Life / My experience in Poland 15 years ago as an American trying to live and work there. [149]

Merged: How is the job situation in the northern region of Poland?

OK, I will be reading the forum threads but some fresh info along with the ease of looking at advice from people currently on the ground leads me to ask this in a new thread

Of course someone will want the thumbnail on me, so: American, mid-50's, 4 years EFL, MBA, 14 years teaching in HS and Universities (Business and IT), single, coasting to retirement years and expecting to work 20-24 contact hours a week. I would prefer the northern regions (Gdansk, Sczcecin, etc.) since I actually prefer cold weather and coastal regions. I speak no Polish, just a little Russian to get by in the grocery, getting taxi's, etc. I have lived in Ukraine for three years, Azerbaijan for one and am thinking about the next location a bit. I like to travel and have visited Krakow 3 times, Warsaw once (not that crazy about it but okay) and Zakopane in the winter.

Specifically, how difficult is it for Americans to gain legal residence status and/or work status?

Any thoughts on the economies or moods of these areas?

Housing thoughts? soviet-style apartments don't bother me. I prefer three-room places so I can teach private students without having them sit on the bed. Mashrutkas, trolleys, buses, metros, elektrichkas, all usable but like to stroll in the centers and enjoy my coffee while watching the world.

Cost of living info and general guides would be good too.

Thanks for any constructive advice.