Job Discussion Forums

brisket · Posted: Fri Sep 19, 2014 5:59 pm Post subject: current job situation in PL?

If I turned up in Warsaw right now as a new CELTA graduate in Warsaw -- non-EU citizen, but native speaker, young, university-educated etc -- what would my work prospects be like?

I'm tempted. Is this a realistic plan?

scottie1113 · Joined: 25 Oct 2004 Posts: 375 Location: Gdansk

I'm confused. Did you do your CELTA in Warsaw? I don't know what country you're from. It makes a difference. Maybe a little more information will help.

brisket · Posted: Sat Sep 20, 2014 1:45 am Post subject:

New Zealander. Currently in Thailand, in the closing stages of a Celta course with IH. 30, healthy, Anglo etc. Postgrad English/Phil. degrees. Would like to start working ASAP. Visited Poland last year briefly and liked it.

Master Shake · Joined: 03 Nov 2006 Posts: 1202 Location: Colorado, USA

Brisket, I think you'd find enough work - no problem. Right now is prime hiring season in Warsaw for the fall semester.

The only tricky part could be working legally. I'm almost certain kiwis need work permits to work legally in Poland. And you need the work permit in order to apply for residency (i.e. to stay longer than 90 days).

I'd recommend emailing as many schools in Warsaw as you can now with your CV.

brisket · Posted: Sat Sep 20, 2014 6:02 am Post subject:

Thanks Mr Shake, that sounds promising.

I want to start applying for jobs ASAP.
Can you point me towards any useful lists of contacts, websites etc.?

I'll certainly need a work visa. Are many employers willing/able to sponsor one?

many thanks for your help!

Louisdf · Joined: 05 Feb 2013 Posts: 60

I wouldn't think emailing schools would make a difference-they have plenty of qualified people with years of experience to choose from on the ground. Why would they bother with someone on the other side of the world who has no definite plans to move to Warsaw, and does not have a work permit? Also schools are very well aware that Thai students have very different learning styles and expectations compared to European students so your lack of relevant experience puts you at an immediate disadvantage.
And remember, this is not like in Asia where teachers get hired for a full-time job and receive a guaranteed monthly salary. Schools will simply offer you 60 or 90 minute lessons scattered around the city. It will take at least a month to build up a decent timetable. There are plenty of classes, but most are either between 7:30-9:30 or 4-6PM (3pm if you want to teach kids). You will not be paid anything during the Polish public holidays, Easter, Christmas etc. Also individual students will cancel classes whenever they are on holiday/ill/have a business trip etc and you will not be paid.
Of course, there are private students, but they will often cancel at the last minute so they are definitely not a reliable source of income.
Please remember visiting somewhere for a short holiday is very different from working there!

brisket · Posted: Sun Sep 21, 2014 4:16 am Post subject:

I'm confused now. One optimistic reply and one very pessimistic one.

Can anyone tell me how hard it is to get a work permit?
Can you arrive on a tourist visa and change it if you get work?
I don't mind just turning up and looking for work, if my chances of finding some (legally) are good.

Louisdf · Joined: 05 Feb 2013 Posts: 60

You need to remember you are not being offered a job. You will simply be offered a couple of 60 and 90 minute classes. If a school is willing to help you obtain a work permit for signing up to their classes, then I guess you won't have a problem. But don't be surprised if many schools (especially the smaller ones run by 1 or 2 people) flat out say no on the basis that there are other teachers with years of relevant experience who are able to start today with no paperwork/visa permit issues.

delphian-domine · Joined: 11 Mar 2011 Posts: 674

dragonpiwo · Joined: 04 Mar 2013 Posts: 1650 Location: Berlin

If you do come, use the native speaker forum. Loads of contacts in just 1 week. And Delph-if you know anyone who can get to Skorzewo, there 4-6 hours weekly right there.