Job Discussion Forums

jrussellpowell · Joined: 13 Jun 2005 Posts: 6 Location: US

I know you guys have probably answered these questions a thousand times, so I apologize in advance, but...

I am an American citizen and will be finishing my B.A. in August. At the end of that month, I am leaving for Poland to attend the CELTA course at IH Krakow and I would really love to stay and find work there afterwards. I have some teaching experience as a tutor for elementary school kids, but none as an EFL teacher. My questions are this:

1. With the CELTA course ending around September 25th, being a new teacher and an American without an EU passport, will I have much trouble finding work? (most important question obviously)

2. I know that some schools there pay better than others, what would you say is a good salary for someone with my qualifications?

3. I am also an avid hiker. How is the hiking in the area around Krakow? How far away is it and how difficult is it to get there?

Thank in advance for your help as I know the questions probably get old.

XXX · Posted: Thu Jun 16, 2005 9:08 pm Post subject:

I) maybe - most schools start around October.

2) Depending on the size of the city, in Poland B 3000 zlts would do nicely.
Besides, once you get a good rep as a teacher, privates will seek you out.

3) Krakow is only two hours and 8 zlts from the Tatra Mountains--Would you enjoy hiking in the Alps?

jrussellpowell · Joined: 13 Jun 2005 Posts: 6 Location: US

Thanks for your response. Alps? That will do nicely. Smile

In regards to how hard it would be to find work, did you mean it MIGHT be difficult but I should be able to find a job or I MIGHT be able to find a job, but it will be difficult?

Alex Shulgin · Joined: 20 Jul 2003 Posts: 553

tbiehl2000 · Joined: 22 Jul 2004 Posts: 87

I have an American friend that got his work permit without ever leaving Krakow. He bundled all the necessary documents and sent them to his father in the States. His father then repackaged them and sent them to the Polish consulate. The consulate then sent the work permit to his father and his father forwarded the work permit to his son in Krakow. Downside is that there is a remote possibility that the Polish consulate would want to interview you in person. Also, you would be without your passport for a time and that may not be such a good idea. It's an option though.

jrussellpowell · Joined: 13 Jun 2005 Posts: 6 Location: US

I could though, work on my temporary 90 day visa until the Christmas break and fly back home to take careof the visa then, right?

Would this affect my chances of finding a job?

Definetely open to the idea of working outside of Krakow, especially if it puts me closer to the mountains. I would still like to be in a decent sized city though, but I live in a town of 30,000 right now, so it doesn't have to be huge. Any reccomendations?

tbiehl2000 · Joined: 22 Jul 2004 Posts: 87

Yes you may be able to find some work on your 90 day tourist visa but it would be illegal work. You can actually stay 90 days on your tourist visa and then cross the border and come back to Poland on a new 90 day tourist visa. Keep in mind that you are only permitted to remain in Poland for 6 months in any 12 month period. That's using the tourist visa of course.