Teaching English in Russia

The world’s largest country, Russia claims over 6 million square miles (15 million square km) of towering mountains, winding rivers, and miles of desolate tundra—plus culturally rich cities and towns.

Russia TEFL Facts:
Your English Students	K-12 University Adults Business Professionals
Best Time to Get Hired	August and December
Typical Start Dates	September and January
Length of Commitment	12-month contracts
Typical Teaching Schedules	Full-time and part-time schedules available
Average Pay	$500 – $2000 USD per month, depending on location
Average Cost of Living	$500 – $2000 USD per month depending on lifestyle and location
Requirements	Benefits may include
Bachelor’s Degree TEFL certification (see recommended courses below) Native speaker or fluent in English Medical testing	Free housing (from some schools) Visa assistance In-country orientation Travel stipend for off-site classes Reimbursement of Emergency Travel Insurance Reimbursement of airport pick up

Demand for English Teachers

The demand for EFL teachers remains strong in Russia-especially in the larger cities-despite the difficult economic conditions of recent years. Private English schools are popping up throughout the country; Moscow alone is home to an estimated 200 language schools, seeking qualified foreign teachers.

Typical English Students / Popular Teaching Destinations

Your students in Russia will range from young pupils gaining their first exposure to the language, to business professionals looking to increase their participation in foreign markets. The Cambridge First Certificate (FCE) English exam is also incredibly popular in Russia, so many secondary school students need help preparing for it. Many schools in Russia offer paid housing and reimbursed airfare to TEFL teachers, making it an attractive country in which to teach English.

Russia Overview

The Russian Federation is the largest country on the planet, covering more than 6 million square miles (15 million square km). Northern Russia is comprised of desolate tundra, vast forests, and thousands of mystical lakes. The snow-capped Ural Mountains cover 2,500 miles (4,022 km) of eastern European Russia, and the rocky, remarkable Caucasus Mountains span the southern part of the country from the Black to Caspian seas. Though the Russian people can be reserved at first, you will soon find that they rely strongly on the support of their friends and family, and that they maintain long-lasting relationships. Known for their honesty, sense of humor, and literacy, Russians also take pride in their long history and traditions.

Moscow, Russia’s capital, is one of the world’s biggest metropolises with almost 10 million people. The city’s historic churches and magnificent cathedrals date back to the 15th century, and its modern performing arts scene is world-renowned. Further north is St. Petersburg, Russia’s former capital and its second-largest city. Built on 42 islands, St. Petersburg’s numerous canals and 300-plus bridges have earned it the nickname “Venice of the North.”

Recommended TEFL Courses

In Russia, you’ll find that online and classroom based courses are accepted, but classroom courses are preferred (IDELT, CELTA, etc.).
We recommend a course of at least 100 hours to increase your chances of getting hired!

Learn more about TEFL Certification