Job Discussion Forums

laura1d · Joined: 13 Jan 2005 Posts: 108 Location: Spain

Hello Everyone,

I have been offered a job at English First in Ostroleka. Has anyone been to the town? Do you know anything about it?

The chap at English First has given me some information but would be interested in your opinions.

I have done a lot of searches on the Internet but everything comes up in Polish.

Anything you can tell me would be appreciated.

Also, they are offering me 2,000 pln + free apartment for 18 hours teaching a week - with overtime being paid at 40 pln an hour. Is this ok to live on / save a little. I am aware I wouldn't save much but would like to be able to fly home (France).

Thanks
Laura
Question

Michael Gaylord · Joined: 09 Oct 2004 Posts: 32 Location: Kalisz, Poland

Dear Laura,

About your questions: Ostroleka is about 80 km northeast of Warsaw. It has a population of approx. 50,000. I've never been there, but I think I can offer some thoughts that might be useful to you, since I am now teaching and living in a smallish city in Poland.

The salary- you said 18 hrs at 40PLN, is , I think, quite reasonable for a small city. Of course, it depends on your lifestyle and spending habits. I make 35PLN per hour in Kalisz, at about 18 hrs/wk, and (so, just over 2000PLN per month) and do OK. But, I don't go out to dinner and drink piwo every evening; I go out about once-twice/week, travel to Poznan/Wroclaw some weekends for culture/entertainment. I'm probably able to do these things because of the fact that my FLAT IS ALSO PAID FOR: this seems to be an important factor in Poland. I'm NOT saving ALOT of money, but can live quite comfortably.

As for living in a small city, it's a bit boring, can be lonely, and is culturally isolating at times, but one of the advantages is that you are "forced" to interact with Poles and learn the language, customs, etc., more so than in Warsaw or Poznan: if this is something that you're interested in.

AS for the decision to teach at the particular school, this may be the MOST IMPORTANT. I have to admit, I'm not very happy teaching in a school that uses the CALLAN METHOD, something which I discovered only after I had signed the contract (written only in POLISH!). So, you may want to read the contract very carefully, or make sure you see an English version of it, clear up any questions about potential teaching responsiblities with the director, and find out about the atmosphere of the school, BEFORE you sign it. I'M stuck at this crowded, "stressed-out" school for another 5 months, but like Poland enough to stick it out and to consider staying next year.

With the right prep and research (or even without it sometimes, as in my case!), Poland is such an interesting and warm country that you will probably have a wonderful experience here! Good luck.

Michael

gerr · Joined: 16 Oct 2005 Posts: 17 Location: Hohhot, China

Hi Laura,
I spent 4 months working in Ostroleka from January 05 to May 05 and personally I wouldn't reccommend the town unless you are horribly desperate. The town is very depressing with a horrible smell, honestly. The smell came from a pigs factory located on the edge of the town, and the local paper mill. And the smell doesnt grow on you no matter what anyone tries to tell you.
As far as I can remember there was one semi-decent restaurant, 2 decent pubs and two awful nightclubs.
I would suggest you try for a bigger city,maybe Olstyn which is about 2 - 2.5hrs away from Ostroleka, Krackow is beautiful, Warsaw so so, Gdansk was beautiful but also really cold.
As for the money its good by Polish standards.
And most standard teaching contracts will have a 4 weeks notice clause, so if you decide to take it you can move on if anything better comes along.
If you have ANY questions, ask...

cheeseandegg · Joined: 26 Aug 2004 Posts: 58

For a small town I'd probably expect more money. I earnt only 2,400zl per month in Szczecin (with over 1,000 for rent on top). Now I'm living in a god-awful town of only 15,000 people but earning about 5,000zl gross per month with only 500zl for rent.

That said it's still enough money!

Montbell · Joined: 24 Jan 2006 Posts: 18

I know Rafal as a friend, and he is a great guy. He will do anything (within reasonable limits) to keep you happy.

Having said that, I would rather chew my leg off than live and work in Ostroleka. All that the others said is true, and then some. There are much better choices when it comes to small towns in Poland.