Hi everyone. First time posting on this forum but I frequently drop by to read different threads. Now, I have an interest in teaching English in Poland, specifically Woj. Sląskie (Bielsko-Biała region). Anyone have any idea as to how the market is for English language teachers in this area? I have a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree in Political Science, but no certification to teach English. From reading several topics, general consensus agrees that "CELTA" is the way to go, whereas, "TEFL" or "TESOL" are useless. Is certification really necessary to teach in PL? I want to enroll for CELTA, but it requires face-to-face time within a classroom setting, and since I live in the middle of no where in the State of Florida, the nearest location to enroll for courses is over 2hrs away by car. Therefore, it is a little problematic because I will not be able to travel there, given work related responsibilities. Maybe, I should just drop the idea, but any advice is welcome. Thanks.
Information on teaching English in Poland - Bielsko-Biała, Slaskie region. What are the possibilities here?
Is certification really necessary to teach in PL?
It's not stictly speaking necessary, but you won't get paid as much without a Celta and you won't be hired by the school with the better reputations.
If you want to work in a Callen method school then you'll be fine, but you'll end up going nuts parrotting sentences to kids with no real interesting in learning.
I must point out though that the teaching English train sailed a long long time ago.
MOney is crap and conditions are usual sh!te too. You won't be paid during holidays (including Christmas, Easter and all the other nonsense public holidays Poland has).
Bielsko doesn't have many foreigners living there so you should be fine with finding work.
Only advice I can give is to learn some Polish, living here without knowledge of the language is doable, but it ain't easy.
Don't forget you'll have to register as self-emplyed and pay your own tax and health/social insurance.
Tbh, I wouldn't advise moving here as a teaching, go to South Korea, that's where the money is. You'll survive here on a teacher's wage, but you won't save much and don't forget about the long, brutal winters.
MOney is crap and conditions are usual sh!te too
Not true Smurf but I have been here 23 years so have learnt a trick or two. Bielsko is a great place but useless for earning it's true.
Not true
True when you're starting.
And without a teaching qualification.
Yes but we all have to start somewhere. Some doctors here earn a fortune. One I know never has any money. Same story in any profession. You get out what you put in. Of course he shouldn't register for ZUS with a Spolka C. because then his goose is cooked.
@FredMart: As an American, you will require a real full-time work contract to be able to get permission to stay in Poland, and those are very difficult to come by these days. Few employers are willing to go through the hassle of getting work permission for non-EU citizens these days. They prefer independent contractors, which is not an option for you.
Without a CELTA, chances of getting a well-paying job in a good school are greatly reduced. You might snag a good job in someplace off the beaten track like Bielsko-Biała, but don't count on it. Avoid Callan, Avalon, Berlitz and Direct Method schools like the plague. Conditions are horrible, and the pay is peanuts, if you get paid at all. There are a lot of shady operators in these types of schools, and it's not worth taking the risk.
As Smurf said, the ship has long sailed for American English teachers in Poland. It probably isn't worth your time and money to take the CELTA course, especially if you are casting your net so close. MAYBE if you already had a job in a reputable school lined up already, but not on the hope that you might just possibly find a job.
Frankly, with your educational background, there are much more productive ways to spend a year than teaching in Poland for peanuts. Explore opportunities at home to build up your qualifications so that you are more competitive on the job market. Teaching ESL is going to do little to enhance your CV.
Without a CELTA, chances of getting a well-paying job in a good school are greatly reduced. You might snag a good job in someplace off the beaten track like Bielsko-Biała, but don't count on it. Avoid Callan, Avalon, Berlitz and Direct Method schools like the plague. Conditions are horrible, and the pay is peanuts, if you get paid at all. There are a lot of shady operators in these types of schools, and it's not worth taking the risk.
As Smurf said, the ship has long sailed for American English teachers in Poland. It probably isn't worth your time and money to take the CELTA course, especially if you are casting your net so close. MAYBE if you already had a job in a reputable school lined up already, but not on the hope that you might just possibly find a job.
Frankly, with your educational background, there are much more productive ways to spend a year than teaching in Poland for peanuts. Explore opportunities at home to build up your qualifications so that you are more competitive on the job market. Teaching ESL is going to do little to enhance your CV.