Job Discussion Forums

[Eager2teach]

I am newly certified and a bit overwhelmed by the prospects or possiblities for teaching. Poland interests me however. I'd appreciate any help or insight I can get. I'm a 47 y/o male with no teaching experience prior to the CELTA. What can I expect?

[Tumteetum]

What can you expect:

Well it may not be the best time to come to Poland as the academic year starts now. Then again if you come right away, or preferably apply first, you could pick up jobs where teachers didn't turn up or got sacked.

The second best time for job hunting in Poland seems to be January/February as this is the break between 'semesters'.

If you teach here you can expect to have a class any size up to about 15 (usually 12 max. in my experience) with students who are generally fairly easy to teach - as in theyre (generally) keen, forthcoming, and chatty. You'll have enough money for beer and food and a bit more, expecially if you get private students.

You have to check things out thought - city/town, school's reputation etc. You can get stung anywhere but it hurts a wee bit more if youve crossed continents for it. So do your research.

Sell your age as a plus - some schools want teachers with a bit of life experience and a more 'mature' outlook.

All the best.