Job Discussion Forums

Kate323 · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Posts: 1 Location: Krakow

I am an American/Australian with a 4-year degree in Education and two years teaching experience in South Korea. I have no other qualifications. In the States, I was a researcher and union organizer, and in Australia, a secretary. My fiance is Polish and I have recently moved to Krakow. I have only had contact with Polish people since I have been here and have not been able to get a handle on the situation in the schools here. I started looking for work last week and I am incredibly nervous because I have no certifications. My fiance seems to think that I will be able to get a plum job immediately--I think he is wrong. I am actually panicking. I had my first interview today at a school that uses the Callan method. I know that people have differing views on the Callan method, but after my experience in South Korea, I would not mind some more training. (I was disgusted that most teachers could not teach and did not care!) They offered me the job, but it is only 10-15 hours per week--I was hoping for 30. The woman interviewing me explained that the most hours any school in Krakow would offer is 20-25 hours per week. Is this true? The pay is fine, but at so few hours, I will really be struggling. I am not here to make a lot of money, but I would like to be able to provide for myself. I wanted to go on a few more interviews and gage the situation for myself, but of course, the school wants an answer tonight. I have an interview with EMPIK tomorrow, but with only a 4-year degree and 2 years teaching experience, do I have a chance at other schools?I have read the forums regarding the pay and working conditions here in Poland--I just wish that I had a few days to get a better handle on the situation here in Krakow. I am sorry to be a pain, but any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

cezarek · Joined: 29 Aug 2005 Posts: 149

Tumteetum · Joined: 04 Feb 2005 Posts: 144

gregoryfromcali · Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2005 7:21 am Post subject:

You'll be fine. But stay away from the Callan schools. Unless you want to teach people to talk like parrots.

I don't mean to slag off the Callan method but the reality is it won't make you a better teacher. (Saying that, I think the Callan method would be an interesting way to learn Polish.)

I had a friend who taught the Callan method and although the pay was good the problem is other schools in Poland won't want to hire you if you've worked for a Callan school because their style is so different.

JPM · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Posts: 69 Location: Krakow

I sat in on a Callan interrogation - sorry, 'lesson' - last night. Ouch! I actually felt sorry for the students!

The teacher told me afterwards that the system DOES work and I'm sure it does - for some students. However, there seemed to be very little opportunity for the teacher to have any personal or professional input and / or to be creative, let alone develop professionally. It depends what you want in a job, really.

As to wages in Krakow: I've been interviewing this week and I've been offered between 33PLN and 45PLN, gross. I'm sure there are better paid jobs around, but I think you'll be lucky to find them straight off. I think those jobs (and I don't mean the privates) take a little finding. If I'm wrong, please PM me and let me know! Wink

Tumteetum · Joined: 04 Feb 2005 Posts: 144

MarkStevens · Joined: 14 Oct 2005 Posts: 10 Location: Kracow

I've been in Krakow for a few weeks now and am finding that schools are offering 30-35 zl - but then I'm newly qualified, so that may make a difference. I'm advertising privates for 30 - hope I'm not underselling myself. Is it possible that the (marked) difference in wages between the towns is a reflection of the fact that everyone loves Krakow and wants to live here and thus the schools know they can pay less?

gregoryfromcali · Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 1:32 pm Post subject:

Jetset · Joined: 31 Aug 2005 Posts: 74

Wow I'm beginning to think i'm underseling myself.

currently earning 3000zl gross for 120hours /month.... so 25 zl an hour. edit * and those are full 60min hours i am counting too. the lessons I teach are not 45min but 80min long..

yet Tumteetum you are making 50zl an hour in Wroclaw!! hmm how big is this city?

maybe its time for me to find a better paying job Rolling Eyes

Grrrmachine · Joined: 27 Jul 2005 Posts: 265 Location: Warsaw, Poland

Yes, quit now, they're raping you. I took home 7000zł net last month (some got taxed) and that was something like 120 hours. Then again, Im in Warsaw...

Jetset · Joined: 31 Aug 2005 Posts: 74

^^^ good advice.

I flee next week to Krakow Cool

redsoxfan · Joined: 18 Oct 2005 Posts: 178 Location: Dystopia

Private lessons for 30 zl? Way too low. Students will assume that you are a poor teacher. If you charge 60 they will assume you are a good teacher. If you demand that they pay you up front for the month and make up any canceled lessons, they will assume that you are a confident, experienced, professional teacher. The more you charge, the more respect you command. If you see one DVD player for 100 zl and another for 700 zl, which do you assume works better? If you have the money for the DVD player, would you buy the piece of junk that will break?

MarkStevens · Joined: 14 Oct 2005 Posts: 10 Location: Kracow

Hmm, thanks, all useful stuff. 50 or 60 seems a lot to charge when I have just qualified (and when everything in Poland seems so insanely cheap). Given that I have a good degree, speak French, know Latin, and used to work as a freelance writer (ie. I have a good understanding of language and of English), would 40zl be a fair amount to ask? Do people up their rates as they get busier and more experienced?

Grrrmachine · Joined: 27 Jul 2005 Posts: 265 Location: Warsaw, Poland

I used to charge 40zl when I started doing private classes, and I found a lot of people who were interested in that price. However, it meant me zipping around the city from one class to the other as people told friends of friends that there was a native to be had for 40zl an hour.
Once you get a reputation of being cheaper, people expect you to stick to that price and it can be tough to raise the bar for new people - especially when the Poles start to haggle.
Be confident in yourself - charge 50 and stick to it; especially if it's better than what the school is paying you.

Jetset · Joined: 31 Aug 2005 Posts: 74

i guess it depends where you advertise... I just advertised for 50zl in local and didnt get one call!!

Crying or Very sad