Job Discussion Forums

[Kasia05]

Hi everyone. I need some advice about the job search process in Poland. I will be graduating with a degree in English Ed. in May. I have a lot of family in Poland and am fluent in the language, I also have Polish citizenship (both my parents were born there). I'm seriously considering teaching English in Poland (temporarily) but I have no idea where to begin. I know the general area where I would like to be (preferably Bialystok, also considering Warsaw but hesitant about cost of living).
Do i need a certification in TESOL? What is the CELTA? How do I find schools to apply to? What are the requirements usually? When should I begin sending applications?

ANY information and advice would be GREATLY appreciated.
Thank you!

[dtomchek]

Gene Dobry:

Well, CELTA is the Certificate of English Language Training Assoc (I think). Cambridge and Trinity are the 2 popluar ones and, full-time, take about a month to do (cost about $1000 in Poland I hear). I guess there are also part-time ones you can do which take longer. These programs also include practice teaching with feedback. If I recall, International House has a school in Wroclaw that does it but don't quote me on that.

Best time to get a job is in late summer as most contracts run from Ocotober to June. Requirements are usually a Degree plus Certification. The job notices come out around mid summer so best to apply then

The job board here usually has some Polish jobs offered. The fact that you have a Polish passport is interesting. I'm not sure if that will help you or hurt you. You might want to stress that you are a native speaker of English so the schools do not get confused on that issue

That is about all I can help you with. Hopefully, there will be others that can help you. I do have a friend in Warsaw who makes 1900 zloty a month so I cannot believe that cost of living is that big of a problem.

Good luck