Job Discussion Forums

[AndyD]

Hello ESL Café,

I have recently been offered a job offer in one of the larger cities in Poland, but before I make my decision, I'd like to get some input from you TEFLers who have taught/ are teaching over there. And before you start to flame me, I have been using the search option as a research tool

I am an American male, age 23, with a BS in TESOL and a CELTA. My biggest question is regarding the work visa/residence permit - Do I need to obtain the work visa before I head over or is that something I can take care of in Poland? And the residence visa is something I take care of over there? Am I missing something or are these the necessary documents to live and work in Poland?

Based on my searches of this forum, I have found nothing but good reviews for the school that has offered me the job. However, I've found that wages in Poland vary depending on the location. Is the offered 50PLN/hr at a minimum of 20 hours a week a livable wage? This is before taxes. Keep in mind that I would need to pay for an apartment, health insurance (is that the ZUS I keep seeing?), food, etc. Again, this is one of the bigger cities.

This is a very exciting prospect being my first chance at TEFLing overseas, but I certainly don't want to rush into anything without fully knowing what I am getting myself into. And any further advice about teaching/living in Poland would be welcomed.

AndyD

[dragonpiwo]

PM Delphian Domain as he'll fill you in.

4k minus tax and rent a month-FTS!

[delphian-domine]

You've been offered 20x50zl in a major city?

That would certainly buck the recent trend, and I'd be highly suspicious about the offer based on your lack of experience and track record in Europe.

Throw me a PM with the name of the school and I'll do some digging for you.

[dragonpiwo]

Bargain of the week is in Zabka as 6x450ml bottles of Kasztelan for 12.79PLN It's almost free!!

This deal of 20 hours a week, grossing 4k a month. Regardless of the school, it's still more like 3K minus rent innit? Furthermore, he won't teach 20 hours a week in December, February, April, July, August and September. He might need to know that.

The lads in Poz are now drinking in Szewska as there's a bar that does pints for a pound!

I'm spending my time cycling and swimming in this glorious weather.

[AndyD]

DD, I sent you a PM. Thanks for the help.

Dragonpiwo, I can see that those months would coincide with some holidays, but all of them? Can you explain?

[wojbrian]

Your school has to send you an offer by email or post.

Then you fill out a form and send that along with 2 passport type photos, the printed offer letter and your passport to the consulate in your area.

This will give you permission to work in Poland.

Once in Poland you will have to register.

You should have copies of things before you go.

1. passport
2. birth cert
3. copies of celta, diploma, etc...
4. some kind of back ground check

There can be a bunch of other things that they will ask for.
It would be best to ask the school to call and ask the border control office what they will want.

[AndyD]

Thanks wojbrian,

By offer letter do you mean a contract signed by both parties?

[wojbrian]

Nope, An offer letter just means they are offering you employment.

You will need a signed copy of your contract in Polish to submit to the border patrol people once you start your paperwork in Poland.

[dragonpiwo]

Christmas is December, winter break beginning of February, Easter April and then the long summer from July to end of September.

Delph's the guy to talk to re the contract and what you should ask for.

Which city is it?

We've definitely got Warsaw, Poznan, Gdansk and Bydgoszcz covered on this forum.

Whatever you do, bring money with you and by that I mean a sensible amount not $1000.

And happy wife hunting

[scot47]

How much is a "sensible amount" ?

[sparks]

I would say no less than 3 thousand American dollars to start, depending on the city and how well you set yourself up, probably more like 5K would be better. figure a deposit of 1 month's rent 1000-1500 and two more months before you hopefully get some money, unless you are doing a bunch of privates and getting cash in hand. Bills, another, 1000 min. Whatever else you may want/need.

[dynow]

[delphian-domine]

That's not always true - some schools will pay over the holidays regardless.

[dragonpiwo]

Like who? Not being facetious but would love to know.

[Master Shake]