Work / American English Teachers in Poland. Job prospects? [9]

I am a 23 year old American guy who is highly interested in teaching English in Poland, particularly Warsaw. I am wondering if there are other U.S. citizens on this forum who have experience with English teaching in Poland. I have a university degree but have not yet taken the CELTA course. Though the course is offered close to home in the US, I would rather take the one in Krakow. However, due to prior commitments I am not able to take the course until November and could therefore not take a job until at least December. What I am wondering is:

1. Would there be any hope of finding a teaching job between December and January? What date does the second first semester end and the second semester begin?

2. For the American teachers, did you apply for jobs and a work visa from outside Poland, or were you in Poland when you were hired and obtained the work visa?

3. Is it acceptable to apply for jobs before I have finished taking the CELTA course?