There’s no shortage of English teaching jobs in Russia, though teachers should keep in mind that employment needs to be secured in advance of arrival in country in order to secure a legitimate work visa. However, after your first contract is completed you can be more choosy with your employer and school. Generally speaking, the academic year in Russia will commence in the beginning of September and finish around the end of May.

Language Schools are the most common employers. These are the easiest teaching jobs in Russia to arrange in advance, and the schools will work with you to finalize contracts and all the necessary paperwork. Some language schools will also let you take a Russian language course on the side. Teaching jobs at language schools are somewhat more casual in Russia, business dress is not required and schools are often flexible with teaching styles and curriculum.

Teacher Placements are another convenient and easy way to teach English in Russia. There’s usually a cost involved, but the third party organization will have vetted the placement, provide orientation materials and advising, and organize most of the logistics. Some teaching program providers will pair prospective volunteer teachers with a family, in which the tutor/nanny spends 15 hours a week helping tutor the kids in exchange for the accommodation and cultural immersion.

Teaching at a school encompasses teaching children for the most part. These opportunities to teach English in Russia can be both very challenging and incredibly rewarding. Some teaching jobs in Russia will even combine theoretical training with firsthand observation and application.

Tutoring is usually arranged via networking once in country. Word of mouth is a great way to secure this type of English teaching job in Russia. Do be aware, however, that poaching clients from your day job is strictly forbidden (not to mention bad karma!). Tutors can expect to earn $10 to $30 per hour, depending on the client. Some schools may also hire teachers part time and refer to this as tutoring, usually paying around $15 per hour.

The TEFL and Job Placement combination is another great way to teach English in Russia. A TEFL course with certificate followed by placement in a major Russian city is common. TEFL programs in Russia usually consist of 100 hours of instruction followed by six to ten hours of observation. In addition to the certificate, you will actually learn how to teach English as a foreign language. Jobs are not 100 percent guaranteed, and since you are present for your interview you have to ultimately earn the job yourself.

Teaching Qualifications: A bachelors degree plus a TEFL certificate is recommended for anyone who wants to teach English in Russia. There are great advantages to completing a TEFL course in Russia, including possible links to employers on site and a focus on the Russian classroom.