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Volunteer Siberia

For intrepid volunteers seeking a genuine Siberian experience, Language Link has created a new volunteering opportunity in partnership with the Tyumen State Oil and Gas University. Suitable candidates will receive basic teacher training in Moscow before travelling to Tyumen to spend between 5 and 35 weeks assisting in English classes for the University's students. This new programme is the ideal way to experience life in Russia away from the westernised capitals, and improve your proficiency in the Russian language - not only will you receive free Russian tuition, but you'll also build lasting friendships with the Russian students and staff you are living and working among.     Tyumen – an eclectic mix of new and old About Tyumen Tyumen is in south-west Siberia, located just beyond the Ural Mountains on the Trans-Siberian Railway, 2104km (about a day and a half's train journey or approx. 21/2 hours by plane) from Moscow. It is the capital of the Tyumen region, which is one of Russia's biggest (the size of Great Britain, France, Germany and Italy combined!). With a multi-ethnic population numbering almost 700,000, Tyumen is the cultural, scientific and administrative heart of the "energy centre of Russia", and also Siberia's oldest city (founded 1585). Tyumen boasts numerous sports stadiums and facilities, cinemas, a drama and comedy theatre, puppet theatre, circus, a Philharmonic, and many museums and art galleries. As a volunteer here, you will have plenty of opportunities to absorb the rich cultural life of this dynamic city. Tyumen State Oil and Gas University Tyumen State Oil and Gas University was founded in 1963. It is among the 10 largest educational institutions of the Urals Federal Area and is the biggest oil and gas university in Russia. It is truly international in outlook with staff attending conferences and symposia abroad, and the University itself hosting international science events. Alumni include four Ministers of the Russian Federation, and various Presidents of Russian oil and gas companies. For more information, see the University's official site: http://www.tsogu.ru/eng.     TGNGU Institute of Technology About the Volunteer Siberia Programme Following a week's basic TEFL training at Language Link in Moscow, volunteers fly to Tyumen and begin assisting in English lessons at Tyumen State Oil and Gas University. Volunteers work 12 hours per week under the supervision of experienced EFL teachers, and also participate in activities with the University's English club. As part of the programme they also attend at least 3 hours/week of Russian lessons at the University. Volunteers benefit from daily immersion in a Russian-speaking environment at the University. Click here to read an article (in Russian) about the Programme’s first volunteers on the TGNGU website.     Lizzie (back centre), one of our first volunteers, with students in class Official start date The official start date is mid-September for programmes lasting from 6 weeks to 9 months. We will also accept applications for start dates during the academic year. Applications can be submitted 3-12 months before the anticipated programme start date. Requirements To qualify for Volunteer Siberia, applicants must conform to the following profiles: Language: Applicants for the Volunteer Siberia programme must be native speakers of English and have minimum pre-intermediate level Russian. Personality: The ideal applicant for a volunteer position should be confident, flexible, adaptable and enthusiastic. A strong desire to help young adults to reach their educational goals is essential. Age: Volunteer Siberia positions are open to those between 18 and 30 years old. Financial independence: Applicants must be able to support themselves financially throughout the term of their programme. Availability: Applicants for Volunteer Siberia must be able to spend a minimum of five weeks in Tyumen following a one week training course in Moscow. Programme Costs Language Link and Tyumen State Oil and Gas University have worked to keep the cost of the Volunteer Siberia programme as low as possible to ensure affordability. The programme fee is paid by bank transfer prior to arrival in Russia. Your Programme may vary in length from 6 to 36 weeks. The all-inclusive programme cost, not including those paid on arrival, is $1300. The course fee includes the following: 1. Visa support: TGNGU provides the documentation necessary to obtain a Russian visa for your stay (i.e. official Letter of Invitation and Letter of Support), and takes responsibility for registering you with the authorities as required by Russian law. 2. Accommodation: Accommodation is provided for the duration of the programme. In Tyumen, you stay in TGNGU's guest house "Yunost" (usually sharing a room with a University student). 3. Transport: Airport transfer in Moscow (return: airport to hotel on arrival; hotel to airport when going to Tyumen), one return transfer in Tyumen (between the airport and accommodation), a metro pass (Moscow). The Volunteer will purchase flights to/from Russia and transport to/from Tyumen (payable on arrival in Moscow). 4. Training and Russian Tuition: Volunteers are provided with a week of basic training in teaching English as a Foreign Language in Moscow. They receive 3 hours per week of group Russian tuition at the University in Tyumen. Additional hours can be arranged on request in Tyumen (for a fee, paid directly to TGNGU). Also included: Orientation materials and administrative fees. Not Included: The Volunteer is responsible for funding their flights to and from Russia and their travel costs out of the country from Tyumen at the end of the programme (thus providing flexibility for volunteers to travel after completion of the programme). Neither Language Link nor Tyumen State Oil and Gas University can provide health (or travel) insurance for volunteers, nor be held liable for any illnesses contracted by volunteers while residing in Russia. We therefore strongly recommend that all volunteers take out a comprehensive, worldwide health (& travel) insurance in their country of residence before coming to Russia. Applications To apply for Language Link's Volunteer Siberia Programme or for more information, please write to us (indicating Volunteer Siberia in the subject title). PLEASE NOTE: You cannot apply on-line for Volunteer Siberia. We will send you the application form by e-mail upon request. Map provided by: www.worldatlas.com