If I move to a big city in Poland will I come across a lot of English speakers?

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SquirelyThreads: 2 Posts: 6 Joined: Jan 19, 10 ♀	Edited by: Moderator Feb 1, 10, 22:11 #1
I'm considering moving to Poland (with my 3year boy) after completing a Teach English As A Forgen Llanguage course and was wondering if I moved to a big city if it was likely I will I come across alot of english speaking people??

McCoyThreads: 46 Posts: 1,756 Joined: Jul 3, 08 ♂	Feb 1, 10, 22:16 #2
Squirely: Wondering what my chances are? 87%

frdThreads: 8 Posts: 1,956 Joined: Feb 3, 09 ♂	Feb 1, 10, 22:22 #3
In a major city higher than anywhere else.. but as McCoy has pointed out it's hard to forsee.. and it would be just guessing.

welshguyinpolaThreads: 32 Posts: 462 Joined: Jan 9, 08 ♂	Feb 1, 10, 22:25 #4
Stay where u are. Bringing ur child up here is like crucifying the poor dab. He will never forgive u in later life.

WroclawThreads: 77 Posts: 7,404 Joined: Apr 1, 06 ♂ [Moderator]	Feb 1, 10, 22:27 #5
Squirely: and was wondering if I moved to a big city if it was likely I will I come across alot of english speaking people?? are you looking for friends ?

SquirelyThreads: 2 Posts: 6 Joined: Jan 19, 10 ♀	Feb 1, 10, 22:52 #6
I would defantly welcome a friendship with some1 living in Poland, I need to start some where.

AvalonThreads: 3 Posts: 813 Joined: Sep 11, 07 ♂	Feb 1, 10, 22:59 #7
Squirely I would defantly welcome a friendship with some1 living in Poland, I need to start some where. I have been here for nearly 7 years. I can understand your reasons. If you need any questions answered, PM me.

SquirelyThreads: 2 Posts: 6 Joined: Jan 19, 10 ♀	Feb 1, 10, 23:46 #8
WWwwwhat would make you say that? What cud possible mess him up so bad? You move to Poland from Wales (I live in Cardiff) and you like it?

IronsideThreads: 59 Posts: 6,783 Joined: Feb 26, 09 ♂	Feb 2, 10, 00:03 #9
Squirely: WWwwwhat would make you say that? What cud possible mess him up so bad? don't listen to him he is bitter twitter

miraThreads: - Posts: 142 Joined: Jan 28, 09 ♀	Feb 2, 10, 00:13 #10
McCoy: 87% I would like to know in which city then. Polish people do speak english, but not THAT many at the level where one can find it satisfying. Besides, not many are eager to speak english in a polish speaking country.

SquirelyThreads: 2 Posts: 6 Joined: Jan 19, 10 ♀	Feb 2, 10, 00:32 #11
Ooow I don't have a plan just as yet. Krakow or Warszaw. Just because I think there's more chance. My boyfriend lives in Gorzow and I know there's not much chanc there. I don't know I wud be cool to just have some Brit or Americans for some company.

AjbThreads: 12 Posts: 340 Joined: Jul 14, 08 ♂	Feb 2, 10, 02:40 #12
Squirely: Krakow or Warszaw There are many Brit/American people in these towns, you will have no problems finding people!

frdThreads: 8 Posts: 1,956 Joined: Feb 3, 09 ♂	Feb 2, 10, 04:14 #13
Welshguyinpoland probably meant that the cultural shock is much bigger for a child, and when the little kid is learning and experiencing he should be in a well known for him environment, familiar language, similar kids.. I definitely agree with that..

♂

Feb 2, 10, 09:32 #14

mira:

but not THAT many at the level where one can find it satisfying.
Besides, not many are eager to speak english in a polish speaking country.

I find that there are a lot of polish people with a very good level of english to have a good conversation especially in Warsaw or Poznan.(and probably Krakow). Also, i find them very eager to speak it in order to get some practice in speaking to a native speaker.

♀

Feb 2, 10, 10:45 #15

Yes, if you live in Krakow. I am an American who has lived here since Fall 2007 with my husband and son. My son was 4 when we arrived and entered preschool for the first time here.

Yes there is some culture shock, especially if like me, you have never lived or traveled abroad before. My husband had done so and for him, it was less. But your child will take its cues on how to behave and how to react from you, so be calm, be patient and be prepared. Have a sense of humor, know what to expect, have a plan and things will be fine.

We have had very little difficuty finding English speakers whether from Poland, the UK, France, Malaysia or anywhere else. You just have to know where to look to find friends and activities that will suit you and your child.

The Dziennik Polski newspaper has an English online version and The Krakow Post here is in English. Look for things like that where you are.

Check out Cracow-Online, too.

There is a women's international group in nearly every large city here, aimed at helping women expats and their families settle in and which also engage in volunteer work here. Krakow's group is called IWAK. Read all about us at www.IWAK.pl

If you are a French speaker, Accueil-type groups exist in other cities, too. To gain access to the Krakow group's website and see the newsletter of Cracovie Accueil, you can start here: www.cracovieaccueil.wordpress.com

Learn a bit of Polish before coming, read up a bit on the history of this country and learn about the area you plan to live in.

Jobs are not plentiful, but if you have the TOEFL certificate and some basic Polish, or are willing to learn some, you will be better off than most and if you can teach business English or can gear lessons toward medical, technical or financial English, you will soon be in demand.

Connect with your consulate or embassy immediately upon arriving in the country. Be aware that you can volunteer to teach English here with a simple stay visa, but cannot accept money for doing so--for that you need a work visa, no matter what anyone tells you.

Look into joining The English Language Club in your new home city. There are ads placed in the Polish version of Gumtree sometimes. www.krakow.gumtree.pl

You and your child should be fine, with a little preparation and some friendly help and advice. Just make realistic goals, have a backup plan, be patient and you'll see.

Good luck!

District12aThreads: 3 Posts: 11 Joined: Sep 5, 11 ♂	Sep 5, 11, 15:32 #16
yes, some might even speak german. mainly warsaw, lodz and krakow. poznan, gdansk are also good exceptions :)

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