History / If Poland didn't exist, how did citizens become Polish? [57]

Did that include persons irrespective of religious beliefs.

Polonia / Moving to Dubai [13]

While working in the ME from approx. 83 to 96, I encountered many expats with a similar problem. They solved it, quite legally according to Muslim Law, by obtaining a “civil” marriage certificate. This certificate was then legal in any Arab country. The procedure was amazingly strait forward, frowned upon by the authorities, nothing they could do about it, because of the legality of the procedure. This “marriage” only became legal in the country of origin if it was registered in the consular offices of that country, within a set time period. In most instances the “newly weds” did not bother and upon return to their native countries enjoyed bachelorhood if they so wished. I admit this is going back a few years but it may still be a current practice within the frames of the law in all respects.

This did not allow the couple to snog in public, not even, as accurately mentioned before, when greeting or bidding farewells at airports, bustations, outside pubs, etc.

Law / GBP to PLN: Best way to get good exchange rate? [22]

Go to the HSBC bank here in the UK. They offer emigration/re-immigration services for people just like yourself. They have a branch in Warsaw and money can be drawn from cash points.

Get to know the cash points you are going to use. Some cash points will just refuse your card, not being able to recognise it, some charge a fee while some don't. HSBC advertise this service on TV. I have used them for this facility for a number of years, not just in Poland. They have the largest number of branches in the whole world. I know they have a branch in Warsaw, I've used it myself. Enquire whether they have any branches in Poland outside Warsaw. My experience of kantors is not very good and I shy away from them and I go back to to the days when there existed 'mobile' kantors, floating about hotel entrances and made a 'pssst-pssst' sound as you entered or left the premises.

The advice given by terri is very, very sound; please heed it, though don't be alarmed by it and don't carry the plastic bag in your pocket and take it out just for the purpose of putting the money into it next to the cash point. Take it out well away from the cash point and put something into it first, then approach the cash point. Remember, also, muggers were not born yesterday and are aware of these little tricks.

Work / Advice for a worried English stranger / Native speaker who wants to move to Poland [23]

May I suggest that you look up the 'Callan Method' of teaching English which does not require any formal qualifications. So long as you can 'read' English. The majority of people, whatever their native language, were taught to speak by non language qualified people; mums, dads, brothers, sisters, etc. People either strongly deride or support this method and it is really your choice. I taught English in Poland by this method for 4+ years and loved it.

Look up 'Callan Method' in Google and select the sites you need. Between them you will get the information you need including demonstration lessons as they are taught. Your stage experience is probably the most valuable and to prospective employers most attractive.

Callan lists 69 schools in Poland that use this method, there are probably double that number who do not 'pay' Callan the registration fee. The school I taught in used to be registered but not now. They probably don't need to since they are so well established. To my big surprise I could not see one in Toruń.

Good luck, let us know how you get on.

Mike.