Work / First English teaching job in Poland (Katowice) [75]


Well, many places in EU ask for at least 1 years experience and I didn't fancy going to China. Also, I'm giving up a fairly well paid job for this so I don't really care about the money. This job will give me valuable experience, and the money is enough to live on. I've got a nice buffer with savings, but 300 gbp (1800 pln) is plenty if you live a student life. I suppose I consider this as a "charity project, with some remuneration" :)


Close! I'm actually from Liverpool, so expect quite a few Polish speaking in a scouse accent come next year :D

Work / First English teaching job in Poland (Katowice) [75]

Thanks all, some interesting information there!

I've been applying for numerous jobs over the past few months, and got some interest from various schools in the EU. They were all unwilling to negotiate the wages, and the larger schools (IH etc) didn't get back to me. Understandable when I wasn't located in the country, and only had a TESOL. I also tried France/Germany (my ideal countries) but they need experience (I have business experience, but not teaching, so that is the future goal). So I have come to accept that my need for experience outweighs my need to be paid a decent wage. It may devalue the market, but on the other hand I do suspect that everyone who has made that point is in a much stronger position than me employment-wise (being in Poland, having more experience) and this is the only way I can get my foot in the door. Come 12 months I'll either be re-training in a non teaching role, or I'll be working in a much better school. Simple as!

To question my esteem or "despair" is a bit weird, though, because if I'm being completely honest my three options at this time in my life comprises of;

1. Stay in a dead end job
2. Volunteer in UK for an IT-based company, to get my foot in the door
3. Go abroad, learn new skills and enhance my CV (ie "I went to Poland, successfully taught in a school and learnt some Polish along the way") by working in a low paid job.

I'm a young professional with no desire to be a backpacker, slack or drink copious amounts of alcohol! Also, there is little difference (initially) between options 2 + 3 :D

Work / First English teaching job in Poland (Katowice) [75]


One day I'll be dead and I won't regret taking this opportunity, irrespective of the seemingly infinite cons there are! That isn't to say that I don't understand everything you are saying, but ultimately it is my life and my decision to make.

Thank you all for the insight into Poland, and what I'd be expecting. The posts are really informative!

Work / First English teaching job in Poland (Katowice) [75]

Well, I'm confident that the money and insurance will be enough. Even so, the savings are for travelling and as such could either be spent this way (gaining experience in a working context) or touring Europe like a backpacker (which isn't really me).

One thing I genuinely worry about, though, is how other EFL teachers will perceive me whilst out there. It would be ideal meeting some friendly and supportive people (even in such a 'bad' school) but people on here have some very strong views! Fully justified, I might add, but it seems to be of the "here is another fool with no plan" mindset. This isn't necessarily true, and this decision wasn't made lightly. On saying all of this, I only posted to ask a few questions relating to travel/entertainment etc!

Work / First English teaching job in Poland (Katowice) [75]

Hey,

Yes I will certainly be looking out for better opportunities, but this in itself is a good opportunity to gain some experience in teaching. Money is low but I've got a small income from another source, and enough savings. As for the location, yes I did see the potential cons of working there. Truth be told I don't mind quieter places, and it would give me more of a chance to immerse myself in the local language (learning some functional Polish is a secondary aim of the trip - it will prove useful in the future). The place has a gym which I'll be joining as soon as I arrive, and a tennis court nearby! They've also got a cinema and a few restaurants, and supermarkets. That is a good start. The only thing I'm a bit nervous about is who I will be working with, as there will be at least two English teachers alongside me and I just hope they are alright!

Work / First English teaching job in Poland (Katowice) [75]

Yea sure! I'll certainly let you know closer to the time.

Work / First English teaching job in Poland (Katowice) [75]

If I wanted to live your life, I would most certainly do what you suggest.

(this comes across as quite arrogant, but to elaborate I have considered all of the negative and positive points and made the decision :) If a small town is so bad then maybe I will end up in a similar job to you in the future, CMC, unless you are currently depressed too?).

As a side note, but I would be hopeful that Polish people in small towns were not all suspicious and closed-minded towards a foreigner who willingly chooses to live and work in their town!

Work / First English teaching job in Poland (Katowice) [75]

@ Atch Thanks for the heads up! I'll give it a try, cautiously optimistic that it won't be too bad because I get along ok with "working class" people in this country. Have to wait and see what happens!

Work / First English teaching job in Poland (Katowice) [75]

Haha, we have a Polish cleaner in my current work. Is that you?!

I don't look working class, I just live near a working class area (and have also taught/volunteered in mainstream UK primary schools in these areas)

Life / Printers/internet cafes in Wroclaw [3]

thanks!