Job Discussion Forums

7H · Joined: 20 Jun 2005 Posts: 6 Location: CANADA

Hello everyone

I have been offered a Callan method job just north of Warsaw with a school called Educo. It's 25 hours a week, housing included (not bills), min. 6 month contract, 25 zl/hr for first 3 months, then 30zl/hr afterwards. Sight unseen, I'm still in Canada, but have spoken to the DoS over the phone. I'm waiting to see the contract. He sounded to me like a straight-up kind of person, and the wage went up 5 zl/hr since I applied for the job.

Does anyone have experience with this school? Does it seem reasonable (wages, hours, etc.) My boyfriend is going with me, so is between 5000 and 6000 zl. (minus tax) enough to live on and do a bit of travelling around? Has anyone lived in Ostroleka? Are there any critical issues I should clarify before accepting this job? I feel a bit pressured to accept because most of the positions in Poland are already filled for the autumn.

(Background: We are 2 Canadians (aged 25 & 27), with degrees and TEFL, lots of leadership experience, but no ESL teaching experience. We basically want to do a gap-year in Poland. I don't want to get taken, I just want a good 8 months overseas for an adventure and to see if I like teaching. I don't want the experience to be shelved with my horrible rookie-year tree-planting!!!!)

Thanks everyone!

Cheers!

LadyJane · Joined: 27 Aug 2005 Posts: 8

Hi 7H,

I don't know the school or the place, but I recently discovered that it is a good idea to inquire about the housing in detail. An accommadation considered adequate in size by Eastern European standards is not necessarily adequate by North American standards. Asking very specific questions about size and amenities might save you from a shock on arrival.

Best of luck.

Wink

LJ

7H · Joined: 20 Jun 2005 Posts: 6 Location: CANADA

Good point...especially because my boyfriend is about 6'4"! How long are Polish beds?

Thanks!

gerr · Joined: 16 Oct 2005 Posts: 17 Location: Hohhot, China

Hi 7H,
I just came across your message. Did you take the position in Ostroleka? I worked in that school.........
Whats happening?

ready2go · Joined: 05 Feb 2006 Posts: 11 Location: Canada

Hi..just got onto this site for the first time. Since this is a discussion relevant to teaching in Poland, I thought I'd jump in and ask a few questions. I am planning to go to Krakow to look for work teaching English. I keep reading that it's a good idea to get there and do a job search rather than over the internet.
The only thing I heard about the Callan method is that it may limit your chances of finding work in the future.
I am Canadian, have a B.A., a recent TESOL certificate and some leadership teaching experience in fitness education at a YMCA. I am middle aged and have been overseas for extended periods in the past, doing odd jobs.
Delays in getting my passport meant I missed the January start up time. I've posted my resume on Dave's and one other site. AM I TAKING A BIG RISK BY JUST FLYING TO KRAKOW AND HOPING TO FIND WORK? If not, any ideas about accomodations? I was thinking about leaving in a week or so. Now I'm getting cold feet.
Thanks,
Louise

Blue Jacket · Joined: 23 Jan 2006 Posts: 20

It is not difficult for a native speaker to find work in Poland (it is best to arrive before the beginning of the school year). Qualifications are helpful but not necessary, same with experience. I have been in Poznan for about 5 years, I suppose Cracow isn't much different than where I am in regards to finding work. There are likely to be differences in the cost of living and wages from one city to another. I have never looked for work on the internet here, I have only knocked on doors or posted my own hand-made signs to get private work. Summer is the worst time to find work here in Poznan, Cracow might be different. You will find some more info in the General Discussion Forum under a post "Best places in Eastern Europe...." (I think that was the title).

Blue Jacket · Joined: 23 Jan 2006 Posts: 20

Regarding apartments in Poland:
The normal way that apartments are described here may be misleading. What is known here as a "one room" or "kawalerka" does not have a bedroom. This would have a living room/bedroom. A sofa bed is typical in such a place and they are sometimes too short for me (6'2") and/or are often quite uncomfortable.
A "two room" has one bedroom. (and so on)
Rent is charged with or without bills and "oplaty", you should check this. In the past I have either paid 600 Pln + oplaty (170-240 Pln) + bills or, 800 pln + bills. The oplaty can vary and the prices I have given you are based on 3 different apartments that I have had in Poznan (30 to 55 square meters).
I hope this is useful.

Pollux · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 224 Location: PL

If you're making 5000 zl in Ostrolenka you won't have to worry. You'll be able to buy a bed of your choice. It won't be a dream town, but you will be 2 hours away from Warsaw and you will have plenty of cash to enjoy weekend trips to the capitol or other places. The Callan method will tire you soon enough, and then if you want to stay in Poland you'll be able to find better work. If you were alone, I would say head for Warsaw or some other city, but since you're not you will be OK. Go for it.