Job Discussion Forums

[klaw02]

Hi all,

I am an Australian citizen from an asian background. I have several questions about teaching English in Poland.

1) Even though English is my native language, would I be discriminated against due to my skin colour?

2) I read that it is difficult to find Polish language schools willing to sponsor work visas. But do the vast majority of non-EU citizens succeed in finding work in September? I don't want to go all the way over to Poland just to have to return to Australia after not finding a job.

3) If I don't find a job in August/September, would I pretty much have to wait until January for me to have a realistic chance of finding a job?

4) I read that it's extremely difficult to find a job in Krakow. In which cities would I have a realistic chance of securing a work sponsor as an Australian with little experience?

5) Any suggestions on TEFL course providers in Poland that provide assistance with finding jobs? Many schools in the CR seem to offer this but I haven't found any in Poland.

6) Would it be easier for non-EU citizens to find work in Czech Republic since we can get a Zivnostensky List instead of having to find schools to sponsor us?

Thanks!

[simon_porter00]

[klaw02]

Thank you for your response! Your site is amazing! It answered pretty much all my other questions!

[klaw02]

I have another question.

On your site, you say that work visas used to have to be submitted by the 45th day into the Schengen visa but they process visas faster nowadays.

You mention on your site that the best time to look for a job is late August - mid September. Are these dates applicable to non-EU citizens too? I imagine that if the semester starts in September I should allow some time for my visa to get processed in time?

Specifically, I am thinking of doing my CELTA in Wroclaw and then try to find a job there immediately after. Do you think the 5th - 30th Aug course would be better or the 8th July - 2nd August one?

[simon_porter00]

Work visas.
The 'old' rules were indeed you had to get your application in within 45 days of the 90. This was because it took 45 days or so to process it, or so, and so when you'd get it back you'd still be in the 90 day limit and therefore be legal.
I have heard (and maybe others on this forum could back this up) that the process is faster nowadays. Nevertheless, it's still the general rule to bear in mind.

Late August to mid semester is the best time to look for work irrespective of where you come from. The work visa is processed through the place of work that employs you - it's impossible to get this before (unless you are from the states in which case it is possible, according to some on this forum, to set up your own business, and give yourself a work visa).
Therefore, the process would look like this:
You hit the streets looking for a job.
You find a/several schools interested in hiring you.
One school does.
That school then starts the process of your work visa. I assume that you'd start work in this time whilst waiting for it.
You receive it (the administration being done at your cost more than likely).

All of the above is written with the proviso that I am only a pom and haven't gone through this process but is based on what either the rules are believed to say or people's experiences on here.

CELTA course - the August course would be sufficient. You normally have plenty of time during the course to find schools/work. Doing the July course will probably just mean you sitting around for a few weeks in August waiting for the schools to finally take an interest in talking to new teachers. On the other hand, if you want to explore, then you'd have time to do so.

[klaw02]

Thanks for your reply.

Just to clarify, you said in your previous post that I would have a better chance finding a job if I get a good CELTA pass. But in your last post you said that I'd have time to find a job while I'm still doing my course.

I wouldn't be less employable applying while still doing my CELTA and not knowing my final grade than if I was to apply with my CELTA already finished and a good pass mark?

[simon_porter00]

Good question.
I think (from what I remember) your CELTA progress guide details the marks you get for various assignments. On the basis of this, your predicted grade can be assumed.
It's standard operating procedure to find work whilst doing the CELTA.

The CELTA is graded as:
A - nearly impossible to get
B - damned good result
C - standard pass
Fail.

The C grade is the most common grade ad you'll find work with it - not a problem. But if you want to shine just a little brighter (like moi) a B makes getting a job a little bit easier as most people on the course will get a C.

[Master Shake]

[simon_porter00]

[Master Shake]

Porter, I'll give you a whole face full of special the next time you turn up in Warsaw. Then, you can experience how fast and efficient Polish hospitals are firsthand.

The fact is, Warsaw immigration is excruciatingly slow. Give them 45 days to process a straightforward visa application, and they will unapologetically take 90. Don't count on them to have anything done on time. I'm not speaking only for myself here; I have several American friends who've had the same experience.

[sparks]

Agree with Shake 100%. The 45 day thing is a joke and the people working at the foreigner's office couldn't find ham on a hog farm. I truly believe that they are the dregs of Polish society. Incapable of functioning in a world of rules and responsibilities.

[wojbrian]

Ham on a hog farm!

No one wants to make a decision even though the law is right in front of them.

[klaw02]

[Master Shake]

[ecocks]