Job Discussion Forums

jac · Joined: 03 Jul 2003 Posts: 3

Hey,
have been offered a job with the Speed Callan school in Gliwice starting September. Know there was a post on this school already with very little feedback, but was hoping someone could tell me a little about the city itself.
Also am looking for opinions on the conditions - 26 hours a week (plus two hours for students - unpaid), monthly gross income 3800 PLN, accomodation not included, 200GBP for airfare at end of contract. Enough to live on in Gliwice?? Not looking to save just survive!
Thanks..

Chris · Posted: Sun Jul 06, 2003 12:23 pm Post subject:

Gliwice is a nice town on the edge of the huge Katowice conurbation... I'm basically on the other end of it in Sosnowiec (about 50 by train from there). You've got a market square and some older buildings.. I was just there just before Easter and really enjoyed it.

Actually, I know someone who just finished her contract with Speed in Gliwice and she said that overall, it was a pretty good experience. (I don't have her e-mail though.. sorry!) The pay is pretty good--you should get about 2800 net. That's decent. The hours that you mention I believe are 50 minute hours..

Anyway, do you know the Callan Method? Personally, I did it for 1 semester, and never want to do it again. But that's just my personal opinion. I like to have real contact with my classes and develop my own way of teaching. There's no such possibility with Callan.

So, what they are offering seems to be a pretty good offer. I've been living in the area for 6 years now, so I know a little about what I'm saying.. Smile

jac · Joined: 03 Jul 2003 Posts: 3

Hi Chris,
to be honest, the method was the main reason for my hesitation. But have decided after weighing all up to accept the offer...give it a try, make the best of it and all that Wink

thanks anyway for the advice..

Alex Shulgin · Joined: 20 Jul 2003 Posts: 553

You're planning to work for Callan? You deserve everything you'll get. The 'school' is only interested in ripping off the maximum amount of cash in the minimum amount of time. Only teachers with no ethics at all work for Callan for longer than a few weeks, everybody else sees it for what it is and gets out!

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Callan is basically the same as Berlitz, although I am sure Mr Callan would deny that.
When looking at someone's CV (i.e. resume) I would think very carefully before hiring someone with that on their work history !

wk · Joined: 21 May 2005 Posts: 2

I think It'll be more than enough to survive. As far as I know a teacher here earns about 1500 net, a surgeon in public hospital probably not more than 2500. The prices are more or less as follows: a loaf of bread 3PLN, liter of milk 2, beer in a pub 3,50-7, litre of petroleum 4, bus ticket in Gliwice 2.40, from Gliwice to Katowice 3.50 (yet the bus goes awfully long), a minute of talk via cellular phone 0,80. I am not sure about a flat cost, but You'll perhaps be able to rent one for 1000 per month.

expatben · Posted: Mon May 23, 2005 3:04 pm Post subject:

What a coincidence, I too am going to the SPEED school of English in Glwicie-I look forward to seeing you
Expat

leediggy · Joined: 31 Aug 2005 Posts: 5

I too have accepted an offer to work in Gliwice with the same school, but do not start until the end of Oct. How are you guys doing? Have any pointers? Do you like it so far? See you soon!

leediggy · Joined: 31 Aug 2005 Posts: 5

I too have accepted an offer to work in Gliwice with the same school, but do not start until the end of Oct. How are you guys doing? Have any pointers? Do you like it so far? See you soon!

leediggy · Joined: 31 Aug 2005 Posts: 5

I too have accepted an offer to work in Gliwice with the same school, but do not start until the end of Oct. How are you guys doing? Have any pointers? Do you like it so far? See you soon!

cezarek · Joined: 29 Aug 2005 Posts: 149

3800 doesn't sound much if accomodation is extra. But you can live on that in Gliwice if you're good at living cheaply. Forget anything about surgeons or schoolteachers only earning x zloties - they always have more than one job and often income from other places. And certainly a much cheaper place to live than you. But Gliwice is a very poor area so you won't be alone.

And everything said about Callan Method schools is true. The work is mind-blowingly dull and the owners are business people looking to make a fast buck.

At least there are a lot of schools in the Gliwice/Katowice conurbation, so if it doesn't work out you'll be able to find something better. Schools here often hire after the semester starts or in January. Level School in Katowice is known to be good.

I hope it works out for you - Good luck! Wink

expatben · Posted: Thu Sep 08, 2005 3:39 pm Post subject:

I'm getting on alright in Gliwice, the people I work with are really nice and all. The DOS is cool too
Expat