Work / Information about jobs for Indian students in Poland [286]

Look elsewhere. Poland is not a rich country, wages are very low and unemployment is very high. Furthermore, the cost of living is high for such a poor country. There is very little chance that anyone is going to even bother looking at your application and CV, never mind go through the hassle and cost of applying for a work permit for you, unless those five years of experience were as a SAP or HBase administrator. Your time would be better spent exploring more promising job markets. Don't even think as Poland as a backdoor to the richer countries in the EU. That could set your career behind by years. Best advice is to find a job in your home country for an international company, work there for a few years, and transfer. Sorry, but working in Poland is rarely a rewarding a valuable way to further your career, and is often career suicide.

Work / Storage Admin 3 years experience in field IT - salary in Poland [36]


Basically that it's not a great place to work, wages are low, and paths to advancement are essentially nonexistent. In spite of the high unemployment rate in Poland, they have trouble retaining qualified Poles, which is why they are hiring less demanding and more naive and desperate workers from INDIA, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

A word of warning. NEVER accept a low wage on the promise or hope that you will be getting a substantial raise once you are working. These are outsorced jobs, and the company's highest, and actually only, priority is keeping wages low. So shoot for the stars and don't settle for anything less.

Basically, there are better opportunities in Western countries. I recommend that you spend your time and money researching those, and also building up your qualifications in the meantime. And it is probably best to do so in your home country rather than in Poland.

Work / Storage Admin 3 years experience in field IT - salary in Poland [36]


The best way to find out is to ask for a high ball figure, say 15,000 PLN gross, and see their counteroffer.


Because by then, at the latest, you will have found a much more attractive job at much more attractive wages in a much more attractive location, unless you are too stupid or lazy to continue looking for better jobs once you come to Poland.


Can it get that cold? Yes, it can. Not every winter, but it does and can happen from time to time. Winter temperatures vary enormously in Poland. There was one weekend one February where I was sitting on my balcony in Wrocław without a shirt sunbathing, and other years it was brutally cold the same time of the year. The most depressing thing in my opinion is not so much the cold as the slush- wet melting snow. And the dark. Winter in Poland is very dark and gray.

Work / Storage Admin 3 years experience in field IT - salary in Poland [36]


With only three years of experience, it's a long shot, unless you are qualified in some arcane, exotic technology that is highly in demand.

As for living costs, assuming you are a single, non-drinking, non-smoking male in excellent health: and with modest tastes.

One bedroom apartment all inclusive (rent, fees and all monthly bills): 2200 plus in Warsaw, 2000 plus in Krakow and Wroclaw, and somewhat less in other cities.

Food, groceries and household supplies: 1000 PLN, a lot more if you eat out a lot, somewhat less of you can cook simple meals from scratch.

Entertainment and travel: that's a wildcard. Depends on how self-indulgent, lavish and extravagant you are.

Don't forget to include your airfare to and from Poland and the costs of your visa in your calculations, and also about 2000 PLN to set up your apartment. Don't expect to stay longer than a year, two at the most.

Work / Storage Admin 3 years experience in field IT - salary in Poland [36]

Somewhere between 12 and 20 thousand USD net. (3000 to 5000 PLN net, 4500 to 7500 PLN gross). Maybe less even, and I wouldn't count on the high range. Not very attractive if you're from a first world country, though the move may be worth it for experience if you are fresh out of school and are desperate. Poland ain't the place to make money. In any case, ask for 7500 gross and forget about it if you don't get more than 6000. (Assuming, of course, that you are single and willing to slum it for a year or two).

Study / Which is the best university in Warsaw? (I want to study MSc.Bioinformatics) [4]


No, they don't. Nor will you be able to work to earn money in Poland. Unless your family is rich and has enough money to pay for your school and support you 100% for five years, forget about coming to Poland.

Work / 20 years old moving to Poland from Canada, is it hard for me to get a job in Poland? [20]


That would be true for any job. Moving to Poland from Canada would involve a serious cut in earning and savings potential. Perhaps the only way to avoid that is to get hired by a Western company IN THE WEST and get transferred to Poland while still receiving Western wages. Pretty hard to do if you are not a highly educated, highly qualified and highly experienced specialist.

Work / 20 years old moving to Poland from Canada, is it hard for me to get a job in Poland? [20]

Basically, none. Your best bet would be to get a high paying management or administrative position with a Western company, and get transferred to Poland at Western wages. Best bets: petroleum or geological engineering. For example, there is a Australian company that is reviving the mining industry in Wałbrzych.

Otherwise, there is very, very little, if anything, a Canadian can do in Poland without experiencing a prohibitive loss of earnings and saving potential vis a vis staying in Canada.

Language / What are the correct terms for "flower girl" and "ring bearer" in Polish? [8]

The usual word for "wedding ring" in Polish is "obrączka", not "pierścień". So "nosiciel obrączki" would be a literal translation of "ring bearer", and would be more easily understood than any term with "pierścień".

Study / Where I should study journalism(in Poland ) [32]


Every job may be needed, but not every person who graduates with that degree is needed. If you're going to study something "easy", make sure that you have natural talent and can prove it, already have significant achievements in the field and can prove it, go to an extremely good university, are a top student, make TONS of useful contacts, and aggressively promote yourself.

Study / Where I should study journalism(in Poland ) [32]


Like I said, politics is just about as useless as journalism or business. Far too many students study it. Find a field that 1) few students study because 2) it is very demanding. If you study the easy humanities subjects, you will always face stiff competition for jobs.

Study / Where I should study journalism(in Poland ) [32]


I'm going to have to agree with everyone else. A degree in journalism is a waste of time. Jobs in journalism are very difficult to get, even in the West. In Poland, you have to be an ace or have very good connections, or both.

Like someone else said, get a degree in a more useful field. If you want to become a journalist, study sciences (biology, chemistry, physics, engineering and math). If there is a shortage of good writers in any field, it is precisely here. There are precious few good journalists who write about the sciences.

As for other fields, degrees in the following fields are just about as worthless as one in journalism: psychology, sociology, anthropology, political sciences, communications, media, art, music, film, photography, performing arts, architecture, languages (including English), literature, philosophy, theology, economics, finance, banking, business, management, administration, international relations, tourism and recreation, law, criminal justice, history, agriculture, marketing, gender studies, ethnic studies and just about anything that contains the word "studies".

Basically, too many people study humanities and there are not enough jobs for them when they graduate. To have a chance, you have to 1) have natural PROVEN talent and actual DOCUMENTED achievements before you begin university, 2) go to a top school; 3) be an excellent student; 4) have excellent connections; and 5) be a born self-promoter. Otherwise, the chances are higher that you will end up working in some very-low lousy job for the rest of your life.

Study sciences, especially geological engineering, petroleum engineering or biomedical engineering. Otherwise, study the math-heavy version of the field you like, i.e. econometrics instead of economics, financial mathematics instead of finance, etc.

Math is money.

Work / How is the Warsaw job opportunities for international students? [43]


You heard right. It's next to impossible for international students to find part-time jobs in Poland. Make your plans on the very safe assumption that you will never be able to earn any money at all in Poland. If you need to work to make money to study, then Poland is not a good place to go.

Law / Restaurant information (permits, tax, cost) needed [2]

If your idea about doing this kind of research is asking random anonymous clowns on some internet forum for detailed answers about complex questions, you are at least five years away from even thinking about opening up a restaurant. Opening up a restaurant is a high-risk, high capital business move that even under the best of circumstances takes years to pay off. It requires an enormous investment of money, time, work and deep, serious thought. Your post betrays a major shortage of the last.

Study / Poznan University of Technology - information needed (Telecommunication master) [13]


I can think of very little that a Polish university would offer that an Indian university couldn't. And top engineering schools in the States are of a far higher standard than anything in Poland. If you have the brains and grades to get an academic scholarship, try to get one of the better American universities, like Harvey Mudd or Rose-Hulman. If you're not able to find funding, then try one of the better Indian universities.

The main problem with engineering schools in Poland is that R&D money is very tight, practical courses are abysmal, and partnerships between universities and industry are poorly developed. The situation is actually better in India.

Work / Poland Salary Expectations - Native English Speaker CSR [14]


That's 5000 PLN net. About what you should be making on your own to make the move worthwhile. Rent with all fees and utilities will set you back about 2000 to 2500 PLN a month. Food will cost about 1000 PLN if you eat solely frugal homemade meals cooked at home. Double that or even more if you like to eat out or eat a lot of expensive things like prepared meals, meat (beef will be a rare treat), or foreign foods. You'll also have to take into account 160 PLN a month for public transport (you couldn't afford a car), plus the fees for you airfare, residence permit and health insurance.

If you are a recent grad in search of a year or two of on-the-job experience, it might make sense. Frankly, though, there are certainly other opportunities out there that are much more attractive, including using the time to beef up your salable skills and qualifications in your home country. If you are not a recent grad, then it won't make sense at all.

A word of warning: the "foreign-boy-moves-to-Poland-to-be-with-Polish-girlfriend" story rarely has a happy ending. Plenty of threads about that on this forum. You're more likely to succeed in your relationship outside of Poland, for a whole stack of reasons.

Work / Poland Salary Expectations - Native English Speaker CSR [14]

That's very low. As a foreigner, you'll have a hard time making a go of it. Forget about savings. And forget about having your own apartment. You'll have to share. Kraków is a cool city, but not so much if you don't have enough money to enjoy what it has to offer. You'll need at least 4000 net to make a move for a single non-smoking, non-drinking recent grad worthwhile. More if you have salable skills or experience, or expensive habits, or a love life.

News / China-Poland railway - but why Łódź? [8]


£ódź is, as you suspected, already one of the key logistic centers in the whole European Union, and serves as a point of transfer for goods between the east (former Soviet Union) and the Western European countries

Life / Cost of living in Wroclaw (rent price too) [119]


I am assuming that you are an IT engineer. You'll need at least 5000 PLN a month NET (7500 PLN a month gross) to have a "nice decent lifestyle" for a healthy single non-smoking, non-drinking 25-year-old in Wrocław. If you are experienced in SAP or HBase, you can easily make double that.

If you're not an IT engineer, then tell us about your education, qualifications and experience.

Work / Is it a good sign if a school seems desperate to hire me? Small town Kęty [15]


Not that bad IF they are paying for your accommodation IN FULL (rent, building maintenance fees, utilities).

Forget about it if you have to cover these costs yourself. You won't break even for the year if you take your airfare and visa fees into account, even if you only stay until the end of the academic year (early or mid June).

Remember, you are only going to get paid for 30 weeks out of the year. That's a measly 6000 bucks a year. 500 bucks a month, or 1500 PLN a month. A little more if you stay only until June. Minus your airfare and visa, of course. You MIGHT earn a little during the summer, but don't count on it. Also, don't count on getting any private students to supplement your income during your first year.

Even if you manage to convince them to pay 45 zl per hour, that doesn't change the fact that you will not break even if you have to pay for your accommodation, and barely break even, if at all, if you do not have to pay for accommodation.

You will not be able to learn enough Polish to communicate easily in nine months or a year. Unless you are planning to stay for many years, it's best to forget about learning Polish beyond a few basic phrases. It's a devilishly complicated language that takes a lot of grammar knowledge to express even simple things. It isn't a "plug-and-play" language like English.

The only reason to come would be as an extended vacation, part of which you will be able to earn for, part of which has to come from your own savings. In any case, this is not a viable stepping stone to career advancement. There are much better options to enhance your resume elsewhere.

As for racism, you will have people stare, but more out of curiosity than hostility. You might hear occasional unwelcome comments from drunken low-lifes, which it is best that you ignore. Violence in Poland is rare, unless alcohol is involved, so don't drink and steer clear of intoxicated individuals. Your students might have some bizarre ideas and ask silly or inappropriate questions, again more out of curiosity and unfamiliarity than out of hostility. If you are assertive, self-assured, open, friendly, self-confident and understanding of ignorant, but otherwise innocent and good-hearted, people, you'll be fine. If not, forget about it.

Small town life has its advantages. It's cheaper, in general, and you will be able to develop closer relationships with people. That is, if they decide that you belong.The disadvantages are that there is little to do for mental stimulation. You will find yourself going to Katowice or Kraków just to get out. I myself spent my first four years in Poland in a small town with 50,000 people. Some of the people I met there are still among my closest friends ten years after.

Food / Where to buy "yerba mate" in Poland? [20]

The places I mentioned were all in Wrocław, but you'll certainly have no problem finding it in Warsaw.

Food / Where to buy "yerba mate" in Poland? [20]

It's cheap. If I remember correctly, about 20 PLN for a large bag that will last months even if you drink it every day.

Food / Where to buy "yerba mate" in Poland? [20]


Basically any shop in the larger cities that sells tea, spices or international specialty foods will have it. It's easy to find, there is a very large selection, and it's not at all that expensive. In Wrocław, there are easily ten places just in the old town where you can buy it, including the tea stand in Hala Targowa, and at least one shop in each of the shopping centers.

Law / I lived in Poland for 5 years then had studies abroad - should I apply for permanent residency or citizenship? [12]

The place to find out the answers to our questions is your local Wydział do spraw obywatelskich i cudzoziemców at your local Urząd wojewódzki, not on some internet forum. No one here can answer questions like that.

Law / Information on which documents are needed to obtain a visa for a visit to Poland (non EU citizen ) [18]

Your local Polish embassy or consulate would be the place to ask. Make sure to take along a copy of your husband's documents, as well.

Work / I am currently working in Dubai and have an opportunity to move to Gdansk, should I take it up? [25]


It may not be outsourced, but what I call "internally outsourced". Some international companies send the boring, uncreative, or unpleasant grunt-work to their locations in poorer countries like Poland. Even though you may technically be an employee of the company, you are cut off from the mainstream of the corporate culture. So advancement is difficult.

Whether the job helps or hinders on your CV is hard to say. It would be best ask knowledgeable managers and HR people in your particular field, especially if their from a company that you plan to work for in the future.

Good luck!

Law / Poland's Work permit questions - visiting European countries; working in the EU / switching job; dependants [86]

Forget about it. The chances of either you or your wife obtaining a work permit are very remote. Practically zero, so make your plans on the very safe assumption that neither you nor your wife will be able to earn a single penny in Poland. Don't come unless you have abundant funds to cover your stay from your savings or your family back home. Otherwise, you're better off studying elsewhere, even in Bangladesh.

Work / I am currently working in Dubai and have an opportunity to move to Gdansk, should I take it up? [25]


From a financial viewpoint, the question you should ask is "How many DOLLARS will I be able to save up?"

It's difficult to imagine that your savings potential would be higher in absolute DOLLARS working in Poland for half the money you make in Dubai. So moving to Poland will probably not be a wise move financially speaking. Better opportunities exist elsewhere.

Career-wise, it might or might not make sense. Be aware that many jobs in Poland are outsourced, and even most jobs for large global concerns are "internally outsourced", meaning that you will be isolated from the mainstream of the corporate culture, which makes advancement very difficult. Unless you are operating in the core of the corporate organization, working in Poland is not likely to bring significant career benefits. Better opportunities exist elsewhere.

Culturally speaking, Poland can be an interesting place to live. The culture is quite different from Dubai, as is the weather. But Poland is not like Western Europe, so if you are expecting Poland to be like Germany, France or the UK, you will be in for a bit of a shock. Nevertheless, you could expand your understanding of the world by living in Poland for a year or two, or even longer. It depends on your immediate and long-term life goals. I would only make that move if I were single, though. A huge problem among foreigners working here is that their spouses suffer from isolation and boredom. If you're married, make your plans on the very safe assumption that your spouse will not be able to find work in Poland.

So basically, it depends on your life plans:

Make and save money: no point in coming to Poland.
Career advancement: little if any point in coming to Poland.
Sneaking into the EU: no point in coming to Poland.
Finding "free love" or a partner: get real.
Fun, adventure, exploration, cultural education, vacation: depends on your taste.

Travel / Trips around Wrocław and in Lower Silesia region [11]


In geography, "lower" means "down river", not "south".

Work / Information about jobs for Indian students in Poland [286]


I agree with Harry. There is no chance that you will be able to find part-time work in Poland. Don't waste your time on this plan anymore.