Work /
First English teaching job in Poland (Katowice) [75]
In smaller towns, are there many amenities (there is a gym, which I'll be signing up for, but are there cinemas/bars/restaurants?)
Restaurants after a fashion. Bars likewise, cinemas usually no. If it's Bielsko Biala (lots of EFL jobs there for some reason) there are cinemas and a few decent places to eat. Bars in Poland aren't usually chatty though - people go out in small groups and sit in a huddle avoiding strangers.
- What is the public transport like from small towns to Katowice? Do they have buses? The train network any good?
Usually OK. Trains best, but if you PM me, I can tell you more.
- What sort of lifestyle can you have out in a small town with 1800 a month? Is it going to be back to the old student days?
If accommodation is included you can live reasonably well (and in fact better than most people out in the sticks) - certainly not back to student days. Don't expect to save though, although you WILL be approached for private lessons which will give you a bit more.
- Will there be many English speakers, other than at the school? Would it be ideal to pre-learn some Polish?
Very few English speakers and most of them older and probably rather posh, or young people. Learn the numbers and memorise some phrases before you come and (this is most important) use those phrases from day one and don't be afraid to make terrible mistakes (as Poles speaking English ALWAYS do) - this is how to learn.
- What are the students/staff generally like?
Anybody's guess, however if it really is a small town, probably lacking in life experiences (though since they're paying for English lessons, these will be the better off. Not always nice, but you may be lucky. As for the staff, who knows?
- Is there much to do in Katowice? Is there an expat community?
Yes and yes. A big industrial conurbation. Some nice bars in the pre-war bits up the hill behind the station. Not exactly a party city though.
