Russia is a huge country, and although there are almost endless opportunities for TEFL graduates to teach English in most regions, there is a huge variety of conditions, pay scales and requirements across the standard teaching platforms offered by private language schools, International schools, public schools and private tutoring.

One of the most important considerations is the need for a working visa. Most jobs will need to be arranged outside of Russia in order to obtain sponsorship and the correct paperwork to make your working stay in Russia legal and trouble-free. The good news is that while in most countries this would require a BA degree in addition to a TEFL qualification, this is not the case in Russia. You do not need a BA degree! However you will more attractive to higher-level employers if you have experience. Russian schools are known to prefer hiring from outside the country. English teaching positions for TEFL graduates are most commonly available from private language schools.

Teaching English in Private Language Schools

Private Language Schools should be your first stop for finding work in Russia. The demand for teachers is very high, thanks to increasing business ties with Western Europe and the USA among other countries. It’s becoming both increasingly available and increasingly imperative for Russians to be able to converse and do business in English. As a result, most private language schools are more than helpful when it comes to helping applicants get visas, and some are even known to allow their foreign staff dispensation to take courses in Russian.

Teaching English in International Schools

There are a number of International Schools in Russia, mostly in or near cities such as Moscow. Since many of these schools teach expat children, vacancies are usually geared to licensed experienced career teachers in various disciplines, but it is worth keeping an eye out for positions suitable for experienced TEFL teachers. Depending on the post, individual schools may require that you have a BA degree.

Teaching English in Public Schools          

Opportunities exist for TEFL graduates part and full-time in a range of public schools, but hours can be very long and no provision is made for transport time. Contracts are usually one year, so this is not always suitable for those wishing to travel.

Teaching as a Volunteer

Russia is in many respects a developing economy with a history of economic hardship, one which is often evident in income for your average Russian. Since many ‘ working middle-class’ people cannot afford the services of a language school or private tutor, some families offer accommodation in exchange for tutoring their children. This may often be offered along with other au-pair duties, but it’s a great way to get some experience, experience life in Russia with a Russian family and learn to speak Russian. These positions are best arranged through third party volunteer programmes.

Private English Tutoring for Children, Adults and Business Executives

You can always supplement your income through private tutoring once you are in Russia. Pay per hour will vary greatly, depending on what you can offer and who you are teaching, and of course opportunities will be concentrated around the big cities and commercial centres such as Moscow. The best way to find such positions is through networking once you are already employed in Russia. Some companies like to hire in-house ‘freelancers’ informally to tutor their staff, who they often pay out of the petty cash. Some Universities do this the more legal route.