Job Discussion Forums

stephabee · Joined: 28 Mar 2005 Posts: 7

I know this is a dumb question because I've heard you won't make much/any money for savings in Eastern Europe. However, my friend really wants to go to Poland or the Czech Republic to teach next year, but also needs to save $5000 during the year. He thinks he should go to Japan instead (something I'd love to do but I don't have a uni degree) so he can make that money.

So, do you think it's possible to save $5000 (Canadian) in a year working in Eastern Europe? Keep in mind that he doesn't drink (at all) and isn't really into clubbing so he won't have those costs.

Thanks for any replies!

XXX · Posted: Thu Jun 16, 2005 9:04 pm Post subject:

NO. $5000 US is about 20,000 +- Zlts. Try Korea-- I put away over 10k AND vacationed in Thailand. But I had a much better time in Poland.

gregoryfromcali · Posted: Thu Jun 16, 2005 10:39 pm Post subject:

Taiwan is good too.

But then again you should go somewhere you want to go, but unfortunately it is difficult to save anything substantial in Poland.

I think the most you can save is enough to fly back to North America.

But the pay here is higher than the Czech Republic and in Warasw it is the highest, but I would rather live back in the US than in Warsaw.

Alex Shulgin · Joined: 20 Jul 2003 Posts: 553

CAD 400 = 1000 zloty

Save 1000 zloty per month? Possible but not likely. Go to Japan and pay off the debt, then come to Poland.

joshsweigart · Joined: 27 Feb 2005 Posts: 66

It is possible to save that much money provided that you have a job which pays you at least 3000 zl and you don't lead the extravagant expat lifestyle. You should be able to get an apartment for 600-700 zl and live on 1000-1200 per month. This is assuming that you don't live in a major tourist city like Krakow, Warsaw, Wroclaw, Gdansk. I lived in Lodz for several years on much less.

You should also be able to get privates which will supplement your income and provide you with disposable income.

It is difficult to save any money but possible.

gregoryfromcali · Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2005 10:14 pm Post subject:

Brooks · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1369 Location: Sagamihara

if you work at the British Council or an international school it might be possible.

I did it the other way.
I worked in Warsaw for a year then came to Japan.
In Poland I could at least make payments on my student loans, but in Japan I have been able to pay down and pay off most of my debt.
Definitely going to east Asia first before heading to Poland sounds like the best plan.

gregoryfromcali · Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2005 10:18 pm Post subject:

It's funny I'm actually going through the same thing.

I am returning to Asia to pay off my student loans.

It is easy to pay them off in Taiwan.

After over two years I feel it is time for a change, but it would be nicer if I had paid the loans first then I could stay in Poland if I wanted to.

It is a little tough though as the longer you're in Poland the more opportunities you have.

By the way I was talking to my friend today who survived on a 600zl a month in Cracow. He was living in a dorm so 200zl went to rent and he survived on 100zl a week.