DominicB
14 Dec 2019
Work / Teaching English in Poland - better opportunities for an American? [20]
@robyng
That ship sailed years ago. Americans have had a hard go of entering the English teaching field in Poland ever since Poland joined the EU. Teachers from the UK and Ireland do not need visas and work permits, and do not have to be hired on full-time work contracts. Few employers are now willing to jump through those hoops for an American nowadays. It's quite a hassle, and I don't blame them for not wanting to deal with it.
There are also plenty of Americans who already have permanent residence in Poland to cover whatever American-specific jobs arise. Permanent residents don't need work permits either.
Wages have largely stagnated over the last twelve years. They have not rebounded since the recession hit, and are not so appealing to young Americans anymore, as they have not kept pace with inflation. And cushy jobs go to those from the UK and Ireland or to Americans already on the ground long before you would ever hear of them.
The golden age is long past. Definitely for Americans. And not just in Poland, but just about anywhere in the EU.
If there are any "greener pastures" left, they are probably in Asia. But since I know nothing about that market, don't take that as a recommendation. My recommendation would be to forget about TEFL altogether, and school up for a real career with a real future.
@robyng
That ship sailed years ago. Americans have had a hard go of entering the English teaching field in Poland ever since Poland joined the EU. Teachers from the UK and Ireland do not need visas and work permits, and do not have to be hired on full-time work contracts. Few employers are now willing to jump through those hoops for an American nowadays. It's quite a hassle, and I don't blame them for not wanting to deal with it.
There are also plenty of Americans who already have permanent residence in Poland to cover whatever American-specific jobs arise. Permanent residents don't need work permits either.
Wages have largely stagnated over the last twelve years. They have not rebounded since the recession hit, and are not so appealing to young Americans anymore, as they have not kept pace with inflation. And cushy jobs go to those from the UK and Ireland or to Americans already on the ground long before you would ever hear of them.
The golden age is long past. Definitely for Americans. And not just in Poland, but just about anywhere in the EU.
If there are any "greener pastures" left, they are probably in Asia. But since I know nothing about that market, don't take that as a recommendation. My recommendation would be to forget about TEFL altogether, and school up for a real career with a real future.