Job Discussion Forums

[Dallas22]

I need some help in my future plans on going to Warsaw, Poland to teach English there. For the entrie story & questions that I have, please go HERE ---> http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=7533

Thank you.

Ian

[Dallas22]

Hello... anyone out there?

Ian

[Glen 2003]

Is there a big demand for ESL teachers in Poland?

[denise]

It might be a good idea to copy and paste your message into this thread--makes it easier for people to read & offer suggestions. (I did read it, but haven't taught in or been to Poland...)

d

[Dallas22]

Ok, due to popular demand, here is my entire post...

Hello all... I have read just about every post in this forum (POLAND forums) and found most of them very informative and interesting. I am happy to finally be able to post in here and ask a multitude of questions about my BIG upcoming move. Here is basically my story:

After meeting my current girlfriend (she is Polish) in the USA and dating her there for some time, she returned to Warsaw to continue her studies. I went to Poland 8 separate times for 3-4 weeks at a time and she came to visit me 2 times for 3 months at a time... all this was done since we met, in the past 2.5 years. I fell in love with her & she with me, BUT I also fell in love with the country, culture and people. I have been working at my current job for 6 years but I feel that it has run it's course and I need a change of profession. I have always been thinking about teaching in Warsaw, but now it seems to me that the reality of going there to live & teach is around the corner.

I DO NOT want to go to Poland just to "use" the students - I want to give this 110% and KNOW what I am doing. At the same time, I would also like to find the most reliable, honest bosses/schools to work for, where they would not use or take advantage of me (I heard the horror stories - late or not paying teachers; tricking them into working without a work visa; overworking them without fair pay; etc). I know you must live and learn, but at least I would like to be heading in the BEST direction & avoid as much trouble as possible. My plan even before stepping foot in the classroom or the CELTA course is to "RE-teach" myself the structure of the English language - this, for myself, is something that will be done WITHOUT question & is the fairest thing for me to do for myself AND my future students.

I have called around and checked with a number of schools on my 8 vacations to Poland, but they are not willing to even talk with me unless I have the CELTA in hand - some wanted teaching experience as well. A bit of a downer, but I will keep trying. I mean there is some "fair" schools that would give someone like myself a chance, right?

Qualifications: I have a BA degree from the University of Central Florida in Liberal Studies & Spanish - I am also fluent in Spanish, but not sure if that would help me at all in Poland. I also have 6 years of work experience working at a local hospital in Orlando, FL basically dealing with insurance & demographic information. I know that this may not be very relevant to trying to teach in Warsaw, but I wanted to mention this info just in case. I am certain that the 4-year degree should help somewhat.

Here are my Plans (more or less) - 2 Options:
#1 - I am thinking of going to Warsaw in March to sign up for the CELTA, then in mid July taking the 4-week intensive CELTA course. After passing it, I would hopefully look for and land a job that would give me the invitation so that I can return to the USA to get my work visa. Then come back to Warsaw and start working in September when the school year begins.
#2 - I am thinking of signing up for the CELTA in mid June to sign up for the CELTA, then returning to Warsaw in November to take the 19-week (every Saturday) course. During those 5 or so months I would like to TRY and land some kind of part-time job so that I could support myself without digging into my saved funds. I know that the American School in Warsaw hires substitute teachers, substitute teachers aids, substitute office workers & other substitute positions WHEN they need them. Then in April some time after getting my CELTA certification, I would hope to land a job or have something lined up so that I could then return to the States and get my work visa, obviously ready to come back ASAP to teach in September.

I would like to know all of your opinions about the above 2 options and what do you all think would be a better choice. Unfortunately, there are �other" outside things that worry me:

I am worried about the NEW EU-restrictions that might occur for hiring Americans that are native speakers to teach in Poland. What kind of problems do Americans have in this field with the other, current EU countries??? Can I be hired WHILE I am taking the CETLA??? Should I be able to get a job lined up & my work visa in time if I complete my CELTA in August??? And if I complete it in April, when would be the best time to look for a job for the September school year??? If I stay in Poland for 6 months straight on a tourist visa, what would I need to do in order to stay there legally, as well as what are the costs???

Luckily, I will have an apartment that I can stay at with my girlfriend in Warsaw, so that is 1 headache that is out of the way. I have also been to Poland, as I have said before, 8 separate times, so I know some of what it is like there - transportation, whether, culture, people and I have picked up a little of the language. I have met some new acquaintances while on my visit, some through my girlfriend, some on my own. In the past 2 trips I met a group of Americans & Brits that were all interested in NFL American Football. Most of them are English teachers and most have been very helpful. I have met Harry Swindells who has posted on this and other ESL Poland forums.

Sorry for the amount of questions and I don't mean to be a bother. I am just serious AND interested about making this move and would like AS MUCH info as possible. Any info would be extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. Thanks to all!

Ian Goldberg

[Gordon]

Ian,
Why do you have to take the CELTA in Poland? It would seem simpler to me if you got the CELTA anywhere and then head to Poland. Then you wouldn't have to worry about visa issues there. I am glad that you are taking this venture seriously and think you have the right attitude regarding teaching. I hope it works out.

Sorry I haven't been to Poland so I can't help you there. I am surprised that it is so hard to find a job there. One thing I've heard bad reports about is the AMERACAD program that does a Masters with the program. Sounds like a scam and many people who did it left before finishing it.

[Dallas22]

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