Hi, sorry to everyone if I am going over old ground here but I need advice as I'm just about to make a huge decision. In 6 weeks from now I plan to give up my job as a legal executive to live in Bialystok in North-Eastern Poland for the forseeable future. I do not speak Polish and I have visted only 5 times previously. The reason for this is down to my partner of 3 years being from this city. I have free accomodation and I have family and friends that can help us out if necessary but I am still nervous about the prospect of moving to another country of which I do not speak the language.
Once in Bialystok I intend to try and get work as a conversational english teacher in private schools and possibly state schools. I understand that this kind of work is often available but many schools only offer a few hours teaching a week.
I have completed the Trinity Certficate in TESOL recently and I did the 6 month extended version which incorporated 12 weeks distance learning and assignments before TP began. I am no genius when it comes to grammar and I hope I can improve this as I go along. I have an HND in Business and Finance and 10 years business/legal experience. I have 8 hours teaching experience!
I understand that it's possible to earn enough to have a comfortable/modest living by providing private tuition alongside the classroom based teaching.
Perhaps someone has some experience of teaching in Bialystok? Anything you can tell me about your experience; good or bad would be useful. Do I have a feasible plan or am I crazy?
You should be able to earn £500 per month as a teacher, you will get by on it but it is hardly a fortune. Proof reading is a good one as you can organise that work to fit you.
I went to Poland 15 years ago. I taught English, ran my own language school, took an MBA, worked for 10 years in the marketing department of a bluechip corporation (it was easier to get such a position 10 years ago). My new boss didn't want a foriegn manager so now I am back in the UK doing something else
The moral of my story is enjoy yourself. If you are planning to stay in Poland learn the language.
And good luck
