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EddieO · Joined: 31 May 2007 Posts: 5 Location: Florida

Hey, I know it is a question that entails a lot of information. If you could tell me some of the things that shocked or amused you on your arrival, I'd appreciate. I am going to be in Elblag and I don't know a soul over there. I should have time to explore though. I am arriving in mid-September and won't start school till Oct. 1st. What is the best advice you could give me about Poland and teaching in Poland - I will be teaching various ages. I'd just like to hear some experiences and input.
Are the girls that beautiful?

Thanks for any help...

Ed

[email protected]

dynow · Joined: 07 Nov 2006 Posts: 1080

hey bud,

well, as a North American myself, I can give you some insight, but I'm a Jersey Boy, quite a distance away from Florida, so my perspective may differ from yours. Come to think of it, I've never even been to Florida.

anywho, pm me if you have some more specific questions that i can answer for you.

oh, and yes, Polish girls are wonderful.....

Master Shake · Joined: 03 Nov 2006 Posts: 1202 Location: Colorado, USA

One thing I remember about first arriving in Gdansk was that the people talking in the supermarkets and on the streets sounded really pissed off at each other. I kept looking over my shoulder expecting a fight to break out but it never happened.

Polish isn't the friendliest sounding language to begin with. Combine that with the fact that Polish people do complain and argue more than Americans (IMO) and you may be a little on-edge your first few days/weeks in Elblag.

But props to you for going over there. The girls are very nice - I like. Head up to Gdansk and Sopot if you get the chance or get bored with Elblag - a lot more going on there.

Gajah Oling · Joined: 28 Feb 2005 Posts: 62 Location: Jawa

Well, Poland is a little bit colder than Florida is in the winter. If you can handle having your nuts frozen solid for several months, you'll be fine.

Also, avoid teaching 13-15 year old Poles at all costs, unless working as a prison warden is your idea of a good teaching gig.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

And remember that Anti-semitism is alive and well in Poland !

dynow · Joined: 07 Nov 2006 Posts: 1080

ok, but anti-semetism is alive and well, period.

regarding Polish not being a "friendly" language, i gotta say, after a few trips to Germany recently, along with listening in on some German TV stations, Polish doesn't even hold a candle to German. that language sounds so harsh and aggressive, i couldn't imagine having to listen to that all day long.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

dynow
That is why we have to teach everyone English. All normal people should speak this language.

Really I have never heard such ethnocentric C R A P !

dynow · Joined: 07 Nov 2006 Posts: 1080

47, i gotta admit.....you've totally lost me on that one.

dynow · Joined: 07 Nov 2006 Posts: 1080

and in case I am maybe thinking slightly on target here with your post....

listening to other languages you cannot understand will ALWAYS sound weird, to anybody, no matter how "worldly" you are or think you are. German, to me, just sounds extraordinarily weird to me, personally.

Shake was simply making an observation from a foreigner's standpoint. i was doing the same.

take it easy, buddy. Wink

Jetset · Joined: 31 Aug 2005 Posts: 74

The girls are certainly thinner than the north american slobs, and very friendly. But they tend to be rather catholic, and prudish as a result.

Food is excellent if you like meat and potatoes, and cabbage-derived products - who doesnt? Surprised

)

Beer and Vodka is nice and cheap too!

+ 1 on the ages 13-15 - they are lil sh*ts so be prepared to lay down the law.

One on one lessons are fun - get paid to chat over coffee (and possibly date an assortment of students ;o)