Study / Online Education at Poland's universities? [3]

Thanks! I had noticed all my Google searches were coming up in Polish and was having to manually switch to English repeatedly. When I got to Gdansk it detected I was working in English so.....

No go on Univ of Gdansk though.

Merged: Opinion on The Chain Schools in Poland

I am curious about Polish citizens impressions and experiences with the chain schools.

Specifically, SpeakUp and (if they are still around) Orange Schools are on my mind but I guess Empik should be on the list along with Bell, British Council and IH as well. What did you like and not like about them? How did you find the teachers and the curriculum? Please just say what you think about their operations. Do you prefer independent one-on-ones or the group classes the chain schools offer IN TERMS OF LEARNING NOT ECONOMICS?

If you're a native speaker teacher that simply has to say something about them, it's not a big issue but please identify that you're addressing it as a teacher/employee rather than as a student.

USA, Canada / Polonia - say goodbye to public WiFi America [12]

Doubtful that this will affect public wi-fi availability in the US. At worst, my guess is that the coffee-houses and restaurants will put some time restrictions on their networks and block known piracy sites as the Internet continues to mature and more tools become available.

As for Poland applicability, move it to the lounge if it doesn't fit the section.....

Language / Native-speakers for Young Children in Poland - effectiveness in learning [15]

Very true.

Do you feel your children picked up both languages simultaneously or did one somehow dominate the other?

Also, have you started either of them on a third language?

BTW, I envy your children for their language start, well done!

Language / Native-speakers for Young Children in Poland - effectiveness in learning [15]


I read that as supportive of having a native-speaker language teacher. That is the modeling of the way that the language changes, a "living example" so to speak.

Language / Native-speakers for Young Children in Poland - effectiveness in learning [15]

Impressive!

Can you get into a French-speaking area to let her try her conversational skills a bit?

Language / Native-speakers for Young Children in Poland - effectiveness in learning [15]

I know I'm repeating myself but that's impressive. Lucky kids!

Of course, they aren't lucky, it's good planning on your part.

Life / Reasons for moving to Poland [291]

Why not?

History on every corner, a different culture to observe, economic challenges to test yourself against, good position in Europe for travel and new foods. That covers all the reasons I can think of at the moment.

Life is short, enjoy it as best you can!

Life / What is the reaction of Poles to Russian? [95]


Sorry about that. I forgot to make clear that I say those first few phrases in Russian and should have added "Thank You", "Good", "Very Good" and the like. Also, I do my numbers in Russian which seems about 50/50 with taxi drivers so far.

How many people still use Russian and do you think it bothers them when tourists use it? Since Gdansk is up here next to Kaliningrad would that make any difference?

Life / What is the reaction of Poles to Russian? [95]


Hmmm, apparently a lot of them were speaking Russian based on my experience so far here and in the Czech Republic. Only a couple of people stare blankly since most appear to know Russian. I am sure they also know Polish, but that has nothing at all to do with the question I asked.

I hope you're not one of those people who looks for a fight with newcomers about every single question, that's so tiresome.


Well, probably that's exactly what most of us do with those who don't speak English. I know if I was in Portugal and my taxi driver couldn't speak English I would try my HS Spanish on him.

Oh, the Norwegians and Swedes I know appear to understand each other too. Go figure!

Cheer up though, if I stay here a couple of years I'm sure I'll go to someplace like Sweden and be saying those things in Polish to them!

Life / What is the reaction of Poles to Russian? [95]

Hmmm, I know people who speak Spanish in Southern California, Colorado and Texas. If a Pole couldn't speak English, but knew Spanish, you think they would be better off with grunting and pointing a lot? Do tell how many Brits would be that stupid not to try it if they knew it but wanted to play some game about not speaking a English? You think it's logical to just stand there mute? Interesting.

Nothing to do with my question though and it is increasingly clear that several folks would rather play a game and take off somewhere else. I was simply curious if anyone was likely to have an off reaction to it. The majority don't seem to be so no need to try to swim upstream with the topic.

Thanks to the one or two folks who had something useful to contribute to the topic.

Life / What is the reaction of Poles to Russian? [95]


Uh, because I lived three years in Ukraine, 9 months in Azerbaijan and three weeks in Poland.

Incidentally, a lot of Ukrainians prefer Russian and Russian works pretty well in Azerbaijan. I can imagine you're shocked and appalled.

At no point did I ask if they would be "rattled" but feel free to play your games.

My lawyer and translator during a legal process both spoke Russian and most people understand it but obviously you weren't paying attention to where I said a "a few" appear not to understand.

Life / What is the reaction of Poles to Russian? [95]

I've lived in Southern Cal, shopped in bodegas, eaten carnitas with eggs for breakfast in our cafeterias and taught school in a 55% Hispanic HS, you obviously haven't a clue what you're talking about,


You don't read very well do you? Try again and notice it says Russians, not Russian.


You really struggle don't you? The translator was for me to translate Polish into English. They both spoke Russian and commented that they didn't get much practice. Tax office, city office for registration, no problems there so no "official" has brushed anything aside but hey, when you want just feel free to make up something to illustrate whatever you wish.

Travel / BIGGEST MOSQUE IN POLAND! - Gdansk [42]

What is the name of this Mosque? Even better, what area of town is it in? I haven't seen it yet.

Life / What is the reaction of Poles to Russian? [95]

Most appear to understand the Russian I am using. As someone up-thread mentions, younger persons do seem less likely to understand. As the population ages, it seems logical that fewer will speak Russian than the generation that grew up with it as a bigger factor in their lives. In longer interactions, it seems that a few are still able to converse in Russian.

While Hollywood has taught much of the world things like "Ciao!" and "Dos Vadanyah!" I am not sure if asking for the the check in Russian would be in the same category. Last night, for instance I was typing on the computer when the young waitress came over to my table and clearly didn't understand when I asked for the check in Russian.


If it involved full conversations, then yes. Here, we are talking about short, interactions with someone walking by, shop clerks handing back change or dealing with a waitress. These involve words such as "Thanks", "That's good.", "Excuse me.", etc.

Taxis are slightly different. As I climb in the first question is "English?" Then the problem becomes pronunciation of the address or description of the place.

Having a Polish contract read out in English was quite a bit different. The translator was generally good in their English with only a few terms and a couple of words that required discussion to determine the right translation to use. She was not a licensed Russian translator though. Both her and the lawyer/notary afterwards were saying in English that they wished they got more practice in Russian.

Life / What is the reaction of Poles to Russian? [95]

That would make some sense. A Russian told me last week that it took them by surprise when a clerk at a Rossman's in Warsaw had a visible reaction (negative in their opinion) to hearing the language and seemed to change to a less helpful attitude. Another ethnic Pole who was a Russian native-speaker related that in Warsaw this happens from time to time. That's why I was curious how widespread it was among the population.

Love / Woman 23, man 47 years old. What do you think about ? [162]

Hmmmmm, I've seen so many of these in the last 8 or 10 years.

My opinion is that the vast majority are a fantasy for one or both of the participants. It seems clear that the odds are drastically against the relationship having any staying power but as someone upthread commented, "As long as both parties are consenting, who cares?"

Really, if a woman wants to offer herself up for sponsorship and the man knowingly accepts it, then I wish them the best. Even the ones where the girl is so proud of her man's maturity, wallet, passport, power, whatever are no big deal if she isn't trying to show it off all the time. If they are honest with each other, themselves and the world then it's all good.

The ones that elicit a stronger reaction are when someone feels compelled to show their spouse off like a show pony. Then there are the really obnoxious ones who enter into big debates about how they are "different" since they have a ""deep and true love which we will never understand" or carry on how "she is so mature already". They sing a different tune after the younger one leaves and try to shrug it off with little quips like, "Yeah, but it was worth it!" or "Still was great while it lasted!" It's also sadly amusing when the occasional older partner trades in the younger for a still-younger one and watching the dawning realization of the throwaway.

Classifieds / Language exchange group, Tricity [60]

I am definitely interested in this.

USA, Canada / Better life in USA or Canada? - expats opinions and your comparison [143]


That's a fair comment. Still, there are trade-offs.

The US allows a lot more choice in climate, job searching and education, all of which give you more options in lifestyle.

Few negatives up there unless you really hate the cool to cold weather.

USA, Canada / Better life in USA or Canada? - expats opinions and your comparison [143]

I have never seen any real envy of the US or racism exhibited by Canadians. I lived at a Washington border crossing (Linden) for a couple of years, have friends in Vancouver, Abbotsford and on Victoria Island, all seemed happy and comfortable. Ottawa seemed open and friendly, Montreal a bit aloof and less friendly as they tried so hard to be chic and cosmopolitan. Most I worked with and met are mellow, enjoy their beers and seem to be content. The Kiwis remind me a bit of Canadians in their general approach.to life and satisfaction with their own country.

Polonia / Egyptian wanting to visit Poland - help about getting a visa [12]

You don't say how long you will be here but I would consider not showing the invitation letter. It can make them wonder if you are "in love" and a possible risk. Just tell them you are coming as a tourist to experience Poland.

UK, Ireland / Why are Brits so left-wing? [60]

I don't know, the recent polls show increasing support for pulling out of the EU, toughening immigration laws and getting tougher on crime to bring down the violent crime rates. These all seem pretty conservative stances to me.

I have yet to meet any Brits with anything nice to say about their Council Estates (boy did I misunderstand THAT term the first time I heard it) and the riots back last summer seemed to have solidified a few of their citizenry. Many do seem a bit unhappy that they destroyed so much of their heritage and lost some traditions in the name of multiculturalism. Whether that will translate to a relatively stronger Conservative leaning, I don't know.

Was talking with a Brit last week about the differences between London, the other major cities and the countryside, there could be a side of the UK that many don't see due to trudging along on the tourist trails. The small towns I visited were far more easy-going and the people quite a bit more mmmmm,.......curious and tolerant than the masses in the city areas.

The Scots I run into seem to be more comfortable albeit holding on to their opinions very strongly as well.

UK, Ireland / Why are Brits so left-wing? [60]

It shouldn't surprise you so much if you think about it. Expats, almost of by the definition of their situation, are not going to be evenly distributed between liberal and conservatives. Conservatives will TEND to stay at home, liberals will TEND to be a bit more mobile. You see the same thing in that military and business people TEND to be conservative while journalists, artists, teachers and the like, TEND towards liberalism.

So, doesn't surprise me at all.

For that matter, I would not be surprised if computer usage, forum participation and using the Internet for social networking were to show a similar slant in their participants.

UK, Ireland / Why are Brits so left-wing? [60]

I wasn't talking about the travel changing them into a more liberal group. It's people being willing to venture outside their comfort zones and and establishing new boundaries. If anything I would expect that travel moves a few of them to conservatism.

For instance, I see Democrat Abroad groups far more often and with far higher membership than I have comparable Republican groups except close around the military bases.

USA, Canada / Better life in USA or Canada? - expats opinions and your comparison [143]


Largely correct. This happens when the unemployed become discouraged and cease to look for work. It can include those going to school or seeking other training for different, often lower-level, jobs and professions. The real rate of unemployment, which still doesn't include that underemployment number of people who accepted jobs at lower salary and skill levels, is presently sitting at 14.4% according to the US Department of Labor. The American Enterprise Institute places the number at 15.6% and other sources place it as high as 23%.

The Dakotas and Nebraska are benefiting from increased oil and gas production drilling activities the last couple of years. They are also the states which will see the effect of the new pipeline if this administration will approve construction so some workers are moving into the area in hopes of being better positioned. The problem, as mentioned, is that these are low populations density areas so if 10,000 people show up a much higher percentage will be unemployed since the jobs that ARE there are largely filled. Housing, food and schools are stretched to the breaking point and there are hundreds of mobile home and camper vehicle parks setup, many without sanitation facilities or utilities.

USA, Canada / Better life in USA or Canada? - expats opinions and your comparison [143]

Things have gotten worse these last four years but part of the problem in lack of understanding our system. We have private pension plans, several forms of them so what you see as a pension ((probably US Social Security payments) is not the sole source of income.

I know of a fairly typical middle-class family in which both husband and wife worked in government jobs. Neither graduated college. The husband served for 4 years during World War 2. The husband worked for a total of 38 years for the government and the wife for 34. They retired at age 55. Between the two of them they make approximately $100,000 a year as pensioners from their government employee pensions, their private pensions and their Social Security pensions.

Without educations and with the failing economy and massive debt of the US, you are correct, we could see 2/3 of the country near the poverty line in the next 20 years.

USA, Canada / Better life in USA or Canada? - expats opinions and your comparison [143]

Guess we'll see.

Love / Woman 23, man 47 years old. What do you think about ? [162]

Children make mistakes, when they do, parents are probably best advised to be there for them, love them and help them recover.

If my sons got involved with a much younger (but legal) or much older woman I would tell them my thoughts (IF THEY ASKED), let them make their decision(s) and just be there for support later. Of course there are all kinds of things that COULD occur but generally it is their life to lead. Unless someone is being hurt by it you just have to let them lead it.