Job Discussion Forums

Lana · Joined: 25 Mar 2005 Posts: 10

I'm an Australian teacher, female with 4 years experience (incl. 1 year YL coordinator), and I'd like to work in Kracow (or maybe Wroclaw), mainly because I'm really into classical music and it sounds like there's lots giong on there.

Previous posters have said that finding work is competitive but with my experience can I reasonably expect to find a job if I turn up mid-September, CV in hand? Is coming on spec the best way to go about it?

My father was born in England so I have right of abode there, and it's my understanding that I'll be able to fly to the UK to arrange the work permit. However my grandfather was Polish. Does that count for anything? Is it worth bringing any proof of that?

This is a bit of a stupid question, but I injured my knee and have been going to the gym a lot on advice from physio. I like staying fit too, but any skiing or skating is out for me now, which sucks. I get the impression that Poles in general are not very excercisey people... but could I reasonably expect to join some kind of gym... on a teacher's salary?

Last question is... what about instead turning up in february for start of Semester 2? Is it a good time to find work? Do many jobs become available then?

Thanks everyone. VERY excited about first trip to Europe!! Yay!

gregoryfromcali · Posted: Sun Jul 24, 2005 11:22 am Post subject:

Hello there,

I've traded Cracow for Shanghai, but I was there for over two years until very recently so I can help you.

The first thing is that you definately want to get here in September the earlier the better. With your experience you'll have no trouble finding work. It is tough to find a job with no experience but after over a year it isn't a problem to find a job.

As far January, I don't recommend it as most schools start in September and generally keep the same students with the same teachers until the summer.

As far as working out there are gyms in Cracow, I think the major obstacle is living near one. So may want to keep this in mind when you're looking for a flat (apartment) and your problem is solved.

Goodluck.

Lana · Joined: 25 Mar 2005 Posts: 10

Does anyone know anything about Accent in Krakow? I've been asked to interview there.

gregoryfromcali · Posted: Fri Aug 05, 2005 2:56 am Post subject:

I've had an interview with them a couple of years ago.

They made me fill out an hour long questionnaire. Then I had an interview and a I did a demo lesson that went horribly wrong.

Needless to say I wasn't offered work, but I never received a telephone call to let me know if they were going to hire me or not. Which I think was unfair. But I'm told that is the "Polish" way.

Yet the people running the school weren't Polish.

I can't say I've heard anything great about them. On the other hand things change.

I would just go and check it out. In Poland it isn't a problem to quit. Unlike in Asia where it can be difficult to get out of a contract.

cezarek · Joined: 29 Aug 2005 Posts: 149

misteradventure · Joined: 18 Aug 2003 Posts: 246

Your home country's consular website should have the specific information you would need to apply for a passport. Keep in mind it is costly and takes months.

If you share this with the consulate, they may deny your application for a work permit as you should be applying for a passport instead.

I think I can speak about the hedaches involved with getting documents, having had to go all the way up to the Consul General himself to get mine. And he changed his mind twice.

Gym: When you get to Krakow, send me an offline and I can show you the gym I belong to if you are into free weights. I've already found two in the Univesity section just wandering around lost.