Teaching in Oktyabrsky

[TheHorseman]

I just got back a month ago from Oktyabrsky Russia.  This was my second trip there in the last 7 months.  I haven't been through all the post in this site, I just became a member the other day.  I think it is a great site and can't wait to read more of the forums.

I haven't seen any thing on Teaching English in Russia or Ukraine on here yet so I thought I would add to with my story.

I kind of stumbled into teaching after finding a book in the net call "Cheap Ticket to Russia".  The book outlined several ideas about how to go to Russia at little or no expense.  Though most of the ideas involved buying and selling of one kind or another there was one idea that caught my attention about teaching English.  The book explained that there was a large demand for Native English speaking people and that there were many schools that could be found online. 

It didn't take long and I had a couple of offers.  One was an Agency that wanted me to pay for placement in a school.  The other was from a small school deep in the heart of Russia.  The director, Guzel, sent me information about the school, it students, and the city it was located in.  She explained that Oktyabrsky was located about 200 km west of Ufa and that it had a population of about 140,000 people.

I didn't tell her I was actually hoping to find a lady while I was there, but after I sent my picture she warned me that the women in this town would use the wiles to catch an American like myself.  The trip was the most fantastic experience for me.  I couldn’t have had a better time with my hosts, the school and the students.  The first trip of 4 weeks seemed to end much too quickly and once I was home I was already planning a second trip, it was 6 weeks.  Now I am planning another trip and hoping to stay at least six months.

Once I figure out how to put in a picture I will post a couple.
I am almost done with a new book about the experience called "Oklahoma to Oktyabrsky"  My friend in St Petersburg dubbed me the Oktyabrsky Cowboy after seeing picture of me wearing my cowboy hat there.  The locals had never seen a real cowboy before.  Some of the looks were priceless,

Will

[jb]

This is a story I can't wait to read.

Welcome to the board.

[BillyB]

Once I figure out how to put in a picture I will post a couple.

Welcome Will,

As you type in your next installment, look to the lower left corner of the screen you type in and press "Additional Options". Then You can Attach a photo by using the "browse" feature to search the folders you keep you photos in.

I'm sure you had lots of attention in Oktyabrsky from the women! I hope the infatuated students stayed focused on learning English.

[TheHorseman]

To tell the truth I really didn't get that much attention from the women.  I was introduced to a woman through another teacher and spent most of my time with her..... Sadly she broke it of about a week before I went back..... I was going back to surprise her for her birthday. 

But I had a great time anyway and I went to St petes fro a few days too.  I really didn't like St Petersburg as much as I did Oktyabrsky.  I guess I am a small town kinda guy.

The picture is   Alsou, Ruslan, me, Guzel and Regina.  Ruslan is a student, the others are teachers.

[Bruno]

To tell the truth I really didn't get that much attention from the women.
...
The picture is   Alsou, Ruslan, me, Guzel and Regina.  Ruslan is a student, the others are teachers.

And what about you director, Guzel... Is she free? She seem a charming lady and it is her who have say "after I sent my picture she warned me that the women in this town would use the wiles to catch an American like myself". If she have say something like this, it is certainly because she find you attractive... 

About other who will try a similar experience, i recommend read the Richard topic about "Job Opportunities in Russia" at http://www.russianwomendiscussion.com/index.php?topic=1270.0 ...

The last one was for a English teacher in Sunny, salary $1700-2800 pcm... 

[chivo]

And what about you director, Guzel... Is she free? She seem a charming lady and it is her who have say "after I sent my picture she warned me that the women in this town would use the wiles to catch an American like myself". If she have say something like this, it is certainly because she find you attractive... 

About other who will try a similar experience, i recommend read the Richard topic about "Job Opportunities in Russia" at http://www.russianwomendiscussion.com/index.php?topic=1270.0 ...

The last one was for a English teacher in Sunny, salary $1700-2800 pcm... 

The school is Suny Plus and its located in Moscow. Good school but you will need to be certified. good luck.

chivo

[TheHorseman]

I am sorry to say that Guzel is married.  Though I think the thought did cross both our minds at one time or another.  I have become very good friends with her husband Rafis.

About teaching in Russia, there is a website that I have been writing Articles for called Visarus.  http://visarus.co.uk  You can get more information about teaching there.  I also have the school advertised on a page on my website http://www.my-russia.org

I doubt that you will find any schools paying that kind of money in Russia, but if you do let me know I know several people there right now that will jump at that.  In St Petes you can make as much as $1000  if you are lucky and you work your ass off. 

I should have my book done in a couple weeks.  I also have other books ready on my site.  I am glad I found this site,,, great Forums.  Thanks for the Welcome guys!

Will

[TheHorseman]

Sorry,,,, a better link to the Teaching site is
http://www.visarus.co.uk/community/index

[tim 360]

Welcome aboard Cowboy Will and I am sure you have an interesting story or 2 to tell arouind the RWD campfire.

Ya know,  it may not have been the cowboy hat that put some RW off...might have been the spurs?  Cheerio, Tim360

[Rvrwind]

Never had my hat scare off any of the ladies. In fact I think I started something new as there are a couple of Russian guys runnin' around Tver with Cowboy Hats now. Even sellin the half boots at the market I noticed. Cowboy boot heel & toe but only half the hieght on the tops. I'm slowly educatin' them.

[TheHorseman]

The hat was the first thing that caught their eye.  Even when I didn't wear it the belt buckle gave me away.  It is kind of big, but I didn't want to loose my pants.

I have orders for all the cowboy belt buckles I can carry into the country.  I left my hat With Guzel.  She really like it and said if I leave it she was sure I would come back.  She got me a multi entry visa good for a year.  I can't wait to go back.  I have a lot of business Ideas to help her school and a few for myself.  It's open range over there.  No time like the present to build a future.

I added a few pages to the book today.  I am getting to where I can see finishing it soon.  Still playing with the book cover.

Will