scottie1113
27 Aug 2012
scottie1113
27 Aug 2012
USA, Canada / What do people in Poland think about American cars? [44]
In five years in Poland, I've only seen a couple fo big blocks-Corvettes. More small blocks here.
In five years in Poland, I've only seen a couple fo big blocks-Corvettes. More small blocks here.
scottie1113
27 Aug 2012
scottie1113
27 Aug 2012
USA, Canada / What do people in Poland think about American cars? [44]
Ha! You need a car to do that? Pathetic. Learn to spell before you buy a car.
Mods, can you suspend this troll?
NO I CAN GET A GIRL
Ha! You need a car to do that? Pathetic. Learn to spell before you buy a car.
Mods, can you suspend this troll?
scottie1113
25 Aug 2012
USA, Canada / Animosity against second and third generation poles ? [26]
My university was 56th. Not bad.
My university was 56th. Not bad.
scottie1113
23 Aug 2012
Love / How would Polish people react to a forginer in Poland? [36]
Zero.
what are my chances with girls? 18-30 year old polish chicks?:)
Zero.
scottie1113
21 Aug 2012
scottie1113
20 Aug 2012
USA, Canada / What do people in Poland think about American cars? [44]
Wow. Talk about a cleansed thread by the mods!
Wow. Talk about a cleansed thread by the mods!
scottie1113
17 Aug 2012
USA, Canada / Living in Poland - prospects for Alabama guy ... need some advice! [146]
True, most prices are cheaper, but the relative cost is far more expensive when you take into consideration how low the salaries are in Poland.
Cost of living is far less than here.
True, most prices are cheaper, but the relative cost is far more expensive when you take into consideration how low the salaries are in Poland.
scottie1113
17 Aug 2012
Law / August bank holiday in Poland? [5]
In Poland it isn't a bank holiday. It's a religious holiday and it was on Wednesday.
In Poland it isn't a bank holiday. It's a religious holiday and it was on Wednesday.
scottie1113
16 Aug 2012
Work / Teaching English in Poland without TESL certificate? [17]
You'll find this a great site about teaching English in Poland:
You'll find this a great site about teaching English in Poland:
scottie1113
16 Aug 2012
Work / Teaching English in Poland without TESL certificate? [17]
Most good schools won't let you speak Polish in the classroom. You're supposed to teach English. If it's a question of vocabulary, just have your students look up the word in a dictionary. Then again, I don't teach beginners, nor will I.
Not that i'm a teacher, but i would imagine half the lesson would end up being taught in Polish
Most good schools won't let you speak Polish in the classroom. You're supposed to teach English. If it's a question of vocabulary, just have your students look up the word in a dictionary. Then again, I don't teach beginners, nor will I.
scottie1113
15 Aug 2012
Work / Teaching English in Poland without TESL certificate? [17]
Yes, but not at a good school.
Somewhat, but a CELTA will open many more doors.
Can I still teach without CELTA. A TEFL
Yes, but not at a good school.
Is a Master's degree valuable in EU?
Somewhat, but a CELTA will open many more doors.
scottie1113
15 Aug 2012
Work / Teaching English in Poland without TESL certificate? [17]
If you want to teach English in Poland, get a CELTA. A TEFL certificate is pretty worthless here unless you're willing to work for second class schools. Where in Poland would you like to live, and why Poland?
If you want to teach English in Poland, get a CELTA. A TEFL certificate is pretty worthless here unless you're willing to work for second class schools. Where in Poland would you like to live, and why Poland?
scottie1113
14 Aug 2012
Travel / First visit to Poland in 20 years - bus/traintravel around the country [11]
There's a bird sanctuary on Sobieszewo Island a few kilometers from Gdansk. You can take the112 bus and, I think, the 186. The trip takes 30-40 minutes depending on traffic and costs 3zl if you buy your tickets at a kiosk or 3.60zl if you buy them from the driver.
There's a bird sanctuary on Sobieszewo Island a few kilometers from Gdansk. You can take the112 bus and, I think, the 186. The trip takes 30-40 minutes depending on traffic and costs 3zl if you buy your tickets at a kiosk or 3.60zl if you buy them from the driver.
scottie1113
11 Aug 2012
scottie1113
10 Aug 2012
News / Poland's Economy Is Booming! The EU's Success Story? [711]
Neither do I. Millenium has called once in five years.
Poland is far from booming.
Strange, because I don`t.
I am in PKO BP. What`s your bank?
I am in PKO BP. What`s your bank?
Neither do I. Millenium has called once in five years.
Poland is far from booming.
scottie1113
22 Jul 2012
Travel / My holiday, Gdansk or Kaunus, Lithuania? Help me decide! [23]
pam, I have been living in the Old Town in Gdansk for five years. You didn't mention what your interests are. other than walking so I won't throw up a list of must do-must see things. I was going to suggest Oliwa Park and the church there, and just past it heading toward the zoo there's a hill with a tower (Pacholek) on it. On a clear day you can see Gdynia and across the bay to Hel.
Where will you be staying and how will you get there from the airport? A taxi to the City Center will cost about 50zl and a bus is about 3zl.
There is a very good and inexpensive little restaurant called Jadalnia next door to DaGrasso Pizza on Szeroka-actually it's right around the corner from Tekstylia and it's in the basement. The best coffee shop is Pikawa on ul.Piwna.
If you like history, visit the Solidarity museum and one in the old town hall on Dluga.. Closed on Monday, free on Tuesday.
When you get to your hotel or hostel, pick up a copy of Gdansk in your pocket. It's free and it's a great guide to the whole area.
The weather in October can be nice, or cold and rainy. Plan accordingly.
If my schedule permits, I'll buy you a beer at Absinthe. Send me a pm and I'll give you my mobile number. You'll love Gdansk!
pam, I have been living in the Old Town in Gdansk for five years. You didn't mention what your interests are. other than walking so I won't throw up a list of must do-must see things. I was going to suggest Oliwa Park and the church there, and just past it heading toward the zoo there's a hill with a tower (Pacholek) on it. On a clear day you can see Gdynia and across the bay to Hel.
Where will you be staying and how will you get there from the airport? A taxi to the City Center will cost about 50zl and a bus is about 3zl.
There is a very good and inexpensive little restaurant called Jadalnia next door to DaGrasso Pizza on Szeroka-actually it's right around the corner from Tekstylia and it's in the basement. The best coffee shop is Pikawa on ul.Piwna.
If you like history, visit the Solidarity museum and one in the old town hall on Dluga.. Closed on Monday, free on Tuesday.
When you get to your hotel or hostel, pick up a copy of Gdansk in your pocket. It's free and it's a great guide to the whole area.
The weather in October can be nice, or cold and rainy. Plan accordingly.
If my schedule permits, I'll buy you a beer at Absinthe. Send me a pm and I'll give you my mobile number. You'll love Gdansk!
scottie1113
21 Jul 2012
Life / How much does it cost to live in Poland? [42]
True, unless you live here and a Polish salary.
True, unless you live here and a Polish salary.
scottie1113
29 Jun 2012
Travel / Massive thanks to Poland for the Euro time! [19]
There were 30,000 Irish in Gdansk. They were great and the people here love you. Come back again!
There were 30,000 Irish in Gdansk. They were great and the people here love you. Come back again!
scottie1113
27 Jun 2012
Life / Freelance English teacher - Are Polish people unreliable? They continually cancel lessons... [22]
That's a valid point, and it's also why I don't go to them. If they want me me, they come to me, with the exception I mentioned before.
Well, I'm not totally unreasonable, but I don't tell them there are any exceptions. I actually travel to my student's homes (depending on how far), so it's rather a hassle if they cancel last minute.
That's a valid point, and it's also why I don't go to them. If they want me me, they come to me, with the exception I mentioned before.
scottie1113
26 Jun 2012
Life / Freelance English teacher - Are Polish people unreliable? They continually cancel lessons... [22]
Mine is more flexible than that. A call even five minutes before a lesson is fine with me if they suddenly find out they have to work late. At 20.00 the night before they might be feeling fine but if they wake up sick on the day of the lesson, have an accident with their car, anything, all they have to do is call.
My lessons are in my flat with the exception of one couple I've known for four years. He picks me up at my flat and drives me back to their flat where after three hours of lessons (90 minutes with each one), she always cooks dinner. Last year, in lieu of a lesson, we went looking for mushrooms in a forest. No charge for that one. :)
As I've said, the first lesson is free. I want to find out what they expect from me and I want both of us to decide if we want to continue working with each other. Since all my private students are either referrals or former students, we've always continued.
The money I receive from private lessons supplements my regular salary as a teacher. I don't need them as a sole source of income, so perhaps I can be more flexible than others. At any rate, I'm satisfied with my policy and very happy with my students. Sometimes we meet for coffee in addition to their lessons. We chat, and there's no charge for this. Value added I guess, and it builds loyalty both ways.
Mine is more flexible than that. A call even five minutes before a lesson is fine with me if they suddenly find out they have to work late. At 20.00 the night before they might be feeling fine but if they wake up sick on the day of the lesson, have an accident with their car, anything, all they have to do is call.
My lessons are in my flat with the exception of one couple I've known for four years. He picks me up at my flat and drives me back to their flat where after three hours of lessons (90 minutes with each one), she always cooks dinner. Last year, in lieu of a lesson, we went looking for mushrooms in a forest. No charge for that one. :)
As I've said, the first lesson is free. I want to find out what they expect from me and I want both of us to decide if we want to continue working with each other. Since all my private students are either referrals or former students, we've always continued.
The money I receive from private lessons supplements my regular salary as a teacher. I don't need them as a sole source of income, so perhaps I can be more flexible than others. At any rate, I'm satisfied with my policy and very happy with my students. Sometimes we meet for coffee in addition to their lessons. We chat, and there's no charge for this. Value added I guess, and it builds loyalty both ways.
scottie1113
26 Jun 2012
Life / Freelance English teacher - Are Polish people unreliable? They continually cancel lessons... [22]
It's not strict at all. Last minute cancellations happen and I accept that. What I don't accept is no notice at at all and a no show. I always explain this during our first meeting, which is free, And as I mentioned, it hasn't happened in five years. It works for me.
Scottie1113's comment is sensible but a bit too strict because students should be able to cancel lessons in case of emergency
It's not strict at all. Last minute cancellations happen and I accept that. What I don't accept is no notice at at all and a no show. I always explain this during our first meeting, which is free, And as I mentioned, it hasn't happened in five years. It works for me.
scottie1113
25 Jun 2012
Language / Should I just learn German? [55]
Easier said than done, but if you study Latin, you'll find it easier except when it comes to grammar.
Again, easier said than done. This forum is full of advice about how difficult it is for Americans to find work in Poland unless they teach English. Difficult yes, impossible no. And I'm not the one to rain on your parade. Just do your homework on this subject.
just need to learn the grammar and declination and I'll be good
Easier said than done, but if you study Latin, you'll find it easier except when it comes to grammar.
And I do plan on working/living in Poland.
Again, easier said than done. This forum is full of advice about how difficult it is for Americans to find work in Poland unless they teach English. Difficult yes, impossible no. And I'm not the one to rain on your parade. Just do your homework on this subject.
scottie1113
24 Jun 2012
Life / Freelance English teacher - Are Polish people unreliable? They continually cancel lessons... [22]
I've been teaching in a private school in Poland for five years and I also have private lessons. I've never had a cancellation. Postponements or reschedules, sure. That's life. Maybe they're sick or have to work late. Whatever. It happens to all of us.
My cardinal rule is that if a student doesn't show up for a lesson without notifying me in advance, our relationship as student-teacher is over. That's just common courtesy. And it's never happened to me.
I don't advertise for private lessons. My private lessons are either referrals or former students. They're looking for a high quality lesson and that's what I give the,. I've been with some of them for years. It's all about attitude, professionalism and preparation, even for a coversation lesson.
Some teachers in Warsaw do this, and if a student misses a lesson-for any reason-they still get charged. I think that's deplorable.
they continually cancel lessons
I've been teaching in a private school in Poland for five years and I also have private lessons. I've never had a cancellation. Postponements or reschedules, sure. That's life. Maybe they're sick or have to work late. Whatever. It happens to all of us.
My cardinal rule is that if a student doesn't show up for a lesson without notifying me in advance, our relationship as student-teacher is over. That's just common courtesy. And it's never happened to me.
I don't advertise for private lessons. My private lessons are either referrals or former students. They're looking for a high quality lesson and that's what I give the,. I've been with some of them for years. It's all about attitude, professionalism and preparation, even for a coversation lesson.
why not collect up front for a block of lessons?
Some teachers in Warsaw do this, and if a student misses a lesson-for any reason-they still get charged. I think that's deplorable.
scottie1113
20 Jun 2012
Life / What does an american citizen need to do to live in Poland with his Polish citizen wife? [35]
And I've seen some who were totally SOL if they didn't apply well before day 45. Take no chances and make this a priority.
oh, and try and apply for the residency permit (karta pubytu) before your 45th day in country. i've seen enough americans apply beyond that period (88th day) without any hangups
And I've seen some who were totally SOL if they didn't apply well before day 45. Take no chances and make this a priority.
scottie1113
20 Jun 2012
Language / Short Polish<->English translations [1033]
Tylko oglądam. The first ą is the one with a tail. I
Tylko oglądam. The first ą is the one with a tail. I
scottie1113
19 Jun 2012
Travel / Travel tips (Katowice, Gdansk, Krakow, Zakopane, Warsaw, Wroclaw, Sopot) [5]
Actually, I was thinking of Westerplatte, Oliwa Park, the hill behind the main train station, the Solidarity museum, and many others.
Actually, I was thinking of Westerplatte, Oliwa Park, the hill behind the main train station, the Solidarity museum, and many others.
scottie1113
19 Jun 2012
Travel / How come no one ever seems to pay for the bus in Poland? [63]
As I said before, if they take you off a bus or tram in Gdansk, it's going to cost at least 100zl, and usually more. And here they will call the police. It's never happened to me because I always have a ticket, but it has happened to my Polish, English and American friends. Just buy a damn ticket and avoid the whole thing.
All the inspectors have a quote, you just ask them .
It's always below 70ZL (from my experince)..
So if it does happen that you forgot to buy a ticket, just pay the bribe.
It's always below 70ZL (from my experince)..
So if it does happen that you forgot to buy a ticket, just pay the bribe.
I hear the going rate in Warsaw is more like 50zl. Although if you've got the time, just tell them that their ID is fake and you aren't even going to get your wallet out to show them your ID for them to write up the fine until a uniformed police officer tells you that the ID is real. They pretend to phone for the police before losing interest and getting on the next tram.
As I said before, if they take you off a bus or tram in Gdansk, it's going to cost at least 100zl, and usually more. And here they will call the police. It's never happened to me because I always have a ticket, but it has happened to my Polish, English and American friends. Just buy a damn ticket and avoid the whole thing.
scottie1113
19 Jun 2012
Travel / Travel tips (Katowice, Gdansk, Krakow, Zakopane, Warsaw, Wroclaw, Sopot) [5]
This time, skip Sopot and spend some time in Gdansk. The Old Town is beautiful but there are other places to see and things to do here.
This time, skip Sopot and spend some time in Gdansk. The Old Town is beautiful but there are other places to see and things to do here.