Job Discussion Forums

[Zarny]

Hello people, I would really like to know if it is possible to find work without a degree? and where? I will only have Tesol certificate and 6 months tutoring experience. I would be probably living in Poznan. I will be getting a Polish Passport next year as well. Any advice or tips would be Great. Na razie Zarny.

[nocturnalme]

In a word, yes. Not having a degree is not usually a problem, although it helps. Only in certain countries (eg Japan) is a degree a requirement.

[zippy2k]

All things are possible - for s/he who believes...

I was able to walk into a job with no questions about having a degree to a Callan School. If you are a native you should be able to get those jobs but everywhere's different...

[jamesfromscotland]

I have only a CELTA which I have never been asked to show but I have taught in loads of countries where they have asked for an MA in Linguistics and more but have secured the job through having 10 years' experience in their field be it accounting,law,military... do not let not having a degree deter you from applying...some of the jobs I have secured I would never have considered applying for unless I had wheedled my way into the first job

[Jetset]

I"m sure you could easily find work with no qualifications, experience or education at all. But you might have to "be creative" when writing your resume. My job did not check any of my references or credentials, or criminal record - and I am working with children!


It seems the Polish education system is not quite as rigorous as back in North america...

[jamesfromscotland]

I wasn't referring only to Poland...an other country saying a degree is needed when they aren't aren't is Saudi Arabia !!

[Alex Shulgin]

[Jetset]

whats a TRC?

I just sent my resume, and was hired via email. Simple as that. And then I just showed up.

you mean not all schools operate like this in Poland?

[Grrrmachine]

I think the point here is that is perfectly possible to obtain work without the right documents - the point, however, that Alex astutely draws attention to, is that the moment you have any need to claim your rights (or, in other words, your employer starts to abuse them, which DOES happen in Poland) you dont have a legal leg to stand on.

In some extreme cases, as I can imagine working with kids may involve, you could be frogmarched out of the country forthwith, or punished more severely.

Considering th estate of Polish beaurocracy, a vast number of employers leave the onus of getting all legal documents to their employees, and the civil servants are far from helpful, so most dont bother. The law is lax on checking, but as and when they do... well, I wouldnt want to be in that situation

[jamesfromscotland]

now here is a strange thing......I have a raft of experience and have even set up schools for IH and The BC. I am now back in the Uk and fancied somewhere in Europe where I could, at weekends,
use Easyjet to visit other parts of Europe so I chose Poland.

I was interviewed over the phone and it went swimmingly but imagine my surprise later when I was asked to send my image over a webcam.....begs the question ...why?

[Jetset]

Well they want "presentable" teachers is why!

If you are horribly ugly I would suggest sending a photo-shoped or 'fake' pic lol. And when you get there - too late!

Although I doubt that will be a problem... A recent meeting with some expats revealed the classic "Ugly brits looking for Impoverished Wives" scenario Looks, I believe are not much of a factor when working in Poland!

All in jest

[jamesfromscotland]

not racism then but uglyism ??