Job Discussion Forums

[horseface]

Hi all,

I have a BA in TESOL + Linguistics, 1 year post graduation experience at a language school in England, and am just about to complete a PGCE course in England.

Please could someone tell me what my job prospects are for Poland? Me and my gf would like to move there, but am not really sure about the finer points of it. From searching the forums here, there seems to be a lot of ropey language mills paying peanuts without prospects, and as my gf wouldn't be teaching, I would most likely have to earn enough for us both to live, at least at first.

Is there anyone here with a positive story about a good school, or is that naive of me to ask? Are there any dedicated sites to jobs in pl? Right now I'm looking at tefl.com and here. Is it possible to find work at universities?

Also, I read somewhere that it's pretty unlikely that a non teacher partner would find any work in Poland, is that correct? We are both British citizens, for what it's worth.

Finally, are there any 'nogo' areas to avoid? Not for safety's sake, but there must be some cultural deserts where the gloom would set in, as there are in any country.

Any advice would be welcome, thanks in advance,

HF

[Glenlivet]

I could recommend Britannia in Rybnik/Gliwice. Good conditions and decent pay. I doubt they will be recruiting yet but could be worth a try. If you want the email address send me a p.m. We had little contact with the school itself which is based in Rybnik, we were living in Gliwice teaching in company there.

[horseface]

Thanks Glenlivet, PM on it's way

edit - I don't have enough posts yet, maybe you could PM me instead?

[Glenlivet]

Neither do I but only one to go after this one I'll send it later today or tomorrow.

[horseface]

Ok, thanks

[Sgt Bilko]

If I had a PGCE I'd try to get in at an international school - as an example this one is in Wroclaw

http://fem.org.pl/main.php?lang=en&siteid=WIS&site=about

Proper job with proper salary, paid holidays and national insurance.

[Richfilth]

You'll be coming to Poland with exactly the same qualifications that I had 5 years ago (plus the PGCE; I wouldn't put myself through that for anything.)

With those skills any employer will beg to have you on board, which means the choice is entirely yours, and your only downfall will be naievity in the face of Poland's unscrupulous school owners. Take your time, do the research, and if you're interested I can email a list of reputable schools and "language agencies" (in-company placements, no actual classrooms) you can contact who may offer you a position.

On Warsaw money you might support a partner whilst they look for work in a more specific field, but I must admit that unless they have a great list of contacts or supreme knowledge in their specific field, employment prospects will be grim. Casual positions are not the way of things over here.

As for cultural deserts; if you no speaka da lingo, Poland will bore you very quickly. General rule of thumb is that if you don't "get" Poland within two years, you never will. Stare at it like it's a Magic Eye picture, however, and the image you get is well worth the headaches and strain.

[horseface]

Thanks Richfilth, it would be great if you could PM me any contacts.

Thanks to all for the advice, at that, gold dust