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Posts by Ricco  

Joined: 24 Jul 2011 / Male ♂ 		Last Post: 25 Jul 2011
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Ricco   
25 Jul 2011
Work / English teaching job offer in a medium Polish town. Is the salary sufficient? [30]

It's Piotrkow Trybunalski...

I'm not too concerned about being 'deceived' with a Polish version of a contract. If everything goes wrong I can hop on a plane, what have I lost: £200 or so at most.

At the end of the day, I don't have any other job offers. Indeed, I'm not even receiving replies to my countless applications, all around the world. I could sit at home, go on the dole, or I could take a chance on this job.

My previous experience was in Indonesia which is so different from Britain, it might as well be on another planet! Nothing is done properly, almost everyone is corrupt. I had to suffer 12 months of energy sapping heat, the only respite was my air conditioned room. And yet I enjoyed it overall, it was great to immerse myself into the cuture, learn a little of the language, form relationships with locals. Being stuck in an 'expat' area where people pretend they are at home is my idea of hell.

So saying all that, do you think Piotrkow Trybunalski might be for me?
Ricco   
24 Jul 2011
Work / English teaching job offer in a medium Polish town. Is the salary sufficient? [30]

Thanks for all the replies so far. I think I'll tactfully request a little more money. The original job add gave a hint that this may be possible, with experience...

As regards the school not being able to afford the accomodation, it's been established for 20 years. But I guess these days, that's no guarantee of anything!

If everything hits the fan I can always go home, it's only a 50 quid flight. I'm more concerned about being able to life well (within my modest lifestyle), rather than having to count every coin to get by.
Ricco   
24 Jul 2011
Work / English teaching job offer in a medium Polish town. Is the salary sufficient? [30]

Hi thanks for the reply, it's a town an hour or so south of Lodz.

I've asked them to confirm the tax situation, and to send me a detailed contract with the offer.

I'm interested in what you say as regards 'paid for' accomodation. If they value their teacher/s (I work hard, am responsible, deliver well planned lessons that are fun for the students), why would they throw them out of the accomodation?

I should perhaps add that I met the owner of the school in person and while she seemed a little fixed in her ways in terms of teaching styles, she seemed honest enough and I think, OK to work for.

Thanks again.
Ricco   
24 Jul 2011
Work / English teaching job offer in a medium Polish town. Is the salary sufficient? [30]

Hi everyone.

I've been offered a job teaching English in a medium sized town (c 100,000), in central Poland. The salary is 2000 per month. Gross, I think. I've also been offered an apartment shared with another Teacher, free of charge. The school also pays the utility bills in full.

A bit about me: I'm 49, have Trinity TESOL but no degree. I have one year's experience teaching English overseas, plus a summer school in the U.K.

My age and lack of a degree has resulted in a summer of frustration, as regards seeking a job. It seems most employers want more youthful Teachers, and the lack of a degree excludes me from the majority of advertised posts.

Poland isn't my first choice for my next job but it's by no means a choice brought out of desperation. I'd go there with an open mind, wanting to experience the way of life there, whilst gaining more teaching experience. But, I don't want to live like a pauper...

My lifestyle is fairly simple. I like a few beers a couple of times a week, no more. I'm happy with good home cooked food, or simple inexpensive local eateries. I'd want to join a local gym, and use public transport. I don't feel the need to buy expensive clothes and the like...

I have 2 questions:

1/ Is the salary sufficient to live as I've described?

2/ Polish culture: Is the salary offered with a job often negotiable? Would it cause any offense or bad feelings to go back to the employer, and try to negotiate a higher figure?

Any thoughts of ideas most welcome.

Thanks