Work / Advice on Teaching English in Poland [709]

Great website look forward to using it when in Poland. 2 more weeks to go on my TEFL course.

Also I am looking for help with a work permit fixer for non EU types. I am an American and would like to go the business license route and get proper papers for teaching. I am finishing up my TEFL in Prague in the next couple of weeks. Here they have people for a good price will run all the paper work around for you get license and send docs to proper places. Does anyone know of anyone doing same service for Poland in Warsaw or Krakow areas?

Thanks.

Life / Orphanages in Poland [82]

Thanks for this information.... I know a couple of years old but exactly what I am looking for. Moving to Warsaw soon and need a place to volunteer... any other suggestions from anyone?

Life / Orphanages in Poland [82]

TThanks but not a woman... iwgwarsaw.eu might happy to join in a social though.

USA, Canada / Looking for Polish beer in the United States [39]

bevmo.com/Shop/ProductList.aspx?N=41+4294967234&Ne=5&area=beer&Ns=Name|0

Maybe can ship to TX if can't find similar store.

I used this store while in California. Back teaching in Warsaw now so no problems. :)

Life / Why Do You Love Poland? [907]

After many months in Poland.

First do not love Polish winter, even though am told this last was mild.

But the winter helped me enjoy the wonderful spring weather, while it lasted.

First as said many many times. Polish women are a very special kind of lady. They are to be appreciated for their intelligence, beauty, and joyful spirits. But they like many in the east can be crazy for us men for the west so come with a warning label. :)

I was mostly in Warsaw and fell in love with the parks. I loved the ease at which you can by a flower for your lady.

I am a beer lover so never had to go far.

Poland is great. It does have many many hard edges it must said but for another thread.

Life / Why Do You Love Poland? [907]

Yes winters are good IF you have a heavy warm coat....

I will admit Germany is my favorite been country and one reason thinking of moving south to Wroclaw in the Fall, closer the beer heaven.

News / THE ARMY OF POLAND - THE REALITY [385]


Of course history has show this to be true. :) I do believe that the only universal idea that is understood is that strength of arms is an important part of national security and being respected.

Also I feel Poland is on the right track by slowly modernizing its arms. Though could use with a bigger more updated air force and navy.

News / THE ARMY OF POLAND - THE REALITY [385]

Hey interesting thread. Love to talk militray.

First here is a pretty good piece from Stratfor on Poland strategy. Give it a read. I think it lays out Poland options and backs up the need for well thought out defense spending for a well armed defensive army that can fight a long delaying action. Historically Poland does not have many options. Poland can not win a fight on both boarders. So must embrace a strong 3rd party like the US and NATO. Currently Russia is not a threat but it will be further down the road as it rebuilds its forces and projects power. As this article states Poland problem at start of WW II was they could not fight long enough to allow allies to intervene on there behalf and effect the outcome. Poland faces a similar future. A strong enough army to be respected and able to fight a long batter until others can come to aid.

stratfor.com/weekly/polands-strategy?utm_source=freelist-f&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20120828&utm_term=gweekly&utm_content=re admore&elq=0d5d67644a9c469cba81a283908bf09f

I also saw in previous post comment about infrastructure. In US in our interstate highway system that was built after WW II had a lot to do with the movement of military equipment to ports in the event of conflict. Go back another 2000 years to the Romans - why do you think they built all those roads. Poland does need to improve its networks for sure to ensure a more secure future..

My 2 cents. And I do have good respect for Polish Army. Your GROM from what I read has been fighting alongside US SF for a long time and what I read has earned a big respect of US Commandos. In Chris Kyle book American Sniper he specifically comments on GROM and how awesome they are.

peace

News / THE ARMY OF POLAND - THE REALITY [385]

Thanks boletus. Really nice pictures. Lot of variety in Polish SF.

Curious does Poland award valor awards like US Silver Star or British VC? I know Germany has struggled with this and created a Gold Cross for valor to award its troops. Poland?

News / THE ARMY OF POLAND - THE REALITY [385]

Botetus
Thats really interesting information on the awards. Obviously Poland, like most of Europe, has a long tradition of military and civil decorations. By comparison the US being a younger country has taken longer to develop its traditions and awards. Most developments coming from what I can see in three phases Civil War 1861-65 Medal of Honor first award for all valor acts. WW I Distinguished Service Cross and the years between the two great wars. This is a pretty good wiki with pictures -

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Awards_and_decorations_of_the_United_States_military

This page will link you to citations which in many cases are small little stories of valor.
militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/list.php?category=Awards

One difference I did note Poland issues stars for service overseas. US calls this campaign and service medals for various conflicts or actions overseas.

Getting of the SF subject does Poland have a plan for heavy forces to counter threat to the east or just going for light and mobile?

News / THE ARMY OF POLAND - THE REALITY [385]

boletus
Very interesting thanks. Love to see what Poland's future force structure might look like at 2020.

News / THE ARMY OF POLAND - THE REALITY [385]


Delp - I will assume you are being lighthearted joker here.... don't think Poland has any nukes nor no matter the potential downside want them used. Yes Poland kind of lost out in the area of natural boarders.

Anyway Russians are currently a paper Bear when it comes to being any kind of military threat to anyone. But that means Poland should use the time to build a good solid game plan. And never rely on the west for help the day the Slavs come again. After all they have been coming for well over a thousand years so no reason to stop now.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Lechfeld

A battle fought a little to the south in 995 but illustrates the point.

News / THE ARMY OF POLAND - THE REALITY [385]

Any commentary on USAF F-16s etc now being based in Poland?

Major Matthew R. Spears, a senior pilot with more than 1600 flying hours, arrived in Poland this week to begin preparations to assume command of the United States Air Force Aviation Detachment at Lask Air Base. The Aviation Detachment, which will open formally in a few weeks, will be the first full-time presence of U.S. troops in Poland.

poland.usembassy.gov/com.html

News / THE ARMY OF POLAND - THE REALITY [385]

Harry


Nope = the jet first built in 1976.
Little wiki history
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Dynamics_F-16_Fighting_Falcon

Also I would say Poland did get a proven multi-role combat jet that can beat anything thrown against it now or even in the distant future. Just review the combat record to see how good this aircraft is.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Dynamics_F-16_Fighting_Falcon_operational_history#Bekaa_Valley_and_Osiraq_raid_.281981.29

I wont get mixed up in the debate about spare parts. But I know there is truth in what was said about new parts and systems getting broken in. Now whether the Polish government failed to buy the proper warranty that is not the problem of the F 16.

I was also asking in my previous post for a comment on how do Polish people feel about American military personnel coming to Poland. Abet only a small detachment of 10 for now.

Also Harry and boltus I will say thank you for your comments of the F 16 as I learned a bunch from your back and forth.

Red Flag
youtube.com/watch?v=FtyxQTs6_cQ

News / THE ARMY OF POLAND - THE REALITY [385]


Of course the purchase was also political. Sales / purchase of these planes are a statement of where Poland places its trust and where it would like to build closer military ties. F-16 is NATO and drawing closer to western alliances. Mig -29 is Russian..... represents the past.

I am glad Poland is flying F-16s.

Any comments on the future of Polands Armored divisions?

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PT-91_Twardy - old / new (and Leopard 2)

freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2915582/post - new tank?

News / Human Trafficking in and from Poland [80]

Hey can anyone suggest any groups working in Poland besides LaStrada? I did meet with the head of LaStrada briefly a few weeks ago. Nice lady but they are more passive in their approach.

I am looking to speak with people who are interested in a more aggressive approach to combating human trafficking through Poland. At the moment just finishing up a visit to SE Asia where I took a look at efforts here using investigative and other means to rescue and combat trafficking.

Most recent US State Dept report 2012 including Poland:

state.gov/documents/organization/192597.pdf

News / Human Trafficking in and from Poland [80]

Ant63
I will drop you a pm. Curious to hear your views on being more active in Poland.

Here is a link to an interesting faith based network that is looking to be more active in their approach, from what they tell me.

europeanfreedomnetwork.org/index.html

Life / Why is Prostitution still legal in Poland? [106]

Ok was just doing research. As the know all of everything Wiki has a good overview of the laws and history of the subject in Poland.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prostitution_in_Poland or some local info.

lastradainternational.org/?main=lastradaoffices&section=poland

US State Dept has Poland as Tier 1 in anti - trafficking efforts (ie better than tier 2 like Romania). So not bad but could be better. Prostitution as I have seen it in Poland has many faces from the college student in need of funds to the trafficked to the just plane economic need to eat. I have seen no clear numbers on those forced into the business in Poland as of yet or where they come from outside of Poland. Any answers?

It is legal is private person to person as far as I can tell. But not on the level of a Prague. But wherever there is something in the open and do know there must be some girls (or boys) locked behind closed doors waiting for a client....

News / Human Trafficking in and from Poland [80]

Poland should get some credit for being on the US State Dept list of Tier 1 countries - ie fully compliant with laws. Here is an article.

guardian.co.uk/news/datablog/2011/jun/27/human-trafficking-us-state-department

But still more work to be done.

Or if you like pictures here is a global chart.
chartsbin.com/view/5946

Life / Why is Prostitution still legal in Poland? [106]

So staying on TOPIC - there is probably a USA bashing link somewhere.

Question is legal prostitution in Poland. Seams that Poland is not fully on either side. It has its more liberal sex law like many in Europe but is also a deeply Catholic country. I would assume most Polish girls working in the business do not tell family as is shameful work to admit too.

Question is of bigger picture does legal prostitution contribute to trafficking in Poland?

Personally I am not opposed to a person 18 or older freely working in the business of their own free will.

What about the others who don't have a choice? I don't think is only Polish women working in Poland - where are they from?

Just asking questions for conversation.

Life / Why is Prostitution still legal in Poland? [106]

Ant63
Yes my research and that of many many others confirms what you see.... Poland is a transit place and so are many other EU countries.... surprisingly one of the richest Switzerland is a prime destination country... girls from as far away as Brazil and close as France.

A friend once last year tried to show me the traditional place the girls would hang out near the big hotels in centrum but did not see anyone. Maybe things are looking up in some areas.

Law / Polish Visa Refused, Going To Make Appeal, What should I do ? [81]

Dorota Gouveia
so to sum things up :
You are an Iranian, studying in Armenia ( muslim I assume ) , asking for shengen visa to a 99% christian country mostly catholic, no friends, everything paid up, no apparent reason to go ..and your nick name is Cyanide.. you know where i'm going with this right? are you studying chemistry perchance?

I was not going to comment on the obvious but that comment kind of sums it up.

Sorry. Every consider Romania?

Life / Why is Prostitution still legal in Poland? [106]


Tim I actually wated a video on that story... actually what shocked me was that visit to a sex worker was consider a right and I believe was paid for by the State.

youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=hatwdXJ8Q-s

Work / Advice on Teaching English in Poland [709]


Going to jump in here after being out of it for awhile. Back in Warsaw again. I found last year that NOT knowing Polish was a plus and almost requested. To many times students and teachers fell back on Polish when hitting tough spots. I also believe Native Speakers are best for the intermediate and up students who want correction and conversation. I am pretty blunt in that I am not doing grammar lessons.

And just a shout out to anyone looking to come to Poland as a native speaker from US. Appears there is still a demand for the natives. But be prepared... do a course or have some experience. Have a bit of money saved as can take a couple of months to finally see the pln coming in. When you get to Warsaw, Krakow, Wroclaw, etc get out and meet people you will soon find other teachers and companies. Create profile on Nativespeakers.pl and put adds on gumtree.pl. Sell yourself. Being clean, showing up on time for interviews and being interesting are pretty good selling points. Know you rates... 50pln for 45 min or 90-120 for 90 etc. A hard working native speaker can earn quiet a lot more than the average Polish worker. Lastly have a bit of tough skin when it comes to students liking your lessons or not. You can not please everyone.

Best time of year to look for work late Aug to early Oct and then end of Jan to early February. Also don't let the schools screw you on work permit and residence. Can be done in 6 weeks - big catch is need for add to be placed for 2 weeks showing they looked for a Pole to fill the job. Consider using a 3rd party like expatcenter.pl to help guide you through the process if your employer wont.

Lastly have fun with it. I have met a lot of ex teachers who are burnt out. I was at the end of 9 months.

I am sure there are people with other views or opinion.

Life / Why Do You Love Poland? [907]

polish woman

As was said register. Or are you spam.

Work / Advice on Teaching English in Poland [709]

Lot of talk about Warsaw v small town. TEFL v CELTA or noting at all but a degree. This is what I wrote on another thread and will share here again. As is my gospel truth from my experiences the last 18 months. Right now I turn down work every week both private and from schools (business English mostly) desperate for Native Speakers.

Going to jump in here after being out of it for awhile. Back in Warsaw again. I found last year that NOT knowing Polish was a plus and almost requested. To many times students and teachers fell back on Polish when hitting tough spots. I also believe Native Speakers are best for the intermediate and up students who want correction and conversation. I am pretty blunt in that I am not doing grammar lessons.

And just a shout out to anyone looking to come to Poland as a native speaker from US. Appears there is still a demand for the natives. But be prepared... do a course or have some experience. Have a bit of money saved as can take a couple of months to finally see the pln coming in. When you get to Warsaw, Krakow, Wroclaw, etc get out and meet people you will soon find other teachers and companies. Create profile on Nativespeakers.pl and put adds on gumtree.pl. Sell yourself. Being clean, showing up on time for interviews and being interesting are pretty good selling points. Know you rates... 50pln for 45 min or 90-120 for 90 etc. A hard working native speaker can earn quiet a lot more than the average Polish worker. Lastly have a bit of tough skin when it comes to students liking your lessons or not. You can not please everyone.

Best time of year to look for work late Aug to early Oct and then end of Jan to early February. Also don't let the schools screw you on work permit and residence. Can be done in 6 weeks - big catch is need for add to be placed for 2 weeks showing they looked for a Pole to fill the job. Consider using a 3rd party like expatcenter.pl to help guide you through the process if your employer wont.

All those comments about small towns forget it unless you like complete cultural immersion and being lonely a lot. Yes the south around Katowice is always looking for people but quality of life well is lower. If you are new stick with the big cities there are hundresa of schools, social life, and you will be able to get by on your English.

Lastly have fun with it. I have met a lot of ex teachers who are burnt out. I was at the end of 9 months.

I am sure there are people with other views or opinion.

USA, Canada / Looking for Polish beer in the United States [39]

BevMo?

Love / Polish girls- breasts size [65]

Wonderful thread. Breast are natural lovely gift to us all. As a breast lover vs butt I think Polish women do a great job of making us want to see more. They dress well and give us just enough in their tight tops or cleavage look for us to want more (and talk about them in forums). Poles may fall on the more small size, just from personal observation. But that is fine as is the whole package (yes I am objectifying here) is what counts. If you go to the Russian style sauna many times you will meat a polish woman who terrified of even showing a nipple. So still not seen many bra-less girls around. There is a battle between sexy and shy and the chest is part of the tool box. Lovely.

Article to go with the map.

brasize.com/average-bra-size.html

Viva great boobs and such threads.

News / Human Trafficking in and from Poland [80]

Any organizations working in Warsaw? Contact info?

Classifieds / D&D Group for Expats in Warsaw needs one more player... [69]

Glad you are still rolling the die and doing the game.

I am in Asia for a few more weeks but should grab a tea again in the spring.