Teach English in Poland

Why Teach English in Poland?

Travel Opportunities Teaching English in Poland

With some careful budgeting you’ll be able to put your monthly salary of USD $800 to $1100+ USD* (800 – 1100 Euro) to good use travelling and exploring Europe in your free time.

* USD amounts may fluctuate due to exchange rate volatility.

Intercity trains and buses serve most of the continent from Kraków.

 

Full-service Placement Process

It can be scary and intimidating traveling to a foreign country and the complex documentation and requirements can be overwhelming and confusing.

We know. We’ve all taught abroad before.

That’s why we don’t just find you an overseas teaching placement, we support you throughout our entire teach abroad experience!

 

With TravelBud, you’ll always be talking to someone who has taught or volunteered abroad before, so you’ll get informed, first-hand advice to guide and prepare you for your experience.

Do I Qualify To Teach English in Poland?

You don’t need to have any teaching experience to teach English in Poland, although there are higher earning potentials for those that do.

You do need:

How long is the teaching contract for?

What if I don’t have a TEFL/TESOL certificate?

We offer an online Internationally Accredited Online TEFL/TESOL course to prepare you for your adventure in Europe. Read about our TEFL/TESOL courses below to learn more.

If you’re unsure about any of your qualifications, chat to us! We’ll answer all your questions and do our best to accommodate you.

Internationally Accredited Online TEFL/TESOL Certification

In order to ensure that our partner schools’ students are getting the very best and to ensure that you as a teacher abroad feel most prepared for your task at hand, we highly recommend the 120 hour Online TEFL course offered through TravelBud.

This course begins every first Monday of each month and runs for 4 to 5 consecutive weeks.

The course is asynchronous and designed to allow you to engage and learn alongside your busy life, while not compromising on your quality of certification and preparation for Poland.

With the course being fully internationally accredited and the fact that it does not expire- you can use this all over the world for the duration of your teaching journey and beyond!

We understand that while you are still in your home country you may be working full time or completing your degree and this course is designed with that in mind.

It gives you comprehensive guidance on all the aspects of the content and methodologies of teaching English as a second language and touches on the productive and receptive skills for students. 

Each module requires significant practical training focused on the different approaches needed to teach speaking, reading, and listening, as well as various strategies used for classroom management.

Interactive Forums

The course offers mandatory interaction via forums, peer feedback and one-on-one instructor feedback. This allows you to see multiple perspectives on your assignments as you design fun and creative lessons.

Lesson Plan Assignments

You will submit lesson plans based on templates that we know work effectively in the classroom. These templates, along with resources for various classroom activities such as warmers, provide you with a practical toolkit for your teaching experience.

High Quality Video Tutorials

The course makes extensive use of video tutorials which includes footage of real classroom scenarios and expert advice from Instructors and other English teachers in the field.

Skype Lesson Presentations

Every student also makes a Skype based lesson presentation to their instructor to gain practical teaching experience. Students receive extensive feedback and are given advice on how to improve or what to be aware of in a classroom environment.

Continuous In-Class Support

Our expert instructors support and interact with our students every step of the way and will offer tons of tips, tricks, and examples of how to teach English to every age group.

Best Practice Learning Management

Hosted on fast, secure servers, the learning platform is mobile and tablet optimised and adheres to modern best practice Learning Management System (LMS) design and development standards. This ensures a fun and effective learning experience for students.

Cultural Orientation 

TravelBud’s in-depth week long cultural orientation is designed to acclimate you into Polish culture through a combination of theoretical and practical learning in the form of educational lessons and cultural activities and excursions.

Here’s what your week long orientation will entail:

MONDAY

• Morning: Walking tour of the Old Town with a professional tour guide. Followed by group lunch at a traditional lunch cafe.
• Afternoon: “Practical” city tour. We learn how to use the train station, bus station, post office, city transit, and discover some useful hidden shops.
• Evening: Optional drinks

TUESDAY

• Morning: Logistics time! We get sorted with phone plans, tax ID numbers, bank accounts, and police clearance certificates. Followed by a ‘street food’ lunch.
• Afternoon: “Just for fun” activity. Last year we did kayaking for the summer groups and bowling for the winter groups. But this one is subject to change.
• Evening: Optional drinks

WEDNESDAY

• Day trip to the beautiful mountain resort town of Zakopane!
  This trip takes pretty much the whole day; we leave at around 10am and get back at 8-9pm.
• Activities of course depend on the season, but we keep it ‘light.’ Last year we did a cable car ride to a viewpoint for summer groups, and sledding for winter groups.

THURSDAY

• Free day. We don’t organize anything officially, but the teachers typically come up with something!

FRIDAY

• Morning: Free
• Afternoon: Scavenger hunt through the Old Town! Personally my favorite part of the week. Followed by a pub quiz.
• Evening: Free

SATURDAY

• Morning: Free
• Afternoon: Group feast! In the summer we organize a Polish barbecue (kielbasa galore!), and in the winter we have a pierogi feast.
• Evening: Optional drinks

 

 

Costs

What Will I Earn?

As an English teacher in Poland, your salary range will depend on your qualifications, experience and placement location. Salary varies slightly from job to job, but the typical salary for an ESL teacher in at language schools Poland is around 35-55 PLN (about €8-11) per hour after tax. Depending on how many hours you teach, you’ll typically earn between 3000 and 5000 PLN about $800 to $1100+ USD* (800 to 1100 Euro) per month, which is more than enough to live on in Poland as a young professional. This can be supplemented with private tutoring or part-time teaching elsewhere. * USD amounts may fluctuate due to exchange rate volatility.

How much does it cost?

The following costs make up the program fee and are payable to TravelBud before you head over to Teach English in Poland.

OPTION 1

Online TEFL/TESOL Certification and Paid Job Placement, Orientation and Support (Highly Recommended)

 

OPTION 2

Already have a TEFL/TESOL Certificate?

Take our Placement Only option

For teachers that already have extensive experience in the teaching field, as well as an existing online/in-class 120-hour TESOL/TEFL/CELTA  

What is included in the TravelBud enrollment fee?

Pre-departure Support

As soon as you pay your initial enrolment fee, your pre-departure support kicks off. From that moment on, TravelBud will be on call to answer all your questions and provide all the support and guidance you need.

24/7 Dedicated Ongoing In-country Support

Teaching Resources and Support from local teachers

What is included in the TravelBud Program fee?

Once you’ve paid your enrollment fee, you’ll unlock all the benefits of your pre-departure support and placement process. The last thing you’ll need to pay is your final fee, this is the remainder of the cost for the program you’re signed up for. Here’s what’s included in that:

Budgets

What are the other costs involved prior to departing?

The above tables detail costs you’ll need to pay TravelBud in order to join the program. You’ll also need to budget for various other expenses, not payable to TravelBud, which allow you to legally teach abroad plus the cost of travel to your destination and insurance for your trip. Our support team will walk you through everything prior to you departing to ensure you have exactly what you need by when you need to have it. The following is what you’ll need to budget for:

What do I need to budget for?

Bear in mind that you will be spending at least 1 month in Poland before you receive your first paycheck. You will therefore need to budget enough money to see you through the first month of teaching. Of course, the amount of money you need depends on your spending habits and Poland is generally an affordable place to travel and live in. As in most travel destinations, the more touristy activities, restaurants, and transport options will be a lot more expensive but we will guide you on how to live and budget like a local to get the most out of your paycheck. Take a look through our budget guidelines to see what budget suits your spending habits:

Pre-departure Budget

In-country budget

Chat to us if you have questions about budget and spending. Once you start earning a salary, your living costs will be comfortably covered, you’ll start to learn how to cut down on your monthly expenses (for example, eating out less and finding the most affordable grocery store in your placement town) and you will be able to enjoy your time teaching and traveling in Poland.

When can I start Teaching English in Poland?

How long is the teaching contract for?

Arrival & Orientation

Pre-departure Support

As you prepare for your trip, TravelBud’s support managers will guide you through:

Arriving in Poland

When you arrive in Kraków, you can count on:

When you arrive in Kraków:

Teaching Environment

Demand for qualified native speakers  at language centers has skyrocketed over the past few years, and shows no sign of slowing down, as Poland’s academic standards become higher and parents see the importance of ensuring their kids receive top-quality ESL education. Adult classes are also extremely popular – the parents want to improve their English too!

As you will be primarily teaching adults, teenagers, and kids at language centers after their ordinary work or school hours, your work hours will typically be in the late afternoon and early evening.

Class sizes are always small at language centers. Don’t expect to ever teach more than 8-10 students at a time; more often the number will be between 3 and 6. The ages of kids you’ll teach will be quite varied, with some kids as young as 7 (kids in Poland start primary school at age 7), all the way through adults.

You may also have to work some mornings for “in-company” classes, as well as the occasional Saturday.

Most teachers will work between 15 and 25 classroom hours per week, with additional time necessary for preparing lessons, marking coursework, and light administrative duties.

Holidays: Most schools will typically have 1-2 weeks off around Christmas time, as well as 2-3 weeks off in February as fall semester ends and spring semester begins.

There are also usually 1-2 weeks off in April around Easter.

Keep in mind that most schools pay hourly, and thus you’re only paid for the hours you teach, so remember to factor in days off when planning your budget. 

Where will I be teaching?

While we do our best to meet placement preferences, this cannot be guaranteed. Keep in mind that placements depend on what jobs are available and the schools ultimately  make the hiring decisions at the end of the day.

We will always do our best to accommodate your preferences though and you will receive our full 24/7 ongoing support throughout your placement.

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Can I be placed with my friend or partner?

Yes, we can place you in the same town as your friend or partner. You might be teaching in the same school or in nearby schools, depending on the availability of jobs.

What are the working hours?

What type of school will I teach at?

Most available job placements are in language centers with the most common student age being young adults.

What if I am unhappy with my job? Can I be placed somewhere else?

Not exactly. By signing up for this program and accepting a job with one of our partner schools, you are agreeing to work with them until at least the end of the academic year.

The reason schools choose to work with us is because we have an excellent track record of delivering quality teachers through our training program. By leaving early, you are not only leaving your students without a teacher for the rest of the year, but also putting our reputation and the job prospects of future interns at risk.

That being said, we also hold our partner schools to a very high standard in terms of how we expect teachers to be treated.

If you genuinely believe that your school is not upholding our program standards, you can let us know and we’ll do our best to resolve the issue. In the absolute worst-case scenario, we’ll do our best to find you a new job for the remainder of the program.

What is the dress code for teaching English in Poland?

The dress code for English teachers is smart-casual. You are expected to look professional at all times when you are in the classroom bearing in mind that some schools may expect smarter clothing than others, so come prepared.

Living Environment

Accommodation for the first 2 weeks 

Our Accommodation Packages provide a range of affordable, quality-assured options to spend your first 2 weeks in Poland (and longer if necessary) at conveniently located guesthouses that you can book through us at an affordable flat rate. 

HOSTEL SHARED DORM – €200 for 15 days / 14 nights 

 

 

Spending your first two weeks in a centrally-located youth hostel can be an extremely affordable – and exciting – way to spend your time in a new city and meet fellow travellers. 

We work exclusively with respectable, safe, and clean traveller hostels. Complimentary breakfast and lockers are always provided.

GUESTHOUSE PRIVATE ROOM – €350 for 15 days / 14 nights  

 

Enjoy a splendid balance of privacy and authenticity by spending your first two weeks at a locally owned guesthouse.
You’ll have your own lockable room and personal space – while also having the priceless benefit of a local host and a welcoming to the Polish hospitality.

PRIVATE APARTMENT – €450 for 15 days / 14 nights

 

Treat yourself to a bit of privacy and luxury for your first two weeks with a temporary private apartment, all to yourself. 

The centrally located apartment will be your home for one-two weeks, with all the space you need to cook, live, and work uninterrupted, just as you would at home.

Accommodation during your teaching placement

You will be given guidance on finding accommodation in accessible areas.

Working in Poland

Our placement locations/cities are very cosmopolitan.

These communities of fellow foreigners are usually very friendly, with Facebook groups and regular meetups to welcome newcomers to the city.

The Polish people are also very friendly and welcoming to foreigners, just make a few trips to a social bar or cafe and you’ll see for yourself!

The level of English spoken by Poles is very high, so the language barrier is rarely a problem when meeting locals.

In many cities, Community Managers also organize language exchanges and other social events, which are a perfect opportunity to mingle with locals, expats, and fellow teachers on the TravelBud program.

We’re here to walk you through the whole process!

Why Teach English in Poland with TravelBud?

It can be scary and intimidating traveling to a foreign country and the complex documentation and requirements can be overwhelming and confusing. We know. We’ve all taught abroad before.

Safety

Compared to most major cities in Western Europe or the U.S., Kraków is extremely safe.

There are no “better avoided” parts of the city, and there should be no reason for any man or
woman should feel unsafe walking alone, by day or night. Female visitors will notice that they experience far less “catcalling” and other unwanted attention on the streets than in other European cities.

Violent crime is extremely rare, and when it does happen, it’s usually alcohol fueled. Drunk Poles can occasionally get aggressive; try to avoid escalating arguments, and if you do see a physical confrontation brewing, it’s best to back away and not try to play the hero.

The city center of Kraków has a very high law enforcement presence, and police present no threats unless you plan on breaking the law. Most officers can speak basic English.

Teach English in Poland FAQ

How much does it pay to teach English in Poland?

You’ll earn around $800 – $1100+ USD* (800 – 1100 Euro) per month.

* USD amounts may fluctuate due to exchange rate volatility.

Is English spoken in Poland?

Yes. Basic English is quite widely spoken, but not everyone you meet will speak English.

Demand to learn English with native speakers at the advanced level has skyrocketed in Poland recently, with more and more jobs, careers, and university programs requiring an advanced professional level of English to even be considered

With the help of English language education provided by you and other teachers, the English literacy rate is consistently improving.

Do you need a degree to teach English in Poland?

A bachelor’s degree in any field preferable but not required for a legal work permit (2 years of work experience is required to replace a Bachelor’s degree if you do not hold one)

How much money can you make teaching English in Poland?

You’ll earn around €800 – €1100 Euro per month.

How many days off do I get? When are the Polish school holidays?

Most schools will typically have 1-2 weeks off around Christmas time, as well as 2-3 weeks off in February as fall semester ends and spring semester begins. There are also usually 1-2 weeks off in April around Easter.

Keep in mind that most schools pay hourly, and thus you’re only paid for the hours you teach, so remember to factor in days off when planning your budget. 

Most language schools do not operate over school holidays, and do not operate (or operate on a greatly reduced schedule) during the summer period. Some do of course, but certainly not the majority. Preschools are more likely to offer ‘year-round’ work including the summer.

Can participants choose part or full time?

Our Placements are for 1 year and can be renewed if you’d like to stay and continue to teach English in Poland for longer.

You need to commit to at least 12 months.  Although the position is full time, you’ll only be teaching an average of 3-5 hours per day and typically in the evenings, which allows you to live a fairly flexible lifestyle compared to more rigorous work hours required by schools in other countries.

Pre-school placements tend to be on a more regular schedule.

When is peak hiring time for English teachers in Poland?

Peak hiring time for English teachers in Poland is in December and June. That being said, we have an extensive school network and can facilitate placements throughout the year in Poland.

What is the main religion in Poland?

The dominant religion in Poland is Roman Catholicism.

Are teachers in high demand in Poland? Why?

Yes, teachers are in high demand in Poland. Demand to learn English with native speakers at the advanced level has skyrocketed in Poland recently, with more and more jobs, careers, and university programs requiring an advanced professional level of English to even be considered.

English language education also unlocks a lot of growth opportunities for the country’s economy as a whole.

Do students have to learn English in Poland?

English is a compulsory subject in schools. Passing English proficiency tests are required to proceed beyond basic schooling. Professional careers in higher institutions, including healthcare, engineering, and technology require strong English proficiency.

Do schools in Poland accept Online TEFL/TESOL certificates?

Yes they do, provided your online TEFL/TESOL certificate meets the standards of our partner schools.

How long is the Online TEFL course?

It takes approximately 4 weeks to complete our Online TEFL/TESOL course we the final exam in week 5.

What are the benefits of completing the Online Course?

In order to ensure that our partner schools’ students are getting the very best and to ensure that you as a teacher abroad feel most prepared for your task at hand, we highly recommend the 120 hour Online TEFL course offered through TravelBud.

This course begins every first Monday of each month and runs for 4 to 5 consecutive weeks.

The course is asynchronous and designed to allow you to engage and learn alongside your busy life, while not compromising on your quality of certification and preparation for Poland.

With the course being fully internationally accredited and the fact that it does not expire- you can use this all over the world for the duration of your teaching journey and beyond!

We understand that while you are still in your home country you may be working full time or completing your degree and this course is designed with that in mind.

It gives you comprehensive guidance on all the aspects of the content and methodologies of teaching English as a second language and touches on the productive and receptive skills for students.

Can you guarantee me a job once I complete the Online Course?

Granted we have confirmed that you are eligible to teach English in Poland after reviewing your application, meet the other minimal requirements, and you pass the online TEFL/TESOL course, we can 100% guarantee you a job placement at one of our vetted school partners.

Do schools pay you a fee/portion of my salary?

No, TravelBud and our partners DO NOT receive a portion of the teacher’s monthly salary.

Can my friend or partner come with me to Teach English in Poland?

Yes! We provide friends and couples with placements in the same areas and sometimes even at the same schools.

What are traveling costs like in Poland?

It is possible to travel affordably in Poland, but it depends how you want to do it. Budget travelling, using public transport, will take longer but save you money. Taxis will be more expensive.

How safe is it in Poland?

Compared to most major cities in Western Europe or the U.S., Kraków is EXTREMELY safe.

There are no “better avoided” parts of the city, and there should be no reason for any man or

Woman should feel unsafe walking alone, by day or night. Female visitors will notice that they experience far less “catcalling” and other unwanted attention on the streets than in other European cities.

Violent crime is extremely rare, and when it does happen, it’s usually alcohol fueled. Drunk Poles can occasionally get aggressive; try to avoid escalating arguments, and if you do see a physical confrontation brewing, it’s best to back away and not try to play the hero. The city center of Kraków has a very high law enforcement presence, and police present no threats unless you plan on breaking the law. Most officers can speak basic English.

What about Medical services and insurance?

Medical services are efficient in Poland. If you need medical attention, you can go to either a public or private medical facility.

What does the average meal cost?

A local meal will cost $3 – $8 (USD) whereas international food catered for tourists will cost $10 – $20. Depending on your preference and budget, you can eat quite cheaply.

Where am I going to stay and how much will the accommodation cost me?

You will be guided towards the best accommodation options for you.

Our 24/7 in-country support team will be on hand to assist you with finding the best accommodation for you.

Is airport pick-up provided?

Yes, airport pick-up is provided.

What are the age groups you will be teaching?

Most of our placements are at language centers teaching young adults and about 25% of placements are at pre-schools.

After the contract can you still travel in the country or do you need to leave immediately?

You can stay as long as you like as you maintain a legal Visa status. You’ll have the option to extend your contract and obtain a temporary residence permit.

What is the possibility of acquiring a second job to make more money?

Vert high. Most teachers supplement their teaching income with private tutoring or part-time teaching elsewhere.

What are the authorities like?

The authorities are genuinely helpful and professional. They should be treated with respect as in your own home country.

What is phone and Internet connectivity like in Poland?

WiFi is very good in Poland, so you will be able to use your devices as in your home country.

What if you are unhappy in a job? Can you get a new one?

Not exactly. By signing up for this program and accepting a job with one of our partner schools, you are agreeing to work with them until at least the end of the academic year.

The reason schools choose to work with us is because we have an excellent track record of delivering quality teachers through our training program. By leaving early, you are not only leaving your students without a teacher for the rest of the year, but also putting our reputation and the job prospects of future interns at risk.

That being said, we also hold our partner schools to a very high standard in terms of how we expect teachers to be treated.

If you genuinely believe that your school is not upholding our program standards, you can let us know and we’ll do our best to resolve the issue. In the absolute worst-case scenario, we’ll do our best to find you a new job for the remainder of the program.

What is the dress code for teaching English in Poland?

Smart-casual. Typically collar shirts for men and semi-conservative dress for women. As a teacher, you need to appear professional at all times. For women, skirts and dresses are most commonly worn.

Must the teachers have CV’s or Resumes?

Yes, it is vital for the job placement process for people wanting to teach English in Poland to submit an updated version of their resume or CV during TravelBud’s pre-enrollment application process.

Our placement team will work with you to format your CV/resume according to what the schools are looking for to increase your chances for obtaining a sought after placement.

Packing essentials? Sleeping bag, towels?

All our participants are provided with a detailed packing list before departing for Poland. You can get all the essentials in the country, but it is not necessarily cheaper than back home, so it’s best to bring all your basics which we will guide you through.

Specific laws to be aware of and to adhere to

Polish police take a strict approach to public drunkenness. You are not allowed to consume alcohol in public places or you may be fined.

What is the level of English and general behaviour of students?

This will vary. Literacy levels are high, so you can expect students with a good basic English proficiency but everyone is different so not everyone will be a quick learner.

Do your colleagues speak English?

You will be teaching with other first language English speakers at the language centers, most of which will come from the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. You will also teach alongside local teachers, who will speak English at a very high level (CEFR C1 or even C2/native-level). School administrative staff will also generally speak excellent English. Unlike in Asia, most schools in Poland do not differentiate between their native teachers and their local teachers.

Will you work with any special needs children?

No.

What are the chances of teaching English in neighbouring countries?

TravelBud does not offer any other teaching programs in Europe at the moment, but  we offer teaching programs in South East Asia and Central America.

Are all paperwork and books supplied by the school?

Yes, most of the time. You will also have access to a database of lesson plans, printable graphics, class warmers and flash cards.

What happens if you lose your job? Can you get a new one?

If you are fired, TravelBud and our partners will no longer help with job placement. It’s important that you meet the performance requirements and contractual obligations of your school employer.

Can you drink tap water?

Yes you can. You will be advised about this during your first week on the program and the locals are always a great source of information.