Teach English in Poland

Details

Summary

Many Poles emigrate to more prosperous countries, so the ability to speak English is very important

Main TEFL regions

Warsaw, Kraków, Poznan, Wroclaw, Gdansk. There are many schools all across the country.

Types of teaching

In-company: General English, Business English
Private language schools: General English, Business English, Cambridge PET, FCE,CAE
State primary & secondary schools: General English, Cambridge PET, FCE, English for Younger Learners
Language holiday camps: General English, English for Younger Learners

Accommodation

Many employers will provide accommodation or at least help you to find a place. A room in a shared apartment starts at about 500zl (US$200) per month in the smaller towns and cities, while your own place will cost at least 1000zl.

Flight reimbursement

A few schools provide an end-of-contract bonus, but this isn’t common.

Salary

Your salary can be anywhere between 1,500 and 4,500zl (US$650-1,900) per month, depending on your qualifications experience.

Taxes

Income tax is around 19%, with social security contributions on top. However, many schools will pay for both of these, so quoted salaries are often after tax. Foreigners are also exempt from income tax for their first two years in the country.

Cost of living

Costs are on a par with elsewhere in Eastern Europe and have risen similarly in the past few years. Expect to pay about 5zl (US$2) for a beer in a bar, 20zl (US$8) for a cinema ticket and a cheap meal out will start at around 10zl (US$4)

Potential to save money

If you cook for yourself, make your own lunch and generally live quite frugally, you should be able to save some money each month.

How much TEFL training is recommended?

You’ll need a TEFL certificate to get a job here, as it’s a very popular destination for new teachers. i-to-i’s 120-hour Weekend Course should land you a decent job.

Common teaching conditions

Expect to work for about 25 hours per week, plus lesson preparation time. It will be very difficult to get enough hours over the summer holidays unless you work at a holiday camp.

Poland has a few unscrupulous employers, but far fewer than neighbouring countries; while the students themselves are generally enthusiastic and responsive.

Be aware…

Your biggest worry in the major cities is likely to be pickpockets, especially in nightclubs and on the bus routes to and from the airport. Keep an eye on your belongings at all times.