Some say there is not much hope for a professional on the Moscow job market who has no knowledge of a foreign language, especially English. In fact, foreign experts in a number of multinational companies are rarely expected to speak Russian, as the lingua franca around such offices is often English. But means do exist to enhance one’s knowledge — by studying in a foreign country.

Most Russians have some fundamental understanding of English grammar from high school, but lack the speaking and communication skills needed for the workplace.
Private schools have been quick to fill the gap left by public education, offering courses throughout the city to anyone who is willing to shell out the cash. But never stepping foot outside the motherland can seriously hamper a student’s linguistic abilities, which is why private schools have also decided to run programs overseas.
For a fee, students can be guaranteed everything from a visa to home-stay to friends while they are away from home, and schools are eager to provide programs, which fit the schedules of busy people.
Big companies like Education First (EF), more commonly known as English First — the largest private-education company in the world — offer exchange programs all over the globe and give students the chance to study English in a native environment. They also offer courses in French, Italian, German, Chinese and Spanish, but Patrik Antoni, EF’s general director in Moscow, said that 95 percent of students want to learn English.
The advantage of studying English in another country is the chance to use it in a practical environment, rather than just repeating dialogues in front of a teacher in the classroom.
EF program alumna Yelena Lavrova said it wasn’t until she went abroad that she learned how to put her English to use.
"I knew plenty of theory before I left, but it wasn’t until I went to England that I started to speak," she said.
She said that since completing the program, her English skills have been indispensable for her job in the purchasing department of Rosimport, an import and export company. She also said she was planning to go again: "I use Spanish on the job now, so I’ll be going to study in Spain as soon as possible."
Most programs on the market average around $1,500 per two weeks, according to Isabella Lauterpukht, general director of language school System-3.
But school representatives are careful to point out that the cost of the program includes more than just study, but cost of living as well.
Overall, the cheapest option for Russians is Malta, due to the low cost of living and cheap airfares from Moscow, according to EF’s Antoni.
His school offers programs around the world at costs ranging from $740 for a two-week course to $7,800 for a 9-month session. All trips include meals and lodging, but not airfare.
"Australia is the cheapest option for long-term study," said Antoni. "The airfare is more expensive but the cost of living is lower."
He said the United States used to be the most popular destination for students to study abroad, but, in the wake of Sept. 11, it can be difficult for students to obtain visas, and England has taken over as the most asked-for destination.
Lauterpukht of System-3 said that there was almost no chance of sending a student to the States anymore.
"The United States could be the biggest destination of all," she said. "It’s too bad for schools in America."
EF’s Antoni was less pessimistic about the issue but warned that short-term stays were nearly impossible nowadays and that visas for long-term study were also difficult to obtain. "But it can be done," he added.
He said that his company has an agreement with partner schools overseas, which smooths over relations with consular departments.
If EF approves a student, then its partners overseas are allowed to send a conditional acceptance letter. The letter clears nearly any student for his or her visa application.
"They [partner schools] trust us, so when we have a potential client, they issue a conditional acceptance letter, which we show to the embassy to get the visa."
He added that this relationship allowed his company to send 5,000-7,000 students abroad annually.
For students who want more than just language study and would like to devote part of their course time to academic studies in addition to pursuing knowledge of a foreign language there are also plenty of options.
Of course, competition for most university programs is intense, especially scholastic programs where private institutions or governments sponsor students abroad.
ACTR offers undergraduate and graduate programs to study in the United States on government grants. But, on average, 5,000-7,000 students apply for the graduate program alone, and only 25-30 are accepted.
Paying for education is a good way for those with poor grades, poor knowledge of English or simply a lack of confidence in being admitted.
Applicants to EF’s university study-abroad programs are guaranteed admission to schools in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia via the company’s university-placement services.
Applicants are assessed based on their grades, knowledge of English and academic goals, and apply to schools accordingly. Those with weak academic standings or a lack of direction can usually gain acceptance into a community college, where they can improve their skills before moving on to a major institution.
It is also easier for students to stay in the country and further their studies once they have already entered the country. Plus, students in the United States receive a green card, allowing them to work and study for a year.
"Once you are in, it’s easy to stay," said Antoni.
There is also a foundational-year program that allows students with poor English ability to improve their skills before applying to colleges.
The freedom to study and work might seem a little too convenient, and it seems that some might try to use the opportunity to immigrate, but Antoni said there have been no problems yet.
"Of course, some people find jobs and get married," he added.
There are also opportunities for those who are not interested in studying or simply cannot afford to spend an entire year without a job. Young women interested in practicing their English can obtain work as au pairs in the United States.
Through EF, the program costs $699, including round-trip airfare. The women live in families and earn $139.50 a week, a salary fixed by the U.S. government.
Program organizers were careful to point out that it’s not a bad deal for the participants. "Room and board are paid for by the family, so it’s not a bad salary for a young Russian," said Antoni.