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Canadian moving to Poland to work as an English teacher. Any advice?


artaud  
23 Jul 2009 /  #1
I will be arriving in Krakow on August 2nd to work as an English language teacher. I am completely new to Poland - I know no one and cannot speak the language. How quickly, do you think, I will addapt? Tips?
delphiandomine 88 | 18,163  
23 Jul 2009 /  #2
Tips? I have many.

Do you have a job? Have you got the relevant visa and work permit?
OP artaud  
23 Jul 2009 /  #3
I have:
a) an apartment
b) a interview lined up (and many other decent leads)
c) a work visa (one year)

Aside from those three things, I can only utter three Polish words and, aside from my generous future landlord, I know not one soul there.

That being said, I am quite eager and anxious to get there!!
Wroclaw Boy  
23 Jul 2009 /  #4
How quickly, do you think, I will addapt?

It takes one year to adapt another two to realise reality.
delphiandomine 88 | 18,163  
23 Jul 2009 /  #5
c) a work visa (one year)

One little piece of advice. Comply with the terms of the visa - failure to do so can result in you being deported. The requirements for non-EU citizens can seem tedious and arcane, but don't try and get round them. It's the path to disaster.

Any potential school (if not registered with the Ministry of Education) will require them to obtain a work permit for you. If they claim otherwise, run a mile. You'll also have to sort out your residence permit once you arrive.
OP artaud  
23 Jul 2009 /  #6
Thanks for the advice. A question: what is the 'residence permit'?
delphiandomine 88 | 18,163  
23 Jul 2009 /  #7
When you come here, you'll be obliged to obtain the residence card as a non-EU national. I'm not familiar with the process as I'm EU, but as far as I understand, you have to apply for this at the relevant Foreigners Office after getting the work permit.
OP artaud  
23 Jul 2009 /  #8
O, I see. Thanks
Wroclaw Boy  
23 Jul 2009 /  #9
A question: what is the 'residence permit'?

Its a throw back form the Nazi days: Lets us see your IDs: Western scum, ve vill execute youz.
delphiandomine 88 | 18,163  
23 Jul 2009 /  #10
The UK has visa cards now, pretty much identical in purpose :)
OP artaud  
23 Jul 2009 /  #11
Despite having a valid work visa as issued by the Polish consulate, I will still need to apply for a residence permit? The consulate never made any mention of this to me.
delphiandomine 88 | 18,163  
23 Jul 2009 /  #12
Unless I've misunderstood the system, yes, you'll have to obtain the residence card. I'm not sure if Poland applies restrictions on the visa - I *think* you'll be free to take your time finding a job.

With the flat, if the landlord won't register ("zameldowanie") you to the property, then you need to find another place as you'll need to register somewhere in order to obtain the residence card. The residence card is obtained once you're in Poland. I'm not sure if the issuing of a Residence card is linked to the posession of a work permit.
OP artaud  
23 Jul 2009 /  #13
Thank you for your help! I will send an e-mail to the consulate.
I appreciate all of your help!

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