Job Discussion Forums

andrew s. · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 1

I'm interested in teaching ESL in Europe, preferably in Denmark or Poland. I would really like to hear your thoughts on teaching in these countries (is it difficult to find work? personal experiences? etc.).

sjansen · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Posts: 5

I taught in north-western Poland a few years ago, and while things have probably changed since then (ie pay scales) I could give you some input from my experiences. Drop me a line ([email protected]) and I'll tell you what I know.

Harry Swindells · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 39 Location: Warsaw,Poland

I'm in Polandd and have been here for the last 8 years. Am happy to look over any job offers you get and tell you whichto laugh at and which to think about (sadly there are more than a few which are only worth laughing at!)

Forget about Denmark if you don't have an EU passport. Forget about it if you don't have an MA to go with that EU passport...

Harry

bnix · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 645

Harry Swindell is right.If you are not EU,you might as well forget about Denmark.Besides that,it is a small(although affluent) country already having many people who are near-fluent(if not fluent) in English,and it is virtually impossible for someone who is non-EU Surprised

to teach there,unless you are a real special case or have heavy connections.In other words,mark this one off.

Poland,of course,is eminently possible.Like Swindell also says,you have to be careful that you don't get hooked up with someone who will scam you(a problem in this business ,which is not limited to Poland,either).He has graciously offered to give his advice on specific schools.I would definitely advise that you take him up on his offer.I taught in southeastern Poland.It is a fascinating country...but watch out that some private school does not scam you.Best of luck. Smile

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Denmark is a no-no. There used to be some jobs in Sweden and Finland but I have not seen ads for a while. As the other posters say, WATCH OUT FOR SCAMS AND CROOKS. The seas of EFL are full of sharks.

Poland could be good and I would urge you to contact Harry S. who seems to know his onions. I have not been in Poland since the 1960's but will get back one day. I had some amazang experiences !!