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Testimonials
Soraya Brandao
 I was so happy when asked to write about living and working in Moscow and my experience with BKC-IH, because the 8 months I've spent here so far have been simply amazing!
At first I feared I wouldn't get used to the freezing weather since where I come from (Brazil) it doesn't even snow. However, not only did I survive my first "below-zero" experience but am also ready to face the next winter during my second contract.
I feel really blessed because I've never had any problems, staff has always been extremely supportive and cheerful, and my students are absolutely adorable!
I've been a teacher for 13 years now and left my country because I wanted a life-changing and challenging experience. Coming here was my best decision ever. I can literally say I multi-teach: I teach Playway groups, Young Learners, General English, Ielts and Toefl prep courses at the MBA center, in-company groups.... a little bit of everything so I won't have time to get bored :P
Everybody kept telling me that Russians were cold, unfriendly and never smiled. Well, don't expect to get any love from babushkas on the metro, but rest sure that if you put your heart into what you are doing, your students will respond in a way that might surprise you! (trust me on that- I've never been so pampered nor received as many gifts as I did here.)
If you want to get the most of your time working for BKC-IH, be willing to take challenges (like teaching VYL) have a positive attitude, be flexible and please be nice to Timetable ladies :)
Roberto Azzolina
 I have worked for BKC-IH since November 2008 and I should say I haven't realised yet how time can fly. I landed on a rainy day in November and now I am enjoying the vibrant summer life in Moscow. It is an amazing city, cosmopolitan, with magnificent examples of old architecture and with round-the-clock services. The place to be and definitely (sorry, Liza!) a city that doesn't sleep and has a lot to offer.
This is my first contract with BKC-IH and am looking forward to starting the second one. I've had so much fun teaching, meeting up with colleagues, going to trips, having a good laugh in the teachers' room while preparing my lessons in those long winter days. I found the teacher training a very valuable tool to improve all my skills and the seminars were very helpful, too. So definitely a place to be and definitely (sorry, Liza!) a city that doesn't sleep and has a lot to offer. A fantastic experience and a professional growth far beyond my expectations. All the staff have been treating me professionaly and the management has always been there to answer any questions I might have had!
Lydia Khudova
 When you’re asked to write about yourself, to say how it feels like to work for … (fill out any company you wish), you’re mostly at a loss. And not because you have nothing to say - on the contrary, there’s so much you feel like writing that you end up with a 100-page book no-one will read ‘from cover to cover’... Anyway, back to your muttons, so to speak. Will do my best to cut the long story short…
I’ve been working for BKC for almost 2 years now and think that I’ve found my ‘vocation’ and the place where I belong (if you know what I mean ;-)). And no matter where or who I worked with, be it babies, kids, teens, adults, in-company classes-students from all walks of life - I had a hunch there was something much better yet to come. Some companies, being warm staff-like, lacked a chance for professional development. Others were a tad hostile and too rigid. Well, anyway, the moment I began with BKC, I did feel the difference.
Being Russian, and on top of that, originally from Moscow, and having been a decent teacher for some 9 years, you are bound to be able to compare. Besides, the more communicative you are (can’t say am an introvert, not in the least), the more people you get to know - the more of them ask you for advice and help in terms of the language. Unfortunately, couldn’t recommend my previous companies, as knew them inside out. Not the case with BKC (though also have got to know a lot about it). My close friends even smile at times and say that our Marketing Dept should pay me extra for promoting the school (hope some of them are reading my ‘thingy’ now ;-) ).
And what do I find that awesome? The staff who are ready to give a helping hand, the colleagues who are so smart, understanding, compassionate and witty (and that’s so contagious indeed))), the resources and course books as such that are well-thought through and suitable for various groups, one-to-ones and others, be they regular ones, intensive, super intensive, etc – still, teacher- and student-friendly and well-tailored to their needs (though there’re no limits to perfection here…).
Well, you might be a bit critical here and say that I’m exaggerating. And I’ve heard a number of teachers whinge about this and that… Still, I’ve been with Russian state schools, Unis, babylands, other language schools and so have an idea what it is like to be a language teacher there. At least in Russia, BKC is the best option for a teacher!
So, I’m grateful to all the people I am with here -they’re a fab company to be with (by the way, even the students are different here, and I am most lucky to be with the best ones ;-)))!..
Dave Connolly
 Hi my name is Dave and I'm the ADOS at Tverskaya. I'm starting my 4th year in Moscow and have been teaching at BKC since the beginning. The school and the city offer great variety. I started here teaching preschoolers and now teach business English to adults. I'm originally from NZ and have been teaching and travelling on and off for almost 10 years.
Wayne mentions above the "hallowed halls" of Tverskaya. Tverskaya is the largest central school where the in-company office and teacher training are located. It's a popular location for lesson planning and meeting other teachers and is supported by a friendly and efficient administration team.
Tverskaya and BKC in general, is a haven for all sorts of interesting people with interesting stories, both staff and students. It's been said that there aren't good or bad places, only good and bad people, I've been very fortunate to have met a lot of wonderful people here. (October 2007)
Chris Adams
I came to Moscow at the end of October to start my first teaching contract as a newly qualified teacher. I did very thorough research and chose BKC out of a handful of choices. I couldn't have been happier with my decision.
The staff here has been nothing but great given that my problems have been addressed quickly and efficiently. I also get the feeling that people actually care whether the teachers are happy or not, which is extremely important in my mind. The ADOS's have been very helpful as well. They're always willing to answer any questions or concerns about either teaching or just living in Moscow. Many of them have turned out to be not only my superiors but my friends as well. As far as classes go, I have quite a variety of levels and ages. My youngest class is Playway, which is an absolute beginner class with children aged 3 to 6 years. I was completely terrified of teaching this class at first but it has turned out to be my favourite. I also teach adults, teenagers, and 7 to 9 year olds. I teach these in two different schools and days can be long but I always reward myself with a night out on the weekends. There is a good group of teachers here and it's a nice change of pace to hang out with people from other countries. So far I'm the only Canadian in my group of friends and teachers are usually from the UK or America.
As for Moscow as a city, I think it's awesome. There's so much to do and see so I've never been bored with the exception of being at my flat on weekdays. I would advise to bring a laptop or buy a T.V. here so you can watch T.V. or DVD's. You'd be surprised how much you would use it. The choice of bars, clubs, and cafes to go to here is huge and other cities are just a train ride away (should you need to get out of Moscow the odd time for a change). Apart from petty theft, Moscow is just like any other major city. I have had a couple of bad experiences but it hasn't stopped me from enjoying my stay here. Friends are great moral support when you need it. And as for the weather, this year was the coldest winter in years. Being from Canada I have noticed that we share a similar climate so I wasn't too bothered. Of course there was the odd day where it was very, very cold, but it was always manageable. My roommate, on the other hand, found the weather to be a bit colder. He's from San Francisco, however. Nonetheless, Moscow is really beautiful in the winter.
All in all my experience for my first four months has lived up to all my expectations, and I haven't second-guessed my decision at all. If you are planning to work in Moscow as an ESL teacher, I highly recommend BKC.
Dan Genovese
Why I chose to live and teach in Russia:
As a teacher who has taught all over Europe, I must say that Moscow is the most exciting city I've been to. The golden-domed splendor of the Kremlin cathedrals, the mini-museums contained within each metro station, the bustle of city life and the liveliness of the people--there is never a boring moment in this Russian town. What's more, BKC has been reliable and accomodating, and has provided me with opportunities to develop my teaching career. Moscow, therefore, is a must-come for anyone interested in exploring the so-called "Wild Wild East."
Douglas Cardamone
 After studying English and Russian Literature in California, I decided to work for BKC to improve my Russian and spend some time abroad before I start graduate school. Teaching has been a (mostly) wonderful experience, and I find it nice to have the opportunity to work with all age groups and levels. You have to work hard, but after the first month or two of learning the ropes, you can have an active social life. There are plenty of things to do, from theater and museums to all-night clubs and bars. I prefer the latter. Moscow is an interesting, vibrant city, but you better come with some street smarts if you want to be safe. If you don't expect nice living conditions, lots of spending money, and other luxuries, and you can handle the ridiculous cold, this job can be a marvelous experience. It has been for me. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions: dcardamone58@hotmail.com
Sarah Coyle
Hi! My name is Sarah and I've been working for BKC for six months. I'm the Senior Teacher for Very Young Learners and I work in Kropotkinskaya Playgroups, teaching children between 3-7 years old. If you're interested in teaching VYL or YL there are many opportunities for you here. New kids' classes begin all the time and we are always looking for lively, energetic and enthusiastic individuals to join the team! . Many of our teachers hadn't taught kids before they came here, so BKC is ideal whether you want to have a go for the first time or whether you are experienced. As for myself, I spent two years teaching kids in Japan before coming to Russia. People ask me all the time how Japanese and Russian children compare. Well, all I can say is, four year olds are four year olds, wherever they come from in the world.....! As for Moscow, it's all an experience....and despite the freezing weather, I can honestly say an enjoyable one. You will find cheap vodka, cool bars, great museums, famous sights, beautiful kids and many friends!
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Sarah Whitehead
 Moscow's a fabulous city to live and work in. Whatever you like doing, from dressing up for the Bolshoi to dancing with the buskers in the subways, it's all here. Take galleries for example, Moscow is swimming in them. One of the best, the New Trechakov, boasts one of the best collections of modern art and recently held an exhibition of Andy Warhol versus Russian pop art and, it has to be said, the Russian stuff was definitely more interesting: massive, mental collages with glitter aeroplanes and stuffed hearts alongside surreal plates of fish and eggs and satirical copies of Warhol classics. Even with the surcharge for being a foreigner the galleries are reasonably priced, you can spend all day trawling from one to another and still afford to go for a much needed pint afterwards.
Getting around from area to area in Moscow is surprisingly easy with the metro running till 1 in the morning and, if you miss the last one, you can always go back to the bar and wait till they start again at 5. As with any big city, of course, you have to be aware of street crime and keep your wits about you but no more than in, for example, London or Barcelona.
The cost of living here's such that it's entirely up to you how much you spend. You can go to ex-pat bars, watch international bands at large venues, join a gym and live from pay check to pay check or you can go to Russian bars and watch local bands, do sit-ups in your bedroom and find money left over to visit places outside Moscow or for a holiday in the sun after the long winter. And it is long! Having said that, the six month grudge fight you can have with snowballs and particularly tenacious friends makes stepping outside entertaining to say the least, and the snow brightens up the whole city magnificently making the Kremlin look like a ginger bread cake coated in icing that you just want to sink your teeth into.
In the summer cafe-culture appears on the streets in a big way with practically every cafe, bar and restaurant spilling out onto the pavement in the sun. Watching the fashion victims walking up the Old Arbat from the comfort of a terrace table with a drink in hand is one of the best summer pastimes. When we think of Moscow, although we tend to think only of winter, it really does have four seasons with the streets running like rivers with the thaw in the spring, the hot and dusty air of summer and the leaves littering the boulevards in the autumn. I love it!
Along with this fun, of course, you do have to work! A typical day at BKC involves teaching in the morning at one of the central schools (or maybe an In-company business class), staying there to plan for a few hours, going for lunch with some of the other teachers, then travelling out to one of the many satellite schools to teach a couple of classes and finishing at around nine o'clock. The hours might sound unsociable but most of the other teachers have a similar schedule so there's no shortage of people to hook up with once you've finished. With around 150 other teachers here and a policy of support and development, it's practically impossible to feel isolated from day one. You will be expected to do a fair amount of travelling but if you see it as time to catch up on your reading, learn your Russian vocab or do something else useful it won't get you down. As there's always plenty of experienced people on hand to help you shouldn't feel out of your depth, whether your question's about the present perfect or how to ask for tomatoes in a produkty!
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Sheri Cavazos
I arrived in Moscow in September knowing three words in Russian, nyet (no), dah (yes) and vodka (vodka). Needless to say, I was an inexperienced traveler and this was to be my first stamp on my brand-spanking new passport. Although excitement and the desire for adventure overrode my anxiousness, I was still a bit apprehensive when landing at SHeremotevo Airport. Who was I going to meet? Where was I going? Would I be able to do anything without Russian Language? Did I accidentally bring anything illegal into the country? Would I end up in a seedy Russian prison with a man in a fur hat and a military jacket demanding that I sign my life away? All of these questions were running through my mind, when I saw it. My name, on a piece of paper. BKC representatives, met me at the airport with a car, money and the magical BKC packet which explained everything… perfect. No Russian prison for me. This is not the only reason I chose to "re-sign" my contract with BKC Moscow, but it has to be said that the administration and senior teachers at BKC go out of their way to make sure that the new arrivals are taken care of. There is a great support staff and always someone on duty 24 hours…just in case.
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