Major FAQ- TEFL Russia

Arrival Information

Trainees should arrive at the Pulkovo International Airport in St. Petersburg , Russia .

Transfer from Airport to Host Family/Hostel

Program fee does not cover airport transfer/pick-up and reception services (NOTE: Global Crossroad also does NOT offer airport drop-off/return services). Additionally, Global Crossroad's partnering TEFL provider in St. Petersburg requests that participants take a taxi from the airport or train station. Participants are urged to retain their receipt for imbursement upon arrival at the language institute.

How can I contact the TEFL institute (if I arrive before the start of the TEFL St. Petersburg program)?

In the event that a participant arrives before the start date, it is advised that they arrange their own accommodations and contact someone at Global Crossroad's office who will then provide participants with instructions. Details, such as the address and telephone numbers of Global Crossroad's partnering institute in St. Petersburg, will be provided to participants in their in final placement details/pre-departure booklet.

Accommodations/Meals

Global Crossroad's partnering institute in St. Petersburg can assist in locating appropriate living accommodations to best suit the needs of TEFL participants - all available at very competitive prices. All student accommodations in St. Petersburg are either in or near the center of the city. Accommodations are usually in fully-furnished, shared apartments. Home-stays and private apartments can also be arranged upon request. The starting price for accommodations in St. Petersburg is approximately €240.

Typically, participants are housed at our partnering institute's hostel within a 3-room apartment with fellow trainees. If preferred, participants may be placed with a Russian host-family where breakfast is provided (usually for the same price as the hostel-based accommodations).

NOTE: a refundable deposit is required from trainees to cover possible damage to the living accommodations. Usually, some or all of this deposit ($75) is returned upon vacating of the accommodations.

Meals are the responsibility of the participant. Affordable meals may be purchased throughout the city of St. Petersburg at very reasonable prices. Russian cuisine is derived from the vast number of cultures contained within its ( Russia 's) expansive borders. With Eastern cooking methods (derived from the country's close proximity to the Silk Road) and staples such as fish, poultry, game, mushrooms, berries and honey with various breads supplemented by crops of rye, wheat, barley and millet (also serving as the basis for pancakes, cereals, kvass, beer and vodka), the country's flavorful soups and stews are the perfect defense against Russia's often-harsh climate. A variety of soups (both hot and cold) grace numerous, Russian dinner tables as well as various meat-based dishes (using any and all kinds of meat).

Internet/Telephone/Medical Facilities

The city of St. Petersburg offers a variety of telecommunication and medical facilities/services. Phone and internet services are also available in various internet cafés throughout the city (some within a 5-minute walk from the TEFL institute).

Climate

The climate of St. Petersburg is classified as "humid continental" of the cool summer subtype. Summertime is usually cool, humid and short while winters are long and cold but with frequent warm spells. The month of July sees average temperatures of 22°C (72°F) with the highest temperatures reaching 34°C (94°F). Wintertime sees minimum temperature averages of -27°C (-17°F) with the lowest ever recorded as -35.9°C (-33°F). The city of St. Petersburg sees somewhat slightly warmer temperatures than the suburbs with varying weather conditions year-round with an average of 165 overcast days out of the entire year.