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Posts by Seanus  

Joined: 25 Dec 2007 / Male ♂
Last Post: 29 Dec 2011
Threads: Total: 15 / In This Archive: 10
Posts: Total: 19666 / In This Archive: 8000
From: Poland, Gliwice
Speaks Polish?: Tak, umiem
Interests: Cycling, chess and language

Displayed posts: 8010 / page 9 of 267
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Seanus   
6 Dec 2009
News / ENGLISH STILL PROFITABLE IN POLAND? [78]

The hypocrisy lies in the students seeing all manner of problems with the operating of the school yet the school will pander to all their whims at the expense of the teacher. Just read some of the comments on teaching fora is you don't believe me. A teacher doesn't get the same kind of respect here as in Japan. Even there, you are used as a money-making tool and that made me irate. The boss of one of the schools I worked at had a habit of pushing the teachers towards the classroom of the waiting student so I pushed her hands right off of me. I got reprimanded but she had no right to put her hands on me.

In Poland, I've heard some behind-the-scenes dealings of those trying to drive down the wages for teachers on an across-the-board basis. I found the culprit and told him to stop playing his games as I'm watching him. Ain't nobody gonna cream the profits in an underhand fashion when I'm around.
Seanus   
6 Dec 2009
News / ENGLISH STILL PROFITABLE IN POLAND? [78]

There's occasionally an anachronistic word in the books that I don't understand. I just skip it, there's nothing worse than them getting the false image of your vocab being weak when it isn't. Heck, most words I read in my postgrad are beyond the comprehension of most native speakers and that's just the way it is. They pick some obscure words that just aren't used anymore and the utility of that is more than questionable.
Seanus   
6 Dec 2009
Life / Why are Polish people so ruthless? [87]

So new-age men don't exist, ksysia? Guys can't do good deeds for others? It boils down to gratitude and some have a hard time showing it.
Seanus   
6 Dec 2009
Life / Why are Polish people so ruthless? [87]

Don't worry, Anglikman, I know what you mean. People take liberties when abroad and I've seen it many's a time. Rather than be humanitarian and try and understand your kindness, some people will try to belittle you and pretend that you caused the problem without even knowing you.

I find little worse than backstabbing, it should be one of the sins in the Bible.
Seanus   
6 Dec 2009
UK, Ireland / Why are we paying child benefit in Poland? [63]

Rights have to be qualified in some way and that is a good way to do it. With rights come responsibilities and they should be aware of those.
Seanus   
6 Dec 2009
Life / Why are Polish people so ruthless? [87]

It is disappointing that they would come across and start playing games. That would be my first question to any woman, do you have a partner? If she says no and it subsequently turns out that she has one, that's not your fault.
Seanus   
6 Dec 2009
Life / Why are Polish people so ruthless? [87]

He simply meant that he had no obligation to help, Szkotja. I didn't interpret it as patronising at all. Many don't admit to having one and that is childish. Letting people know where they stand is important in most walks of life. Life as a contract, life as disseminating relevant info to others.

Like him, I was an administrator and he'll tell you that that isn't a high rank. He was just in a position to help and look what happened.
Seanus   
6 Dec 2009
UK, Ireland / Why are we paying child benefit in Poland? [63]

We can all be put to shame in one way or another. Just be good at what you do and that'll minimise the risk of that happening.

As long as you aren't paying child benefit to random kids ;) ;)
Seanus   
6 Dec 2009
UK, Ireland / Why are we paying child benefit in Poland? [63]

Are you changing my words again, delph? ;) ;)

Let me ask you this, would you feel confident going to work in France in a competitive European market with only GCSE Standard grades? I know I wouldn't.
Seanus   
6 Dec 2009
UK, Ireland / Why are we paying child benefit in Poland? [63]

Education authorities would have spotted this. People see the gaping flaws in things but are likely told to stand down and let the agenda fulfil itself. Without resistance, this state of affairs will be allowed to repeat itself again and again.

The problem with the reciprocal agreement is that certain states are far more likely to claim than others. It's hardly fair as Brits didn't learn Polish in schools and have far more limited prospects here as a result. Yet again, Britain loses out but I'm not blaming the Poles for that.

Avalon, why the mention of teaching on the benefits thread? Just curious. There are other threads if you wish to discuss it.
Seanus   
6 Dec 2009
News / ENGLISH STILL PROFITABLE IN POLAND? [78]

Proofreading can be tedious, it just depends on what kinds of texts come your way. I like doing it as it requires precision. It pays quite well too.

I dislike the 'ja wiem' types too, those that think they know it all. Women tend to be less defensive right enough.
Seanus   
6 Dec 2009
News / ENGLISH STILL PROFITABLE IN POLAND? [78]

Nah, ukpolska does it too and I have asked for some assignments to check. That reminds me, I have to chase up my contact for that. These academics need their work to be tip-top and a native speaker can put a good shine on it.
Seanus   
6 Dec 2009
News / ENGLISH STILL PROFITABLE IN POLAND? [78]

It's not my style to teach them but I have taught kids in Japan and also a private here who came on in leaps and bounds. They are like sponges and are naturally more receptive. If you have the knack, that's where it's at.
Seanus   
6 Dec 2009
UK, Ireland / Why are we paying child benefit in Poland? [63]

She might be one of those bad teachers then. There are those out there. I wonder if you are wurring your slurds ;) ;)

I still find paying for kids abroad weird. The pillars of the EU surely didn't envisage that but that's what we have.
Seanus   
6 Dec 2009
News / ENGLISH STILL PROFITABLE IN POLAND? [78]

Those who want to eke out profits should look towards teaching kids. They are the future and that which Poles will invest in. You can find many bright sparks and build them up. For those that are true teachers, there is a nice feeling that comes from helping young ones raise their profile and gain more confidence with the language.
Seanus   
6 Dec 2009
News / ENGLISH STILL PROFITABLE IN POLAND? [78]

Well, I don't like to talk for others ;) ;)

Contacts are hugely important but it's making first contact that is key in getting the ball rolling. You have to let people find their own way or they will teen a len o ye.
Seanus   
6 Dec 2009
UK, Ireland / Why are we paying child benefit in Poland? [63]

That's the big difference. In Poland, they don't want to encourage a proliferation of lame duck cases, those that could fend for themselves but take the easy option. It's important for teachers here to stay on top of things as I have little confidence in the Polish state stepping in to help. Maybe for health care but the range of benefits is seriously limited.

Poland has the potential to be much more of a 'means-tested' culture.
Seanus   
6 Dec 2009
News / ENGLISH STILL PROFITABLE IN POLAND? [78]

They are largely redundant, part of the drive to move people towards debt. We live in an age when the internet can give people access to virtually anything they need. They are token gestures that show a commitment to the teaching process but it's expensive for sth that isn't even a guarantee. The willingness to invest is the value but a sober and motivated teacher will be just as attractive a proposition for most schools.

So many people have them these days and jobs are getting harder to get. The best bet is getting the timing right in the application process.
Seanus   
6 Dec 2009
News / ENGLISH STILL PROFITABLE IN POLAND? [78]

That's the bad side of it. You could have a long string of great classes and one bad day and that's the one people remember. That's nonsense!

Schools have tightened their belts and have made teachers bargain more come negotiation time. They will not lower their profit margins for teachers. It's easier in Gliwice. My timetable is falling into place nicely so I can slot some privates in.
Seanus   
6 Dec 2009
Life / Why are Polish people so ruthless? [87]

They are not that ruthless here either. At least, it's not visible. You can find instances in business but it tends to be those that earn a lot. The same in many countries. They just know how to stay afloat and that's not being ruthless.
Seanus   
6 Dec 2009
News / ENGLISH STILL PROFITABLE IN POLAND? [78]

It has certainly become less profitable for many due to firms not attaching a high priority to English lessons. Still, it depends on where you put yourself.
Seanus   
5 Dec 2009
UK, Ireland / Why are we paying child benefit in Poland? [63]

Many good points made by Avalon. Many things that are changing in the world are being masked and packaged well. Look at the New Deal, it was presented as golden but a look at the actual content leads one to think otherwise. Many rich people are turning to 'charity' to justify their actions. I'm sorry but charity's nature should not be changed in the way that it is. We see Common Purpose doing the same. People like Bill Gates, Warren Buffet and bankers portraying themselves as ostensibly charitable. In effect, it's just a finger in a different pie and another outlet of society in which they can work through.

Benefits are the same. They are paid by those that shouldn't be contributing to that level. This reciprocal agreement is a sure-fire lure to EU folks to come and take advantage of it. A basic look sociological and demographic trends show that there are more and more single mothers. They will look for any support they can get, rather than go through the cumbersome aliment process. Procuring alimony can be an arduous process for those who see themselves as too busy. Again, many people are not aware that this is EU Law and I think the reaction wouldn't be too favourable if they did.

The people need to take their country back. We need to learn from films like America: From Freedom to Fascism by Aaron Russo (RIP). This tells the story of what we can do as citizens. Much of it centred on income tax and the IRS not finding a provision compelling Americans to pay, LOL.
Seanus   
5 Dec 2009
Life / Why are Polish people so ruthless? [87]

Don't you think that Polish Americans tend to be a bit different, Joe? American culture has the great capacity for changing people of any background. Maybe you haven't met the type yet but some Poles can be ruthless. I wouldn't see it as a stereotypical trait though.
Seanus   
5 Dec 2009
Life / Why are Polish people so ruthless? [87]

I was just gonna say, Justy. It's fairly common for some to do that. Get close to another guy and then the BF pops up. Very sad!

We just don't know but spreading lies is not alien to most cultures.