I feel as if plans are finally getting rolling and settled. I "graduate" in three weeks, although I will still have to take two classes after that. By June 10th I will have officially finished my undergrad career. As to be expected, I am both extremely excited and overwhelmingly petrified at times, but even the paralyzing, can't-breathe petrification is an amazing feeling, because it means that anything can happen. I have the whole world open to me. Of course, it also means that whether or not I fall flat on my face is up to me (which could explain the feelings of panic).
On another note, I have officially been placed, although I will not give the exact location at this place and time. I have heard both good and bad about the town/city. Once I get there and can judge the situation and setting, I will decide whether or not I will give the location. My passport appointment is finally scheduled for Monday and hopefully I will have one more step down. It took a couple weeks longer than expected to get my birth certificate as Texas ended up losing it from the printer to the desk of the person in charge. Aren't grand, bureaucratic offices great? Of course, I realize that Russia government/paperwork will be far worse, so I guess I will count this as practice. Anyways, other than that, there is not much to tell. So, Good day my faithful readers.
---Your hopefully, soon-to-be Russian Traveler---
Friday, April 23, 2010
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
To Go or Not to Go ???
Ok, so today I began doing what I should have done to begin with (or maybe not). I searched through various TEFL blogs and forums looking for helpful hints on living overseas and teaching. Most of the advice given had one theme - stay away from Russia.
1. The "McLanguage" schools are bad.
2. The national schools are bad.
3. The government is bad and changes VISA requirements and laws from month to month.
4. No one follows through with payment, benefits or any other service.
5. I can be kicked out at anytime with little notice or funds.
Naturally, I became worried, then panicked. I mean, I will be spending 10 months there away from all of my family and friends. While I am not expecting to make it rich or even to gain a healthy income, I would like the promised, regular pay. The promised company support in handling both teaching and the government is a vital reason why I went with this company. After spending the next couple of hours rifling through blogs, forums, reviews and more I quickly became unsure as to whether or not this would be the right opportunity. A very helpful site that is seemingly a "must" for TEFL/TESL teachers is Dave's ESL Cafe (http://www.eslcafe.com/).
I supplemented the material I found through the above sites with information from the company's website and with the facebook group. I may be naive, but I will admit that the facebook group has done much to alleviate my concerns. It makes a big difference to actually see the faces and names of people who will be in the same boat I may or may not be in.
As a result of everything, I have come to the conclusion that, while I do not know what will happen, I need to take this chance. It may be a leap of faith to accept this position, but most worthwhile things in life are gigantic leaps across giant chasms of riskiness. I will go to Russia with a positive attitude and will take the bad along with the good. Some things may be out of my control, but to go or not to go is my choice.
Have you been to Russia? Have you taught overseas? I would be interested in your comments.
---Your hopefully, soon-to-be Russian Traveler---
1. The "McLanguage" schools are bad.
2. The national schools are bad.
3. The government is bad and changes VISA requirements and laws from month to month.
4. No one follows through with payment, benefits or any other service.
5. I can be kicked out at anytime with little notice or funds.
Naturally, I became worried, then panicked. I mean, I will be spending 10 months there away from all of my family and friends. While I am not expecting to make it rich or even to gain a healthy income, I would like the promised, regular pay. The promised company support in handling both teaching and the government is a vital reason why I went with this company. After spending the next couple of hours rifling through blogs, forums, reviews and more I quickly became unsure as to whether or not this would be the right opportunity. A very helpful site that is seemingly a "must" for TEFL/TESL teachers is Dave's ESL Cafe (http://www.eslcafe.com/).
I supplemented the material I found through the above sites with information from the company's website and with the facebook group. I may be naive, but I will admit that the facebook group has done much to alleviate my concerns. It makes a big difference to actually see the faces and names of people who will be in the same boat I may or may not be in.
As a result of everything, I have come to the conclusion that, while I do not know what will happen, I need to take this chance. It may be a leap of faith to accept this position, but most worthwhile things in life are gigantic leaps across giant chasms of riskiness. I will go to Russia with a positive attitude and will take the bad along with the good. Some things may be out of my control, but to go or not to go is my choice.
Have you been to Russia? Have you taught overseas? I would be interested in your comments.
---Your hopefully, soon-to-be Russian Traveler---
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