Job Discussion Forums

vongchild · Joined: 25 Oct 2005 Posts: 1

Ok here is the deal, I just recently graduated from San Diego State, and went on my third euro trip over summer and happened to stubble upon a little place called Poland. I loved it! Great time, people, culture, everything! Here is my questions; I got my degree in teaching, Liberal Studies with a specialization in English, now, do i need one of these certificates to get a job that can completely support me while im there? I think the TEFL courses could be useful, but I don�t see how a 4 week course could be more qualifications then 4 years at an accredited university. I have a friend who is teaching in Slovakia and he said the courses were a joke, he just took them because that�s what he thought he had to do.

Second question: I have a friend who wants to come with me and teach, he doesn�t have a degree but wants to get the 4 week TEFL certificate. Will he be able to find work having only that certificate? In regards to both questions, im talking about finding work that will support enough to live semi comfortable; own apartment, food, and an occasional drink or two.

Last question: How is the legal situation when you arrive in Poland? Do i just get a job right away and then worry about it, or do i go to immigration and get a soc security number and then try and find work?

Hopefully someone out there can help me out! Thank you for the time.

Robby

gregoryfromcali · Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2005 10:34 am Post subject:

Hi Robby,

I'd assume that some TEFL courses are a joke. But I've never met anyone who told me that the CELTA was a joke.

When I took the CELTA there were 5 of us and 3 out of that 5 has been teaching for over a year. In fact those 3 probably got more out of it because they were already aware of the classroom environment, so I don't think it could be a waste of time for anyone unless you already took it.

Also I do know that the ESL tradition in Europe is different from the States so it could be a way to familiarize yourself with the ESL world outside of the States.

I do know that a CELTA will open more doors for you. In fact a lot of the schools I worked at would usually only hire teachers with a CELTA.

Just my 2 cents anyway.

As far as your other two questions they've been debated over and over again on the forum.

Here are two recent threads that should give you some idea of how things work in Poland.

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=29303

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=30648

tbiehl2000 · Joined: 22 Jul 2004 Posts: 87

I second Greg from Cali. I took the CELTA at IH in Krakow. Granted the CELTA is not a four year degree nor should it be compared to one but it is quite challenging and I found it rewarding as well. The course may not be necessary for you but it would definitely be an additional feather in your cap. Especially if you are awarded an "A" or "B".
On the other hand the course does cost a few bucks. Good luck.