Posts by mynameisbob

mynameisbob

11 Feb 2015

Life / iPad-Tablet usage in Poland [6]

I currently live and teach in smalltown Southern Poland and was wondering...

In my daily life I have rarely, if at all, seen people using a tablet - whether it be a 300PLN special upto iPads.

I would have thought I would have seen a student using one before the start of class, or someone reading one whilst waiting for a bus.

I know they are still, relatively speaking, an expensive luxury item, but surely Poland is not exempt from the permeation of these devices in our daily lives?

Could there be a divide between big city, small town Polish life?

Just curious that's all, not voicing a specific opinion.

mynameisbob

11 Feb 2015

Life / iPad-Tablet usage in Poland [6]

Of course smalltown is the key factor in this of course. Just thought that with tablets being around for 5 years or so that the law of averages meant I would have seem them about in day to day life.

I grew up in smalltown south coast England, where it used to be said that the fashions and tastes of London would trickle down about a year later.

Probably explains why my students look half bemused half fascinated when I teach from my iPad.

Just don't like wasting paper, lugging around 5 coursebooks, and having relatively infrequent printer access.

Now for my training my students in the dark arts of social media...

mynameisbob

21 Apr 2015

Life / Visa medical tests needed in Poland as a requisite for a job in another country [3]

Ok, so I have been offered a job in another country, and as part of the process I have to obtain a medical certificate.

The form is a standard medical form that, largely requires self cert, however apart from the usual items that doctors check is HIV blood test, X-Ray, and ECG.

I have asked around if this is possible, via hospital etc and the usual reply is cannot be done. (I live in a smallish city and am willing to pay)

What are my options?

Surely, with translator in tow, I can go to the hospital or an obliging doctor.
It's either that or I will have to go back home - Germany - and get it done, however I can ill afford this as I am self employed.

mynameisbob

19 May 2015

Work / Advice on Teaching English in Poland [709]

My advice here is to look at the big picture, as in your future career in teaching.

I would always recommend doing a CELTA because in ESL world it's trusted currency. Arguments aside on its real world validity and the ability to teach, a CELTA will always open many ESL employment doors. I even used it this year to secure online teaching jobs.

In other words a CELTA is not necessarily about you, but more about what employers want you to have.