Job Discussion Forums

ibasiram · Joined: 24 Mar 2003 Posts: 107

Hello everyone,
I've just spent one year teaching in Poland and am now thinking of leaving because I'm sick of the language schools there - bankruptcy, closures, trying not to pay wages.... and so on...
I went there first of all because I believed that it was supposed to be good for professional development, well - I'm not so sure.
However, not all negative - I really love the people. They're so friendly and nice. The women there are beautiful. I found it very easy to make friends - much easier than a foreigner would do in Ireland or Britain.
Those of you in Poland, and going back for another year - Why are you teaching there?

martin przybyla · Joined: 04 Sep 2003 Posts: 5

ibasiram, i think you pretty much answered your own question. i doubt many people come to poland for the money or economic stability, but rather for the experience. the people, culture, cheap vodka make it all worthwhile.

biffinbridge · Joined: 05 May 2003 Posts: 701 Location: Frank's Wild Years

I come for the terrible weather,the people who never smile,the toilet paper that doesn't wipe and the incredibly efficient bosses in private language schools who would never dream of ripping jonny foreigner off.The chicks are pretty sublime though....

XXX · Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2003 5:16 pm Post subject:

Not to mention the beer, pub crawls in the Jewish quarter of Krakow, the food, skiing in Zakopane, Polish cookouts, New Years Eve Parties and easy teaching. True, you won't make the bucks you'd make in Korea, but life in Poland is a damn site more pleasant.

ibasiram · Joined: 24 Mar 2003 Posts: 107

Oh, so I see that I'm not the only one being ripped off and made unfulfilled promises by those lovely bosses there..
Yea, the chesp beer and vodka is a good enough reason, and the very clean toilets in pubs too.. i wouldn't say everyone there never smiles, though

XXX · Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2003 5:43 pm Post subject:

In Poland the boss treated me like a god. It was the pirate in Korea that ripped me ( and almost every on else ) off. And the vodka ain't that cheap in Poland, unless you mean the duty free shop in the airport in Warsaw.

ibasiram · Joined: 24 Mar 2003 Posts: 107

Wow, I can't believe it - an honest boss - in Poland. I thought that was one combination that just didn't go together. Anyway, I'll find out next week when I go back to Poland to Job hunt.
A shot of vodka in a pub costs much less in Poland than it does in Ireland anyway, and the beer too, but i guess it's not all that cheap when you think about the fact of low wages there.
Anyway, any tips for the job hunt? Where are the good schools and nicest cities? ..... and cheapest vodka??

XXX · Posted: Fri Sep 12, 2003 5:44 pm Post subject:

Any oversea school is a crap shoot. Try the "Word" School in Tarnobrzeg. The pay was on time, I was well treated and the beer was cheap. Krakow is nice, but it ain't cheap. Tarnobrzeg was a trifle dull, but with a little bit of travell there were always places to go. Vodka- 4zlts per 50 grams (Bols). Is that cheap enough?

ibasiram · Joined: 24 Mar 2003 Posts: 107

Well, the 'word' is out now....if you forgive the pun. Yea, the vodka seems a reasonable price, although after being away from Poland for the summer, I'll have to acquire the taste again. I just hope it's not as difficult as the last time..

XXX · Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2003 5:30 pm Post subject:

Nay, once you aquire the taste, you never loose it.

jonney · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Posts: 28

So many conflicting views of Poland. Is the teaching REALLY not the hell it can be elsewhere? I sepnt my first 3 weeks following my TEFL course in Bulgaria, and man, prefessional development? No kidding, I've never given up on anything before but it put me off for almost a year now.
I've had offers from Bell and IH in Poland to begin in the New Year - my experinces in Bulgaria make me real wary - is Poland REALLY a decent place to make a good start.
By the way, I'm not looking for an easy ride, just hoping to avoid 5 hours of one-to-one followed by 2 hours of children on my very first day, and the pressure of a 3 hours per day intensive course right from the start.

misteradventure · Joined: 18 Aug 2003 Posts: 246

If the boss wasn't such a *beep*, I'd stay...the people seem nice, it's beautiful and reasonable. I just need to get directed to a tutor so I can figure out those notices on my door and stop being assaulted by the psych. patient on the first landing.

I will likely be back.

Oh, and if you turn down the job at IH, letme know...they just told me all their places are full!.

-looking for a new adventure

Chris · Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2003 5:16 am Post subject:

Hi there,

Actually, IH in Katowice is supposed to be really good in professional development. That's according to people I have know who have worked there. My friend, from Russia no less, was given a senior teaching position in her second year there--of course, you have to apply and be accepted. They also give you the possibility of doing the DELTA.. It seems to be a good deal. Maybe not the best in terms of pay, but definately not the worst.

Good luck!

ibasiram · Joined: 24 Mar 2003 Posts: 107

Well, when I started this topic, I was twiddling my thumbs at home in Ireland, but now I've just returned to Poland today, albeit jobless. However, I don't think it's all that negative.. I've just been unlucky last year, and I don't believe, can't believe it's all that bad. Well, at least we'll see pretty soon, when I land a job - hopefully I won't be whinging here soon. Can't tell from personal exp. but I'd imaging it's better than Bulgaria.
In terms of IH the best are Katowice, Opole and Wroclaw for teacher development. Bielsko Biala is ok too, I believe. Bell - Poznan and Gdansk, I think are the best. No, IH don't pay much, but you get it back in 'teacher development'. good luck in all your jobs, and hope you don't get ripped off ...... well, not too much anyway.

jonney · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Posts: 28

I heard the same about Katowice - really good place to start your career from professional development point of view. But it has a reputation as one of the ugliest places outside of Hell itself - I only have the word of others for that, so I may be wrong. Anyone know for sure? I mean, is it a decent place to enjoy life? or is the city just dull?