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Opening a language school in Poland. Is it too late?


mikebodycomb  
17 Aug 2007 /  #1
My girlfriend and I have recently been approached with the idea of opening a language school in Poland, probably wroclaw. I'm quite keen on the idea, but don't really know if there is much money to be made, or if the market is already over saturated? any help would be much appreciated.

dziekuje
Zeze  
17 Aug 2007 /  #2
Yes it forget it get a real job .
Willene  
17 Aug 2007 /  #3
Do your market research. Don't just listen to anybody just sying 'forget it!'

I don't know enough about the language school business to say anything, but i am sure there are people who would know.
ukpolska  
17 Aug 2007 /  #4
To give you an example, when I first came to Lublin in 1999 there were 17 language schools. By the time I left and moved to Pulawy in 2005, there were 83 language schools of some description. In Pulawy where I live, which a fairly small town of 50,000, there has been an increase of 2 schools each year in the last 2 years and if this is repeated all over Poland; and I think Wroclaw is a good example of a modern up-and-coming Polish city, then the competition will be very difficult, especially if you have no experience competing against established companies.

My English friend in Lublin just had to downsize his school because the overheads were too steep because of the competition, and he is still struggling to keep afloat.

I know this is not Wroclaw, but I think you should be really aware of the competition for language teaching in Poland. As an example I have not had a pay rise since I have been here, and that is over 7 years now, which is mainly due to the competition in schools cutting costs. Now I am steering away teaching and concentrating on other things that are more profitable.
Willene  
17 Aug 2007 /  #5
So it seems as if you have some stiffs to deal with.

Good luck
ukpolska  
17 Aug 2007 /  #6
stiffs

???????????
Willene  
17 Aug 2007 /  #7
difficult things / challenges to deal with

sorry

lost in translation
Wroclaw  44 | 5359  
17 Aug 2007 /  #8
the idea of opening a language school in Poland, probably wroclaw.

ukpolska has said it all. You will find it very difficult. Schools are now starting to use modern technology in the classroom, which of course adds to costs. Location is important too, as is size and predicted number of pupils/students. To make it work you will have to think very carefully about your target clients.
OP mikebodycomb  
17 Aug 2007 /  #9
I thought it might be something along those lines. Cheers folks.
Justyna69  
17 Aug 2007 /  #10
Try in a small town just like my friends did. There are still many little towns all around Poland without any schools.
ukpolska  
17 Aug 2007 /  #11
Thats not a bad idea actually :O)
hello  22 | 891  
17 Aug 2007 /  #12
The market in Wroclaw seems to be saturated. However, there's always room for original ideas - to offer what the competition doesn't offer. Since now English is taught in throughout almost the entire education of a student (starting with primary school), I think the most money to be made is in providing one-to-one specialized tutoring services. The problem is that most Poles know English well enough to understand it, but as far as speaking English is concerned, there are usually big problems. Same for specialized vocabulary. So focusing on intensive one-to-one tutoring and specializations may be a way to go.
bobbysingh  1 | 16  
22 Nov 2007 /  #13
There is always a niche for your product. You must make sure to develop the right offer mix, position it well and, offer your best services.

Related: Problems with a language school in Poland?

I'm thinking of opening a Callan based language school on my own, I've managed to secure a contract for 168hours a week and I was wondering if I needed another teacher? I was also going to entertain Sheiks as well........

What do you think of my proposal?
One main problem I have is that people hate me....

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