Tales: contractual problems #1

Samuel Goldwyn is supposed to have said, "A verbal contract isn't worth the paper it's written on." In Russia, the same could often be applied to a written one.

You've got the contract, it doesn't mean you're going to get the cash...

I worked in EFL, teaching English to people who have a different first language. It's fair to say that this profession can attract one or two oddballs, who may not fulfill their part of a contract. Equally, the language school where I worked in Russia did not always deliver on its promises.

baby food

The Director of Studies and I had to interview a five-year old with a view to her having lessons. The little girl, having lived in Boston, USA, for 2 years had an impressive level of English for her age. Also there were her mother and 6-month old sister. Using a book for prompts, she was asked about her favourite food - burgers. Then Helen asked, “Does your sister like burgers?”

Strange connections

While waiting for the kettle to boil, I noticed the Russian bicarbonate of soda on our shelf and started reading the box, as you do,

Russian bicarb

and made the connection with

A match I went to in Khimki, near Moscow

Any guesses?

Is Going to Work in Siberia (or Russia) Right for You?

I went over to Russia for the first time in 2004 to teach English; not just Russia, but to Surgut - a smallish town in the frozen wastes of Siberia. The time was right for me and it was just what I needed. That, however, isn't the case for everyone.

Siberia... snow and apartment blocks... get used to it.

Tips: choosing an EFL language school to work at

When I apply for jobs, these are some things I consider - questions I ask of myself, of the ad and on the phone/ in an interview and obviously vary according to the job and location.