Five Reasons to Teach Overseas in Moscow
Moscow isn’t necessarily the first place that comes to mind when you think about teaching overseas. But it’s becoming an increasingly popular destination for teachers because of the many unique and fascinating opportunities the city has to offer, and the excellent opportunities within its international schools. Here are TIC’s top 5 reasons for teaching in Russia’s most celebrated city:
1. You’ll live in a vibrant, energetic and beautiful city
Moscow is a cosmopolitan city with a great history and incredible architecture. It’s home to the Bolshoi ballet, the world-renowned Metro, and the Kremlin, and cultural attractions and entertainment are extensive. The transport is incredibly cheap and the Metro is considered one of the very best in the world. While the city can be expensive at times, the prices vary depending where you shop. Moscow’s expat community is growing and while you don’t need to learn Russian to be able to get by, recognising the alphabet is certainly an advantage. This can be picked up over time while you’re living there.
2. You’ll have the chance to develop as a teacher
More than 80 of Russia’s 100 international schools are located in Moscow. TIC works with many of these schools. They deliver a range of curricula; from the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) to the National Curriculum of England and the International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes. The schools TIC work with are very supportive to their teachers and offer many opportunities to develop professionally. To see a list of current vacancies at the international schools in Moscow click here.
3. The weather is varied and brings with it many sporting opportunities
Summer in Moscow is great, regularly hitting 30 degrees, and when the weather is good there’s a lively café society in the city. Although the winters are harsh, the change of season brings new sports opportunities like cross country skiing and ice skating. Just make sure you pack appropriate clothing for both seasons. A long faux fur coat and hat in Moscow is a necessity, not a luxury!
4. There’s always something to do and see
The Moscovites say ‘Moscow never sleeps’ and this is true; there is always something to do or see. There’s a wonderful selection of museums, galleries, theatres, concert halls and the world-famous Bolshoi Ballet. You might also want to try some of the unique cultural experiences while you’re there, such as the Russian tradition of banya. Since mediaeval times Russian towns and villages have had a steam house where men and women would sit steaming themselves, beating one another with venniki (branches of birch leaves) before rolling in the snow! Today a person can choose between mixed or single-sex banya, and there are pools of cold water rather than snow…but the birch leaves remain (optional!).
5. You’ll be able to travel to some fascinating places
Russia is an enormous and intriguing country to explore. If you’re looking to venture past Moscow, there are many opportunities to visit historic and beautiful towns in Russia’s ‘Golden Ring’. Beyond Moscow itself, you can visit the stunning vast forests and blue lakes of the East, and interesting, cosmopolitan cities such as St. Petersburg. Or, you could ride the famous Trans-Siberian Express – definitely a life experience to be proud of!
If you are interested in teaching in Moscow, you can view current vacancies here. If you are interested in teaching internationally, register with TIC here for free. It’s quick and easy and gives you access to many international school jobs in reputable, accredited international schools, some that are not advertised anywhere else.
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Wendy Hartrey
Design Technology Teacher