FAQ Teaching at BKC-IH
Frequently asked questions
Answered by Mick Calvett
Do I need to be qualified to teach EFL?
Yes. You must have one of the internationally recognized TEFL qualifications. The most widely recognized are the Cambridge CELTA and the Trinity Certificate in TESOL. We also recognize an MA in TESOL, if there is documented proof as assessed teaching practice component. In certain cases we accept some equivalents of the above.
Since I already have a TEFL and TESOL certification, would I be placed immediately, or would I need to take additional courses?
There are several stages involved with every applicant at BKC. If you have TEFL that is not CELTA/RSA, or Trinity TESOL, we will look at your application on its own merits (course length, hours of teaching practice, experience after course and teaching experience).
Do I need to be qualified to teach Modern Languages?
Yes. You must have either an internationally recognized certificate in foreign language teaching or a degree in humanities (preferably linguistics or teaching).
I have experience in teaching but no internationally recognized certificate. Will I get a job?
No. An internationally recognized certificate in foreign language teaching is essential. As far as English language teaching is concerned, you can obtain a Cambridge CELTA certificate at the Teacher Training Centre in Moscow. For those with years of experience and no recognized qualification we can recommend you try the Lingua.ru school of English.
I am a newly qualified teacher with no experience. Will BKC-IH employ me?
Lack of experience is not a major drawback. The decision on your employment will depend on how successfully you perform your pre-interview task and pass the phone interview.
Must I have a university degree to teach a language?
As far as the English language is concerned, a degree is desirable but not obligatory as long as you have one of the internationally recognized certificates in TEFL (see above).
As for Modern Languages, you must have either a degree in humanities (preferably linguistics or teaching) or an internationally recognized certificate in foreign language teaching (see above).
Can I teach a language if I am not a native speaker?
Yes, if you have an internationally recognized certificate in foreign language teaching and your spoken and written language is at proficiency level.
Do I need to know Russian language?
No. The ability to speak Russian is not a requirement for teaching a foreign language. However, a rudimentary knowledge of Russian can make your out-of-school life easier and enrich your experience. At BKC-IH you will be able to take Russian courses at half the regular price.
Do I need to be a certain age?
If you are between 21 and 50 years old, then you will have preference over those who are younger or older than that. We may consider applications from older teachers depending on their capabilities and experience.
Who will my students be?
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You must be prepared to teach students of all ages, of all levels, in groups or one to one, general language, business language, exam preparation and so on. At the same time, you will gain full academic support from our DOSes and ADOSes in doing so.
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What time of the year is best for applying?
Generally speaking, you can apply at any time of the year, as we enrol students all year round. The busiest teaching time is from September to May. Therefore, to get a job starting in September, you better apply from March through summer.
Teachers of what Modern Languages are required at BKC-IH?
Normally we have 2 or 3 full-time openings for teachers of French, German, Italian and Spanish. At times there is a demand for teachers of such languages as Greek, Turkish, Portuguese, Arabic, Japanese and Chinese.
What benefits are provided to the teachers?
The major benefits of the teachers' contract include airfare reimbursement, free accommodation, paid holiday and health cover. We also provide consulate fee reimbursement, sick pay, transport pass, Russian courses at half price, bonus on the completion of the contract and other minor benefits.
Frequently asked questions
Answered by Mick Calvett
Do you ever teach children? Any good tips for things to bring with me?
I teach teenagers and adults at all levels, but also one class of kids. A soft ball - foam type/tennis size is a good idea to take - possession by the student gives them the right/obligation to answer a question - throwing it around gives a welcome break for their kangaroo brains.
Talking books are a good aid and fill in/colouring alphabet etc books and, of course, kids' songs on tape. The centre schools in Moscow have a good range of reference and resource materials. There is a Young Learners Co-ordinator as well. Most kids are dedicated learners, because their parents are paying big money for their education.
Being yourself and being organised works. If you have kids/teens keep calm, keep them busy and keep them talking to you and each other. Be insistent on the use of English, but don't get angry or worried if you hear Russian, as long as it's not persistent.
The use of games is something you play by ear - but leave them until the end of the lesson, warm-ups should be calmer - educational. 10 minute long activities for kids, 20/25 minutes for teens work well.
What's the feedback like with BKC-IH?
The feedback is good at BKC, there are observed lessons after your first month and then every 3 months or so - they are usually fairly positive experiences and backup is generally good. If you are having problems, both the senior staff and your fellow teachers will help out - mutual support is strong, if you ask.
Is it quite a relaxed or tense atmosphere?
The schools usually have a fairly relaxed atmosphere - the main point of contention seems to be timetables and associated travel - sometimes long days are required and split shifts- but there is give and take if you are persistent. You need to be honest about how you feel and be prepared for compromise. There are business classes that start early though - these and children's classes usually create the split shifts.
Do you enjoy working for them?
I have enjoyed almost all of the teaching in Moscow - the students are a revelation compared with state school students back home.
Generally I have got along well with the administration, they are usually responsive and considerate. Occasionally if I get frustrated and boil over, people seem to let me calm down then deal with whatever brought it about.
To help with your professional development there are monthly seminars on Saturdays, part of your contractual obligations, and they are a mix of practical hints and more esoteric topics geared to EFL - you choose 2 from 6 or more choices.
When the going gets tough there are teacher representatives - I'm one of them - to try to help sort through whatever it is.
What did you find the pressure of fitting the syllabus into the allotted time like? When you first started, did you find planning very difficult?
The timing for the "syllabus" - 1/3 of the book per level, or similar, is OK - the students expect you to cover the major areas of their books.
When you take over a new class, try to find out exactly where they are up to and how long before they need to be tested - every 8 weeks or so there is a test - provided by the school, so you teach 4/5 chapters for 7 weeks, then test and feedback in the last week. I've been teaching for 30 years so the planning was not too difficult, but in your first 2/3 months you will need to allow quite a lot of time for planning - probably going into the centre schools where the best resources are. With children's or teen classes there are different variations - the school provides pacing schedules to help you plan.
Will I be teaching at 2 different schools each day?
Most teachers work at 2 or 3 different schools each week. It is quite possible to teach at 2 or even 3 different locations some days, depending on your timetable. Usually these schools are not too far away from each other. However, if you have one or two in-company classes, then it is very likely that you will have to travel more.
Where is the provided housing located?
Currently there are 2 completed ring roads in Moscow. The provided housing is usually between the inner ring road and the outer ring road. Travelling time between the provided housing and location of work rarely exceeds one hour, and then only if you choose a flat located away from your teaching locations.
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