How to Begin Teaching in Poland

A Country with a Long History

The people are hospitable, fiercely intelligent and fast to learn.

Poland is a country with a long history. Not only has it been witness to some major world events, such as World War II and the Cold War, it has also produced some leading cultural and scientific figures. Poland was the birth place of both Copernicus and Chopin, as well as one of the most popular Popes in modern times, John Paul II. The natural beauty of this country is also something to savour. The peaks of the Tatras Mountains in the south, the Baltic coast in the north, the lake-side retreats and losing yourself in the national parks, all endear themselves to the explorer of this country. Poland also borders seven neighbouring countries, including Russia, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, the Ukraine, Germany, Belarus and Lithuania.

The people are hospitable, fiercely intelligent and fast to learn, particularly when it comes to English. This might be because Polish is one of the most difficult languages in the world, and has an impressive use of consonants that is not found in many other languages. Even Poles play word games on the radio to test their own language skills. The climate in Poland is quite cold in winter, so you need to be aware and equipped for this when living here. However, the excellent vodka in this region will warm you on a cold night.

Teaching Opportunities

As tourism is now on the rise in Poland, there is a large EFL market, particularly in Gdansk, Krakow, Poznan and Warsaw. This has also been accelerated by a government policy that requires all those who are entering business-related careers to pass a state proficiency examination. This means that business English is an in-demand sector, but young learners, teens and adults are also on the rise for language classes. In order to find a job, you need to start looking in August for October recruitment, and in November and December for January opportunities.

Unusually for Europe, some of the best jobs in Poland, with excellent benefit packages, can be found in online forums as well as newspapers, such as the Guardian TEFL section. Benefits can include 9-12 month contracts with airfare paid in full or subsidised, and free shared accommodation. Teachers generally give 25 hours of classes a week, and some teachers also supplement their salary by giving private lessons outside of work hours. The cost of living is low, and if your accommodation cost has been taken care of by the school you are working for, then you will have a comfortable life in Poland. The competition, however, for the good contracts means that you need to have a 120-hour TEFL certificate. Salaries are also linked to qualifications and experience.

Teaching Requirements

Degree Requirement	Typical Contract Length	Peak Hiring Seasons	Visa Info	Typical Students	Average Monthly Cost of Living in £ GBP & Local Currency	Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency

Not required

9 - 12 Months

October and January

EU citizenship or working visa

Business professionals

700 – 1,400 EUR (586 - 1,170 GBP)

Degree Requirement

Not required

Typical Contract Length

9 - 12 Months

Peak Hiring Seasons

October and January

Visa Info

EU citizenship or working visa

Typical Students

Business professionals

Average Monthly Cost of Living in £ GBP & Local Currency

700 – 1,400 EUR (586 - 1,170 GBP)

Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency

700 – 1,400 EUR (586 - 1,170 GBP)

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