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Russia has a unique history and culture, and it is one of the world's most rapidly changing and developing countries. In many ways Russia is becoming closer to Europe and the West in its outlook and way of life (at least in the major cities), yet its cultural individuality remains strong. As you are considering living and working in Russia you should expect to be faced daily with a lifestyle, environment and attitudes that differ greatly from those you are used to. It is an experience that will be both challenging and personally enriching, and you will have the privilege of not just witnessing, but also taking part in this unique culture at one of the most fascinating times in its history.
Working abroad is a great learning experience for all involved - both for you as the foreign guest, and for your hosts. The old saying that 'travel broadens the mind' is indisputably true, and by coming to work in Russia you will gain experience and memories that will prove valuable whatever you go on to do later in your career. Here we will give you some advice on working and living in Russia.
Accommodation
Living in a shared apartment
Relations with your neighbours
If you chose for accommodation to be provided by Language Link, you will be sharing an apartment block with many other Russian families, and walls in Russian buildings are generally not very thick. Please be considerate when playing music or watching TV late at night, and if you have guests round, try to keep the noise down. It is against the law to make loud noise after 23pm. Russians with young families and elderly Russians will take exception to undue noise, especially from foreigners. They may even call the police on you, which could result in a hefty fine.
Rubbish/Trash Disposal
Rubbish (trash) can either be deposited in a chute in the stairwell (usually located on every other floor) or taken out to rubbish bins (garbage cans) in the yard. Do not leave rubbish bags in the corridor/ stairwell to be picked up by somebody else.
Problems
If any equipment/furniture gets broken and requires repair, you should fill in an 'Accommodation - Action needed' form (available at Central Office), and someone will come to fix the problem within a few working days. If you have any other problems with your Language Link rented apartment, you should inform Marina Antonova or Sasha Krylova (New Office, Moscow), or the administrative staff in LL centres other than Moscow.
Life with a host family
Relations with your hosts
Russian parents do not always regard their teenage and young adult children as adults, and tend to advise them on what to wear, what to eat and generally ask lots of questions about what is going on in their lives. As a 'host child' it is likely your 'host parents' will treat you in a similar manner. Please try not to take offence - it is simply a demonstration of care for your well-being. If you really find such attention annoying or unpleasant, just remark politely that you are not accustomed to it, or that it embarrasses you.
Many of Language Link's host families are relatively elderly, and may be upset if you regularly come home in the early hours of the morning in a less than sober state. Although you have a right to an independent lifestyle, please try to respect your host family's feelings, and always warn them if you're planning to come home late.
Meals
If your hosts provide you with breakfast or supper, do not hesitate to say if you find something too rich or sweet, or that you simply do not eat a certain food. In order not to offend the hostess, you may say that the food is tasty, but that you are not used to it and would prefer something else (useful phrases include "я уже сыт(а)" / ya uzhe syt(a) / I'm full; "у меня аллергия на этот продукт" / u min-ya allerg-iya na etat product / I'm allergic to this; "я не могу привыкнуть к этому вкусу, я больше не хочу, спасибо" / ya n-ye magu privyk-noot k etamu vkusu, ya bolshe ne hashu, spasiba / I can't get used to this taste, so I'd rather not have it again, thank you).
House Rules
In Russian homes it is not acceptable to wear your street shoes in the house. Instead, people wear slippers ("tapochki") or socks. Russian apartments are not usually very spacious, so it is not acceptable to leave your things all over your room, or indeed other rooms, or to leave your bed unmade. Please make an effort to be tidy! You should always ask your hosts before inviting friends to stay the night, or inviting large groups of friends to visit. Friends of the opposite sex may not be allowed to stay overnight. Due to the small size of Russian homes, you may only use kitchen facilities to prepare light meals (no more than 30 minutes preparation), having agreed a time with your hosts in advance.Problems
If you have any problems with your host family, please do discuss them straight away it with Language Link staff (all home-stays are currently coordinated by the Russian Department). In extreme cases it is possible to move to a different home-stay.
Cultural Differences in Interpersonal Relations
Visiting Russian Friends
If you visit acquaintances for the first time, it is a good idea to bring a gift for the hosts (e.g. a box of sweets or chocolates, a bottle of wine, flowers). Only buy odd numbers of flowers, as even numbers are associated with funerals.
Russians are not very punctual people. The limit to acceptable lateness is about 10 minutes (this does not apply for important meetings!) When making arrangements, Russians often give an approximate time ("около 7" / okala semi / about 7, "к двум часам" / k dvum chasam / by 2 o'clock, "дня через 3" / dn-ya cheriz tri / in about 3 days' time).
Conversations with Russians
Russians are more open than westerners in talking about their incomes, although this is becoming less common. Do not be offended if someone asks how much your parents earn, or about salaries for various professions in your country (although of course you are not obliged to answer such questions!).
The 'вы' (vy) form should be used during introductions, in conversations with people older than yourself and with strangers. You can use 'ты' (ty) to address students your own age, children, or once your Russian acquaintances suggest speaking "на ты" (na ty).
Russians often criticize and even curse their authorities, laws, systems, and government but they react very negatively to similar criticism by foreigners.
It is generally acceptable to phone people between 10am and 10pm. You should only call earlier/later if you have given prior warning, or are sure the person won't object.
Behaviour in Public Places
It is not considered acceptable to speak loudly on public transport, in public areas, in restaurants, or in museums.
Russians often seem very serious and unsmiling to foreigners. However, the absence of a smile simply signifies a neutral attitude. A smile expresses goodwill.
Russians have a different concept of personal space from Westerners. It might feel that they are standing very close to you in queues (lines) or on escalators, and they may lightly touch you during conversation.
In the street and on public transport you may be stopped by strangers asking for neutral information, e.g. directions, what time it is, etc (they generally start such questions with "Вы не подскажете..." / Vy n-ye padskazhet-ye…). In other circumstances you should ignore strangers who speak to you in the street.
Gender Roles
At bars and restaurants, the person who invited you usually pays the bill, although you should always offer if you are unsure. Men will almost always pay for women (and are often offended if the woman offers to pay).
The division of roles for men and women is much more traditional than in the West. Men will offer to carry women's bags (and won't take no for an answer), and it is considered unacceptable for women to lift or move heavy objects such as furniture. On the other hand, men generally don't get involved with washing up and cooking.
Safety in Russia
Documents
YOU MUST HAVE YOUR DOCUMENTS (PASSPORT, VISA and MIGRATION CARD) WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES. THE POLICE HAVE THE RIGHT TO ARREST ANYBODY WITHOUT DOCUMENTS. You can be detained for up to 72 hours or until your documents are produced.
If you believe the risk of losing your documents is higher than the risk of being stopped and fined, then you may choose to carry photocopies of them instead. Strictly speaking, the law requires you to have the originals with you, but you can sometimes get away with copies as long as they're clear. Make sure you have copies of your passport information page, your visa, the migration card, and the registration stamp.
The Police
Contact with the police (‘politsia’) should be avoided as much as possible, as they are at best rude and unhelpful, and at worst corrupt and aggressive. If you are very drunk at night, the police have the right to, and will, arrest you. The police regularly stop young males (particularly those with dark skin or Asian features) - normally they just check your ID and let you go. Your documents will be in order and registered. It can happen that the police will say otherwise, but if they demand money, stay calm and demand to see a superior officer/take their names/demand a receipt for the fine. Often, if you insist that they take you to the police station and write you an official fine, they will eventually let you go as you haven't done anything wrong and it's too much bother for them to take you in.
If you are arrested, SAY NOTHING and SIGN NOTHING. If you are forced to sign something write that you do not understand what you are signing. Keep demanding to speak to your Embassy or to a Language Link representative - the names and numbers of whom you will be provided with upon arrival in Russia (and always carry these numbers with you).
Common Sense Advice
Foreigners are particularly vulnerable to crime in tourist areas so avoid drawing attention to yourself - don't walk in big groups speaking loudly in English. Pick pocketing is very common. Only carry a small amount of money in your purse/wallet and keep most of your cash separate. Watch out for pickpockets at markets, in tourist areas and especially on the metro. Keep bags and wallets shut at all times, and ensure that they are in front of you where you can keep an eye (or even better a hand) on them at all times. Never leave your bag unattended or on the back of a chair in a cafe. If you do have something stolen, you can make a claim for it through your travel insurance (if you have purchased one, and it covers you for this). If something has been stolen, as soon as possible you should go to the police station (отделение полиции / otdel-yen-iye politsi) nearest to where it happened to obtain a report called a spravka (справка) detailing the crime, which you then send off to your insurance company.
Absolutely never touch drugs here. The penalties are simply not worth the risk, and if you break the law, at the end of the day we cannot help you. The attitude even towards soft drugs like cannabis is no different than to heroin, and usually entails a prison sentence. This would be a great way to improve your Russian, but prisons here are not pretty…
If you go out for the evening, stay in a group, and plan it so that you accompany each other home right up to the front door, even if you then have to stay the night on someone's floor. Women are strongly recommended not to walk home alone after 11pm, and they should be prepared to put up with occasional verbal harassment late at night, as Russian males who have had too much to drink regularly shout things at girls on the street. It's irritating and impolite, but if you ignore them they almost always stop bothering you. Guys should also be careful when out late at night in large English-speaking groups, as nationalism is on the rise in Russia as a whole. People of dark skin tones will be more at risk of abuse than others. If you see a gang of youths, cross over the street to avoid them.
Money
Changing Money
Cash dollars (in good condition, with no creases or tears) can be exchanged at banks and exchange points known as Obmyen' Valyuti (Обмен Валюты), a number of which are open 24 hours a day. Be warned that exchange rates are sometimes lower at night.
Travellers' cheques can be a nightmare to change, although it is possible at Sberbank (Сбербанк) for a hefty commission. American Express cheques appear to be the cheapest to exchange. You have to show your documents (photocopies are not sufficient) to change travellers' cheques, so make sure you have enough money to last you while your documents are being registered.
Cash machines
Cash machines (банкоматы / bankomaty) are everywhere. The cash machines in metro stations only give out roubles, although most others offer dollars and now often euros as well. Your bank will probably charge you 1.5% to 2% per withdrawal for roubles/dollars and some banks may make an additional charge if you withdraw dollars. It is worth checking in advance which banks charge least for cash withdrawals abroad.
It is definitely a good idea to use Internet banking to check your balance and transfer money between accounts if something does go wrong (e.g. your card is lost or stolen).
Health
In Russia you should not drink water straight from the tap. You should always boil water first, and then filter it to improve the taste. Don't even brush your teeth with un-boiled tap water in St Petersburg, where the water contains an unpleasant microbe that can leave you with permanent stomach problems.
Be wary of food poisoning, and be careful when buying fast food from street kiosks. If it doesn't taste right then don't eat it!
Always use a condom if you have sex, as STDs in Russia are rife. Most chemists stock a wide range of brands. Morning-after pills are largely available over the counter at chemists. There are a number of 24-hour pharmacies operating in the larger cities.
We say we provide medical treatment, something about that? Or any general advice on if you feel sick.
Laundry
It cannot be guaranteed that you will have access to a washing machine in your apartment. If you don't, either make friends with someone who has one, or wash by hand. Self-service launderettes are non-existent as far as we know, although there are dry-cleaners where you can drop off your laundry and pick it up later. These are located in the various cities but can be expensive.
Advice on working in Russia
Although Russian business practice is becoming more and more westernised in many places, standards of efficiency and service are still often somewhat lower than what you expect in the West. You may come across friendly, efficient service on occasions, but be warned: at times you will be exasperated by Russians working in official or administrative capacities. They may seem slow, unhelpful, and inconsistent to the point of rudeness, leaving you with the urge to pull your hair out, and theirs too… but try to resist the temptation to internally combust. For a start it's unhealthy and won't get you anywhere, and secondly there are reasons (even excuses, depending on your point of view) for the infuriating aspects of working in Russia.
It all comes down to culture and mentality. Generally speaking, Russians take a far more laid back attitude to work than their counterparts in western, consumer-driven, corporate-management societies. For example, whereas in America everything should be done 10 minutes ago and in the UK it should be done right now, in Russia it probably won't get done until the end of the working day (or week). It's just the way it is, the way it always has been, and Russians, particularly among the older generations, see no reason why it should change. They certainly won't take kindly to a pushy young foreigner telling them how to do their job.
The key for survival therefore, is PATIENCE. Be flexible, try to adapt to a working climate different from the one you're used to. Waiting is an accepted part of life here - it's considered normal, and to many Russians, even among the younger generation, your expectations and desire to get everything done by yesterday will seem impatient, unreasonable and unnecessary. Things are changing gradually, but as they say over here, Moscow wasn't built in a day. Sometimes you will come across people working in a way similar to your own, other times you will have to compromise.
Remember, success here depends a lot on interpersonal relationships - keep smiling, take time to get to know the people you work with, do someone a favour and the chances are they'll return the favour. Whereas if you let frustration get the better of you and explode in someone's face cursing their soviet-style inefficiency and customer service a la Fawlty Towers, you are likely to find yourself banging your head against a brick wall for months to come. So take advice from someone who's learnt the hard way. Take a deep breath, count to ten, and tell yourself: That's Russia…
Shopping
Grocery Shopping
Western style supermarkets are now common. The main chains in Moscow include Perekryostok (Перекрёсток), Sed'moi Kontinent (Седьмой Континент), Pyatorochka (Пятёрочка). You are likely to find those chains in smaller cities as well. Prices are usually not much higher than in traditional Russian grocery stores, and may even be lower. There are also large supermarkets like Auchan, Lenta located on the outskirts of large cities.
There is bound to be at least one small Produkty (Продукты) shop within 5 minutes' walk of your apartment, where you can buy basics like bread, cheese and vodka. In such small shops, the products are stored behind counters so you have to explain to the attendant exactly what you want.
Most fruit and vegetables are bought from small kiosks on the street. There is a smaller variety of fruit and vegetables in Russia than in the West (don't expect to find yams or mange tout for an affordable price), and availability depends greatly on the season. Summer is a great time for fruit - all around the metro stations babushki gather to sell their home-grown apricots, apples, plums and berries (strawberries, raspberries, loganberries, blackberries, blueberries, gooseberries, cloudberries, blackcurrants, redcurrants… the list is endless!)
Shopping for Household Goods
There are 2 IKEA stores on the outskirts of Moscow. Free buses go there every 5-10 minutes from the metro stations Rechnoi Vokzal / Речной Вокзал and Planernaya / Планерная (for the northern store) and Yasenevo / Ясенево and Annino / Аннино (for the southern store). However, for cheap, basic household goods to complement the equipment in your Language Link apartment, it's cheaper to look for smaller Russian stores (Хозяйственный магазин (Khaz-yaisvenny magazine) / Товары для дома (Tavary dlya doma)) in the area where you live. In St Petersburg, Maxidom is a good option, and there are three branches located on Leninskii, Grazhdanskii and Moskovskii prospects. There are now numerous shops selling household appliances - among them are M-video, Eldorado, Technosila and Mediamarkt.
Shopping for Clothes
Russia is not a great place for buying clothes, as good-quality clothes are very expensive and Russian styles and sizes differ greatly from those in the West. Shopping malls are now common in Moscow but their goods often carry high price tags. Some reasonable clothes can be bought at the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Centre next to the metro of the same name (shops there include United Colours of Benetton, Mango, Accessorise, Mexx, Jennifer and Colin's Jeans). In Volgograd there is a good (although Russian-style) shopping centre on Prospekt Lenina (over the bridge about 30 minutes from school). However goods generally appear to carry higher price tags.
Markets generally offer cheaper goods than you find in the shops, but the quality can be suspect. Large markets can be found next to Rizhskaya, Lyublino and Sportivnaya metro stations in Moscow. The main central market in Volgograd (selling almost everything) is on Sovietskaya ulitsa. If you go in and turn right, walk to the end, you'll come to a factory outlet of Volgograd's main vodka distillery.
Shopping for Souvenirs
The most popular places for buying souvenirs in Moscow are the Arbat and the Izmailovskii Park Market. Unfortunately, shopkeepers and market stallholders often overcharge people with a foreign accent, so you should always bargain. It's advisable to go souvenir shopping with a Russian who can haggle for you, or find out beforehand what a reasonable price is for whatever you are shopping for (ask your host family, or look around). You can sometimes get good deals on souvenirs by shopping at the end of the day, as the stallholders are packing up.
One of the most popular markets in Moscow is known as 'Gorbushka', and is located next to Bagrationovskaya metro station. It's one of the best places to buy cheap DVDs and CDs (the current black market price is 100-150 roubles, and even the legal variants rarely cost more than 300 roubles). Always ask to test the DVDs and CDs before buying them, to avoid buying poor quality copies.
City Transport
Russian Drivers
Unfortunately, Russian drivers are not the strictest observers of traffic regulations. Be very careful when crossing the street here. Where possible, take an underground pedestrian passage called a perekhod (переход). The location of these crossings is indicated by a blue sign with a picture of stairs.
Taxis
Most official taxis are yellow or labelled with a taxi company name.
The most efficient and safe way to get a taxi is to use one of the mobile applications. The following are most popular and have English interface: Uber, GetTaxi, Yandex.Taxi. Those are reliable, quick and accept cash and credit cards.
Russians often just flag down "gypsy cabs" (private cars). You should never take a gypsy cab alone at night. Prices are negotiable but should be about 300 roubles within Moscow city centre, and around 100 roubles in the other cities. It will cost more if you want to go further. If you do decide to take a car, always agree a fare before getting in and never get in a car if other passengers are already being carried. They are probably best avoided, especially if you're alone, given that official taxi services are quite efficient.
If you want to book a taxi, one good firm in Moscow (often used by LL) can be contacted on telephone number (495) 745 50 49. You will have to make the booking in Russian (можно заказать такси на [time, date, etc]), but they work 24/7 and don't overcharge. They will arrange for the driver to phone you when he arrives at your house, to tell you the number plate of the car you should look for on the street.
Buses, Trams and Trolleybuses
All cities are served by an extensive system of trams, buses and trolleybuses that run until about midnight, with 5-20 minute frequency.
In Moscow the tickets are combined for all public transport including metro. You can buy those in the metro, at the special kiosks at some bus stops or directly from the bus, tram or trolleybus driver. Getting tickets from the driver is more expensive so it is always best to purchase multiple rides tickets in the metro or kiosks. You can also get a transport card “Troyka” which you can top up at the metro.
In St Petersburg you would need separate tickets for metro and other public transport. However you can also get a transport card “Podorozhnik” where you can store all tickets. Those can be purchased in the metro.
In other cities you also are most likely to be able to buy tickets from the special kiosks or from the drivers.
Apart from municipal public transport, there are also marshrutkas (маршрутные такси), which are mostly privately-run transit vans that follow the same routes as the buses, trams and trolley-buses, but go faster. One journey costs 20-60 roubles in Moscow and St Petersburg, and less in the other cities.
There is no legal limit to the number of people that can travel on one vehicle. Expect to be quite squashed when travelling at peak times of day.
At bus/tram/trolleybus stops people do not stand in line, but push to enter the transport all together. However, they do usually line up for marshrutkas.
Metro
The metro is extremely fast, efficient and cheap. Services in Moscow and St Petersburg begin between 5.30 and 6am and the last train leaves the beginning of the line at 1 am in Moscow / 12.30 am in St Petersburg when all the transfer points / переходы (perekhody) shut. Samara also has a metro, with ten stations, as does Ekaterinburg (13 stations).
People often beg, sell things, or give out leaflets on the metro, but it is rarely in an aggressive or intrusive way.
Tickets for the Moscow metro can be bought for 1 (55 roubles), 2, 20, 40 or 60 trips. The more trips you get, the cheaper individual trip will be. You can also by unlimited trips tickets for 1 day (210 roubles), 3, 7, 30, 90, 365 days. All tickets in Moscow are valid for all municipal public transport. Transport card “Troyka” can be get at the metro for 50 rub deposit that you can get back at any time. You can top the card up with any amount of money, in this case each trip will cost 35 rub, or you can ask for any type of ticket mentioned above to be ‘written’ onto your card.
For the St Petersburg metro you can buy tokens for individual journeys (45 rub) or a ticket allowing more trips 10, 20, 40 or a ticket for 90 days. You can also get a transport card “Podorozhnik” that can work both in the metro and on other public transport but you would need to top up separately for those.
General Advice on Public Transport
If a Russian says something to you on public transport, 9 times out of 10 they're asking whether or not you are getting out at the next stop ("Вы будете выходить на следующей?" / Vy boodit-ye vykhadeet na sledushchi?). If you're not, move to let them through.
Seats on public transport are intended for the elderly or people with young children. You should give up your seat to the elderly, or they may shout at you!
Travelling by Train and Plane
Russian Railways
Train travel within Russia is currently cheap in comparison with the West. The two main classes are kupe (купе: four to a booth, two up two down) and platzkart (плацкарт: open carriages, less luxurious but cheaper). All carriages have a boiler, so there's a constant supply of boiling water for making tea, coffee and pot noodles. You are expected to pay a small fee for bedding once you're on the train if you're travelling overnight.
Buying Train Tickets
In Moscow, train tickets can be bought in advance from any station, or at the large ticket centre next to Komsomolskaya metro station.
You can buy tickets online through an official Russian railway website but note that not all pages are available in English. Another popular travel website is https://www.tutu.travel/poezda/ they will charge a small fee for booking a ticket through them but they do provide information in English.
You need your passport to buy tickets and to get on the train. Tell the lady at the counter: Я хочу один билет (2/3 билета) на поезд №____ на _____ число / Ya khachu adeen bilet (dva/tri bileta) na poyezd nomair ____ na ____ chislo. (I would like one ticket (2/3 tickets) on train number ___ for the [date you wish to travel]).
Moscow Stations
There are nine railway stations in Moscow. Generally, these railway stations correspond to the following travel directions:
Plane Tickets
Plane tickets can be purchased online either through carrier websites available in English like https://www.aeroflot.ru/ru-en or https://www.s7.ru/ or you can use any of the aggregator websites like www.momondo.com or www.skyscanner.com
Travel Safety
If you decide to travel independently within the Russian territory, please inform your host family as a courtesy, if you have one. For your own safety also tell someone at Language Link of your whereabouts, and if possible, leave a contact number. Remember that no one guarantees you complete safety during your travels through Russia. Be careful and attentive, and try to keep in contact with your host family (if you have one) and Language Link while travelling.
Communication
Telephones
Phoning Home
It is generally advisable to use Internet to connect to home. If your apartment does not have Internet connection, you can easily find free Wifi around Moscow and many other cities. Making phonecalls abroad from a landline and mobile phones is very expensive. If you have to call to a landline number abroad, check the rates for those calls on Skype, they are generally reasonable.
Dialling Codes
To make an international call from Russia you must always dial 8 first, wait for the tone to change, dial 10, then dial the international country code for wherever you're calling, and finally the rest of the telephone number (including area code). Country codes are as follows:
If not listed, you can check your country code here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_country_calling_codes.
Calling within Russia
Local calls, which at one time were free in Russia, are now charged by the minute or in accordance with other applicable tariffs.
To make calls to other cities in Russia you have to dial 8 first, wait for the tone to change, and then dial the number with area code.
City dialling codes:
More city codes can be found here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telephone_numbers_in_Russia#Area_codes
Calls from Abroad
If parents/ friends want to call you from home the cheapest way is to use a phone card such as Swiftcall or onetel (UK) or US2Global or BestRatesCards (US), which can be bought on the Internet. Try www.1stphonecard.com/ for a few options. You can buy cards for calling Russia for as little as 1.1p / 9 cents a minute. For even cheaper calls, go to the website http://www.telediscount.co.uk. The international dialling code for Russia is 7. www.moneysavingexpert.com is also pretty reliable.
Mobile Phones (Cell phones)
It's a good idea to get a mobile phone while you're here, for security and convenience (they are particularly useful if you don't know the door code to get into a building, and have to phone up so someone can let you in). You can buy a Russian SIM card from mobile phone outlets and insert it in your phone from home to join a Russian network (NB. Not all US phones are compatible). Alternatively, you can buy a smart phone in Russia from about 2000 roubles upwards, depending on the model. They are not expensive to run. The main networks are MTS, Megafon, Beeline and Tele2. PLEASE NOTE: Your visa must be registered before you can use a Russian network, so you may not be able to join a Russian network for the first few days. Some places are a little relaxed with regards to this rule so you might be lucky.
E-mail
Free Wifi can be found in many places around Moscow and other cities so it is best to have wifi enabled device to check your emails.
Internet can be set up in your flats, but you are responsible for checking it's ok with the landlords first and paying to have it installed etc. Language Link schools will generally have shared computers that teachers can use but while you can use them for personal communication, the primary purpose is to use it for work so you won’t have those available at all times. Some schools will have wifi.
Post
Sending Letters
The postal service is Russia is unreliable and can be extremely slow. If you want to send letters abroad, you can buy stamps (marki) at any post office. Just ask for "марки на письмо в США/ Англию/ wherever you want to send your letter".
Sending Parcels
You can send parcels from post offices, however it is highly unlikely that anyone will speak English there and you may need to fill in forms in Russian. The post office nearest to the Moscow school that accepts parcels is located at 49/2 Novoslobodskaya Street (about 10 minutes from the metro on the left hand side). The Central Post Office in St Petersburg is on Pochtamskaya. Volgograd's central post office (on Ploschad' Pavshikh Bortsov) provides telegraph, Internet and postal services.
Receiving Mail
Letters and parcels can be sent to you at the address given on the page giving useful LL contact details. In Moscow letters will be left in the teachers' mail tray at Central School Reception, but to collect parcels you may have to go to the post office yourself, or call in at Central Office.
In St Petersburg, it is possible to receive post via the Grand Hotel Europe (name c/o Grand Hotel Europe, P.O. Box 53, SF-53501 Lappeenranta, Finland). They only accept ordinary letters and postcards, which take 3-5 days to arrive from the UK and slightly longer from the US / Australia etc. It is also possible to send letters by express post from another desk in the Grand Hotel. Post can also be sent and received at Westpost at 86 Nevsky Prospekt and takes about the same time to get through. There is also a DHL on Nevsky Prospect.
Entertainment
Listings publications
Although English language listings are hard to come by outside Moscow and St Petersburg, Russian listings are available in all cities. English language entertainment guides can be found in the Friday edition of The Moscow Times, which is available free at Central School reception, in internet cafes and western-style outlets (St Petersburg has its own equivalent, The St Petersburg Times). Other English language papers include The Moscow Tribune, The Russia Journal and the somewhat crude Exile (which will tell you where to find a good strip club and not much else).
The best Russian language listings about exhibitions, sports events, gigs, plays, and films happening all over the city (with addresses) can be found in Afisha (Афиша) and Vash Dosug (Ваш Досуг), which are available from most press kiosks. Both magazines have their own websites - www.afisha.ru and www.vashdosug.ru - where you can find out about the latest happenings in Moscow (Afisha also covers many cities). Please note both these sites are in Russian only. The Moscow Times publishes listings in English: themoscowtimes.com
Radio and TV
TV listings can be found in English in The Moscow/St Petersburg Times, and in Russian in several newspapers and weekly magazines such as TV Park (ТВ Парк) and Seven Days (Семь Дней). Russia has over 15 free terrestrial channels, so it's best just to channel hop and see what you like. The quality of programmes is not great, although there are frequently good films on at weekends.
BBC World Service broadcasts on MW around 1300 kHz. The most popular charty-type radio station is Europa plus 106.2FM, Radio Maximum 103.7FM but there are many others. Echo Moskvy (Эхо Москвы) on 91.2FM is good for current affairs and political interviews. Radio Monte-Carlo 102.1FM plays mostly western music, whilst Nashe Radio on 101.7FM (Наше Радио) and Russkoye Radio (Русское Радио) focus on the many delights Russian music has to offer.
Sport and Leisure
The number of ways to spend your free time in Moscow and St Petersburg is endless. Moscow parts offer variable opportunities to engage in sporty activities in the summer such as table tennis, roller skating, football, etc. The most popular parts are Gorky Park and Sokolniki but other parks can also be good to visit. Outdoor ice-skating is great in winter at Gorky Park (Moscow) and Victory Park (in St Petersburg). In Moscow you can hire skis or snowboards at Krilatskie Gori and skis at Sokolniki Park. If you're here in summer a river cruise is highly recommended. In Moscow boats leave from several piers along Moskva river, the end points for boat trips are the Novospasski Bridge (Proletarskaya metro), or outside the Radisson-Slavyanskaya hotel (metro Kievskaya). In St Petersburg boats depart from numerous points along the city's canals and on the river Neva itself. Volgograd offers opportunities for all-weather sports, such as swimming (open-air and indoor pools), and football. There are a large number of swimming pools scattered about the city (though, as everywhere in Russia, these require an easily obtainable health certificate from a Russian doctor). Volgograd is famous for its drama theatre (opposite the post office), and also boasts a musical theatre (ulitsa V.I. Chukova), modern cinemas (Kinomax and in the Radezh shopping centre), a circus, a Youth Theatre, and its own opera company. There are also numerous gyms in any city to keep fit.
To keep yourself entertained, the best thing to do is grab a copy of a listings paper and take it from there! You can also take advice on entertainment from any popular guides like Lonely Planet, Trip Advisor, Foresquare and others.
Bars and Clubs
Moscow and the other cities have simply too many cafes, bars and restaurants to list here (see the listings guides for addresses). Many places would have menus in English. For a more traditional Russian meal you can visit such chain cafes as Elki-Palki, Varenichnaya No 1. But Moscow and St Petersburg are full of exciting places with modern cuisine from most countries. Foresquare and Afisha will give you helpful reviews if you are interested. So it's really best just to go to a few and see what you like. Enjoy!
Useful web links
General Information about Russia
www.themoscowtimes.com - English Language newspaper providing up to date news on Russia and entertainment listings for Moscow
www.expat.ru - The Moscow Ex-pat Site - a virtual community for English speaking ex-pats and Russians
www.afisha.ru (Russian) - Russian site providing entertainment listings
www.vashdosug.ru (Russian) - Russian site providing entertainment listings
Final note: All information is correct at time of publishing. Language Link cannot take responsibility for subsequent changes to any information included here that is non-company specific.
Reasons for applying:
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I want to enter a programme that will add to my human capital
Human capital is best defined as the knowledge, skills, abilities and capacities that an individual has acquired during their lifetime (i.e., their present knowledge, skills and abilities) or will acquire at some time in the future (i.e., their capacities) that add both intrinsic and extrinsic value to them. Though this may sound like a mouthful, this concept goes to the very heart of who we are as human beings. Every time we learn something new, we increase our value to ourselves and the community. Though it is true that we often engage in learning activities that are best described as self-fulfilling e.g., snowboarding, cooking, or lifesaving, at other times we do so for the monetary value that they can bring to us in the workplace. For this reason, people take courses that they can use either to get a job or, if they have a job, to get a salary rise.
Language Link’s Teacher Internship Certification Programme has been developed with the latter purpose in mind. Though teaching English a foreign language can be a rewarding experience, you really only know if this is true for you once you’ve started teaching. On the other hand, the knowledge, skills and abilities acquired during the Teacher Internship Certification Programme are indisputable. They are immediately usable during the programme and marketable well after it is over. So if you are looking a programme that will guide you step by step to becoming a proficient teacher by helping you to develop a valuable skill-set, then the Teacher Internship Certification Programme is well worth considering.
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I’m looking for a professional international experience that will help me in the future
While it is true that travel broadens the mind, tourism, even if as backpacker, provides only limited exposure to the real world out there. As the old saying goes, ‘you don’t really know someone until you live with them’. If ever this were true, it is when it comes to being abroad. Living as part of the population as versus being on the fringe allows you to develop a deeper understanding of what makes the world tick and what it takes to tick along with them. In this respect, teaching English as a foreign language has most other activities that one can undertake abroad beat hands down. You may ask why this is so.
The answer has to do with your proximity to real people. By real people, I mean a microcosm of the world in which you are living. TEFL Teachers by virtue of the professional activity in which they engage i.e., teaching, come into contact with people of most ages and from most walks of life. Though this section is not meant to fully describe this experience, TEFL teachers will find themselves standing in front of classrooms of young learners, teenagers and young (and not so young) adults who are studying at school or university or working in professions such as medicine, law, education, business, marketing, HR, finance and accounting. However, once all those people mentioned above enter a language classroom, they leave their titles at the door and become simply people … your students. Your experience doesn’t stop once your class is over. On the contrary, your experience only becomes even more profound once you find yourself walking along the street next to people who like yourself are thinking in their own unique way about family, friends, work and play. If you give yourself enough time to stand in one place, you will develop a unique understanding of how these people are both similar and different to you. It is these experiences that make the Language Link Teacher Internship Certification Programme unique and it is these experiences that will open future professional doors for you. So if you’ve had your fill of backpacking abroad and are ready to stand still long enough to truly learn about a foreign culture then the Language Link Teacher Internship Certification Programme is well worth considering.
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I’m looking for a safe international experience where I will be working in full compliance with the law
While there may be a lot to be said for having a ‘Devil may care’ attitude, Language Link does not ascribe to it. When bringing teacher interns into the Russian Federation and Kazakhstan, Language Link does so in full accordance with the law. Though Language Link’s Teacher Intern Certification Programme is a training programme, teacher interns are provided with a real world teaching experience. In other words, the classrooms are real as are the students that enter them. Therefore, the teacher intern is an actual employee of the company and not simply ‘a student’. Unlike students who need student visas, a teacher intern needs a full working visa.
The difference, should it not be apparent, is that as an employee Language Link is responsible for seeing to it that all taxes due on the teacher interns’ salary are paid in full to the authorities. To try and avoid paying taxes is foolhardy for both the company and its teachers. Therefore, so as to make the teacher intern’s learning experience not just a positive one but a legal one as well, the company is committed to acting as a responsible business and member of the community. And while paying teachers ‘under the table’ may have the dubious distinction of allowing a teacher to earn a higher salary, it puts the teacher at risk, a risk which Language Link deems unnecessary and irresponsible. So if working in full compliance with the law in a safe, legal and comfortable professional environment is important to you, then the Language Link Teacher Internship Certification Programme is well worth considering.
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I’m looking for an international experience that I can enter with my eyes wide open
No one likes to be fooled. No one enjoys regret. For these reasons, Language Link makes every attempt to make the Teacher Intern Certification Programme as transparent as possible. Our commitment to transparency is evident from the very start, to wit this page has been entitled The Pros and Cons of the Teacher Intern Certification Program. The more an applicant understands about the programme, the better the decision she or he will make. Of course, transparency does not stop with the last sentence on this page.
To help potential applicants make the best possible decision, the application process has been designed to allow those thinking of entering the programme the opportunity to explore this programme from as many angles as possible. First, the site contains an overview of the programme so that applicants can fully understand what it is that they will be learning during the one month initial training programme (ITP). In addition, Language Link has gone to great lengths to create a section of the site referred to as the TEFL Primer. This section has been designed to allow potential applicants to examine TEFL teaching by offering them a glimpse into what it means to work in the industry. To make this section as authentic as possible, we have included videos portraying Language Link teachers. Of course, reading about the programme and viewing videos, though revealing, is not the same as getting inside it yourself. Therefore, on receiving a Teacher Intern Certification Programme application, the applicant is sent a pre-interview task to complete which will allow the applicant to explore 1) the field of TEFL, 2) Language Link the company and 3) the teacher intern contract. Following completion of the pre-interview task, applicants are invited to a SKYPE/ telephone interview with a fully qualified member of the academic staff, the same staff who will supervise the applicant should she or he decide to enter the programme. During the interview, the applicant, in addition to answering questions, will have the opportunity to ask questions of the academic manager concerning teaching, life in Russia and Language Link’s teacher intern contract. With respect to the contract, teacher interns are afforded the opportunity to go through the contract prior to interviewing for acceptance to the programme. And finally, once accepted for the programme, the teacher intern will become part of an online new teacher community in which to continue to get to know the programme, the school and your fellow interns. Therefore, if you are looking for a transparent programme with no hidden caveats, then you would do well to consider Language Link’s Teacher Intern Certification Programme.
Though there are, no doubt, other reasons why someone would wish to apply for this programme, the time has come to look at the other side of the coin and discover an equal number of reasons why we ask applicants to be absolutely sure that this programme is for them. This programme has been designed with success in mind. If, however, the applicant enters the programme with two strikes against them, then no amount of design can make up for this.
Reasons for not applying:
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You need to save money for your return home
While it is true that Language Link’s teacher interns receive a monthly salary, it is only sufficient to meet the teacher intern's needs while living in Russia. On completion of the four week Initial Training Programme (ITP) that Language Link provides at no cost to the intern, the teacher intern receives a monthly salary that, as previously mentioned, will be sufficient for him or her to live comfortably though not luxuriously during his or her nine month academic year stay.
In that Language Link also provides the teacher intern with free company-provided accommodation as well as pays all taxes due on the aforementioned salary and benefit package in the Russian Federation, the remuneration package can be viewed as generous. All that said, however, anyone considering applying for the teacher intern programme who is hoping to save money for graduate school or whatever will be sadly disappointed.
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You can’t be away from home for an extended period without seeing your family and friends
Though it may seem self-evident, if you are considering submitting an application for an overseas programme, then the applicant would do well to consider whether she or he can be away from his or her family and friends for an extended period of time. Language Link understands the importance of family and friends, and though nine months may not seem like a long time, it can be an eternity for someone in need of being physically close to their significant others. Therefore, if you are considering applying for the Teacher Intern Certification Program, then you would do well to consider whether you can honour the nine month teaching commitment.
If the thought of being away from home for nine months is unthinkable, then this programme is not for you. And though Language Link provides its teacher interns with up to two weeks’ time off during the winter holiday (end of December – beginning of January), most teacher interns will find flights home to be a costly expenditure. In a similar vein and of no less importance are upcoming family events that one considers too important to forego such as birthdays and weddings. A commitment to teaching has got to be a firm commitment, one that you are able to let take priority over your own personal interests.
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You’re looking for a 9 to 5 job without challenges
Teaching English as a foreign language is not a 9 to 5 job. Like most language schools, Language Link is an extracurricular educational centre. Therefore, our students come to us to study English either before or after school or work. In other words, our teachers usually work split shifts. Likewise, in that our students come in all ‘shapes and sizes’, teachers can expect to teach both young learners and adults with an emphasis on the former.
Given this, potential applicants should understand this can be a challenging endeavour which will require the utmost in teacher flexibility. If you are someone who does not adapt well to change or cannot function well before 11 am, then teaching English as foreign language and the Teacher Intern Certification Programme are definitely not for you.
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You have no other alternatives open to you or the alternatives you do have are ‘worse’
This is a pretty powerful statement. Though having no other alternatives is not the same as not knowing what you want to do with your life, both can be equally bad reasons for applying for the Teacher Intern Certification Programme. Being an applicant’s fallback plan is definitely not an enviable position for Language Link to be in. In such cases, the teacher intern is usually not really interested in Language Link, teaching English or Russia and eventually when confronted with life in the presence of all three will find nothing to keep him or her committed to the programme.
As importantly, choosing the teacher internship because you do not know what direction you want your life to go in or simply do not want to think about it for now can under the right circumstances both be recipes for disaster. Just because you do not know what you want to do with your life now does not mean you will not figure it out in the very near future. If your plan can wait until you have finished your nine month commitment, then as they say, no harm, no fowl. If, however, the new plan means leaving the programme early, then it will be at the expense of all who are depending upon you here in Russia: the company and your students. So if your present plan is based on avoidance, then you would do well to think twice before applying for the Teacher Intern Certification Programme.
Though there are no doubt other reasons why it might be best not to apply for this programme, these are the major issues we ask our applicant teacher interns to consider before applying for Language Link’s Teacher Intern Certification Program. If from the start, these issues are understood and the applicant is still prepared to enter and see this program through to the end, then there are very few opportunities available today that will provide the applicant with such an eye-opening and enriching experience.