New English Teacher, CELTA course

Hello People.

I will be embarking on a CELTA course in the summer and would love to work in Krakow or Wroclaw.

Does anyone know what the market for new teachers is like out there, what kind of pay I can realistically expect and of any tips for first timers like me?

Many thanks, Kieron.

First are you from the UK or USA or Australia where you from old boy?
I work in Katowice lotsa work here because its not the prettiest city in Poland wouldn't make the top 10 or 20 even. But business is booming here. You can expect to make (if your Good) 3000 to 5000 monthly depending on your hours per week I do about 30 plus 4 private so almost 40 a week. There are more native speakers in Krak and Wroclaw the pay may be higher but so is rent. Here the going rate is about 40 zloty per hour at schools. You can ask between 35 and 50 zloty per hour for private lessons.
Check out Empik school they are m,aking a big push to be the largest in Polska (i work there) Our school has 1000 students and is growing. Callan schools don't need much qualifications but there is a rigid method and Top English sux in Krakow the boss is cool but his boss is a two faced so and so. and my big advice get it in writing some will promise the moon and give you el-crappo. But it does take a little time to get a good reputation then you write your own rules good luck.

Thanks my friend, that's most interesting and helpful.

I am from the UK. I've only been to Katowice once for about an hour whilst changing trains. Whilst I appreciate it's not the prettiest, does it have a certain charm? What is the best thing about living there etc?

Thanks again, Kieron.

the charm is the people and that it is easy to get anywhere from here krakow is only 40 min. by car or 1 hour 30 min by train. I know Native speakers from UK are in very hihg regard sadly higher than Americans, but probably righfully so as far as the language is concerned. I think it would be easier to find work here but a little harder to meet people as there is no center as inkrakow or wroclaw. The best thingis the beautiful Polish women (I married one) the food and the greenery surrounding the city. Seriously though try the other cities if beauty and nightlife are your goal try here for an easy time finding work and some decent pay with lower cost of living than more famous cities.
anything else just ask. I could help you find schools here if your interested.

I'm similar...

Except I live in Opole right in between katowice/krakow and Wroclaw....

They pay is pretty good here I'd say about 30 zl per hour... in theory the rent isn't so bad. Opole is about 120 000 people I think it's a little small but very comfortable. Teaching here is a great idea but kruk is right there's a lot of shady stuff going on because of the need for native speakers so if you get a really good deal I would try to get it in writing. If you get an alright deal to start try to avoid the contract though because it leaves you free to jump to another school if you find one with a better deal while you're here.

Oh and Polish women are beautiful inside and outside (I married one too)

Hi there

Staying on the same topic what is your view of Berlitz, do they have a good reputation in terms of pay and conditions is it worth pursuing an opportunity with them?

Thanks

S

Not bad for a teacher!

Come on Johan most of the time we don't have a lot of time to type these things whats the point in criticising? or pointing out mistakes? Sin8 is trying to help are you? OK we bow to your superior intellect ! feel better.

They pay all right but have a strict method that takes a 2 week or so training course.
I know one guy here who went there and was hired but didn't like it. Theres is no freedom to deviate from the method. The good point about Methods though is once you learn them the prep. time for classes is very short. I often must prepare 30min to an hour before each class.

Well I'm a English teacher not a typing teacher...

What's wrong though with Opole is about 120 000 people? Are you pointing out that I didn't use a comma? That's a bit of a stretch isn't it?

"The pay is...."

"They pay....."

Typing is like language it's a reaction so sometimes if you're thinking in a couple different ways your fingers will type something different. Sorry for adding stray "Y's" and forgetting about commas....