Job Discussion Forums

anospi · Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 1:42 pm Post subject: Some questions about Opole

I've recently been offered a job at IH Opole and am giving myself a few days to think about it before signing up. I was wondering if anyone could tell me a bit about Opole and what it's like to live there.

From what I've read it's quite a small city. Are there many expats there? Is there much in the way of nightlife? Are any pubs likely to show the Ashes cricket from Australia between Nov 06 and Jan 07?! I know that's a long shot but I had to ask!

What about English language bookshops, cinemas, gyms and places to do yoga? And is it easy to get by without a word of Polish in my vocabulary? I've never been to Poland or Eastern Europe so I'm not really sure what to expect. Then again, the reason I applied is because I want to work in a European country that will be a bit of a challenge.

afowles · Joined: 02 Jan 2004 Posts: 85 Location: USA

Well, I've never been in Opole, but I've gone through it.

It's a smallish city. Only about 130,000 people in the city. If there are any foreigners at all, I wouldn't bet on more than 20 or so.

Just browsed the job listings and would--without much research, mind you--recommend:

http://www.eslcafe.com/joblist/index.cgi?read=11606
http://www.eslcafe.com/joblist/index.cgi?read=11459 (but only in Wroclaw)
http://www.eslcafe.com/joblist/index.cgi?read=11446

Sometimes the best jobs aren't advertised, because the schools just assume that people will come to them.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Cricket ? On TV ? In Poland ?

I don't think so !

Alex Shulgin · Joined: 20 Jul 2003 Posts: 553

ggate · Joined: 31 May 2006 Posts: 1

Hi-

No bars with satalite t.v. in Opole. Train to Wroclaw ( 1 hr) best bet for must see games. The city has a multi plex cinema, english language book stores and a few gyms. Oxide is the gym that I go to but I don't know anything about Yoga.

I like the city but I prefer small cities.

cheeseandegg · Joined: 26 Aug 2004 Posts: 58

Opole is a great city. There are lots and lots of English people there because it's a popular university city. In addition, the city is always full of tourists, especially from Germany and Czech Republic. I'd definitely recommend Opole as it's a nice charming little place with lots to do.

jasperella · Joined: 16 Mar 2005 Posts: 21 Location: Czech Republic

I've spent the last 9 months working at another school in Opole, and have had a ball. There's not a whole lot going on if you're a big city kinda person, but there's everything that you could need. Great location, really friendly people, and there is a specialist yoga place just off the rynek.

I'd say there's about 30 expats in total, with the 3 main schools (IH, Cosmo, and ILS) plus Optima (2 teachers) and then the unis and colleges etc.

I came here with zero language skills, and found a Polish teacher, if you PM me I'd be happy to pass on details, and answer any other questions you may have.