Foreign Language Centre

David Begley, Great Britain, teacher of English

(Glasgow University, Master’s degree with Honours, Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages)

"I decided to teach because I have a great passion for education myself, and have both witnessed and experienced the wonderful things it can achieve in all areas of study, and am therefore keen to play my part in passing knowledge on to those who wish to receive it. Great joy can be experienced in learning, and as a teacher, great satisfaction can be taken from that knowledge. Moreover, as a Scot visiting Russia to teach English, I will myself be learning about the culture, lifestyle, people and language of a nation with a long and great history - something that appeals greatly to me"

A few words about REWARD on completion of job contract

I’m here in Volgograd working for Reward for the second time, and, just like last year, I’ve had a fantastic time. The fact that I came back to work with the company for a second time should be endorsement enough, however, I can say a few more words about it.

For me, the best thing about the company is the staff. There is a wonderful, enthusiastic, friendly and talented group of people involved in all areas of the company, all of whom have made my working experience as enjoyable and easy as possible. Many of these people have become more than just colleagues and are people I consider good friends.

The general set up of the company makes for a pleasurable working experience as we have small classes, comfortable, modern classrooms which are all fully equipped with TV’s, DVD players, white boards etc. Furthermore, as teachers, we have access to a large and varied library of teaching materials to supplement our standard teaching texts. These range from simple extra hand outs for grammar or vocabulary, to additional listening material, to videos and movies with matching worksheets/handouts.

Reward is a company with big ambitions and is constantly striving to both improve and grow, which is an encouraging thing for everyone as none of us staff want to feel like we’re in a stagnant job or company.

One more great thing about the Reward is its language weekend and summer camps. Throughout the year we host a series of “nation themed” (i.e. Visiting Scotland weekend, or Visiting Canada weekend etc) weekend language camps for both adults and for children. These camps are both great fun for the students and great fun (and hard work) for the teachers. At the adult camps, the students have the challenge of speaking only English for the whole weekend whilst they take part in a series of fun activities based on learning about the particular nation to be studied that weekend. The children’s weekend camps have a similar structure, but without quite as much pressure on them to speak English the whole weekend – they are just kids after all!! At both camps, the students have had nothing but positive feedback.

The summer camps are also very popular amongst our young students and both camps last three weeks. Working at this camp with 100 children was a fantastic experience, made so fantastic by the fact the children were great and that my colleagues were all really lovely people and good fun to work with. It was the first time I’d worked in a camp for more than just a weekend, and I was very pleasantly surprised to find it so much fun! More importantly, the kids all absolutely love these camps!

All in all, I have no complaints about my time with Reward and found myself very happy in Volgograd working with these great people again and would happily return yet again in the future.

Ben Hiscox, Great Britain, teacher of English, MA

(MA with Honours (University of Glasgow, Great Britain), Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages (ISIS language centre in Greenwich, London), Master of Humanities (University of Turku, Finland))

"I’ve been interested in Russian history for a long time and that’s why I am very happy to be here in Volgograd. I decided to apply for a job in “Reward" because the school seemed to be a great place for teaching and the staff very friendly. (And fortunately I was right twice!) I have always been keen on teaching and I am looking forward to meeting my new students here in Russia!"

A few words about REWARD on completion of job contract

It has been nearly seven months since I arrived in Volgograd and started teaching English at FLC Reward, but it feels like a lot less time has passed. My experience of living here has been overwhelmingly positive, and I have particularly enjoyed working for Reward.

The experience which I have gained from Reward, both through teaching my usual classes and from the seminars that the company put on for new teachers, has been immensely useful. This was my first full-time teaching job, and I feel that over my time here I have learnt just as much as I have taught. My confidence in front of classes, my knowledge of teaching methodology, and my general teaching ability have all improved a great deal over my time at Reward. I feel that the seminars at the beginning of my stay here were particularly important, as not only did they highlight Reward’s preferred teaching style, but they also allowed me to meet other teachers.

The staff at Reward have been very welcoming, and both managers and teachers were always ready to help when I had difficulties. Although my first few weeks here were quite challenging, as I had to find my feet in a new culture whilst simultaneously adapting to working as an English teacher, matters rapidly became easier as I settled in to life in Volgograd. The openness of the people I worked with certainly helped this transition. My students also helped matters, as although they were varied widely, both in terms of age and of their level of English, they were universally friendly and eager to learn English.

Whilst here I particularly enjoyed the ‘extra-curricular’ language camps I participated in. The two Scotland weekends were great fun (and meant that I got to wear a kilt for the first time in my life), and I hope were beneficial to the students who attended. The ‘Discovering Canada’ summer camp, meanwhile, was a lot of work, but also very enjoyable. The children who attended were fantastic, very motivated and surprisingly well-behaved, and my only complaint about it would concern the weather. I just don’t think that the English are cut out for 40+ degree heat!

Outside of the classroom, I have really enjoyed living in Volgograd. This was my first real experience of ‘provincial’ Russia (outside of Moscow and St Petersburg), and I have been really impressed by how friendly and polite everyone I have met has been. I have made some really good friends over my time here, particularly amongst the students and staff of Reward, and I will miss everyone when I leave. I look forward to visiting Volgograd again in the future, as I cannot imagine never returning to the city.

Overall, I would certainly recommend Reward to anyone with an interest in teaching English, especially if they are also interested in Russian history and culture. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working here, and wish everyone at the company all the best for the future.

Jenifer Rosemeier, USA, teacher of English

(Master of Arts in English Education with Honours (Truman State University), Bachelor of Arts in English with Honours (Truman State University), Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages (Via Lingua School, Florence, Italy)

"I am very happy to be working at Reward. I think it is a great chance to not only meet new people, but also to learn about a new culture. I believe Reward is a shared learning environment because my students teach me just as much as I teach them. The best thing about teaching is finding something that connects us and learning from each other. That's why Reward is an awesome place! It allows education to go far beyond the classroom. The decision to join the Reward staff has been one of the best decisions of my life and I am very happy to be here!"

A few words about REWARD on completion of job contract

Working at Reward has been an incredible experience. I started my journey wanting to share my passion for the English language while also learning about a new culture. However, I’ll be ending it with so much more: unforgettable memories and friendships.

One of the best things about Reward is the staff. They are all very talented and enthusiastic, and it was always a pleasure working with them. Everyone you meet is incredibly supportive and friendly, and is willing to lend a hand whenever you need it. It was an honor and privilege to work with the amazing people at Reward.

As for the teaching aspect, Reward supplies its teachers with ample amounts of resources. Each classroom is also equipped with the necessary equipment to make the learning experience comfortable and successful. However, the greatest thing was my students. Although they varied in age, proficiency, and dynamics, they all had something special—and they were all incredibly enthusiastic about learning English.

I was lucky enough to teach the Speech Practice class which is part of the two year intensive Interpreter course. This was a very enjoyable class to teach for me because much of it is based solely on discussion, so I got to know my students very well. During the course we discussed and debated various topics that allowed me to learn more about Russia, as well a great deal about cultural differences. This was a course in which it was just as much a learning experience for me, as it was for my students and that’s something I’ll never forget.

Another great thing is the summer and weekend linguistic camps. So much hard work goes into these camps and it shows, as they are always great fun. I have attended several of these camps and I have enjoyed every single one. The teachers and students who attend are fantastic and so full of excitement. It really makes for a great time full of English speaking activities that is beneficial and fun for any language learner.

I would definitely recommend working at Reward to anyone because for me it has been an unforgettable adventure. Words cannot even express how much I will miss this city and the people when I leave. I wish everyone at Reward all the best, but I know in my heart this is not the last time we will see each other.

Jessica Paul, Canada, teacher of English

(Trent University (Canada) with an Honours degree in the Bachelor of Arts Program, in both Social Anthropology and History, Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages (Oxford Seminars in Toronto, Canada)

"I always wanted to become a teacher. When I started teaching my first students I had already known that I wanted to teach others the love and joy of knowledge all my life. I have decided to teach in Russia because its history and culture are unique. And Volgograd attracts me especially because of its historic significance. My work at the “Reward” Center gives me a chance to learn more about culture and social life in Russia, and also meet great teachers and students. This is a place for education and development. And I hope I will succeed in both."

A few words about REWARD on completion of job contract

I've worked at Reward Centre for almost one year and I cannot believe that my time here is nearly over. This has been the most memorable year of my life. The decision to work and teach in Russia was an easy decision. I had seen many schools and talked to several directors. But when I found Reward I knew I had found a home. Reward has helped me become a better teacher and for that I will always be grateful. Reward uses excellent materials to make the teacher's job that much easier, with TVs, dvd players, white boards and markers in every classroom. As well as up-to-date books and countless other resources from hand-outs to flash cards and games. Reward has given me the best possible experience. I have had the opportunity to work with an incredible staff of teachers and managers alike. Who are always more than willing to assist you and I can say, have become wonderful friends. As well as a wonderful groups of students that I will never forget. The students are friendly and eager to learn English and I am more than willing to assist them in their journey of learning a new language.

One event that made the biggest impact during my stay in Volgograd was the Discovering Canada Summer Camp. Playing games, singing songs, making crafts and constantly practicing and improving their English and learning new information about Canada and as a Canadian teacher in Reward Centre I was only too happy to talk about my home. The Russian teachers whom we worked with were constantly full of energy, always making the activities enjoyable and because of this the children thrived. Having fun and learning. The children even helped me to improve my Russian. And together we had an incredible summer. I can only hope that I have made half the impact on their lives as they have made on mine. I will never forget this summer.

As this year draws to a close it is hard to believe that I have spent it in Russia, making new friends, learning new customs, a new language and above all sharing a love of English with my students here. It’s impossible to think this will be my last time in Volgograd and in Russia. I will forever be grateful to Reward Foreign Language Centre for making me the teacher that I am.

Craig McAlpine, Great Britain, teacher of English

(Higher education in performing arts (University of Plymouth, England), Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages)

"I gave my first lesson when I was 15. Languages have always attracted me, their history and communication techniques. I am here in Russia because I want to learn a new language and the Russian language is a real challenge! I’ve chosen to work in "Reward" because of the innovative educational methods that help students and teachers not to be afraid of future challenges"

A few words about REWARD on completion of job contract

I have been a teacher here since February 2011, my contract was due to end next month, but I have enjoyed my time here so much that I have decided to extend my contract until June or sometime in the summer 2012.

I studied theatre and creative writing during my studies. I also covered anthropology and ancient histories. (Part of my training for working with classical texts). Before I started my theatre training I was a teacher and have always enjoyed it. I have trained and taught many subjects in my life mostly creative techniques (photography, dance, stage fight, etc...) I have also spent a lot of time training people (in the UK) business communication skills and sales techniques in workshop environments and in office as a member of staff.

I have decided to make teaching language my career and intend to pursue it avidly. My plans for the future include acquiring my DELTA and then maybe look to becoming a teacher trainer in the future. I have always enjoyed teaching and training others to new skill sets, to see another develop as a result of your influence is a very rewarding way to live your life or at least I believe this to be the case.

I am a little sad that it means leaving this company as there are no training establishment close enough to this city (Russia is quite big) and the only Moscow offers training in CELTA (but not DELTA or any other training that I can find). So in the summer I will have to move to a country and location more suited to my long term goals. If it was possible I think I would stay here and maybe in the future when I have finished my training and qualified as a teacher trainer I will come back, if the school here would be interested in offering CELTA and other teacher training at that time.

Don’t misunderstand, Reward offers training for their teachers in the techniques for running and managing their classes, but as I said there are no places in this region that offer advanced training for teachers. If you are a new teacher and looking for experience to start you on your career path then this is the place to be. I have had a wide range of experience here from elementary classes to advanced classes from young children (not my favourite but the experience is good for my future plans) to adults into their 50’s maybe older but one does not like to ask.

If you just want to see some of the other Russia for a year or so between university and careers then Volgograd is most defiantly Russian. It has a very long history that far predates Stalingrad. In truth if you are looking for entertainments that the city has to offer then you need ask one of the teachers who were here looking for such, as this was not my purpose in coming here.

I would recommend this company to anyone, the staff are very supportive and the people here are very friendly and hospitable. As I said before I will be a little sad to leave but I think that I may well return to Russia in the future.

Wishing you all the best in your own choices and futures.

Maria Cristina Di Schiena, teacher of Italian and English

(Master degree with honours in the English and Russian languages and literatures, Faculty of Philology, University "L'Orientale" in Naples, Italy)

"Teaching has always been my passion, it's something I simply love. "Reward" is giving me the possibility to do it in this magic country: Russia. Together we'll discover the beauties of the Italian language and culture, it is great to share with you the treasures of my origins!"

A few words about REWARD

I have been working in Reward just for three months and everything is cool! I think that Reward’s methodology is really effective. Students study foreign languages successfully working with audio and video resources. All projects of our centre help teachers’ professional development.

It is a smile of fortune to work in this centre of high professionalism. I like all my students, we study and rejoice together! I like working in Reward!

Vladimir Vinaheras Ernandes, teacher of Spanish

(Institute of Exact Sciences ‘Lenin’ (Havana, Cuba), bachelor with Honours in Arts and Science; fluent in Spanish, English and Russian)

"Teaching Spanish has been and remains my favorite action since I have come to Russia. Reward is the progressive centre of high-quality teaching foreign languages, where every student’s success and every teacher’s creative self-realization are important. For me working in Reward is the great pleasure and the unique possibility to share my knowledge and love to Spanish language and culture."

A few words about REWARD

“Reward” is a centre that has opened the door to the linguistic world to many people, and one of them was me.

Someone has come as a student, I came as a Spanish teacher and since that moment and during a year that I have been working here I have been doing just what I enjoy.

In “Reward” I always work with pleasure because here I can find everything necessary for the best-quality lessons (TV, DVD players, audio and video materials, and of course a very professional team). These conditions help me to create an atmosphere of good mood; and help students to have the best rewards.

Mario Isla Martines, Spain, teacher of Spanish, English and Portuguese

(Certificate of the State school of foreign languages “Escola Oficial de Idiomas” (Vigo, Spain), experience of teaching Spanish and English in the USA, France, Portugal and Kazakhstan, fluent in Spanish, Galician, English, Portuguese, Russian and French)

"If you talk to a person a language he understands, your words will reach his head. If you talk to a person his native language, your words will reach his heart”. These words of Nelson Mandela made up my lifestyle and thanks to “Reward" I can share this opportunity to make words reach people’s hearts with the help of the language of passion and joy – Spanish. At the "Reward” school, you can learn more about the extraordinary culture of Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries"

A few words about REWARD

After working almost a year at FLC Reward it is quite easy to share what I think and feel about the school which gave me a unique opportunity not only to grow at work, but also as a person.

For me the fact of having the possibility to share with my students my passion for languages and motivate them in a friendly, comfortable and professional atmosphere is just wonderful, taking into account the experience I’m gaining thanks to the support of my colleagues, methodologists and the rest of professionals who build the staff.

Reward is a very ambitious company with tons of projects in progress and big plans for the future and present. Whatever they do, they do it just great, and it is possible to see that at any level.

I’d like to add that it feels so gratifying being part of this talented, motivated and creative team, who are so involved in their work and always try to improve and get better.

Because I have had an unregrettable experience, I think working at Reward is an opportunity that any language enthusiast should not pass up.

Claire Abeltin, USA, teacher of English and Japanese

(Bachelor’s degree in the Japanese language (University of San-Francisco. USA), Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages (University of California, USA)

"I am here in Russia, teaching at "Reward" to learn about the new culture and share my love for languages. For a lot of years I dreamed of teaching overseas. I became interested in Russia when I was reading Dostoevsky and chose Volgograd because of its history. Teaching at “Reward” I would like to help people to discover the beauty and advantage of the English language

A few words about REWARD on completion of job contract

I believe communication is one of the world's most important goals. In my year at Reward, I have been continually impressed by the drive and dedication of my students to master English. From children to adults, they all have something to show me. Every day brings a new perspective that mixes the familiar with the new. I am grateful to Reward for giving me the chance to experience a different culture while I help my students reach their ambitions. Living in the small town of Volzhsky has given me the opportunity to become a part of the community and get to know Russia as a country and a culture from the inside. Reward encourages my creativity and gives me the chance to get to know students as dynamic individuals while I help them achieve their goals.