Teaching English in Russia

Everything you need to know about teaching English in the biggest country on Earth.

Living in the biggest country in the world is definitely something to consider if you like extremes, adventure, culture and things a little less obvious.

If that’s you, you might be surprised to hear what Russia has got to offer you. Teaching English is in demand, so don’t worry about that job. Instead, get ready to experience a lifestyle you’ve never lived before in this mysterious land.

English teachers in Russia get paid based on experience, qualifications and the position they’re taking. While there are lots of positions for newly-qualified teachers, access to higher-paid positions will require a bit of experience.

Here’s a run-down of how the market looks:

Teachers can generally expect to make at least $1,000 a month, and that’s with little/no experience. Private language schools sometimes come with extras like housing and airfare, which can save you a lot of money, but it’s not always the case – so be sure to check when discussing with potential schools.

If you have a few years of teaching experience, or a degree related to teaching, you could consider working for an international school or university. These options pay more, but expect teachers to put in more hours of work each week.

Aside from teaching children and teenagers, there’s also a rather large market for teaching English in a corporate environment as many Russian adults want to improve their English so that they can do more business abroad.  You’ll find private language schools which cater to adults and children, and private tutoring can be a good option to further supplement your wages.

When you live in a big city like Moscow or St. Petersburg, a large chunk of your salary goes to rent. Prices for a meal outdoors aren’t as cheap in Asia, but not crazy like Europe either. Shopping at local markets can save you money and public transport isn’t expensive.

Russia is huge, with a wide range of environments to teach in. However, not all places are popular with teachers, and some smaller towns/cities have reputations for being more challenging to live in. 

If it’s going to be your first time visiting Russia, we’d recommend sticking with one of the major cities as you’re more likely to find a good job and live a comfortable life.

Here are our top picks for new teachers in Russia:

Can’t picture Russian food? You’re in for a surprise because many delicacies can be found within the borders of this huge country. Russia is anything but tropical, but that doesn’t mean the cuisine is any less exotic than other places around the world and trying your first dishes will definitely be an adventure.