jones101
19 Jan 2008
jones101
19 Jan 2008
Life / Racist violence in Poland [172]
See you are creating your own reality My Puzzling friend. I treat people here very well as I do every place I go and live.
You don't want to believe what I say is true so you lash out against it. I truly don't care if you believe what I hear people say or not...it makes it no less real.
You can't imagine ANYTHING is not perfect about Poland and you say anyone that isn't singing the national anthem and wearing a FC Poland scarf is a traitor. I never once said anything about Poles being 'dirt on my smelly feet' but you would love that wouldn't you? That is what you WANT me to be saying so you can attack it.
I plan to leave this place as soon as it is convenient and I do not need/want or care about your permission or encouragement. But...I will be sure to tell the Border Guards you gave me permission to cross ;)
And don't worry I am white so when I have a child with my Polish girlfriend it won't visibly pollute your elite bloodline :))))
If you had any balls at all (which I know you don't) you would go say all these things to a group of WWII veterans and see if they agree with you (which they won't). But I know you are just like most mouthy guys I meet here...all talk and beer muscles.
See you are creating your own reality My Puzzling friend. I treat people here very well as I do every place I go and live.
You don't want to believe what I say is true so you lash out against it. I truly don't care if you believe what I hear people say or not...it makes it no less real.
You can't imagine ANYTHING is not perfect about Poland and you say anyone that isn't singing the national anthem and wearing a FC Poland scarf is a traitor. I never once said anything about Poles being 'dirt on my smelly feet' but you would love that wouldn't you? That is what you WANT me to be saying so you can attack it.
I plan to leave this place as soon as it is convenient and I do not need/want or care about your permission or encouragement. But...I will be sure to tell the Border Guards you gave me permission to cross ;)
And don't worry I am white so when I have a child with my Polish girlfriend it won't visibly pollute your elite bloodline :))))
If you had any balls at all (which I know you don't) you would go say all these things to a group of WWII veterans and see if they agree with you (which they won't). But I know you are just like most mouthy guys I meet here...all talk and beer muscles.
jones101
19 Jan 2008
Life / Opinions/experience about the Polish Police [40]
You know it takes a lot of time to walk around the city and write everyone's name in those little books...and a lot of pens too!
On the other hand their Armed Response Unit types look brutally effective...I would not want to be a mafia guy when they bust in.
You know it takes a lot of time to walk around the city and write everyone's name in those little books...and a lot of pens too!
On the other hand their Armed Response Unit types look brutally effective...I would not want to be a mafia guy when they bust in.
jones101
19 Jan 2008
Life / From North America to Poland [17]
Sure if you have money you can buy a comfortable life here and expose yourself very little to the realities. Expats with money LOVE it here for a while because they can live VERY well...better than at home and everyone around them. If your parents have polish heritage there is also the thrill of reconnecting with your roots...that wears off like a honeymoon.
The burn comes after you settle in and realize how much you cannot insulate yourself from.
You on the other hand could not get away from it as you were in school...the meanest of the mean are kids. You were different, had money, a car...you were a perfect target for jealousy as you mentioned and petty behaviors.
Sure if you have money you can buy a comfortable life here and expose yourself very little to the realities. Expats with money LOVE it here for a while because they can live VERY well...better than at home and everyone around them. If your parents have polish heritage there is also the thrill of reconnecting with your roots...that wears off like a honeymoon.
The burn comes after you settle in and realize how much you cannot insulate yourself from.
You on the other hand could not get away from it as you were in school...the meanest of the mean are kids. You were different, had money, a car...you were a perfect target for jealousy as you mentioned and petty behaviors.
jones101
19 Jan 2008
Life / Racist violence in Poland [172]
Several people do speak English...but not most...normally professionals and youger students. The average person only speaks Polish and MAYBE a smattering of Russian depending on how old they are and if they paid attention in school.
Poles are realizing they NEED English to function in the international world so you are correct it is a hot commodity.
Teaching young kids can be fun but it gets to be a handful...you know how young ones are to control. Don't worry about your training...as long as you can speak properly and have the smarts to look things up you will do fine...and if you find you don't like it then move on.
Just don't trust anything your employer tells you unless you get it in writing in English. They commonly play games with pay, papers and schedules.
And don't let them pay you 20zl per hour or tell you you need to work for free during probation...that is utter nonsense and they try that to take advantage of desperate workers. Polish workers are used to being pushed around and the bosses expect you to fall in line as well.
Don't accept less than 40-50zl per hour to start and ask for more regardless...if they want you they will pay...sometimes you just have to state your price and walk away. They will call you soon after they give the impression that they are in charge by waiting a bit. Chain of command here is taken much more seriously than in the West...egos drive decisions regularly.
Several people do speak English...but not most...normally professionals and youger students. The average person only speaks Polish and MAYBE a smattering of Russian depending on how old they are and if they paid attention in school.
Poles are realizing they NEED English to function in the international world so you are correct it is a hot commodity.
Teaching young kids can be fun but it gets to be a handful...you know how young ones are to control. Don't worry about your training...as long as you can speak properly and have the smarts to look things up you will do fine...and if you find you don't like it then move on.
Just don't trust anything your employer tells you unless you get it in writing in English. They commonly play games with pay, papers and schedules.
And don't let them pay you 20zl per hour or tell you you need to work for free during probation...that is utter nonsense and they try that to take advantage of desperate workers. Polish workers are used to being pushed around and the bosses expect you to fall in line as well.
Don't accept less than 40-50zl per hour to start and ask for more regardless...if they want you they will pay...sometimes you just have to state your price and walk away. They will call you soon after they give the impression that they are in charge by waiting a bit. Chain of command here is taken much more seriously than in the West...egos drive decisions regularly.
jones101
19 Jan 2008
Life / Local Poles taking advantage of foreigners living in Poland [235]
Yeah it is fine for them to make fun of English speakers but dare you say anything or laugh about Poland it is off to the gallows with you...hypocrites to the core.
Yeah it is fine for them to make fun of English speakers but dare you say anything or laugh about Poland it is off to the gallows with you...hypocrites to the core.
jones101
19 Jan 2008
Life / Racist violence in Poland [172]
Yeah I often hear people slagging me in Polish if I am on the phone in English. It is funny to watch their eyes bug when you finish and say something to them in Polish.
They also give my gf a hard time if we happen to speak together in English...she was actually yelled at by a woman for not speaking Polish...she made me proud and told her to "p!@s off" and mind her own business in English!
She and I speak different additional languages but we need to learn a common one so we can speak freely amongst the nosy gits.
Yeah I often hear people slagging me in Polish if I am on the phone in English. It is funny to watch their eyes bug when you finish and say something to them in Polish.
They also give my gf a hard time if we happen to speak together in English...she was actually yelled at by a woman for not speaking Polish...she made me proud and told her to "p!@s off" and mind her own business in English!
She and I speak different additional languages but we need to learn a common one so we can speak freely amongst the nosy gits.
jones101
19 Jan 2008
Life / From North America to Poland [17]
Yep...the foreigners that do normally like it here are expats making lots of money and they can afford to have a very nice flat, car and lifestyle while working in an international setting...not with only Poles. They live at a level the average Pole could never afford and obviously they enjoy being comfortable...who wouldn't? A foreigner living here as a normal person and being totally immersed will have a very different experience.
Yep...the foreigners that do normally like it here are expats making lots of money and they can afford to have a very nice flat, car and lifestyle while working in an international setting...not with only Poles. They live at a level the average Pole could never afford and obviously they enjoy being comfortable...who wouldn't? A foreigner living here as a normal person and being totally immersed will have a very different experience.
jones101
19 Jan 2008
Life / From North America to Poland [17]
Poland is a very inflexible society. You experience in school and on the streets is common.
You are not stupid...you just could not understand Polish well enough to get by and obviously they had no consideration for that...they should appreciate you are trying rather than berate you for what you don't know.
The youth is like the youth in most places...meaning disrespectful, obnoxious and cruel to other kids...you will see that in Canada as well if you pay attention. You were different here and Poles don't like different for the most part (some uber patriots will argue this but you know from experience)
What you went through is normal...you did nothing wrong...and at least you made some friends!
And ignore the eventual "good riddance...go home" post. These always come from the ignorant nationalists that have never left their village.
Have a safe trip.
Poland is a very inflexible society. You experience in school and on the streets is common.
You are not stupid...you just could not understand Polish well enough to get by and obviously they had no consideration for that...they should appreciate you are trying rather than berate you for what you don't know.
The youth is like the youth in most places...meaning disrespectful, obnoxious and cruel to other kids...you will see that in Canada as well if you pay attention. You were different here and Poles don't like different for the most part (some uber patriots will argue this but you know from experience)
What you went through is normal...you did nothing wrong...and at least you made some friends!
And ignore the eventual "good riddance...go home" post. These always come from the ignorant nationalists that have never left their village.
Have a safe trip.
jones101
19 Jan 2008
Life / Racist violence in Poland [172]
And in large that is because they agree and don't see it as a problem...if they did they would say something. God knows Poles don't have a problem speaking up about anything else....hell I have seen more people here criticize a total stranger for something than anywhere else (I am talking a Pole yelling at another Pole). If they are truly bothered by a behavior they will not keep quiet.
This is further proof the attitude is pervasive and deep.
And in large that is because they agree and don't see it as a problem...if they did they would say something. God knows Poles don't have a problem speaking up about anything else....hell I have seen more people here criticize a total stranger for something than anywhere else (I am talking a Pole yelling at another Pole). If they are truly bothered by a behavior they will not keep quiet.
This is further proof the attitude is pervasive and deep.
jones101
19 Jan 2008
Life / Local Poles taking advantage of foreigners living in Poland [235]
You have a God given right to be jerks and rude? Ok...even if you do if you think it is good to act that way you prove my point better than I ever could and are part of the problem. I know those who fought for Poland's freedom would be ashamed this is how you are spending their sacrifice.
Sadek I have lived here nearly 4 years...hardly a tourist and hardly a short time. If you read my posts rather than filtering only the parts you want to argue about you would know that AND know that I have experienced the problems I mention daily.
You have a God given right to be jerks and rude? Ok...even if you do if you think it is good to act that way you prove my point better than I ever could and are part of the problem. I know those who fought for Poland's freedom would be ashamed this is how you are spending their sacrifice.
Sadek I have lived here nearly 4 years...hardly a tourist and hardly a short time. If you read my posts rather than filtering only the parts you want to argue about you would know that AND know that I have experienced the problems I mention daily.
jones101
19 Jan 2008
Life / Racist violence in Poland [172]
That the whole point negrolad...they don't think there is anything wrong with their attitudes because it is so normal here.
See how defensive they get rather than admitting "yeah it can be a bit racist here and we think it is wrong and are trying to change it"....instead they jump on anyone that says anything critical of Poland. They attack with childish insults and sarcasm. You saw the reply "so what"...that is what you are up against here.
It is the single most problematic thing about Poland from my perspective...they cannot admit their shortcomings and refuse to address them...this is not isolated to Poland of course as several countries are like this...but it is a problem nonetheless.
Sure there are good things about the culture and people but that is not the topic here. Just beware that people like those posting are out there in huge numbers.
That the whole point negrolad...they don't think there is anything wrong with their attitudes because it is so normal here.
See how defensive they get rather than admitting "yeah it can be a bit racist here and we think it is wrong and are trying to change it"....instead they jump on anyone that says anything critical of Poland. They attack with childish insults and sarcasm. You saw the reply "so what"...that is what you are up against here.
It is the single most problematic thing about Poland from my perspective...they cannot admit their shortcomings and refuse to address them...this is not isolated to Poland of course as several countries are like this...but it is a problem nonetheless.
Sure there are good things about the culture and people but that is not the topic here. Just beware that people like those posting are out there in huge numbers.
jones101
19 Jan 2008
Life / Racist violence in Poland [172]
Negrolad violent crime here is lower than some places so as long as you stay out of stupid situations (around drunk people late at night, alone in isolated areas of the city etc etc) you should be ok on that front. Just like if you lived in NYC or London be aware of your surroundings.
During the day, shopping, working etc when people are around the worst you should suffer is staring and comments...yes that gets old and will not stop with time. If you start to understand Polish you will hear people say nasty things about you to their friends etc because they think you cannot understand. Don't let them get away with it...let them know you heard it and think it is very wrong. One of two things will happen...they will get embarrassed and know they were rude or they will lash out and tell you to "f23k off" but either way you win because they don't get away with being a jerk.
This is a very touchy issue because no Pole here wants to admit their people are like this but it is simply true and you will see. In private they will insist to you they are not racist yet if you are privy to living room conversations as a white guy (as I am) you hear how they really are. You will likely get more crap because you have a white Polish gf...which many people see as some personal affront to them...much like the 60s in the USA.
Remember it is a culture of purely white and nearly purely Polish blood. You will see other nationalities in Warsaw but MOSTLY you will see white Polish faces...it is not an international mixed city like you might see in Paris/Barcelona/London etc. They are very nationalistic and because of how they have been treated through history they are VERY prideful and isolated in their view of the world. They have been abused and attacked over and over the past and now becoming strong is very important to them...to the point they are often overly zealous about defending how great and strong they are.
Contrary to what the uber patriots here would have you believe I am not anti Poland...I am just realistic about what is good and what is bad here. You will see after you spend a year or more here...it takes time to settle and see the subtleties that occur daily.
Good luck!
Negrolad violent crime here is lower than some places so as long as you stay out of stupid situations (around drunk people late at night, alone in isolated areas of the city etc etc) you should be ok on that front. Just like if you lived in NYC or London be aware of your surroundings.
During the day, shopping, working etc when people are around the worst you should suffer is staring and comments...yes that gets old and will not stop with time. If you start to understand Polish you will hear people say nasty things about you to their friends etc because they think you cannot understand. Don't let them get away with it...let them know you heard it and think it is very wrong. One of two things will happen...they will get embarrassed and know they were rude or they will lash out and tell you to "f23k off" but either way you win because they don't get away with being a jerk.
This is a very touchy issue because no Pole here wants to admit their people are like this but it is simply true and you will see. In private they will insist to you they are not racist yet if you are privy to living room conversations as a white guy (as I am) you hear how they really are. You will likely get more crap because you have a white Polish gf...which many people see as some personal affront to them...much like the 60s in the USA.
Remember it is a culture of purely white and nearly purely Polish blood. You will see other nationalities in Warsaw but MOSTLY you will see white Polish faces...it is not an international mixed city like you might see in Paris/Barcelona/London etc. They are very nationalistic and because of how they have been treated through history they are VERY prideful and isolated in their view of the world. They have been abused and attacked over and over the past and now becoming strong is very important to them...to the point they are often overly zealous about defending how great and strong they are.
Contrary to what the uber patriots here would have you believe I am not anti Poland...I am just realistic about what is good and what is bad here. You will see after you spend a year or more here...it takes time to settle and see the subtleties that occur daily.
Good luck!
jones101
19 Jan 2008
Life / Local Poles taking advantage of foreigners living in Poland [235]
Poland is famous for hospitality in private life...inside the home...but for sure not in business and public...those are words of someone who has not lived here long or is blindly nationalistic.
China is similar...VERY nice and humble people in private...but in public they are mad...pushing, shoving, yelling, jumping in front....wayyyy worse than PL.
I never said I was better...that is the automatic reaction Poles get when they hear criticism (not blind hate but honest critical analysis) of their country because they cannot accept anything is wrong. If someone says something they must be a hater or liar!!!! There is no way precious Polska is not perfect!!!
This is not an opinion....ask a Chinese person and they will agree. Moaning and whining is what people call it when they disagree...speaking the truth is what they call it when they do....excuse me if I don't accept the label of someone who disagrees :)
Poland is famous for hospitality in private life...inside the home...but for sure not in business and public...those are words of someone who has not lived here long or is blindly nationalistic.
China is similar...VERY nice and humble people in private...but in public they are mad...pushing, shoving, yelling, jumping in front....wayyyy worse than PL.
I never said I was better...that is the automatic reaction Poles get when they hear criticism (not blind hate but honest critical analysis) of their country because they cannot accept anything is wrong. If someone says something they must be a hater or liar!!!! There is no way precious Polska is not perfect!!!
This is not an opinion....ask a Chinese person and they will agree. Moaning and whining is what people call it when they disagree...speaking the truth is what they call it when they do....excuse me if I don't accept the label of someone who disagrees :)
jones101
18 Jan 2008
Work / The qualifications for teachers in Poland? [101]
Bubba I think any course will certainly add to your knowledge at least a little...whether you can translate that into teaching ability depends entirely on the person. I am not bashing the CELTA course...only the attitude it's graduates tend to display. They normally (like Harry) tend to come off a bit smug and superior and think their certificate makes them teachers...reminds me of Scientology ;) Harry's reaction here has proven the sniping nature of English teachers I mentioned before. They are very territorial and pretentious normally.
I teach privately and make more than any school here would pay unless you were a director in some university program.
It truly is all about the individual, their proficiency in communicating in English and their ability to present that info in a way the various types of learners can understand.
Bubba I think any course will certainly add to your knowledge at least a little...whether you can translate that into teaching ability depends entirely on the person. I am not bashing the CELTA course...only the attitude it's graduates tend to display. They normally (like Harry) tend to come off a bit smug and superior and think their certificate makes them teachers...reminds me of Scientology ;) Harry's reaction here has proven the sniping nature of English teachers I mentioned before. They are very territorial and pretentious normally.
I teach privately and make more than any school here would pay unless you were a director in some university program.
It truly is all about the individual, their proficiency in communicating in English and their ability to present that info in a way the various types of learners can understand.
jones101
18 Jan 2008
Work / The qualifications for teachers in Poland? [101]
Lowfunk,
If you can speak without sounding like a fool you can get a job here without that silly paper. I had offer after offer from schools just based on the fact I am a native speaker.
Harry sweet Harry,
Oooh an ellipsis with two dots the world is ending and that is definitive proof of my intelligence...are you high?
You are angry because you know I am right. You are feeling the reality that you wasted a lot of time and effort making something way more complicated than it needs to be. The students I know care more about results and ability than a piece of paper. Paper does not make one an educator.
"Explain the difference RIGHT NOW!" What are you...12? Double dog daring me and such? Haha...you are funny old chap.
As for your pathetic attempt at an insult I know full well how to get my paperwork sorted I just don't want to jump through the hoops and hoped there was a better way...that makes me neither unintelligent nor uneducated Harry my boy.
I would also like to know how you with a clean conscience can berate me for personal abuse and then engage in it yourself?
You are pretentious because you think it is necessary to have a pretentious piece of paper in order to be a good educator...it is simply not and you can rant all you want about it it changes nothing. Tattoo that certificate on your chest since it means so much to you...anyone with the cash can get it however so you may not be the only one with such creative ink.
I don't blame you however...I would be upset too if someone was making as much as me doing the same thing and didn't jump through all the hoops I did. Kind of makes you feel a bit underappreciated eh?
Cheers mate!
Lowfunk,
If you can speak without sounding like a fool you can get a job here without that silly paper. I had offer after offer from schools just based on the fact I am a native speaker.
Harry sweet Harry,
Oooh an ellipsis with two dots the world is ending and that is definitive proof of my intelligence...are you high?
You are angry because you know I am right. You are feeling the reality that you wasted a lot of time and effort making something way more complicated than it needs to be. The students I know care more about results and ability than a piece of paper. Paper does not make one an educator.
"Explain the difference RIGHT NOW!" What are you...12? Double dog daring me and such? Haha...you are funny old chap.
As for your pathetic attempt at an insult I know full well how to get my paperwork sorted I just don't want to jump through the hoops and hoped there was a better way...that makes me neither unintelligent nor uneducated Harry my boy.
I would also like to know how you with a clean conscience can berate me for personal abuse and then engage in it yourself?
You are pretentious because you think it is necessary to have a pretentious piece of paper in order to be a good educator...it is simply not and you can rant all you want about it it changes nothing. Tattoo that certificate on your chest since it means so much to you...anyone with the cash can get it however so you may not be the only one with such creative ink.
I don't blame you however...I would be upset too if someone was making as much as me doing the same thing and didn't jump through all the hoops I did. Kind of makes you feel a bit underappreciated eh?
Cheers mate!
jones101
18 Jan 2008
Work / The qualifications for teachers in Poland? [101]
Ahahaha Harry my boy...do you think thats the best way to teach English? To start out bombarding them with complex grammar rules? Man you did drink the Kool-Aid brother...I don't need the CELTA...that's my whole point. Too many students can recite rules out the whazoo but they cannot COMMUNICATE in the language...imagine that.
I am intelligent enough to do research and learn the technicalities that need to be taught. You do not need a CELTA course to know/learn English grammar. I KNOW how English works because I am an educated native speaker of the language...did YOU need a special class to teach you how to speak after all those years of school? Well...somebody had to ride the short bus...think of all those short bus drivers who would be out of jobs if not...
You are exactly the kind of teacher I am speaking of...a little too pretentious for your own good.
Ahahaha Harry my boy...do you think thats the best way to teach English? To start out bombarding them with complex grammar rules? Man you did drink the Kool-Aid brother...I don't need the CELTA...that's my whole point. Too many students can recite rules out the whazoo but they cannot COMMUNICATE in the language...imagine that.
I am intelligent enough to do research and learn the technicalities that need to be taught. You do not need a CELTA course to know/learn English grammar. I KNOW how English works because I am an educated native speaker of the language...did YOU need a special class to teach you how to speak after all those years of school? Well...somebody had to ride the short bus...think of all those short bus drivers who would be out of jobs if not...
You are exactly the kind of teacher I am speaking of...a little too pretentious for your own good.
jones101
18 Jan 2008
Work / The qualifications for teachers in Poland? [101]
I manage fine and my students are happy...so do my friends and their students are happy as well....I did start with no training at all except a command of my native language...worked great!
Simply taking a course doesn't mean you will know how or be able to teach either...and the drunk comment is not at all connected logically with what I said...it was just an attempt to dramatize your point.
There IS plenty of work but the people who have chosen to try and make a career out of a job get a bit offended when I make the same or more than them and didn't bother to fluff it up to do so.
My students say the "school teachers" focus too much on didactic nonsense and not enough on practical usage...they don't care about your degree...just your ability...and the two are not mutually exclusive.
I manage fine and my students are happy...so do my friends and their students are happy as well....I did start with no training at all except a command of my native language...worked great!
Simply taking a course doesn't mean you will know how or be able to teach either...and the drunk comment is not at all connected logically with what I said...it was just an attempt to dramatize your point.
There IS plenty of work but the people who have chosen to try and make a career out of a job get a bit offended when I make the same or more than them and didn't bother to fluff it up to do so.
My students say the "school teachers" focus too much on didactic nonsense and not enough on practical usage...they don't care about your degree...just your ability...and the two are not mutually exclusive.
jones101
18 Jan 2008
Life / Local Poles taking advantage of foreigners living in Poland [235]
Actually my apology was sarcastic...read your quote above said apology...you said "get a life"...then later said you did not suggest that.
And you made my point...it is easy to concentrate on the positive for a trip...when you live here it is harder to ignore the problems.
Actually my apology was sarcastic...read your quote above said apology...you said "get a life"...then later said you did not suggest that.
And you made my point...it is easy to concentrate on the positive for a trip...when you live here it is harder to ignore the problems.
jones101
18 Jan 2008
Life / Local Poles taking advantage of foreigners living in Poland [235]
Then I must have misread this....my apologies...I think.
And my point is you will not see the problems as they truly are during a visit...live here for years and then you will have a different view...for sure. When you visit a place you have a different sense because it is not your natural environment AND you do not see things as they really are....it is the same wherever you go.
Get a life.
Then I must have misread this....my apologies...I think.
And my point is you will not see the problems as they truly are during a visit...live here for years and then you will have a different view...for sure. When you visit a place you have a different sense because it is not your natural environment AND you do not see things as they really are....it is the same wherever you go.
jones101
18 Jan 2008
Life / Local Poles taking advantage of foreigners living in Poland [235]
Actually I have made dozens of trips through PL customs and for the first time was checked a few months ago...I think it had more to do with where I was coming from and when...it was a 'risky' country and our flight was the only one at night so they were bored. They do spend a long time looking through the passport but are never mean about it to me anyway. I know what you mean about feeling uncomfortable though...it's awkward silence...you want to say "I am a good guy let me go please!"
I can say that as miserable as the Polish public are in all venues including airports...the Immigration, Police, Customs etc are normally very professional.
I have a great life thanks Miranda :) Being critical of one's environment doesn't mean you are miserable. It is just a fact that the most vocal defenders of Polish criticism are people that don't liver here or visit from time to time...perceptions are different. Pride is strong in people.
Actually I have made dozens of trips through PL customs and for the first time was checked a few months ago...I think it had more to do with where I was coming from and when...it was a 'risky' country and our flight was the only one at night so they were bored. They do spend a long time looking through the passport but are never mean about it to me anyway. I know what you mean about feeling uncomfortable though...it's awkward silence...you want to say "I am a good guy let me go please!"
I can say that as miserable as the Polish public are in all venues including airports...the Immigration, Police, Customs etc are normally very professional.
I have a great life thanks Miranda :) Being critical of one's environment doesn't mean you are miserable. It is just a fact that the most vocal defenders of Polish criticism are people that don't liver here or visit from time to time...perceptions are different. Pride is strong in people.
jones101
18 Jan 2008
Work / The qualifications for teachers in Poland? [101]
Loads of native speakers teach here with nothing but that ability...the 'professional' English teachers like to get their pants in a wad about certificates and all but as long as you are intelligent and know your language you can do the job. It does not require a Master's degree to teach at the level most Poles need/want to learn.
You will find the full-time English teachers are a very closed and jealous bunch....they hate freelancers as they take business away from them and irritates them that they spent so much time and money getting certificates and degrees then you earn the same or more than they do.
Again what is important is being able to speak properly, clearly and to be able to explain things to people in a way they can understand...meaning if the first way doesn't work come up with another...flexibility is key as people learn in different ways.
Also beware of all the schools as they will make promises about visas/pay/schedules and will always break those promises. Go freelance and you have control and earn more.
Loads of native speakers teach here with nothing but that ability...the 'professional' English teachers like to get their pants in a wad about certificates and all but as long as you are intelligent and know your language you can do the job. It does not require a Master's degree to teach at the level most Poles need/want to learn.
You will find the full-time English teachers are a very closed and jealous bunch....they hate freelancers as they take business away from them and irritates them that they spent so much time and money getting certificates and degrees then you earn the same or more than they do.
Again what is important is being able to speak properly, clearly and to be able to explain things to people in a way they can understand...meaning if the first way doesn't work come up with another...flexibility is key as people learn in different ways.
Also beware of all the schools as they will make promises about visas/pay/schedules and will always break those promises. Go freelance and you have control and earn more.
jones101
18 Jan 2008
Life / Local Poles taking advantage of foreigners living in Poland [235]
Having one good experience does not make it nice overall...I experience them regularly and while yes sometimes it is ok mostly it is bad...like everywhere else...especially the USA and UK.
Again another expat or Pole by family weighing in...it seems the people who have the most defense of these issues don't live here daily...they have a candy colored vision of the country as everything looks different from the outside or when you just visit.
I had a wonderful time in some very remote places in Africa...but to the people living there life is entirely different so I have no illusion of the reality and would not presume to tell them they just need to look at it differently.
Having one good experience does not make it nice overall...I experience them regularly and while yes sometimes it is ok mostly it is bad...like everywhere else...especially the USA and UK.
Again another expat or Pole by family weighing in...it seems the people who have the most defense of these issues don't live here daily...they have a candy colored vision of the country as everything looks different from the outside or when you just visit.
I had a wonderful time in some very remote places in Africa...but to the people living there life is entirely different so I have no illusion of the reality and would not presume to tell them they just need to look at it differently.
jones101
18 Jan 2008
Life / Local Poles taking advantage of foreigners living in Poland [235]
Yes Germans keep queues.
Dogs are common in Poland just as Germany and in both places they are controlled quite well I feel.
Yes old women shout and remove shoes in trains here...I'd say most do not however.
Yes Polish football fans drink and act crazy all the time just like drunk idiots in all countries...and I hate it no matter where I am.
I still say overall Germany is better behaved.
You obviously dislike Germans...are you British or Polish? It is likely one of the two...but anything is possible.
Do the Germans really keep a queue?Also have you encountered in Poland huge dogs in buses and trains next to your face or old women shouting or women removing their shoes while in train?Or whole vagons full of drunk fans and beers everywhere?
Yes Germans keep queues.
Dogs are common in Poland just as Germany and in both places they are controlled quite well I feel.
Yes old women shout and remove shoes in trains here...I'd say most do not however.
Yes Polish football fans drink and act crazy all the time just like drunk idiots in all countries...and I hate it no matter where I am.
I still say overall Germany is better behaved.
You obviously dislike Germans...are you British or Polish? It is likely one of the two...but anything is possible.
jones101
18 Jan 2008
Life / Local Poles taking advantage of foreigners living in Poland [235]
You must go to a different Germany as I am there often and never find the Germans to be as pushy as Poles...in fact it is quite nice going there as things are cleaner, more developed and people are friendlier.
Airports and train stations are miserable all the world over...but cultures that allow pushing and shoving and jumping queues are less pleasant. It has nothing to do with the airlines...they don't make people act like idiots when waiting...the people do it and never want to take responsibility because that would mean they would have to put that chip on their shoulder down and be decent.
You must go to a different Germany as I am there often and never find the Germans to be as pushy as Poles...in fact it is quite nice going there as things are cleaner, more developed and people are friendlier.
Airports and train stations are miserable all the world over...but cultures that allow pushing and shoving and jumping queues are less pleasant. It has nothing to do with the airlines...they don't make people act like idiots when waiting...the people do it and never want to take responsibility because that would mean they would have to put that chip on their shoulder down and be decent.
jones101
18 Jan 2008
Life / Local Poles taking advantage of foreigners living in Poland [235]
WHAT???!
Every time the doors open people try to shove their way in without waiting for people to get off....in Warsaw anyway. They also keep pushing on even when the car/bus is totally full and they should wait for the next one. I have seen people hurt this way.
You people must be experiencing a certain time when it is not busy or in a tourist area where they are trying to sell things to foreigners...I can assure you that day to day it is not so rosy as you imagine.
WHAT???!
Every time the doors open people try to shove their way in without waiting for people to get off....in Warsaw anyway. They also keep pushing on even when the car/bus is totally full and they should wait for the next one. I have seen people hurt this way.
You people must be experiencing a certain time when it is not busy or in a tourist area where they are trying to sell things to foreigners...I can assure you that day to day it is not so rosy as you imagine.
jones101
18 Jan 2008
Life / Local Poles taking advantage of foreigners living in Poland [235]
Well it happens all the time regardless...and I don't know if you are joking or not about Germany...manners there are better than Poland overall...I think you have a grudge against the Germans...are they perfect? No...but not as rude as people in Warsaw...and again that is from every expat I have met not just a couple people who don't like Poland.
ive never had such problem while livin in waw,if you go to germany then u better watch out cause there's u can c real problem ;)
Well it happens all the time regardless...and I don't know if you are joking or not about Germany...manners there are better than Poland overall...I think you have a grudge against the Germans...are they perfect? No...but not as rude as people in Warsaw...and again that is from every expat I have met not just a couple people who don't like Poland.
jones101
18 Jan 2008
Life / Local Poles taking advantage of foreigners living in Poland [235]
The point is these things ARE worse in Poland...especially in bigger cities (which can of course be said in any country).
Every single expat I have ever spoken to in years of living here says the same thing so it is not just my perception. Yes there is bad service and such available anywhere but when it is so common that people talk about it to you unprompted then it is obviously wide spread.
Many cultures are honest enough to admit there own shortcomings...I can and god knows my culture has many...but Poles just get defensive and lash out...they cannot acknowledge what is wrong with their own society and take responsibility for it. I read a book once written by a Pole about what foreigners can expect here...one of the things was the public rudeness and blaming everyone else if something is wrong...and that was spot on. I am not attacking the culture as there is lots of good in it...but just pointing out a big issue that is a problem and ignored.
If you say anything about these things you get slagged off by the uber-patriots that think Poland is paradise...this is blind stupid patriotism and is simply not true any more than any other place is perfect. If it was so wonderful you would have mass immigration here and you just don't. The people that immigrate here are either looking for a way into the EU or have a marriage/family reason...
I am all for being proud of your heritage but no place is perfect and it is quite ridiculous to beat your chest about how mighty you home is when it simply is not.
The point is these things ARE worse in Poland...especially in bigger cities (which can of course be said in any country).
Every single expat I have ever spoken to in years of living here says the same thing so it is not just my perception. Yes there is bad service and such available anywhere but when it is so common that people talk about it to you unprompted then it is obviously wide spread.
Many cultures are honest enough to admit there own shortcomings...I can and god knows my culture has many...but Poles just get defensive and lash out...they cannot acknowledge what is wrong with their own society and take responsibility for it. I read a book once written by a Pole about what foreigners can expect here...one of the things was the public rudeness and blaming everyone else if something is wrong...and that was spot on. I am not attacking the culture as there is lots of good in it...but just pointing out a big issue that is a problem and ignored.
If you say anything about these things you get slagged off by the uber-patriots that think Poland is paradise...this is blind stupid patriotism and is simply not true any more than any other place is perfect. If it was so wonderful you would have mass immigration here and you just don't. The people that immigrate here are either looking for a way into the EU or have a marriage/family reason...
I am all for being proud of your heritage but no place is perfect and it is quite ridiculous to beat your chest about how mighty you home is when it simply is not.
jones101
18 Jan 2008
Life / Racist violence in Poland [172]
You may know of one or two that you heard from someone but I guarantee you don't know of enough to make a trend.
And yes there are cases of blacks mistreated by Poles...again doesn't mean it is common or happening all the time. Just because you do not see something or ignore it doesn't mean it does not exist.
You are clearly prejudiced.
- I know cases of Polish people harassed, beaten up and murdered by Black people, in both US and UK. Are there as many cases of Black people mistreated so by Poles?
You may know of one or two that you heard from someone but I guarantee you don't know of enough to make a trend.
And yes there are cases of blacks mistreated by Poles...again doesn't mean it is common or happening all the time. Just because you do not see something or ignore it doesn't mean it does not exist.
You are clearly prejudiced.
jones101
17 Jan 2008
Life / Local Poles taking advantage of foreigners living in Poland [235]
Yeah apparently is is better to be STRONG and TOUGH than polite and respectful...wouldn't want anyone mistaking you for a pansy nice person now would you?
Yeah apparently is is better to be STRONG and TOUGH than polite and respectful...wouldn't want anyone mistaking you for a pansy nice person now would you?