Job Discussion Forums

[Vaporate]

How is the TEFL job market in Poland?

Areas of interest: Lodz, Wroclaw. Little town called dzierzoniow.

I'm simply just curious at the moment.

About me:

English native speaker. British citizen. EU passport. Age: 25

BSc (Hons) Applied Criminology with Psychology

Middle of the road 4 week TESOL cert 120 hours theory, 6 hours practical with real students.

8 weeks voluntary experience.

I have done my own research but wish to hear from people who have actually worked in the TEFL field in Poland and share their experience, salary, life style and so on.

I'm new here so be gentle?

[coledavis]

Well, I've just been here for a week; I'm not far from your prospective beat, a town called Wielun (first place to get hit in the 1939 invasion - full Monty, twice the casualties of Guernica). The people seem friendly (so far, only a shop assistant at Lidl's and a waiter at a posh restaurant have given me the bum's rush). However, one thing I have heard is that language schools in the general area (e.g. Lodz) have become rather wary of native speakers (my boss, referring to a fellow employer's attitude, used the phrase 'fed up'). I think it is something to do with irresponsible behaviour; apparently, they sacked four native speakers in a row. So, thanks to some people, native speakers are getting a bad reputation. My advice, therefore, would be to try to emphasise what a helpful reliable person you are (and be that - obviously, the more people mess up, the more difficult it is for the rest of us to get considered).

You'll find other threads dealing with salary. I reckon if you're getting free accommodation and 40 zloty per teaching hour (4 to the UK pound), then you'll live and maybe save a bit.

When are you looking to start?

[Jack Walker]

Little town called dzierzoniow.

I'm curious...why Dzierzoniow? A lady p'raps?

This is the life of a typical ESL instructor in Poland :

Low wages
High Cost of Living
Split Shifts
Difficult bosses
No job security
Bureaucracy to the extreme

Good luck with it!

[coledavis]

Hi Jack - are all employers in Polish language schools difficult? What's the size of your sample?

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[coledavis]

Well, I was looking for a temporary job, between February and June and the Wielun school wanted a teacher for the same period. I'm interested in how people live, and I've got plenty of projects to work on, so I'm not bothered. It sounds, however, like you would be looking for a bigger place, if you don't go to that town where your pal lives.

I'm not sure how much planning makes sense, given different needs at different schools. If you do, perhaps you should focus on the communicative side, as some schools may ask you to concentrate on that to benefit most from your being a native speaker.

[Jack Walker]

[coledavis]

Fair enough (your comment, I mean). Thanks.

[Vaporate]

Coledavis:

How are you finding your school thus far? Students, management etc.

Salary?

I did read somewhere that the monthly wage is usually 2500 PLN per month. However, I am a complete newbie so I am simply throwing paradigms in the air at the moment.

My realistic expectations:

Attain a 1 year contract in said desired location. Time will tell if it is for me. I am young so I have no responsibility back home in Kent, UK. No debt.

Maybe to save a few Zloty if possible.

[coledavis]

How are you finding your school thus far? Students, management etc.
Well, from what my colleagues say, my current boss is one of Jack's 20%! Apparently, she does take people's human fallibility into account, although she will dismiss if they continue to do badly. Thus far, I've found her helpful and flexible, any problems usually stemming from disorganisation. Most of my colleagues seem either glad to see me or at least open-minded.

Most of the students are cooperative and friendly, although I suspect that this is probably dependent on their perceptions of teaching quality. One or two are awkward teenagers - e.g. hang around at the back, get through talking exercises far too quickly - but that's the territory anywhere. Generally, they try to go along with what I'm serving up.


Salary? ...
I did read somewhere that the monthly wage is usually 2500 PLN per month. However, I am a complete newbie so I am simply throwing paradigms in the air at the moment.

As I think I said, I make 40 zl per hour, so if I worked 15 hours x 4 weeks
I'd get about that. The thing to look at is not just the pay but the other circumstances. In my case, I was offered either a free place in a college hall of residence or half the rent paid on a flat. If your rent is paid, you won't be Mr Money but you should be able to choose between the high life and saving up. If you're paying rent, then I would imagine that 2500 wouldn't be much and saving is unlikely.

Why not work your year in Poland? Even if you don't want to stay in the same place after that, you will have transformed into an experienced TEFL which will make your life easier if you want to look for work elsewhere, or in another part of Poland.

Returning to the point about native speakers having become less than a draw in this neck of the woods thanks to their idiocy, I would suggest that your idea of visiting a few places might be useful. That way, they can get some sort of a feel for you. I was told that I was only considered because of the CELTA, postgraduate qualifications and a fair amount of experience; so I think the visit is the best way to differentiate yourself from the large number of email-only applications.

[Vaporate]

Many thanks Coledavis for your posts.

I have researched some schools and they usually offer free accommodation, or at least rent being 'partly paid', plus your usual wage on top.

I will email a few schools. Right now I am just saving money. I will not be 'throwing' away a good job here in the UK as it is just a menial job due to the recession.

I will just take a leap of faith come early summer and be prepared.

I will also have around �1500 as an emergency fund. �2000 to take with me.

Thank you once again, as well as to other posters.

[sharter]

You did the right thing by getting a fund together to cover you. However, here's a heads-up.

All of Central Europe is now expensive for a.) buying flats and b.)going out. As a newbie there going out and making friends will be your main concern initially. Going out costs unless you eat kebabs and hotdogs and drink Wyborowa and local piwo. Eating out can be akin to having your pockets emptied by thievin' gypsy 'basterds'.

Before you go buy electronic goods and clothes. In Poland they are often overpriced and or crap. When you are there make sure you keep costly things locked up or in your pockets.

Most TEFLers are leaving Poland due to the low wage vs high cost environment there.

I have 15 years Poland 'time'. You'll have a laugh but don't stay my friend.

And...good luck....the girls are pretty and educated...and as mad as mongeese!

[Master Shake]

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