English Language (ESL) Schools in Kiev?

[daveyj]

Does anyone have any recommendations or prior experiences?

Speak-Up
http://www.speak-up.com.ua/eng/
From 12-18 months ago, I've read various complaints from their teachers about payment problems.  But nothing in the last year or so.  My gf was tested as at a 6 on their 12 level rating, and they have an offer of 50% off the price of 27000uah(ie down to 13500uah/$1700) for the instruction to go from level 6 to 12.  It is either 21 months at 3 times a week, or 9 months at 6 days a week, and the student can pick or choose the times of the class, and can put the classes on hold if out of town/etc.

The price ($2/hr)and flexibility seem good, but I'm concerned when I hear about dissatisfied teachers.

British Council
http://www.britishcouncil.org/ukraine.htm
Seems like it is the gold standard of ESL schools in Kiev ($9/hr, but could go lower with a sale maybe). And apparently the only place in Kiev you can take the IELTS test.  But inflexible class times.

Other ESL Schools
http://www.eslbase.com/schools/ukraine

ESL Ukraine Forum for Teachers
http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewforum.php?f=54


Any advice is welcomed.
thx in advance
d.

[ECOCKS]

My wife, son and sister-in-law used it over a one year period and I was the first native speaker teacher they hired. I also placed a half-dozen other teachers there as their contract recruiter.

From the student perspective their system has strengths and weaknesses. Ironically, some of them are one and the same.

Their biggest strength is schedule availability. Students are not tethered to a particular time and day of the week. This works well for highly motivated students who are pushing themselves to learn. Students can attend from early in the morning until late evening by selecting classes they find of interest and can use the computer-based learning programs all day if they wish.

The facilities are spaced around town and are, on the whole, far more modern than any others as of a year or so ago. Very like a college continuing education center with small conference rooms seating 8-10 students max although most classes were 4-6.

The computer-based system can be used continuously all day and there used to be reading materials in the student lounge areas along with free hot and cold bottled water. great place to relax before, between and after classes.

The teachers are a mixed bag now. Without getting into it the original teacher group was among the best but has deteriorated from attrition and protests due to policy changes, payroll issues and the work visa system. Still, you can determine the better teachers and take classes based upon the teacher rather than the topic.

Th computer education component has some problems. There is some outdated language used and a few instances where it's just flatout incorrect. It is also highly Brit-centric as interpreted by Poles so there are slight issues with some of the things taught when coming to the US.

The curriculum has potential and needed updating and refining but does have a good structure and is relatively consistent in its presentation.

Note that some students will not do well in this environment since it requires the student to engage more fully than their system has taught them regarding classroom atmosphere.

My wife started as a 7 and finished at 9, my son went from 8 to 12 and my SIL from 1 to 8.

British Council is expensive, has more rigid scheduling and only had one location in Kyiv. They do have considerable experience at this game though and some of their teachers are excellent, others are not.

I was a regular poster for years on the Dave's Cafe ESL Forum and actually had them open Ukraine as a separate forum from Russia/CIS section.

What other questions do you have? We can do them here, chat or (OMG!) via PM.

[daveyj]

Ecocks,

Rarely has the term "hero member" been more apropos.  Thank you very much for your swift, comprehensive and excellent reply!  I think you have answered my questions. 

My only concern with them would be paying $1700 upfront, out of concern they might go belly up tomorrow.  But I think there are few ways of avoiding that risk.  I think I will propose that we pay in 2 installments, and see if they will leave the price the same.

[ECOCKS]

Re: Going Bellyup

Unlikely. They are a division of a multi-billion dollar Polish company which owns retail store chains offering shoes, lingerie, purses, clothing for men/women/children, bookstores, children's toys and so on. While nothing is guaranteed, they are less likely to fold than many of the other fly-by-night operations in Ukraine.

They will probably work with you on two installments out to around 60 or 90 days apart but be sure your woman has expressed comfort with their system.

You're welcome to Skype me or drop over to chat if you want additional info.

[daveyj]

An update on Speak Up...
It's been 4+ months of English lessons in Kiev for my GF, and everything is going fine.  We went with the 5 levels package for approx $1400.  She is half way through, and hanging in there with some 15 odd hours of classes a week.  She is up to level 9 now.  Also, her roommate (who has a Russian bf) is now taking lessons as well.  They both seem to be having fun, as well as learning at a reasonable pace.
dj

[ECOCKS]

Glad it is going well for you! Hang in there!