Job Discussion Forums

[Vairocana]

Hi everyone,

I read in other postings that the Polish government has given Native Language teachers visa waivers. Plus I read on Dave's and other sites such as http://wikitravel.org/en/Poland#Work http://www.transitionsabroad.com/listings/work/esl/articles/teachenglishcentraleasterneurope.shtml and http://www.englishjobmaze.com/[email protected] that there's immense opportunities for work. So I think I have a better shot starting out in Poland. I have been looking at several possible cities and thus far Wroclaw http://www.wroclaw-life.com/ seems the most appealing to me .

How many private English schools are in Wroclaw?
Which ones has the better reps & working conditions?
How is the private tutoring in Wroclaw?
Are there a lot of business people/students seeking English privates?
Are there any fitness centers in Wroclaw, about how much are then a month?
In terms of supermarkets do they have a large variety of international foods?

I think that cover the essentials

Yes these are the same q's I posted in Ukraine, these questions will always be my essentials where ever I may be planning to go in the world.

Thank you

[phantombedwetter]

Hi V,
Can you tell me where I can find more info on the visa waiver issue, please?
I've not heard of this, please say more!

I'm currently in the process of arranging visas for 4 new teachers from native speaker countries at around 500 zeds a pop.

If you do, I'll tell you everything you need to know about Wroclaw, including the gnomes

[Vairocana]

Hi phantombedwetter,

This is info I found on Dave's through the kind submissions of other posters, and the Visa waiver status is verified by the BBC News http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/5301186.stm

And here's the links on Dave's examining wavier for Native teachers in detail
http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=46740
http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=59142

Keep in mind that Poland is apart of the Schengen zone, but supposly Native teaches are exempted from needing work permits as started in the BBC News article. According to redsoxfan all a native spearker who teaching their language needs is a temporary residence card ("karta czasowego pobytu) see 46740.

I hope this helps!

[phantombedwetter]

Ah ha,
I think the confusion was semantic, never mind...

Scroll down half way and enjoy the best blogger in the history of bloggosity.

http://batorego.wordpress.com/page/3/

[dynow]

yes, you can legally teach in poland with a Karta Pubytu (this is currently what I have), which needs to be renewed yearly............but the hoops you need to jump through in order to acquire one is another story. you're looking at months before you get it, there's no way around it. I love Poland, but it's a beaurocratic nightmare with paperwork.

[dynow]

How many private English schools are in Wroclaw?
Which ones has the better reps & working conditions?
How is the private tutoring in Wroclaw?
Are there a lot of business people/students seeking English privates?
Are there any fitness centers in Wroclaw, about how much are then a month?
In terms of supermarkets do they have a large variety of international foods?

There are many private english schools. as a native speaker, you should have no problem getting a job.

I've only worked for one school, but everyone has mixed opinions about all the schools out there. one will say it's terrible, one will say it's wonderful, but there are schools that you should avoid.

Private tutoring is basically limitless. Wroclaw has about 130,000 students, most of which will need english to get a job, and there are very few native speakers in Poland, so as a native, you could get tons of work. Businesses are booming in Wroclaw and there are lots of business people willing to pay top $ for a native, assuming you are good. these people will have high standards and will expect really good lessons.

There are fitness centers, but they are sparse.

A large variety of international foods......no. Supermarkets in Poland are completely one-dimensional. Poland's population is 98% Polish people. There's no demand for it.

feel free to PM me with other questions.

[Vairocana]

The blogs were interesting phantombedwetter.
I especially want to thank dynow, that info definitely makes Wroclaw my #1 choice. Well I just have to get what international foods I need shipped through amazon.com.
If the work is that good then I should make sufficient money, to travel to other European countries/cities; when I'm due for vacation. There's still plenty of Europe that I have to explore.

[dynow]

With 25-30 lessons a week at a decent per-lesson rate, you should have no problem with traveling around Europe.

curious.....what kinds of international foods are you looking for?

[Vairocana]

I'm pretty omnivorous! I grew up on American Southern cuisine, so I love rich flavored and spicy foods. I also like many Caribbean dishes and Pan-Asian fare; especially Chinese, Thai, and Japanese.

BTW, I'm taking my CELTA in June '08, here in the States (NYC). Should I apply for Fall '08 employment while in NYC, or is it better to simply get on the plane and apply in person once I'm in Wroclaw, Poland?

[phantombedwetter]

[Vairocana]

Not trying to start a flame war but isn't Indian cuisine now the most popular food in England!

[phantombedwetter]

[Vairocana]

BTW, I'm taking my CELTA in June '08, here in the States (NYC). Should I apply for Fall '08 employment while in NYC, or is it better to simply get on the plane and apply in person once I'm in Wroclaw, Poland?

Thanks for all the good advice!

[spiral78]

You could find a list of schools and send letters of application from NYC, but actual setting up interviews and job-seeking is best done from in-country. The directors usually want to see you in their offices, CV in hand, looking professional and reliable, before they'll give you a second thought.

[Vairocana]

Thanks spiral78,

Yeah, I'll send my resume before I arrive as feelers, maybe I'll be even able to set up a pre-interview by phone. However, I would personally like to see the school myself.