Job Discussion Forums

[Nico151]

Hi,

Does anyone have any recent info about Intensity school in Rybnik? I've been in touch with them but would like to know a bit more before formally applying, particularly about Rybnik itself (bit wary of moving somewhere so small).

Also, the application form asks a few more questions than i would think necessary i.e. parents first names, mothers maiden name...is this normal?

I've done a search but can't seem to find any real info about the place.

Thanks.

[parrothead]

Their job adverts pop up once or twice a year. Perhaps turnover relects that, or they are a growing and successful school. I have no experience in Rybnik nor teaching the Intensity Method (they seem fairly proud of the Callan Method). I had a phone interview a few years ago and was so turned off by the interviewer that when the job offer was made I didn't accept. Perhaps that was just a poor interview and a single snapshot in time and doesn't reflect an otherwise decent school. This is their Polish web page: www.intensity-callan.pl
Sorry I don't have any more information than that.

[Jack Walker]

[filmpan]

I can tell you quite a bit about Rybnik and a few things about Intensity if you're still interested; your OP is quite old by now, so you've almost certainly closed the subject, but if you're still interested, post a reply, which will result in my being notified, and I'll come back and post a thorough response --if you have additional questions that have occurred to you since your OP, feel free...

[m27]

Filmpan- I'd like some info! I'm not the original poster, of course, but I just applied to Intensity, and would love to hear more about both it and the city.

Was the school fair and legit? Are the administrators and teachers easy to work with? How was the pay?

How did you like living in Rybnik? I'm not really drawn to smaller sized cities, but could learn to love it if it has culture, charm, and some fun things to do. What were the main faults and positives of the city? How was the cost of living? Did you have the money and opportunity to travel? Were you able to "make it" on your salary? My husband would be coming with me and we'd have to live on my pay until he finds something.

Sorry to be peppering you with questions, but I'd love to know! Thanks!

[harold_haller]

Hey Guys,

I am also interested in more information about Intensity. Has anyone here worked there? What do you guys know?

Thanks!

HH

[harold_haller]

Filmpan,

I don't have enough posts to PM you, but I would really like to hear more about Intensity if you have a minute. Thanks! HH

[aswank]

I know this post is old, but I was wondering if you guys could share some information about Intensity. I can't seem to find anything else on the internet about the school. Any information would help

[postpran]

The community of teachers at Intensity is excellent. Lots of socializing. A very warm and friendly environment. Fair.

The only drawback for me was the Callan method. if you can handle the method, then you will no doubt have an amazing time!!!

[ericaleab]

I just wanted to add my honest opinion about this school. I have been an ESL teacher for more than 6 years now, and I have had the wonderful experience of teaching in many different places.

By far, Poland was one of my favourite countries to visit and live. The people are warm, generous and spirited, and as students, they were extremely hard-working.

However, when making mention of the Intensity Callan English School in Rybnik, I thought I'd warn a few individuals before they signed onto something they were unsure about.

I was hired to teach the Callan Method ( which is a very fixed, rigid method) at th Intensity School in Rybnik. Although the teaching staff was wonderful, and the students were great, I had a very bad experience with the owner/manager of the school.

This particular person was not very kind ( to say the least), and did not provide a great support system for his staff. He would never tell any of us that we were doing a great job, but rather, always had meetings to demonstrate what we were doing wrong.

Towards the end of the contract, I felt myself not following 100% the Callan Method, but rather utilizing other methods of instruction to involve the students more. Hearing about this, the manager of the school became furious. This would have been a fair reaction; however, instead of 'talking' to me about it, he simply created this situation that I was 'stealing money' from the school in order to have me fired. He then called me in his office, fired me on the spot by accusing me of taking this 'lost' money, and fired a number of insults at me, things I wouldn't even say to my worst enemy.

Anyway, I felt I was betrayed by the school, left without a job, without money and told to leave the apt. building in which I was living. I was paying rent, but the school had found that particular apt. for me.

All I can say is that I do not trust the manager of this school. He was not a kind man, and could care less about his teachers, or listening to them at any time. There is no job security here.

Funny enough, though, upon coming home immediately after, I found a job at 24 as a College professor just outside of Toronto, Canada. I stayed there for a number of years and I have now moved to Canada's arctic to teach ESL at a popular northern college. Seemingly, I can say that Karma worked out for me in the end!!! I love my life, my career and teaching experience now, despite having had that very sad, difficult experience in Poland.

I will always love Poland and the people, and I do treasure my time there. However, please, if you are desiring to teach at Intensity School, find another school. This one will bring you nothing but worry, bad feelings and lack of respect.

Also, being a collaborative linguist myself, I found that the Callan Method was horrible to use. It was boring, repeatitive, and easily created that 'plateau' effect that teachers so much fear.

I'm sorry to write all of this, but it has been a few years since I was there, and I felt it only necessary to 'warn' others about this school. I would hate to see what happened to me, happen to another happy-go-lucky ESL teacher!