THE BRITISH
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
MOSCOW
MOSCOW LIFE
Working in Moscow
The following section is designed to help new teachers to BIS Moscow get a feel for the place they're coming to. It offers practical advice and information for those looking to live in Moscow. Hopefully it will dispel a lot of the myths and give you a perspective that will enable you to enjoy being here from the moment you arrive.
BIS Moscow comprises of 7 schools, which are situated in the north and south of Moscow (precise information about the schools and their location can be found elsewhere our website). Although they are far apart the schools work as a whole and hold many joint social events.
Living in Moscow
Moscow is a beautiful, modern, and exciting city and like every capital city, has much to offer to both the visitor and the resident. There is a tremendous variety of museums, concert halls, theatres, galleries, bowling alleys, cinemas etc. The most famous museums have higher prices for foreigners but the majority of attractions are inexpensive.
The city offers:
- Truly International Restaurants
- International Sporting Events
- Concerts - classical & modern.
- Opportunities for travel - Siberia is so close! (and so are Dubai, India, Egypt, Cyprus…).
- Places of historic, cultural, literary and artistic interest.
- Theatre and Music
More details about life in Moscow can be found on: www.moscow-city.ru
Bands
Recent visiting bands include Blur, Robbie Williams, Garbage, Paul McCartney and Moby
Cinema
The Dome Cinema in the Renaissance Hotel (Prospect Mira). Details of films can be found on: www.moscowtimes.ru
How expensive is Moscow?
Some things are very inexpensive, like public transport and theatre tickets. Some things are the same as Western prices, like western bars and restaurants. Some sample prices:
- Loaf of bread 30p
- Ice cream cone 30p
- 1kg potatoes 30p
- 1kg apples 90p
- Bottle Beer 60p
- Red Caviar ₤15
- DVD/CD ₤2
- Telephone call to UK 30p min
- Biscuits 50p
- 1 litre of Milk 50p
- Bottle of Russian Champagne ₤2.50
- McDonalds ₤2
Telephone call to anywhere in Moscow - small charges for calls to mobile phones from landlines, but landline to landline calls within Moscow are free
Note that sometimes prices are quoted in US$ but you can legally only pay in Rubles/credit card (watch out for exchange rates on air tickets)
However tempting it is to try and save please ensure that you always have enough money in Moscow, to enable you to live comfortably.
Weather
Summers can be very dry and warm. There is usually a very pleasant Indian summer in late September into October. Snow arrives around mid November and stays on the ground until April and temperatures can fall exceptionally to -30C though generally winters are mild. Buildings are well heated from end of September through to April.
Safety
Moscow is a very large city and has all the challenges of such cities. At the moment unless you do something very silly you are safer here than in the majority of cities around the world. At nights be careful! Don't be loud or ostentatious in manner as well as dress. Depending on the time of day it is not that unusual to be stopped by police and asked to show your passport (particularly in the city centre or near metros, at large and crowded public events). THIS MUST BE CARRIED WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES. Scams are often publicized on the news and check the Lonely Planet website. As long as you are sensible, you should not fall into any traps!! People still hail private cars, but this should be avoided (especially by single females) until you know the city and are confident enough in using the Russian Language.
Health
The company will pay 2/3 of BUPA hospitalization and Evacuation Insurance Scheme. You should be aware that your BUPA cover does not include the first consultation visit but does include any subsequent treatment. If you have a family they will not be covered unless you pay the full subscription. You have several choices for the first visit. The British Embassy doctor is a good bet - reliable and only about ₤60 a time but only during the working day. The European centre is perhaps the most widely used. The American Medical Centre and SOS Clinic are next door to one another. These are open at all hours. Local dentists are good value. Medicines are easy to buy, but can be of doses in excess of those in the UK and should be treated with caution.
Where will you live?
The School will either find a new apartment for you or offer, if it is available, an apartment vacated by our teachers leaving this year. At present staff occupy flats ranging considerably in price (single room €900 a month, double room €1000-1200 a month). The school tries to find reasonably priced flats in convenient areas taking into account your preferences. One room studio flats (a room + kitchen) are becoming more popular as they may be considerably cheaper. The flat will include basic furniture, all kitchen facilities with plates and cutlery, a bath / shower, a telephone, bed linen, possibly a T.V. / washing machine (each school also has one) and probably interesting decor including a carpet on the wall if you are lucky!
If you are interested in sharing a flat please let us know!
What do you need to bring?
Basically everything is available in Moscow and often at a good price. Don't waste luggage space on items that are obtainable here.
Paperwork
Bring with you a supply of passport-sized photographs, photocopies of birth / marriage certificates, qualifications and photocopies copies of your passport.
Clothes
Teachers are expected to look smart and business like - no jeans, ties for men. Pupils wear uniform and staff are expected to be smart if not smarter!
Your arrival in Moscow
New staff will arrive on or around 26th August. School starts on 28th August for staff and on 3rd September for pupils. It is nice to arrive about a week and a half before school starts to give yourself time to settle into Russian life. The week immediately before school starts is usually full with INSET and classroom preparation. There are also plenty of social events to give you the chance to get to know your colleagues.
Everyone is very friendly and they remember what it is like to be a 'new face'. There are always people on hand to offer help and advice. You will find that the week you arrive is quite busy as we have an induction programme which aims to give you both a flavour of Moscow and helps you become familiar with school. The schools also have a busy social calendar. There's always something going on most weekends, whether it is just going out for a drink or a day-out.
