this is what I'm thinking

[topofthekey]

Since I have this resource I thought I'd use it. I'm finishing up my MBA currently and I've been trying to decide what exactly I want to do here. I've been looking at both the vacation route as well as taking a job overseas. I've done some research and am seriously considering one particular option.

Its weird, but here goes. I'm thinking about taking a job teaching English in South Korea. One reason is that (in most cases) these teachers would be working a lot less than the other jobs I'd be interested in/ slash eligible for. I figure less hours and more time off means more free time. From what I've noticed the salaries in Korea are better than Russian/ FSU countries. I've seen them from low 30k to 50k range. I'd have the opportunity to likely teach business English.

The thought process is that Vladivostok is a short flight away, and I would be a fairly reasonable distance away from other Russian cities. What I'm currently looking at is exactly how much I'd work (meaning how much time I'd have off) and how reasonable airfare is from Seoul to Vladivostok and other destinations. So technically I'm not done checking things out.

I have several reasons for considering this idea. First I think I'd be able to really do some looking and meet a lot of women. Secondly, I wouldn't be forced to make any real difficult decisions right away. I'd be able to take my time and make smart decisions.

I'm not really planning on using any agencies in the process. I was thinking just get out there and meet people or even put in a newspaper ad. I was thinking the ad would make sense and to have an interpeter as well when needed.

Right now I'm really just trying to think things through and develop a gameplan here. I really don't mind going overseas and making less money for a year if it means meeting a lot of quality women.

I'm just posting this for comments. Postive or negative- don't care... just tell me what you think or pass on anything I might have missed.

[I/O]

S-7 (Siberian Airlines) fly Seoul / Novosibirsk several per week. 4 1/2 hour flight. Novosibirsk is 1.4 million people (approx). BTW there is quite few Russians living in Korea.

I/O

[topofthekey]

S-7 (Siberian Airlines) fly Seoul / Novosibirsk several per week. 4 1/2 hour flight. Novosibirsk is 1.4 million people (approx). BTW there is quite few Russians living in Korea.

I/O

i've been recently hitting sites trying to snag some pricing on flights to novosibirsk, vladivostock etc. a lot of the sites in english only give listings that fly out of the USA.

[ConnerVT]

It may be cheaper once you get there, but my initial research puts a RT ticket around $1600-1700 USD.  Flights are Korean Airlines to China, then S7 on to Novosibirsk.

Punch in the airport codes ICN and OVB into the following link.  Works best when you do a month long search, and put in about a one week stay.

http://matrix.itasoftware.com/cvg/dispatch/

[topofthekey]

thanks for the link. your right on the price- a lot of the flights had some killer layovers. I was looking at rates from Seoul to Moscow direct (9 hour) flight for around 1200 USD. That is so much faster than going to Novosibirsk by air. I've seen some nice rates to Vladivostock too. I was pretty dissapointed with how long it would take to get to Novosibrisk and the cost.

I/o maybe I'm looking in the wrong place but I didnt notice anything direct.

[topofthekey]

i hit the s7 website and found a direct flight from seoul to Novosibirsk for around 1100 bucks. thanks

[I/O]

i hit the s7 website and found a direct flight from seoul to Novosibirsk for around 1100 bucks. thanks

You'll do that route return for between $600 and $800 mostly if you get your timing right. We've done it as low as $380. It's 4 1/2 hours flat, usually arrives late morning at OVB. The flight out of OVB is a bit odd, often leaves about 1.30 am. The trick is to find an S-7 agent rather than dealing direct even if they are two doors down the street so to say and then you will often get access to wholesale prices. Unless it is last minute, you'll usually only access retail going direct. There is plenty of agents with web access around Novosibirsk. BTW, Korean Airlines partner with S-7 which maybe helpful if you are booking out of Soeul. http://www.s7.ru/en/about_us/partners/airline_partners.html

I/O

[topofthekey]

You'll do that route return for between $600 and $800 mostly if you get your timing right. We've done it as low as $380. It's 4 1/2 hours flat, usually arrives late morning at OVB. The flight out of OVB is a bit odd, often leaves about 1.30 am. The trick is to find an S-7 agent rather than dealing direct even if they are two doors down the street so to say and then you will often get access to wholesale prices. Unless it is last minute, you'll usually only access retail going direct. There is plenty of agents with web access around Novosibirsk. BTW, Korean Airlines partner with S-7 which maybe helpful if you are booking out of Soeul. http://www.s7.ru/en/about_us/partners/airline_partners.html

I/O

thanks. It would be so easy to go back and forth at these rates and travel times.

[Phil dAmore]

I'm thinking about taking a job teaching English in South Korea. One reason is that (in most cases) these teachers would be working a lot less than the other jobs I'd be interested in/ slash eligible for. I figure less hours and more time off means more free time.

Have you ever taught ESL before?  You must also factor in lesson prep time which will effectively double your working hours (and you don't get paid for lesson prep).

Interesting plan though...

[topofthekey]

Have you ever taught ESL before?  You must also factor in lesson prep time which will effectively double your working hours (and you don't get paid for lesson prep).

Interesting plan though...

I haven't taught before. I know people who have come to the USA from various countries like Bosnia, Hong Kong, Russia.... in many ways talking with them can't be that different from a conversational or business english class. My understanding is they prefer to use Korean teachers to teach grammar, but for a non English major I think I could handle that as well. I'm actually getting in contact with a recruiter and we are discussing working hours (lesson prep) etc. I'm just trying to make sure I get a fair salary with a good school. Not just in Korea but it seems like there are some shady operations out there. I'm trying to use due diligence throughout this process so I'm not annoyed and flying back a month or two later.

[ScottinCrimea]

I don't recall now where I read it, but there was an article that stated that teachers of business English are in big demand in Ukraine and that a teaching contract with a corporation in, say, Kiev can have pretty good pay.  You need to calculate the lesser pay in Russia/Ukraine versus the cost of airfare to there from Korea.  It wouldn't hurt to check out a few other options.  In the meantime, getting certified in teaching ESL would be a good idea either way.

[topofthekey]

I don't recall now where I read it, but there was an article that stated that teachers of business English are in big demand in Ukraine and that a teaching contract with a corporation in, say, Kiev can have pretty good pay.  You need to calculate the lesser pay in Russia/Ukraine versus the cost of airfare to there from Korea.  It wouldn't hurt to check out a few other options.  In the meantime, getting certified in teaching ESL would be a good idea either way.

I've checked everything that I've been able to find in English about teaching in Kiev. I'm not certified in teaching ESL but i will have an MBA and have been told not to bother with an ESL course.

I just haven't seen anything in Kiev or other areas that pays anywhere near what Korea or Japan pays. Its so low from what I've seen that I'd rather just not work for a month and vacation over there.

But I could fly from Seoul to Vladivostok quickly and at pretty reasonable rates. Hey I'm open to any info I haven't been able to locate- but I really didn't see anything in Kiev.

[chivo]

Top,

You're not going find all the information you need on websites.

Not sure what you know about South Korea, but I've heard some horror stories about teaching there.

I can tell you that in Moscow you can easily earn 35-50k your first year, and then if you're good, private lessons will start to be available. That can mean up to 2-4k more a month, depending on how you network, understand the game, speak Russian, and handle yourself.

Moscow is a little more expensive, but once you know your way around, you'll know how to find deals, and the money to be made now at least, is much better than most realize. Oh, did I mention you'll meet more RW women this way than you'll know what to do with.

Class prep does take time, but once you've done it, that time will become much shorter. My initial prep time that took hours, now takes minutes. You won't need to be certified with a MBA that's for sure.

My concern with you after reading some of your comments about the war in Georgia, is your attitude toward Russia, even if it's directed towards the Kremlin. If you think that  any Russian will take kindly to your critique about it, think again. Bringing an "America is the best" and Russia is jacked attitude will get you absolutely nowhere with the people, including its women.

Maybe I'm reading more into it than I should be, and if so, I'll stand corrected, but to be honest, after reading some of your posts on that thread I remember telling myself; "this guy shouldn't be looking in Russia for a wife".

Maybe South Korea has some nice women. Good luck.

chivo

[topofthekey]

Chivo,

I've recently talked with a couple of people that taught over in South Korea and heard stories that aren't so good. I've got an interview coming for a job where I'd work here in the USA but have some time off to do some traveling, so I haven't set any plans in stone.

I'll need to do a little more leg work and research it seems to find teaching jobs in Russia.

As for your comment about my views about the conflict in Georgia- no agrument from me there. I wouldn't say I have an attitude of America knows best as I've differed in opinion from some pretty serious issues that have gone down in the last 8 years, but your point is well received. 

If I'm visiting Russia or working for a year in Russia... I love Russia and stay out of politics.  I have traveled some, so I think I can adapt.

I wouldn't really read into my thoughts posted politically too much. I do wonder how well a moderate to liberal guy like me would be recieved by russian women vs women from ukraine, bulgaria, and estonia. I know if I was moving some place for a year I'd honestly pick Tallinn or Sofia over Moscow.

[chivo]

I've recently talked with a couple of people that taught over in South Korea and heard stories that aren't so good. I've got an interview coming for a job where I'd work here in the USA but have some time off to do some traveling, so I haven't set any plans in stone.

If you have never taught, I can safely say who you teach will make a world of difference in your overall enjoyment of it. For instance, I refused to teach anyone under 18, although I will make rare exceptions. Secondly, adult Russians can be a lot of fun to teach by and large. Compared to Koreans, we're talking night and day.

I'll need to do a little more leg work and research it seems to find teaching jobs in Russia.

Here's a link for Moscow to give you some ideas;
http://www.expat.ru/vacancies.php

If I'm visiting Russia or working for a year in Russia... I love Russia and stay out of politics.  I have traveled some, so I think I can adapt.

I'm sure, but remember Russians can be very sensitive (overly IMO) to any negative talk about Russia, even if it's true. I slip up myself from time to time when talking about America vs Russia and always try to emphasize "different" rather than better or worse.

I wouldn't really read into my thoughts posted politically too much. I do wonder how well a moderate to liberal guy like me would be recieved by russian women vs women from ukraine, bulgaria, and estonia. I know if I was moving some place for a year I'd honestly pick Tallinn or Sofia over Moscow.

You know Moscow wasn't my first choice either when I entertained the thought of moving here. I just realized this was the place that would give me the best opportunity to live similar to the way I did in the states, as well as the best chance to make money to sustain my time here. Make no mistake, Moscow is a cool city with plenty to keep you busy.

To be honest, it has far surpassed my expectations, and is much different than I thought (or was told) before I moved here. Point is, Moscow, like Russia itself, has a reputation that IMO is worse than the reality. My first 2 years here were unbelievably cool.

I've been to Tallinn many times. While blessed with beautiful women and certainly a nice place, it just seems to drab and boring for me (I'm a city boy from LA) over the long run. Not that much to do there, especially in the winter. For a year though, I think it would be OK.

As I mentioned, the money to be made in Moscow far exceeds the money you'll make in other places if it matters. Bulgaria, while inexpensive, is just not up to speed yet for my tastes. Of course to each his own.

As for the people accepting you, well if you're a normal guy with a bit of humility, they'll like you whether you're in Russia, Ukraine, Estonia, ect. Bush, for sure has made it more difficult to be an American around the world, but since I'm Hispanic and can easily pass for an Italian, I just tell people on the street that I'm from Spain or Italy  . Really not much to worry about as far as that is concerned if you respect the culture.

If you do decide to head this way, you're in for some adventure that only a few dare or can enjoy. Whatever you choose, good luck.

chivo

[Doll]

Chivo's comments are very resonable.
Top, out of curiosity- why are you looking both job and woman abroad? Forget women  , but why teaching abroad?

[2tallbill]

Chivo's comments are very resonable.
Top, out of curiosity- why are you looking both job and woman abroad? Forget women  , but why teaching abroad?

I usually get into trouble when I try to determine the motivations of others.

I think that the job and possible finding a woman are linked. He may be using
a job opportunity to find a RW

Just my two kopecks,

Bill

[Doll]

  I sure understand it but for me personally an AM with some stable job in the US would be better.
 Besides trips to Russia cost a lot and take much time. A teacher in the US has a good chance in summer (and around Christmas and also during the spring break)
My 2 kopeks 

[kievstar]

A little advice spend the next two years studying Russian and work in your own country saving money.  Than go get a job there. 

[Doll]

A little advice spend the next two years studying Russian and work in your own country saving money.  Than go get a job there. 

  Stay in your country, save money and use vacations for trips.
How about it?

[BC]

If you do go, chances are you'll find a nice Korean girl and never book a flight.

[topofthekey]

Chivo's comments are reasonable. He's from the big city and well I'm from a city that might total 500k population in there area.... that might explain why I'm leaning more towards Tallinn than Moscow.

As for all the questions about why am I considering teaching English vs. just taking a vacation etc. Hopefully this will answer it. If I'm going to move anywhere for an entire year I'd like to make decent money... sounds like Chivo and I are on the same page salarywise. However some English jobs pay so little it seems hardly worth working. If thats the case then traveling overseas and working in the USA would make more sense.

Meeting women internationally can be an expensive venture. Most of the guys my age are stuck paying back school loans and just aren't at a point in their life where they have the opportunity. I've got a lot of buddies in a situation like that and I'm very fortunate to be able to get on a plane and travel overseas and do what I want.

[Misha]

If I'm going to move anywhere for an entire year I'd like to make decent money... sounds like Chivo and I are on the same page salary wise.

Well, I have yet to meet somebody who went overseas to teach English who came back with a lot of money. At best you break even from what I gather. As Chivo mentions, you can make a decent salary in Moscow, but keep in mind that you won't be able to stay in your babushka's apartment. Rent will cost you at least $800 to $1,000 a month from what I gather if your employer doesn't provide you free or subsidized housing (unless you are willing to travel a few hours each day to a smaller city in the Moscow oblast).

[topofthekey]

Well, I have yet to meet somebody who went overseas to teach English who came back with a lot of money. At best you break even from what I gather. As Chivo mentions, you can make a decent salary in Moscow, but keep in mind that you won't be able to stay in your babushka's apartment. Rent will cost you at least $800 to $1,000 a month from what I gather if your employer doesn't provide you free or subsidized housing (unless you are willing to travel a few hours each day to a smaller city in the Moscow oblast).

Yea I noticed the rates on apartments in Moscow (and no I'm not willing to travel a couple hours a day). Thats the difference I noticed as in South Korea they provide you with a one bedroom flat. I'm not looking to come back with money from an english job. Supposedly American MBAs can get jobs in Russia, but I was purposefully looking at teaching English so I'd have some free time. I've worked full time before in the business field and its hard to accomplish everything you need to in a 40 hour work week. It looks like it will cost 800 bucks or so a month to get an apartment in the old town in Tallinn as well.

[ScottinCrimea]

If you look at it as an opportunity to get some great experience both business wise and personally and not as a way to make money or even break even compared to how you would do in the US you would be asking different questions.  The experiences gained just from living in another country and culture would serve you well in your professional and personal lives for years to come.  I think if one has the opportunity to do it, they should.  Maybe you could view it as a sort of business internship - not a lot of money but great experience.

Of course the nice added advantage of such an experience is the RW.