realnoe Vremya, leading to an upsurge in demand for native English-speaking teachers.
Experiencing a new culture, gaining international work experience and attractive salaries compared with other European countries are just three reasons why more and more people are moving to Russia to teach.
The Moscow Times outlines that the Russian education system is experiencing an investment boom, driven by a recent decline in worldwide ratings and competitions. The country was inspired to launch elite schools and build new campuses for Moscow and St Petersburg’s international schools; many of these establishments provide an education in English with an international diploma.
Alla Ponomaryova, HR director at Cambridge International School in Moscow, agrees that salaries, culture and international experience are two motivations for teachers, as is “making a difference [to] the lives of others by helping them learn in a whole new way.”
Ponomaryova says that people considering a career in Russia need to be flexible and adaptable, as things like teaching styles and working hours are likely to be very different compared with schools back at home. In fact, Ponomaryova argues that the entire attitude to education and schooling could be different.
That said, teachers will be pleasantly surprised by certain traditions of Russian schools. For instance, they can expect to receive a lot of attention and flowers on 1 September – officially dubbed ‘The Day of Knowledge.’
Ponomaryova believes the greatest challenge for teachers will likely be shifting their perception of both Russia and Russians. The language can be difficult, but bilingual staff already working in the schools could help new teachers to transition.
It’s not just UK-based teachers who are flocking to Russia; people from Australia, Canada and South Africa are all starting a new life in the country. The overall demand for foreign teachers is expected to continue growing with each year, given the increasing popularity of international schools and their goal to boost their quality standards.
If you’re considering teaching abroad, you’ll be in safe hands with Eteach. We’ve been successfully matching candidates with great roles around the world for more than 17 years, forming partnerships with the most renowned British International Schools during that time. Search our international jobs today, or take a look at our comprehensive guide to teaching in Europe.
Sources:
https://realnoevremya.com/articles/2331-more-and-more-english-speaking-teachers-coming-to-russia
