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Three English Governors: interview with Casey, Jack and Firmin who take care of the Russian children
Society is used to seeing women as nannies. But it turned out that men can cope with raising the children of successful businessmen and celebrities just as great. Especially if the governors came from England to Russia for work.
Why would foreigners even come to work in Russia and babysit Russian children? Three English governors - Casey, Jack and Firmin - gave us the answers to these shameless questions. They have been working in Russia for many years and do not even want to leave. English Nanny Agency and its founder Valentin Grogol provided us with the opportunity to interview children's development specialists.
- How long have you been living in Russia?
Firmin: I live in Moscow for 9 years, I lived in St. Petersburg for 1 year when I studied at the university.
- Weren't you afraid to come to work in Russia?
Firmin: No. I wanted to spend more time in the country of the language I studied. I wanted adventures.
- Already got used to cold winters?
Firmin: Yes, sometimes cold snow is better than cold rain. I like all seasons in Russia, although the weather in Moscow is unpredictable.
- Why did you choose to be a Governor? In Russia, this profession is considered to be predominantly for women. What do you think about that?
Firmin: I consider myself an active tutor, an English governor. I have experience in academic education, I often prepare children for entrance exams to private British or European schools. Since I am passionate about sports and try to live an active lifestyle, I use it in my teaching practice. This makes the course more interesting, fun and effective. As for nanny work, I think it reflects the norms of society: usually mothers or female staff take care of young children.
- What experience did you have before coming to Russia?
Firmin: All my professional experience has been in Russia, starting with studying Russian and teaching English.
- Why did you decide to work with English Nanny Agency?
Firmin: I found the company's website and was impressed how fast they work with clients and candidates. I also have many English friends who prefer to work with this agency because they had great experience working with them. We have been working together for a long time, and I am extremely happy with that. They seem to have a very successful formula for connecting with the right people.
- Your work requires to have good relationship with the family. Have you ever rejected a job offer because you didn't like children or parents?
Firmin: No. Sometimes the job is difficult, but I like the challenge. Of course, there should be good friendships and professional approach between me and the family I work for. It's always important to understand what people want and how they can achieve it. Finding the right approach for each individual is the most interesting part of my job.
- For how long do you plan to work as a nanny?
Firmin: I would like to continue working in this area for several years. I try to learn in the process, and I think I am getting better at it as the years pass.
- Do you have your own educational methods in teaching children?
Firmin: I have a wide range of methods and techniques that I select for each individual. I don't have a standard course or method.
- How quickly do you think kids can learn English by talking to a nanny regularly?
Firmin: Children can learn even if they cannot speak (young children from 1 to 3 years old). Most children under 12 years of age are built to learn a foreign language better than after 12, so there is an advantage in learning a foreign language in a young age. In one year it is possible to learn English at the level equivalent to the one Year 2 students have, even from the elementary level, a child can easily master fluency and great vocabulaty. If you are in Russia, this is definitely the best way to learn English and other subjects in English.
- Is there a difference in the upbringing of Russian or English children?
Firmin: Except that in Russia, they start primary school at the age of 7 year old, and in England from 5 years old, I don't see any differences. Perhaps there are some different environmental factors, but as for child development and teachin methods, I do not think there are differences.
- How is the love life of the governors going? Since you are to spend most of your time with the child.
Casey: Having private life is pretty easy for me. First of all, I have a few close friends who I often talk to on Skype, no matter where I am. Secondly, I call my relatives every week. And thirdly, luckily, I met an understanding and supportive woman.