International House Krakow

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Apr 8, 10, 21:29 #1

Hi all,

I was just about to apply to do a CELTA at IH Krakow, then noticed that the school has been "disaffiliated" by International House (http://www.ihworld.com/schooldirectory/index.asp) and the Cambridge website no longer lists the CELTA as being available in Krakow. Despite this you can still apply for it on the IH Krakow website. Does anyone know anything about this, and if IH Krakow is likely to be back?
And if not, does anyone have any experiences with CELTA at IH Wroclaw?

Thanks

dtaylor5632Threads: 49 Posts: 4,459 Joined: May 2, 09 ♂	Apr 8, 10, 21:32 #2
Rich_UK: CELTA at IH Wroclaw? Id advise you to do it there, the one in Krakow has a stinking rep.

jonniThreads: 26 Posts: 4,181 Joined: Nov 27, 07 ♂	Apr 8, 10, 23:11 #3
There's a lot to be said for doing it in the UK, if that is possible. In part due to the fact that you would be teaching a wider range of students.

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Apr 9, 10, 00:57 #4

If you want to teach in Poland, do your CELTA here. I did mine in Warsaw at Bell three years ago. It was a little more costly than IH, but still cheaper than what it would have cost me in the US, and I made some good contacts while I was there, including the person who gave me my present job. I have friends who did their CELTA at IH, and they all said good things about it. I don't know what the current state of affairs is.

n00dles	Apr 14, 10, 12:19 #5
Hey Rich, Did ya enrol at IH Krakow? I'm having the same dilemma. Are there any past students who can advise? Any recent students?

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Apr 14, 10, 14:12 #6

I did my CELTA there. The tutors were amazing and the course was brilliant.

HOWEVER...there were some issues. The governing body who came to inspect us found that we hadn't observed enough of other teacher's lessons to tick their boxes.

Personally, I don't know where they would have fitted this into the course without taking out a useful input/tutorial session. Plus, watching the experienced teachers we did observe didn't actually help, because those teachers had obviously settled into their own styles of teaching and were actually doing things we were being told not to do on our course! - Good way to pick up bad habbits really!

Secondly, there were issues with being ripped off, because anyone who had come from abroad was made to pay more than they should have.

Thirdly, there were problems with the accommodation that the school owners didn't seem to care about. For example, in our flat the washing machine stopped working so money was taken out of our deposits for it, the cooker's extractor fell off the wall in the night ...and money was taken out of our deposits for that too! (We later found out from meeting a guy who'd been in the flat before us that the same thing had happened to him!)

In the guy's flat, one guy had a broken sofa bed to sleep on (ended up sleeping on the sofa in a girl's bedroom instead as it was so uncomfortable) and another guy got serious bed bugs from his bed!

We were virtually paying the same rent as we pay in England so it wasn't a good situation...but we can look back and laugh!

PolishNutjobThreads: 1 Posts: 101 Joined: Mar 9, 08 ♂	Apr 14, 10, 16:15 #7
Turtleonfire: The tutors were amazing and the course was brilliant. Declan's scarves are always amazing. And camp as Christmas.

lowfunk99Threads: 18 Posts: 435 Joined: Jan 7, 08 ♂	Apr 14, 10, 18:01 #8
I took my CELTA at IH Wroclaw 2 years ago. I enjoyed it very much. It was hard but not impossible. I didn't always like the instructors but I chalk that up to them using British methods. I am glad I took it. It would have been hard to teach without it. You will learn much. lf99

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Apr 16, 10, 12:15 #9

lowfunk99:

Hey Rich,
Did ya enrol at IH Krakow? I'm having the same dilemma.
Are there any past students who can advise? Any recent students?

I didn't end up enrolling there because of this problem. International House HQ in London confirmed that they had been disaffiliated, Cambridge aren't returning my emails, but "IH" Krakow are still saying that they're planning to run the summer courses, so perhaps they'll resolve any problems with Cambridge by then. At the moment I'm not taking any chances and I'm applying to IH Wroclaw instead. Wroclaw does seem to have a better reputation anyway.

♂

Apr 22, 10, 11:07 #10

If looks say anything about a program then IH Wroclaw looks decent. Building is right behind Nathans Hostel right on the edge of Old Town; 5 min walk from market square. I dropped in on the school in early April while I was touring in Poland. At the moment trying to decide between Wroclaw (Krakow is out) and IH Budapest... though I would like to work in Poland.

Just need to do the dam application and grammar "test".

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May 7, 10, 13:26 #11

Dear all,

Thanks for these posts this seems to be by far the best way to learn what is going on!

I booked to attend the CELTA course in June '10 with IH Krakow, I have paid my deposit and booked flights and then just had a 'funny' feeling about IH Krakow. I have since looked on a few forums and heard some bad stories about them and now I see that they have been disafiliated with IH Worldwide and as you say post leader; are no longer listed as a Cambridge CELTA centre.

I rang IH Krakow this morning to find out what happens next. They assured me that they have been able to go ahead with the May CELTA course and they are working towards still being able to run the course in June, but at this moment in time they are unable to confirm anything in writing. However, I was assured they would be writing to all concerned once they have some news.

I have emailed Cambridge ESOL this morning and am awaiting feedback on what my next step should be. I rang IH Worldwide and they just said (quote) "affiliates of IH can choose to become disaffiliated at anytime, it is their choice...", but they would not say whether or not the choice was theirs or IH Krakow.

If anyone else has more news, or even better is in the same position as me, please can you get in touch via this forum. Any news/updates would be gratefully received.

Kind regards,

Ali

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May 7, 10, 16:22 #12

Hi,
Just joined the forum to seek info on CELTA courses offered in Poland. and like "Aliloveskrakow" had almost signed up for the IH course in Krakow.

Can anyone help me with information about what is the demand for Native Speakers of English in Poland and whether Non Eu candidates stand a chance, given the problems of work permits?

I am from India and though English is not our national language I was raised speaking English and well for personal reasons I am looking to move to Poland, and hope to secure a job in field of teaching languages.

The biggest barrier i foresee right now is the work permit ! and whether it is a common practice for companies to actually invest time/money in securing permits for non-eu citizens.

Any info in this regard would be helpful!

Cheers!

HarryThreads: 62 Posts: 8,508 Joined: May 2, 07 ♂ [Suspended]	May 7, 10, 17:03 #13
I would very much imagine that the only reason IH Krakow is not a member of IH anymore is that the people in Krakow no longer paid their affliation fee. Look at what IH is happy to let schools get away with: pretty much anything apart from not paying the affliation fee!

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Edited by: Moderator May 7, 10, 17:06 #14

Dear all,

In follow up to my last post 'Aliloveskrakow'. I have just received an email from Cambridge ESOL, which I am very pleased about. It reads thus;

"Dear edit

Your enquiry has been forwarded to me by colleagues in Cambridge

We are working to ensure that there is CELTA provision in Krakow for the dates you mention (subject to minimum numbers being reached) and will be in contact again very soon to provide further details

Best wishes

edit

edit
Regional Manager"

This has set my mind at ease and hopefully for others too if they have found themselves in the same boat. I really hope the course does go ahead, as I am really very keen to get started!

Regards,

Ali

tonyharesThreads: - Posts: 3 Joined: May 27, 10 ♂	Edited by: tonyhares May 27, 10, 23:05 #15
I wondered why the links just died! Surely Cambridge ESOL wouldn't care less about whether they are affiliated with IH or not? Its one of those things I guess .. either they are working through formalities or the dis-affiliation is a sign of deeper concerns.

♂ [Suspended]

May 28, 10, 01:57 #16

IndiGal:

Can anyone help me with information about what is the demand for Native Speakers of English in Poland and whether Non Eu candidates stand a chance, given the problems of work permits?

There is a certain degree of demand for non-EU speakers. Not much, given the hassle involved, but some schools are willing to bother.

IndiGal:

The biggest barrier i foresee right now is the work permit ! and whether it is a common practice for companies to actually invest time/money in securing permits for non-eu citizens.

Some schools do, usually bigger ones.

But. And this is the big but. Polish people almost universally deride Indian speakers as being incompetent, useless and unable to speak English properly. Regardless of your own ability, you will always be seen in Poland as "haha, they don't speak English properly" - your only real hope is to find a job in a State school, in which they will take anyone with a teaching qualification and a Masters degree. But the salary on offer is so incredibly low that it's unlikely that a foreigner could survive on it.

It's probably not what Indians want to hear - but Poles have picked up on the British derision towards Indians and pretty much have the same attitude - that Indian English is nothing short of horrible.

polishcanuckThreads: 10 Posts: 583 Joined: Feb 11, 07 ♂	May 28, 10, 04:21 #17
delphiandomine: Polish people almost universally deride Indian speakers as being incompetent, useless and unable to speak English properly. And they're right. Indian English is ******* terrible!

tonyharesThreads: - Posts: 3 Joined: May 27, 10 ♂	Edited by: tonyhares May 28, 10, 21:08 #18
polishcanuck: Indian English is ******* terrible! You very bad man. Most bad. Seriously, though, they're OK just it seems the whole country uses a 1948 syllabus. It must be the only country in the world where "how do you do?" is still regarded as the "most" standard greeting for English speakers.

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Jun 17, 10, 16:27 #19

tonyhares:

I wondered why the links just died!

Sorry you're right I should have finished off my little story about my experience with CELTA!

Well, IH Krakow are now Instant English and no longer offer the CELTA course, they did offer to transfer my application across to IH Katowice, but I wasn't able to do that as I'd applied via an Agent; Cactus Language and they made alternative arrangements for the course to be held elsewhere; The British Council (please no horror stories!) offered the same dates/same costs and all correspondence is flowing freely so I (stupidly) envisage no further problems... Although I've yet to secure my accommodation!

IH even very kindly transferred my deposit to the British Council rather than return it to me in England whereby both sides would have incurred bank charges.

So all in all, just a slight hiccup and nothing to worry about, for me, I mean. Except that now someone is bound to post something worrying about the British Council!

terriThreads: 1 Posts: 385 Joined: May 3, 09 ♀	Jun 17, 10, 19:22 #20
I read on another forum, that people were very happy with the service and tuition they received from British Council in Krakow.

AliloveskrakowThreads: - Posts: 21 Joined: May 7, 10 ♀	Jun 18, 10, 16:16 #21
Thanks Terri that is very reassuring to know :)

barryG

Jun 27, 10, 03:17 #22

I done my Celta in March 2010 at IH Krakow...The facilities, accommodation were badly organised but the tuition from Declan Magda and Basia was excellent I would have to say. I understand that they have since moved to the British Council in Krakow to continue with CELTA teacher training. Because I can personally vouch for those tutors ( they were extremely helpful throughout, and always willing to assist when students, especially me, were having problems time-managing themselves throughout the intense course. I had almost quit and was encouraged to continue by the tutors who really are interested in the wellbeing of the students and getting them through the course successfully...) Then I would recommend that people that were otherwise going to IH, should go there instead. Krakow is an excellent place to do it and I believe that the BCc entre is right on the main Square. The problems I had with IH Krakow were almost entirely to do with the state of the accommodation, it was really uncomfortable and this coupled with the stress of the course meant a lot of insomnia for me which negatively impacted on my overall performance without a doubt. Anyway I passed in the end and can wholeheartedly recommend the new British Council tutors that have come from IH.

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Jun 27, 10, 04:48 #23

delphiandomine:

There is a certain degree of demand for non-EU speakers. Not much, given the hassle involved, but some schools are willing to bother.

I don't think there is all that much more they have to do. They have to send you an offer of work so you can get work papers.

Once you are in country all they have to do is give proof of income and another thing or 2.

It's really not that much extra work.

The non-EU person has to do all the work. I have a binder full of papers they asked for.

♂ [Suspended]

Jun 27, 10, 14:26 #24

lowfunk99:

It's really not that much extra work.

Oh yes it is. I've just recently applied for a work permit for someone, and the bureaucracy involved is unbelievable.

For a work permit to be granted, the employer must -

Place an advert in the Urząd Pracy. This must be placed on the EU-wide job offer system, and you must consider any applicant for the job. They will only grant the paper saying that they couldn't find anyone after the search is completed - so this is a good month.

Then, they must take the paper and go to the relevant office with copies (all translated by a sworn translator) of any relevant documents such as diplomas, along with copies of your passport and some other things.

Then you must wait - it can easily take a decent amount of time. They can also refuse it on many grounds!

Obtaining a work permit is *not* a formality for schools - which is why most of them don't bother. It's the reason I can't give an American friend of mine a job - I could do with him to give a few classes, but as he needs a work permit, it's not worth it for 4 hours a week.

Or of course, they can hire a EU citizen who can turn up and work. Who gets the job?

aligator_sThreads: 1 Posts: 136 Joined: Jan 7, 08 ♂	Edited by: aligator_s Jul 14, 10, 15:08 #25
Rich_UK: And if not, does anyone have any experiences with CELTA at IH Wroclaw? it is rather unrelated but still amusing back in 94 there was a guy from New Zealand who was the DOS over at IH in Wroclaw. nice enough guy but dyslexic. He ordered several thousand leaflets to promote the school and took responsibility for proof reading them they all said International Horse how I laughed

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Jul 14, 10, 16:39 #26

delphiandomine:

lowfunk99:
It's really not that much extra work.

Oh yes it is. I've just recently applied for a work permit for someone, and the bureaucracy involved is unbelievable.

For a work permit to be granted, the employer must -

Place an advert in the Urząd Pracy. This must be placed on the EU-wide job offer system, and you must consider any applicant for the job. They will only grant the paper saying that they couldn't find anyone after the search is completed - so this is a good month.

Then, they must take the paper and go to the relevant office with copies (all translated by a sworn translator) of any relevant documents such as diplomas, along with copies of your passport and some other things.

Then you must wait - it can easily take a decent amount of time. They can also refuse it on many grounds!

Obtaining a work permit is *not* a formality for schools - which is why most of them don't bother. It's the reason I can't give an American friend of mine a job - I could do with him to give a few classes, but as he needs a work permit, it's not worth it for 4 hours a week.

Or of course, they can hire a EU citizen who can turn up and work. Who gets the job?

What a pain in the A$$!

♂ [Suspended]

Aug 26, 10, 17:25 #27

delphiandomine:

Oh yes it is. I've just recently applied for a work permit for someone, and the bureaucracy involved is unbelievable.

For a work permit to be granted, the employer must -

Place an advert in the Urząd Pracy. This must be placed on the EU-wide job offer system, and you must consider any applicant for the job. They will only grant the paper saying that they couldn't find anyone after the search is completed - so this is a good month.

Then, they must take the paper and go to the relevant office with copies (all translated by a sworn translator) of any relevant documents such as diplomas, along with copies of your passport and some other things.

Then you must wait - it can easily take a decent amount of time. They can also refuse it on many grounds!

Obtaining a work permit is *not* a formality for schools - which is why most of them don't bother. It's the reason I can't give an American friend of mine a job - I could do with him to give a few classes, but as he needs a work permit, it's not worth it for 4 hours a week.

So it is basically the same system that's been in use for 15 years. Not much hassle really, just one well drafted job offer notice and a bit of waiting.

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