Job Discussion Forums

YakTamer · Joined: 29 Mar 2004 Posts: 86 Location: Warszawa, Polska

Yes, that was a blinding post from Harry, but perhaps he could tell us just what is wrong with poor benighted Macedonia? Smile

Kootvela · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 513 Location: Lithuania

I think we are a bit away from the original posting, but the topic is worth attention.

As I have done some investigation being 'between jobs', I would strongly recommend:
1. Check what kind of a contract they offer. Do they hire you on a regular work contract (including sick pay, holiday pay, pension money) or it's some freelance type of a thing (no holiday pay, no sick pay, no pension money, you pay your own taxes and health insurance). Advertisements can say much to atract people but if you cannot tell the difference between the two types of contracts, then poor soul you.
2. Taxes. For example, if I worked on a work contract abroad, some countries have treaties with my country that workers pay taxes where they work. Some countries don't and after paying taxes abroad I would be double taxed at home. I had no idea this scheme existed but any tax consultation advice is a good start.
3. IH providing accommodation is one reason the pay is low: 'but you get the place to live we pay for you!'. It's easy to attract foreign teachers who'd like to stay for free (hey, who wouldn't?) but sometimes the conditions of housing are not good (so I've heard).
4. Workshops. Now, quality to quantity! In IH Vilnius we had them every Friday. Original idea was 1,5h for teacher development. Actual reality: 1,2h for admin stuff (who made too many copies, whose reports were not submitted on time, who did what and then who didn't what) and 25 min for a seminar. Sometimes, I must admit, there were nice exceptions and we did have wonderful seminars. I agree with the person who said after workshops being more confident.

My long two Lithuanian cents Smile

Harry from NWE · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Posts: 283

marni · Joined: 19 Jan 2007 Posts: 16 Location: Moon Crater 6

So far i agree with all the posts on IH, but working at IH in Poland let me confirm a few points. Accommodation depends on which IH you are with in Poland there are 3, IH North provides a place to live, but you also have the opportunity to live in your own and have an extra payment. Teacher Training happens each and every friday, unless the DOS is sick or has a hangover, which you dont know about till you have made the trek to school. The pay is totally crap, we had a teacher that took up extra lessons and worked on saturday afternoons, after working 7 they got paid for 2.IH do have a habit of manipulating your contract to their benefit and when they realise they have made a mistake and saved money(for themselves), the teachers lose out. IH do have a 3D policy in Poland....Deny...Deny...Deny. They will standby the bare neccessities of the contract but if they can take money from you, they will, currently im waiting for them to take the shirt off my back, as for the food that went a long time ago.

Kootvela · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 513 Location: Lithuania

And then they boast on their websites how qualified the staff is and how high the teaching standards are. Somebody should sue one IH for misleading advertising, maybe something would come up.

Harry from NWE · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Posts: 283

phantombedwetter · Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2007 10:30 am Post subject:

Kootvela · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 513 Location: Lithuania

cezarek · Joined: 29 Aug 2005 Posts: 149

phantombedwetter · Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 12:00 pm Post subject:

Cezarek,
You seem to be privvy to quite interesting information. EF is in exactly the same boat with their European operation, but I think they are in a better position to ride it.

Old Lion · Joined: 24 Dec 2007 Posts: 10

I worked for IH Warsaw for a term..I had a nice time..good teachers..great staff...but the pay was low..it was a struggle just to get by I hardly banked anything.