Work / Finding work in Warsaw / Poland as an English private tutor [63]

Merged: Moving to Poland soon. Need advice on finding work teaching English...

Hi guys! I know you get these posts a lot, but.... I have just finished a TEFL course and I am looking for work as an English language teacher at a school. I have already started contacting schools and have been sending my CV to prospective employers. Really, I am just looking for some advice on which schools to try, which to avoid, and which towns would be most likely to employ a native English speaker. And also whether to set myself up as a company and start chasing private lessons even before school begins in September...

I have read a lot of posts in the pasts (as a guest) but, as I am hoping to fly out in the next 3 weeks I really need some advice. A few things about me to help you guys out are;

I am English, 32 years old, no family yet. No, I don’t have a CELTA, just the (worthless???) TEFL..... and I don’t have a degree, although I do have 4 (again, worthless???) A Levels.

I have considered a few countries to try teaching, but as spending a lot of time with Polish friends in the UK over the past 4 or 5 years, always learning new words, I am used to listening and watching to Polish television, music and films. So the language is very familiar. Also I have been there on holiday twice. So, for me it’s the natural choice.

I’m not looking to work in Krakow, as most people are, as I understand it’s already flooded with us Brit’s and other natives, but I would like to start in a town which has enough potential customers to earn a decent wage (I’m thinking about 4-5k PLN a month) which I understand is totally achievable with hard work and a lot of privates on the side. Any advice would be greatly appreciated

PS: sorry for the essay...

Work / Finding work in Warsaw / Poland as an English private tutor [63]

Thanks for the honest replies. I know I am in a bad situation with regards to not having a degree and having no prior teaching experience. But, tbh, I really can't go back to university for 3 years now... I would rather spend those 3 years teaching. If I can make it successfully through the first year (and IF I can save enough) I think I should definately invest in taking a 4-week CELTA, during the summer, which should help me in the future. So, should I really just avoid applying for jobs in cities such as say Poznan, Gdansk, Wroclaw and Lublin this year? If so, could you recommend any smaller towns which might be worth trying?

Also, do schools really take such a hard line on private tuition? I understand that no school wants to lose students, and also that I should read the contract carefully, but don't a lot of teachers do this as common practice?

Thanks again.

Work / Finding work in Warsaw / Poland as an English private tutor [63]

Thanks, DTaylor. I will send you my CV tomorrow. But I have to pre-warn you, other than my TEFL course, I don't have any real teaching experience. I'm still in England at the moment but I'm all set to fly out in the next 2-3 weeks. I would love to work in the south of Poland, in places like Slaskie and Malopolskie, especially Krakow. However, after having read posts on here and on Dave's eslcafe I am a little reluctant to work in Krakow where there does seem to be a lot of competition from other native speakers, many of whom probably have both a degree and a CELTA. But thanks again, I'll send you my CV asap :)

Work / Finding work in Warsaw / Poland as an English private tutor [63]

Thanks for all the advice guys and all the PMs. I certainly feel a lot more confident now than I did yesterday, lol. Plenty of leads to go on.

If anyone else has any more schools or towns that they would recommend it would be greatly appreciated. Also, if there's any horror stories or schools that really should be avoided, please feel free to PM me.

Thanks again.

Tom

Work / Finding work in Warsaw / Poland as an English private tutor [63]

Hey Jacus,

I will be booking my flight tomorrow, so I will let you know then. I'll probably be flying from Bristol to Krakow around 28/29th August. I do have some questions about teaching and the schools in general, but I will PM you about that soon. I'm not specifically looking to work in Krakow as I am aware of the vast competition. And, I'm not 100% certain as to whether I'll be working in Slaskie or Malopolskie yet - It depends largely as to where I can get a job. But, I think it's definately worth a look. I would like to talk to some other teachers about their experiences teaching in Krakow, or just some general advice about interviews, schools etc. So, if anyone is about and wants to meet up, please reply or just send me a PM. I think that the Irish bar (Nic Nowego) is a definate must visit for me. So, I'll be popping in there for a swift one before the month is out :) I don't like the idea of having to juggle 4 jobs, and congratulations on getting another to resolve that situation, but personally I'd take anything right now (including privates), as I will need the money. Will send you that PM soon.

Cheers

Tom

Love / Why can't a guy from a foreign country marry a girl from Poland ? [44]

Oh, come on! Give the guy (LordFab) a break!

He's one of the few people to actually call a spade a spade.

Most British tabloids take a xenophobic (if you don't like the term 'racist') stance. They frequently contain 'horror stories' about people from other nationalities ruining Britain.

Other than hearing about Rooney sleeping with prostitutes and something equally boring about Simon Cowell, The Daily Mail, The Sun, and every other tabloid runs the following 4 stories on a regular basis;

1) Muslims (read 'terrorists') taking over local communities, Sharia law, blah, blah, blah...
2) Eastern Europeans (read 'Polish') taking all our jobs, speaking in their own language at school or work, blah, blah, blah
3) The EU (read 'Germany') taking away our laws, EU superstate, etc, blah, blah, blah
4) The single currency destroying another European countrys' economy (read 'Greece'), 'save the pound' rubbish, blah, blah, blah

That's why most people just look at page 3, then turn to the back to read up on the football results...
I personally don't read those sorts of papers.

And how often does some British idiot link these stupid stories about Polish individuals and communities living in Britain to incite racial tensions on this forum!?!

As for the sham-marriage thing, it's right that it's illegal. The price is irrelevant, I would imagine that's decided among the individuals rather than than a passport having a going rate. However, just maybe its better to be honest, explain the situation, and pay someone rather than con them into a very unhappy marriage with a passport being the only desired outcome. Which also does occur in Britain amongst other countries...

Basically, I think the point LordFab was trying to make was that because the lady was Polish it got tabloid coverage. If she was English the story would not have even made the papers... and that amounts to discrimintaion (ie racism). And I think most normal (non-xenophobic) people would agree with this opinion.

As for the original post. Who told you, and on what grounds, that you cannot marry a Polish lady?

Work / Finding work in Warsaw / Poland as an English private tutor [63]

Welsh Guy, I'm sorry to hear that teaching wasn't for you. But, it's great that you have a new business now! I like your website.

As for me I do have a passion for teaching, it's what I want to do. I'm only coming to Poland as a first assignment as I can speak the language (to some degree). Whether I stay or move on to another country idk yet.

I certainly am aware of the financial situation. I wouldn't go into teaching to become 'rich'. And if I need to teach at a summer-school, either in Poland or back in the UK, to finance the summer months, so be it.

Or maybe I'll just budget accordingly... I certainly won't be 'depressed... and crying for home'! LOL:)
I've only been to Poland twice, on two two-week holidays, but I am really looking forward to living and teaching there.

But, thank you for the advice.

Work / Finding work in Warsaw / Poland as an English private tutor [63]


Yes, please! Nothing wrong with a siesta, or polyphasic sleeping for that matter. Nothing new for me. But I will try to make an extra effort to create a decent working relationship with any school that I work for..

As for "bored clients" - *insert random cocky comment here* - I won't go there. Obviously, I don't know what your personal experience is of teaching, but it certainly isn't for everyone.

Sorry, I'm not trying to be sarcastic. But you did ask a rather silly rhetorical question. I do appreciate your honesty though.


Hi Matt,

I read your thread. Yes, sounds like a plan! You should do that course in Polish that you mentioned, that will help you a lot. But, also practice speaking and texting with your Polish friends/gfs as much as possible in Polish if possible. I can recommend some materials that really helped me if you're serious about studying the language. Send me a PM if you are interested. What work are you looking to do in Krakow?

Life / Favourite Polish movies? [107]

Chłopaki nie płaczą has to be up there!
Also Kiler (1&2) has already been mentioned, but they are good:)
A Poranek Kojote też...

Does anyone know of any good new films..?

UK, Ireland / First proper "Polish" School in the UK - The Next Stage of Ghettoisation [283]


So what planet are you on then?

Many of those countries are either current members of the British Commomwealth or were part of the British Empire!

I guess that's the result when you invade other countries, massacre millions, treat the native popultaion like second class citizens, and impose the English language on them.

So, would you say that Native-Americans, Moari and Aborigines are ethnic Anglo-Saxons?

Additionally, the (very poor) reputation of the British who emigrate to Spain is well known!

Why do you spend your days posting anti-Polish racist garbage on a Polish-forum??? Do you not have a life?

UK, Ireland / First proper "Polish" School in the UK - The Next Stage of Ghettoisation [283]


This is my point exactly. There's a long list of other countries that also haven't appreciated this style of British 'integration', India for example.... Gandhi 1, British Empire 0

I'm assuming the OP is British, due to his unhealthy obsession with Poles in the UK...

Love / What differences is there among Polish girls and British girls as girlfriends? [102]

Ooh, I know the answer to this one. It was on comparethemarket.com

Seriously??? Another "Which girls are better..." post???

Love / What differences is there among Polish girls and British girls as girlfriends? [102]

I second that (although some English women cook), I my experience most of the Polish women that I've met are very good at cooking:) smacznego :P

Love / How would Polish people react to a forginer in Poland? [36]


At the moment as an 8th grader (13-14 years old?) probably not good. Will be better in a few years once you are over the legal age of consent and no longer a minor. I assume you're nearer 5'6" atm.....

Anyway, don't let me put you off, Synku. You still have time! Wait until you've gone through puberty, and if you haven't found a nice American or Polish-American girl, you can always apply for a student/working visa.

Good luck!

UK, Ireland / First proper "Polish" School in the UK - The Next Stage of Ghettoisation [283]


Yes, it does. As citizens of another EU member state we have that right.


So, when this happens will you start trolling their forums and leave PF?

Yes I can see it now...

Your 1st post will be about the benefit system in UK
Your second post will be "I think Bulgarians are better immigrants than Romanian"

Do you not have a job or a life yet?

UK, Ireland / First proper "Polish" School in the UK - The Next Stage of Ghettoisation [283]


Because you're xenophobic and uneducated.


That doesn't even make sense. Is English your first language?


Ever thought about getting work as a translater?

One day when you leave school I hope you try to look past irrelevant differences such as nationality, race and colour.
We are all human beings. Try acting like one. You give British people a bad name.

UK, Ireland / First proper "Polish" School in the UK - The Next Stage of Ghettoisation [283]


Would it be a problem for you if they did?


Well, someone should have told Christopher Columbus that. Other than native Americans, all US citizens are either immigrants or descended from immigrants. Just like the British.

And don't forget that the British were sharing their 'culture' in Asia a long time ago... Just ask Gandhi.

So, you have already admitted being prejudice againgst the Polish. Will you admit that you are also racist against Pakistanis? Or, have I taken your words out of context?

UK, Ireland / First proper "Polish" School in the UK - The Next Stage of Ghettoisation [283]


LMFAO. You know what they say: "If you can't stand the heat.... get out of the PF kitchen with your childish, petty-minded, xenophobic posts"

UK, Ireland / First proper "Polish" School in the UK - The Next Stage of Ghettoisation [283]


Being 'right' is a matter of opinion. I don't really care about yours.


Having lived in both London and the West Midlands for the past 32 years, I have some experience here. I'm still standing.


"To err is to be human" Disraeli was only human. I don't think he was a racist. Not sure he'd appreciate you quoting him to back up your xenophobic views.


Well, luckily for me I for will be emigrating in seven days time. Lol. Britian has had a multi-ethnic community for many years now. And long may it continue to do so.


Nice way to speak to a lady...

The world's nations are only going to get more multi-cultural. You need to wake up and smell the 21st century coffee.

UK, Ireland / First proper "Polish" School in the UK - The Next Stage of Ghettoisation [283]

Funny that! How educated you are... Some of the the nations that you would consider being "third-world trash" are actually some of the richest countries in the world per capita GDP.

urbanpeek.com/2012/03/09/the-worlds-top-10-richest-countries-in-2012/

UK, Ireland / First proper "Polish" School in the UK - The Next Stage of Ghettoisation [283]


No, what you said was:


not realising that Britain is not as wealthy (GDP p.c) as some of the Arabic, Muslim nations that you seem to despise so much.


It's good that you realise what a scurge on the economy the British benefit-reliant under-class are.
Although, you partly have to blame the never-ending succession of incompetent British Governments complete lack of fiscal policy for that.

If you actually bothered to mingle with the Polish community in the UK, you would find them to be just as hard working (if not harder) than your average Brit. The whole Polish/Eastern European immigrants only come here for benefits is a myth. It's a pathetic right-wing scaremongering tactic used by the tabloid press to promote hate. Why can't you see that?!?


Another dig at Polish people... It's their money, they earnt it. They can spend it how they like. If you ever cared enough about your family to help them financially, you would realise this.

Are there any more concepts that you don't understand and need educating on?

UK, Ireland / First proper "Polish" School in the UK - The Next Stage of Ghettoisation [283]


Its one big European country now. What's the matter? Can you not cope with the competion for jobs in the common market? Or:


Is this the real factor in your hatred for Polish people....?

UK, Ireland / First proper "Polish" School in the UK - The Next Stage of Ghettoisation [283]


So in Britain and the US there is an equal distribution of wealth? No millionaires controlling the wealth whilst millions working for minimum wage? No under-class? - Wake up.


Then you are also aware of the benefits of different nations and peoples working together to secure a more prosperious future.


Cry more.


Is it Orange? I remember those adverts...


Why not? Useful language. It does have over 400million native speakers worldwide. Second only to mandarin.

UK, Ireland / First proper "Polish" School in the UK - The Next Stage of Ghettoisation [283]


The UK has been in the common market for quite some time now. Stop whining about it!


Thank goodness we live in a democracy. Not gunna happen there kiddo!


Started by an uneducated, xenophobic loser who really shouldn't be posting this sort of garbage time and time again on a Polish Forum.

UK, Ireland / First proper "Polish" School in the UK - The Next Stage of Ghettoisation [283]


Which is the whole reason I joined this forum. To get friendly advice from people who have done the same, or can help me. I didn't come here to read your xenophobic garbage.

Also, I'm moving to Poland to get away from idiots like you. Easy to see why the country is going down the pan when. You and Hudsonhicks are the future of this country... God help us.

UK, Ireland / First proper "Polish" School in the UK - The Next Stage of Ghettoisation [283]

I am neither


or a



Well, I won't be begging any such thing. And hopefully those people you mentioned will have grown up by then.

Work / Finding work in Warsaw / Poland as an English private tutor [63]


Why are you writing this on my post?
At least Jacus was kind enough to post something positive and friendly here.

Haven't you got another


post to write?

As an up-date, just 6 days to go. Thank you all for your helpful contributions and advice.

Love / What differences is there among Polish girls and British girls as girlfriends? [102]

Ok, serious now. Here we go:



- very true. Also, Polish girls are generally more loyal, hard-working, better domestically, better cooks and much more fun. IMHO


- because of those differences.


My advice is to conduct your own research. But don't date a Polish girl as a 'trophy'. Find a good girl and treat her right.

If you're a decent guy you'll find out that in a relationship Polish women are very good partners.


I think that's supposed to be the other way around. However, a lot of decent British girls have complete losers for boyfriends and will put up with it (because they love him and he's their 'one') A decent, Polish girl will not tolerate your crap, so will have no problem in finding someone better. I believe that self respect is an admiral quality in a girl - to walk away than be walked over.

Look, if you're a British guy wanting a Polish girlfriend don't just expect to 'pick one' and have her fall in love with you, get married and live happily ever after. You may be ready for something serious, but chances are she's younger than you and can take her time in finding the perfect man for her. A decent, pretty girl will always have plenty of options - regardless of nationality.

All I'm saying is date around, have fun and don't expect anything. Live your life and enjoy the ride....

Love / What differences is there among Polish girls and British girls as girlfriends? [102]

Well what do you think....?

Love / How would Polish people react to a forginer in Poland? [36]


No bitterness. It's called teasing the poor lad.


Occupation, website: im an 8th grader
Interests: viking metal,wwe wrestling and nfl football and polish girls