Job Discussion Forums

[Kay1]

I currently have two job offers in two smaller towns in Poland. I'm headed to Krakow this summer and have lined up a number of interviews while I'm there. From job adds I've seen posted, I've noticed that fewer and fewer schools are looking for teachers without EU passports. What are the chances I'll find a job in Krakow from these interviews (I have a TEFL certificate and have experience teaching ESL and course development in ESL)? I'm wondering if I should take my chances in Krakow or take a job offer now-I really want to move to Poland and love Krakow!

[frilly_lilly]

I am teaching in a small town in Poland and I say do everything you can to work in a big city!!!!

I haven't been to Krakow yet but I've been told by so many people that it is an amazing place worth seeing, and it's a very social party place. Also, there is a much bigger teacher community and lots of native english people there so you will have a bigger support system and won't feel so isolated. if you have a TEFL certificate AND experience, you shouldn't have a problem finding work anywhere in Poland! GOod luck.

[adamscheurich]

I'm kind of in the same boat. I would like to move to Krak or Wroclaw, but I never see any job offers. I'm currently in NY, but I've taught one year in Tarnow. I definitely want to live in a bigger city. How did you get the interviews in Krak? Did you just search for schools and send in your resume?

[spiral78]

It's rare to get any job offers (or even interview offers) from abroad.

This is how frilly lilly ended up in the back of the beyond, if I recall correctly! The exceptions to the not hiring from abroad rule tend to be schools in very isolated areas, or those seeking teachers with specialist qualifications.

This is Europe-wide, by the way. You really have to be here, on the ground, CV in hand, looking professional and reliable to get a hearing.

Further, August is holiday time (and many are already gearing up for that) so it's even tougher to contact anyone in authority.

Suggest that you plan to come on over. If you're not TEFL certified already (adam) I suggest you try to sign up for a basic course in Poland. this gives you a chance to get your feet wet in country/culture, while you still have a support system. Training centres usually arrange for your housing during the course, and can give you invaluable info and contacts with reputable local schools. It's an ideal 'in' to a country.

[misteradventure]

Showing up properly attired gets you far in most of the developed (and developing) world.

Any moron can spam them with emails.

Buy the receptionist flowers and drop off your cv. The boss WILL get it.