Job Discussion Forums

[MarkUSA]

Hello, Teachers.

I'm in discussion with a couple language schools, ILS & Intercollege, and wondered if anyone out there can recommend either school OR warn me to stay away. Thanks.

Mark

[ratsareeatingmybrain]

Worked at ILS 4-7 years ago, so my infos a tad out of date but for what it's worth..

I stayed three years cos it was a nice close friendly set up and you were looked after. All the paper work and so forth was done for you, the DOS helped loads and the atmophere was very supportive (I was a newbie, as was almost everyone there). The pay was good, when you took into account all the expenses. They've also got the largest set of resources of any school I've worked at.

Opole is definitely fine for a year, maybe two. Its small but friendly and my first year there I had a fantastic time. It all depends what you want mind. Opole's not that big, a town really despite its city status, and my third year there turned out to be one too many. That said Wroclaw is 80 minutes away by train and there's plenty to do there.

After three years, I was offered the DOS post and Cambridge exam training and would have happily stayed but 3 years in Opole was quite enough. Sometimes I almost regret not getting that experience, but it really was time to move on.

How much the experience will differ now is hard to say. I knew the DOS there last year, but not this. The native speaker teaching staff are all changed from when I was there (there was about 10 natives and 10 Poles). Any specific questions?

[MarkUSA]

Sounds like you have a fondness for Opole, after having left ILS. Funny how that happens (reminds me of my months in Malta, year in France, etc).

The DOS at ILS seems very friendly. They offer between 1750-
1850 zl per month; visa expenses; own room in a shared apt. Is this pay enough to get by (and then some) in a town like Opole?

Also, what kind of day-to-day work schedule can I expect? While I love to teach, being "on call" 10-12-14 hrs a day will make me feel like rats are eating my brain. Weekends off? What was your experience?

[maniak]

[MarkUSA]

Yes, 20-26 hrs (w/chances to get tutor work, like most places). I imagine that is gross pay, but I'll ask. Other questions, specifically: what is Polish income tax rate? Did you travel a lot to classes? What age level did you teach while there? Any student behavior problems (beyond the norm)? How were your accommodations? Did ILS handle your VISA application process?

I do appreciate your answers to these important questions. Any other advice/things to be aware of/look out for, would be a great help.

Regards,

Mark

[ratsareeatingmybrain]

First off I should say that my info is about 3 years old and Polish law concerning taxes, foreigners, pretty much anything are in a constant state of flux so it may not necessarily be the case now. Poland's whole bureaucracy is an utter mess - really, not just like everyone says everywhere about red tape and so forth.

The Polish tax rate was 20% for those not in the system (ie not tax resident, which you presumably wont be). You used to be exempt from tax completely for your first two years in Poland but not any more, as i understand it, so that's what you'll be paying I think.

With the free flat and I'm presuming only phone to pay (that was the deal then), that's plenty to live on, though it all depends what you want. It'll be plenty to go out 3 or 4 times a week as long as you dont want to drink wine. Don't even think about getting a car on that though.

I can feel that Im waffling so Im gona cut it short. Im too tired. If you have a driving licence you may end up going to businesses quite often. In my last year I drove every day, but I was the only one who did. Expect plenty of split shifts unless they tell you different. Some did 3.30 - 8.10 blocks but not many. Polish students are demanding but are fun. You could have any ages but beginners are becoming a rare commodity in the Polish market so medium to higher I guess is more likely but now Im in the wonderful world of speculation so I'll stop. Ask your DOS, he'll know better. It's always a lottery the first year. If you stay a second you'll be in a position of strength to ask for what you want.

I'm off before I fall asleep on my keyboard. What was the question again?

[MarkUSA]

Thanks, Brain. Keep the rats at bay.

[GEG]

I taught at this school this past fall. While the Polish teachers were very nice and my students were good, the administration was whacky. The week after I arrived, two people in the front office quit, they fired a teacher after 1 class even though he had a contract and they had teachers driving a car that shouldn't have been on the road it was in such bad condition. Many teachers, including myself, complained vehemently about the safety (or lack of) of that piece of tin.

The management is a classic case study in how not to run a business let alone a school. My flat wasn't bad, So we had to do some cleaning. Thankfully, the owner of the flat and the neigbors were quite nice and we got along very well.

If you are willing to put up with Disneyland from a management point, then go to ILS. Like I said, the other teachers and the students are worth it.

[stephenbranigan]

Hi,

I can agree with GEG. I taught there for two years. The school had a great reputation when I joined but has been going very much downhill over the past three years. I decided to get out before the crash!

[Sgt Bilko]

Not sure if this will sway your decision but a brand new out of town shopping mall has just openend to the west of Opole.

I haven't been yet - the queues out of town on Friday when it opened were ridiculous, complete grid lock for miles. It may tell you something about the excitement levels here when a mall is the biggest event of the year.

Mind you, it did make for a beautifully empty Tesco for my weekly shop

[lundjstuart]

around 1800 PLN is nothing!! You should be making somewhere around 2500-4000+ in that city!! You already have experience teaching so why not ask for more?? I would suggest not working for a salary but working on an hourly rate (it works out to your advantage here), on a salary, you wont be paid for overtime and etc.. Think about it and ask to talk to some of the other native teachers that are working at that school!! If they want you, they will let you talk to them!! good luck and just be smart!!

[kostachucks]

Is there anyone currently (December 08) currently working at ILS in Opole? I have some questions. Thanks.