TEACH ENGLISH IN RUSSIA

About Teaching English in Russia

IMPORTANT NOTE: As of February 2022, the U.S. State Department has issued an official advisory urging Americans not to travel to Russia, and recommending that U.S. citizens leave Russia as soon as possible. ITA does not recommend Russia as a viable option for teaching English abroad at this time.  Read the U.S. State Department advisory here. 

Seeking to retain its status as a great power while transitioning to a globalized economy in the post-Soviet era, Russia represents one of the largest and fastest-growing job markets for teaching English in the entire world. English teachers in Russia can find work all year round. Peak seasons for getting hired to teach English in Russia begin towards the start of fall in September and many prominent language schools will recruit for positions teaching English in Russia during the spring and summer. That said, the job market for teaching English in Russia is strong enough that jobs open throughout the year. 

Most opportunities to teach English in Russia allow for interviews in advance from your home country, but English teachers may also interview in-person.  Some schools will provide those teaching English in Russia with housing or possibly a stipend for airfare, however, this is not always the case. Most who are teaching English in Russia live in apartments recently vacated by previous teachers and many share an apartment with their coworkers.

A solid hourly wage affords English teachers in Russia to live a comfortable life. Schools typically offer 20-25 hours per week of work, leaving you plenty of opportunities to travel and explore.

To teach English in Russia, you will need a TEFL certificate. A 4-year college degree isn't required but is strongly preferred. Native English proficiency is also expected to find a TEFL job. The average salary for an English teacher in Russia is about $500 - $1,400 USD per month.

Major cities for teaching English in Russia include Moscow, St. Petersburg, Vladimir, Yekaterinburg, Kazan, Nizhniy-Novgorod, Omsk, and Novosibirsk.

How to Teach English in Russia: Requirements

TEFL Certification

A TEFL certification is required to teach English in Russia. You do not need professional teaching experience but earning your TEFL certification will provide you with the training and qualification you do need to get hired. 

English teachers in Russia typically interview in person. Therefore, it is most common for students to take one of our TEFL course options listed below.

Native English-Speaking Proficiency

You do not need to be a native English speaker to teach English in Russia, however, you will be expected to be fluent in English and speak at a native level to be considered for teaching jobs. Citizenship from the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa is typically preferred but not always required.

Degree Requirements for Teaching English in Russia

While a bachelor's degree is not required to secure a job in Russia, it still can be strongly preferred by employers. If you do not have a degree, you should be prepared for a more competitive job search.

Read More: What Are The Basic Requirements To Teach English In Russia?

How to Find English Teaching Jobs in Russia

TEFL Jobs in Russia

The most common ESL teaching jobs in Russia consist of:

• Teaching adults or children in private language schools.
• Private tutoring both children and adults.
• Teaching Business English to adults.
• Teaching English Online.

TEFL Russia: Hiring & Visa

English teachers in Russia can expect to find jobs year-round. It is most common to interview on the ground,  in-person.

Schools typically sponsor a work visa for qualified teachers. NOTE: Americans planning to enter Russia on a tourist visa should apply to the Russian Consulate 6-weeks prior to their planned day of departure.

Read More: What Type of Visa Can I Use to Teach English in Russia?

Teaching in Russia: Hours

English language schools in Russia offer approximately 20 to 30 hours of classroom work per week plus additional hours for prep time. This allows for plenty of time to travel and explore. 

Teaching Russian Students

It is most common that your students will be children, adults, and business professionals. 

TEFL Russia Salary & Cost of Living

Start-up Costs for an English teacher in Russia

Start-up costs will range from $1,000 - $1,800 USD (65,500 - 117,800 RUB). These are expenses you will incur from your arrival in Russia until you receive your first paycheck and may include things like rent, apartment supplies, transport, groceries, getting your new local cell phone number set up, etc. 

Teaching English in Russia Salary

A solid hourly wage enables teachers the opportunity to live a comfortable lifestyle while in Russia. Teachers can expect to make $500 - $1,400 USD (32,700-91,700 RUB) per month. It is common for teachers in Russia to also teach English online to supplement their income.

In rare cases, your employer may provide flight or housing benefits/stipends provided so you will need to remember to account for accommodation or temporary housing for your first few weeks in your start-up costs until you find an apartment to rent. 

Cost of Living & Savings

What is the average cost of living in Russia?

The cost of living typically ranges between $500 - $1,000 USD (32,700-65,500 RUB) per month.

English teachers in Russia break even financially. If you are hustling and taking on private tutoring lessons and/or teaching English online in addition to your regular teaching schedule, you may increase your ability to save.