Teach English in Poland

There are so many reasons why teaching English in Poland is a great choice! For one, Poland is a country with a proud history and unique culture, which makes it an incredibly interesting and exciting place to live and work. 

Additionally, the cost of living in Poland is relatively low, so you can enjoy a high standard of living without breaking the bank. 

All in all, if you’re looking for an adventure and a chance to make a positive impact, teaching English in Poland might just be the perfect opportunity for you!

If you’re considering teaching English in Poland, you might be wondering where the best places are to find TEFL jobs. Luckily, there are plenty of opportunities all over the country! 

One great option is Warsaw, the capital city, which has a high demand for English teachers and a distinct cultural scene. Another popular destination is Krakow, a beautiful city with a rich history and plenty of opportunities to explore. Other cities to consider include Gdansk, Poznan, and Wroclaw, all of which are known for their friendly communities and strong job markets. Of course, there are also opportunities to teach in smaller towns and rural areas, which can be a great way to experience a more traditional side of Polish life. 

Check out all the best TEFL Jobs in Poland

If you’re considering teaching English in Poland, there are a few requirements and qualifications you need to meet before you can get started. These requirements can seem daunting, but with a bit of planning and preparation, you’ll be well on your way to a rewarding career in teaching.

Let’s look at what you would need.

Visa requirements

First and foremost, you need a valid visa that allows you to work in Poland. This can be obtained through your local Polish embassy or consulate, and the specific requirements will depend on your home country. It’s more challenging to get a work visa for Poland if you are not an EU citizen.

TEFL certification

In addition to your visa, you’ll need a TEFL certification, which is a specialised certification for teaching English as a foreign language. There are many different TEFL programs available, so it’s important to do your research and choose a program that meets your needs and goals.

Read more: 5 Mistakes to avoid when choosing a TEFL course

Bachelor’s degree

While having a Bachelor’s degree can be an advantage when looking for English teaching jobs in Poland, it’s not always a strict requirement, especially for teaching in private language schools or as a private tutor. That being said, many language schools in Poland do prefer candidates with a Bachelor’s degree, and some local schools may require it for work visa purposes.

Experience

While having previous teaching experience can be helpful, it’s not always necessary to teach English in Poland. Many schools and language centres in Poland offer opportunities for new teachers to gain experience, and they may provide training and support to help you succeed in your role.

Insurance

When teaching English in Poland, it’s important to have proper health insurance coverage to protect yourself in case of illness or injury. This is particularly important if you are not a citizen of the European Union or the European Economic Area, as you may not be covered under Poland’s national healthcare system.

Start-up capital

As a rough estimate, you should plan to have at least zł3,000 – zł4,000 (roughly $750 – $1000 USD) a month to cover basic living expenses in Poland. This varies depending on your specific circumstances and lifestyle choices.

Now that you have a good idea of the requirements, let’s move on to the different types of English jobs and programs found in Poland.

There are various types of English employment opportunities available in Poland, ranging from private tutoring to teaching in public schools. Here are some of the most common types of English teaching jobs in Poland:

Private language schools 

These are private institutions that specialise in teaching foreign languages, including English. Private language schools are popular in Poland, and they often offer part-time or full-time teaching positions. The average salary ranges from zł 3,150 – zł 6,300 ($750 – $1,500).

Public schools

There are opportunities to teach English in public schools in Poland, either through government-run schools or international schools. The average salary for English teachers ranges from zł 2,640 – zł 5,250 ($630 – $1,250).

Private tutoring

Many English teachers in Poland offer private tutoring services, either on their own or through language schools. Private tutoring can be a flexible and lucrative option for those with the necessary qualifications. The average hourly rate is zł 55 – zł 105 ($13 – $25).

Corporate language training

Some companies in Poland offer language training to their employees, and there are opportunities for English teachers to provide this training either as part of a language school or as freelance instructors. The average salary ranges from zł 5,250 – zł 8,400 ($1,250 – $2,000).

Online teaching

With the rise of online education, there are opportunities for English teachers to teach online to students in Poland and around the world. The average hourly rate for online English teaching in Poland ranges from zł 20 – zł 55 ($5 – $13).

For public and private schools and corporate language training the benefits may include health insurance, paid vacation, and professional development opportunities. For private tutoring and online tutoring, benefits are typically not provided.

Now we know what sorts of TEFL teaching jobs are available in Poland, there are several steps you can take to land a job offer:

• Get a TEFL certification. Picking up a 168-hour TEFL diploma (for those without teaching experience especially) is first on the list.
• Meet the minimum requirements. Not every job will be a suitable fit for you.
• Prepare your documents. Make sure all your passports, insurance documents are valid and your certification is legalised.
• Prepare your CV. Take the time to personalise each and every application you send off.
• Start your job search. Check out our TEFL jobs board for teaching jobs in Poland.
• Consider using recruitment companies. Recruitment teams can help bridge the gap between you and your employer.
•  Apply for a visa. You can apply for a work visa after receiving a job offer from your employer.

But how far does a teacher’s salary go in Poland? Let’s look at the cost of living in more detail.

Accommodation (usually provided)

• One-bedroom apartment in city centre: 2,650 zł ($636)
• One-bedroom apartment outside city centre: 2,185 zł ($524)

Utilities

• Gas, electricity, water, garbage disposal: 954 zł ($227) a month

Food and groceries

• Monthly shop: 700 – 1,000 zł ($168 – $240) 
• Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: 35 zł ($8.33)

Transport

• Monthly pass: 110 zł ($26)
• Single bus or subway trip: 4 zł ($0.95)

Internet 

• Unlimited: 58 zł ($14) 

Entertainment

Cinema, gym, clubbing: 291 zł – 330 zł  ($70 – $80)

The cost of living in Poland is generally lower than in many other European countries, which means that your salary can go further. You can also save money by living in a smaller city or town, where the cost of living is lower than in larger cities like Warsaw or Krakow.