Job Discussion Forums

[stare]

Hello all,

I am currently teaching in Taiwan but have been thinking about the prospects of going to Europe, namely Poland. I have visited the country a few times and really love it there. I just have a few question about the teaching situation before I decide to go. So I guess this is for anyone there, or has taught there in the past.

What is the monthly salary like for a teacher that has 2 years experience in Asia?
What is the situation with schools in Poland is there a lot of competition?
Should I secure a job before I arrive or show up and pound the pavement with my resume in hand?
Do schools ask you to do teaching demonstrations?
When you secure a job what does your employer offer you, for example, apartment, health care, work permit etc?
Most importantly, what is the cost of living like for a single guy and let's say in the city of Warsaw?

Thanks for any help you may be able to provide I'd really appreciate it if you could answer any of the questions I have posted.

stare

[Martin P]

The answers to most of your questions are 'depends'!

Salaries depend not only on qualifications, but also on experience. There is competition in the bigger cities, but less so in the smaller ones. Get a job before you arrive only if you are confident you know what to look for. I haven't heard of teaching demonstrations, though I'm sure they happen here. Perks are very variable, depending on employer. Cost of living depends on how important you find it to live a western lifestyle. I feel fairly comfortable, but that may be because the things I like (eating out, travel) are cheap.

Sorry to give so few straight answers!

[XXX]

You won't make near the amount of coin you would in Taiwan, but you will live much better on your "local" salary than you did in Asia. And the beer is MUCH better.