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Going to Poland solo/ Questions


Rypos  
26 Jan 2007 /  #1
Well my name is Ryan, and I am 20yr old "American" wanting to visit Poland, as I am Polish.
I have never been before, and only know English but I thought it would be a fun adventure. I was wondering if it would be hard to fit in and meet people, as an American citizen who speaks English. I look polish and have a midland accent, but I am just curious about how it would be going by myself for an extended period of time.

Would it be hard to find a job and a place to live? Would I be looked down upon for being born in America, or welcomed for being polish. Thanks in advance.
FISZ 24 | 2,116  
26 Jan 2007 /  #2
Welcome Rypos. I was welcomed everywhere I went. Most people will either be curious to talk to you, and others too shy to try out their english. Overall, you'll be accepted mostly everywhere. I don't think a job will be in your best interest unless you teach english privately, but let some other people that have worked there tell you....not too sure myself. I've mentioned working there while I was visiting and the people laughed and asked me why the hell I'd do that :) Good luck!
OP Rypos  
26 Jan 2007 /  #3
Yeah, I have saved up a good bit of money to go, but I think I would like to stay there for more then a vacation. While I do have some ties here in America, I somehow feel I would be happier living in Europe back to my roots. I love the culture, and the people I have met, and the woman of course and would just like to know if it would even be possible to eventually live there. Maybe it is just romantic thinking, but we have one life to live.

Sorry for the double post :(
kaka 1 | 142  
26 Jan 2007 /  #4
try in big cities. In big cities you can teach english.. if you have all certifcates you will find easyily job in english schools.. all my english teachers couldnt say a word in polish but they lived here for 2 or 3 years :)
miranda  
26 Jan 2007 /  #5
Have you ever been to Europe, Poland before?
Do you have any family, relatives there? that might help you to get some first hand info while you are there, since Poland is so different that USA.

Do you speak the language?
As for fitting in - it takes time and it depends on your personality. If you are easy going and have an open mind, as well as sense of humour you would have a good time. If you are expecting Poland to be as USA, than things might get difficult.

Good luck to you.
Grzegorz_ 51 | 6,149  
26 Jan 2007 /  #6
as I am Polish.

100% probably :)
OP Rypos  
26 Jan 2007 /  #7
Have you ever been to Europe, Poland before?
Do you have any family, relatives there? that might help you to get some first hand info while you are there, since Poland is so different that USA.
Do you speak the language?
As for fitting in - it takes time and it depends on your personality. If you are easy going and have an open mind, as well as sense of humour you would have a good time. If you are expecting Poland to be as USA, than things might get difficult.

Good luck to you.

No, I have never been out of country before, and I understand it is much different. That is my main reason for wanting to go, and get back to my roots. I am very intelligent and have had good schooling here, although I am not a college graduate. Too be quite honest, I am rather sick of the United States and don't really feel like I fit in, and would like to live in a place with people like me. Like I said, you know I am polish and obviously look polish, but I am not sure which paths I would take to get there. I know English well enough to teach it to some people I imagine, but when it comes to the complex things I can do them, but teaching them is far different. I want this so bad, and am becoming very frustrated because I feel hopeless.
FISZ 24 | 2,116  
26 Jan 2007 /  #8
I feel hopeless

Don't feel hopeless. Just test it out and see if you'll like it.
miranda  
26 Jan 2007 /  #9
Why don't you get some English teaching certificate for a start, I am sure there are plenty in the USA, see if you might like it and also, it will give you a backup in case you in need for cash. Also,through teaching you will meet a lot of people.

check Dave's ESL cafe for teaching job offers in Poland (it's an international side for ELS teachers and a very good one).
As, for my comment, I am speaking from experiance. I went back nyslef and I had a job line up, it was much easier to fit in. Besides at the beginning of the stay, everything is soo exciting and new, you wouldn't probably have time to feel hopeless at all.
OP Rypos  
26 Jan 2007 /  #10
H

How much money do you think you would need for a start before attempting to travel there? US dollars would be helpful, but if not I can find a translation. From what I can tell the cost of living is far much lower in Poland than say the United States, but attempting to move there, I really am not sure how much money I would need to have a good start. I am not rich or anything and work hard for my money so any information would be helpful.

And thank you so far for everything.
miranda  
26 Jan 2007 /  #11
How much money do you think you would need for a start before attempting to travel there?

you need some for rent(furnished vs unfurnished) - that's depends on the city, large cities, such a Warsaw, Krakow, Tri - City (Gdanks, Sopot, Gdynia), Wroclaw, Szczecin etc have higher rents - you need to do a research online when it comes to sych expenses 0 that's why I aks you if you know Polish - I didn't get the aswer

food
montly expenses: communting, entertaining etc
Giles  
26 Jan 2007 /  #12
I think probably the best way to research this idea, just trawl through the posts on this site and read other questions and dilema, apart from being often tres amusing, it contains lots of info which to add to this thread would be repeating onesself.

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