Job Discussion Forums

Selyer · Joined: 04 Feb 2003 Posts: 62 Location: Poland

...does anybody know anything about the CJO group of IH schools? They've got schools in Bielsko-Biala, Opole, Katowice, and Wroclaw. Maybe some of you all there in Poland have heard things (good or bad) about them?

Thanks! Smile

Chris · Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2003 11:05 am Post subject: IH Katowice

Hi there,

I've known quite a few teachers at the IH school in Katowice, and most of it has been positive. There are a lot of native speakers (around 40 I guess) and there are tons of extra materials to use as well as a few internet computers. I've been up in their offices, visiting my friends, several times and was impressed with all the help for new teachers that was available.

I don't quite know about how good the pay is. I've heard it's not great, but it's not horrible either. Enough to live on. The only real requirements to get a job there is a university degree and a CELTA. Otherwise, it's a place that a lot of new teachers go to get some experience and then move on.

That's what I know. Smile

Hope it helps!

Selyer · Joined: 04 Feb 2003 Posts: 62 Location: Poland

Thanks Chris! Standard IH spiel (from teachers, not from IH of course!) seems to be that IH is a good place to start out, but pay is not great, enough to live on as you said. So you get your start with good support and then after you've earned a good reputation for yourself you move on to greener pastures ($$$).

Do you think any of your friends teaching at IH Katowice would be willing to email me so I could get some more firsthand info? Also, do you know much about Katowice itself? I've been warned to steer clear of it (polluted, not a pleasant place to live, etc.) and try for some of the other cities instead.

Oh, and I do meet their requirements for degrees/CELTA so that part is not a problem. I've been corresponding with the DOS at the Opole school and I'm trying to get more info as I could, potentially, end up at any one of the schools. Smile

Thanks again!

Chris · Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2003 8:20 pm Post subject:

Hi again,

I've been living in Sosnowiec, next to Katowice, for the past almost 6 years, so I know a little about it. Smile

I am also working in Katowice during the day.

Yes, it is polluted, but it's a heck of a lot better than when I moved here in 97. Personally, while Sosnowiec is only a 15 minute bus ride from Katowice, I prefer living here to there. It's cheaper and just has a better feel to it. But, Katowice has a lot more happening in it, so on weekends, we (the other Americans in Sos) go there quite often.

Unfortunately, all of the teachers that I knew at IH in Katowice have moved on. I'm still in touch with one of the teachers I met there. She's actually from Russia, but taught at IH from 99-01. She's now in New Zealand. I'll see if she'd be willing to correspond with you.

So, good luck! And I'll try to get you in touch with my friend..

Chris

Have a good Easter!