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Teaching Placements
Teaching Placement Overview
| Salary range in USD per month | $1100 - $1700 USD * * May fluctuate due to exchange rate volatility. |
| Salary local currency per month | 5,000 - 10,000 Polish złoty |
| Saving potential in USD per month | $100 - $200 |
| Employment Type | Full-time |
| Contract Length | 1 year |
| Placement Types | Local Language Centers, Preschool or Primary Schools |
| Classroom Audience | Kindergarten, Primary (elementary and middle), High school students, Young Adults |
| Classroom Age | Between 4 - 22 |
| Classroom Size | 5-15 |
| Working Hours per week | 15 - 25 |
| Days off | 2 days per week but may not be consecutive |
| Holidays / Paid Leave | No paid leave. 1-2 weeks around Christmas, 2-3 weeks in February. 1-2 weeks in Easter (unpaid) |
| Tax rate range for teachers | 8.5% - 15% |
| Visa | Type-D Visa |
| Initial Enrollment to Arrival | 6 Months Minimum |
| Top Placement Locations | 1. Kraków 2. Warsaw |
Teaching Placements
There are three main types of schools that we help place people with in Poland: Local Language Schools, Preschools and Primary Schools.
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.
Salaries
You’ll earn within the range of $1100 to $1,700 USD * per month (5,000 – 10,00 Polish złoty) depending on your qualifications, experience and placement location.
Working Hours
- You will generally teach for 15-25 hours per week, that’s about 3-5 hours a day.
- Typical working hours are late afternoon and early evening.
- 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.
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 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.
Gauranteed Placements
- You must be available to arrive in Poland and start at or near the time of one of our scheduled intake dates as listed on this page.
- You must hold the required qualifications and skills for this program, as listed on this page. We reserve the right to decline to offer this package and give a refund if we believe you do not believe you meet the requirements.
- Due to the need to balance our number of teachers with the number of schools we work with, we can only guarantee one placement offer per teacher. While you are never forced to accept an offer, we cannot guarantee that a second placement will be available if you decline one.
- Preferences, such as desired cities, age groups, contract types, and start dates, will always be taken into account, but cannot be guaranteed.
- While we can guarantee the availability of placements for teachers who meet our requirements, our ability to deliver is conditional on your ability to successfully interview and get accepted by a partner school. Schools always have the final say in hiring teachers.
Guaranteed Job Placement
We find you a teaching job or jobs to ensure you have the maximum work hours allowed under your visa.
You could spend your own time trying to find your own teaching position.
But this can be time-consuming and stressful because you’ll have to wade through a myriad of risk factors and paperwork when evaluating teaching positions.
These can include but are not limited to:
- Work visas, relevant permits and documentation
- The interview process
- The credibility of the school
- Your safety at the school
- Understanding contracts, contract length and hidden clauses
- Payment terms and what happens in the event of non-payment
- Taxes
- Teaching philosophy and environment
- Teaching materials
- School code of conduct
- Local staff support and English proficiency
- After school activities and requirements
- Disciplinary processes
- And many more considerations!
So you might find a job but you’ll be unprepared from a teaching, cultural, financial and emotional perspective.
We take the pressure and stress away from you by guaranteeing your job placement and providing peace of mind support
- We guarantee you a teaching job in carefully vetted and trusted schools where every effort is made to match placement preferences.
- You can focus on enjoying your new lifestyle knowing your income of $1000 – $1500 USD is secured.
- We’ll explain all the paperwork, contracts, taxes, work hours, requirements and responsibilities.
- We guide you through everything you need to know before you depart to Poland and from the moment you touch down, you’ll continue to receive peace of mind 24/7 support from our in-country team who will be on hand for you throughout your placement.
- We’ve all taught abroad before and, having placed over 2200+ participants around the world, know the key to success is well-trained, culturally-adjusted, and emotionally-supported teachers. Read more about our teaching placements.
Expert guidance and support
Our experts will explain the program and answer all your questions.
Fees
The following costs make up the program fee and are payable to TravelBud before you head over to Teach English in Poland.
Currency Converter
Change to your currency. Default prices in US Dollar (USD). Please take note that the amount reflected above is based on the current exchange rate and may fluctuate due to exchange rate volatility on the day of being invoiced.
Option 1Online TEFL & Placement | Option 2Placement Only | ||
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Enrollment Deposit |
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| Comprehensive pre-departure support and guidance |
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| Personalised one-on-one Support |
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| Visa Guidance |
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| Your questions answered |
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Online TEFL Fee | Choose between: 120 Hour Online TEFL $499170 Hour Online TEFL$1299 | This fee is due 1 week prior to your selected course start date. | |
Final Program Fee, Guaranteed Job Placement and 24/7 Support | $1400 | $1400 | Due 12 weeks prior to your selected intake date. |
| Guaranteed Job Placement Assistance |
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| 24/7 In-country support |
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| Lifetime Teaching Placement Guarantee |
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| TEFL/TESOL Course | (4 weeks online for 120h or 11 weeks online for 170h) |
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| Internationally Accreditated Certification |
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| Practical Teacher Training in-class | Not applicable. | ||
| Airport pickup and transfer Subject to correct arrival times |
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| Airport Assistance Info & guidance on trains/taxis/buses and routes | Not applicable. | ||
| SIM Card Included |
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| SIM Card guidance |
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| Local bank account guidance |
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| Shared Accommodation |
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| Cultural Orientation including excursions | (weekend) | (weekend) | In-class TEFL participants experience:
Online TEFL & Placement Only participants experience:
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| Lesson Plan templates and resource directories |
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| Support Network |
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| Self-development and advantageous future employability |
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Total Fee | 120 Hour Online TEFL$2498170 Hour Online TEFL$3298 | Placement Only$1999 | Default prices in US Dollar (USD). Please take note that currency converted pricing is based on the current exchange rate and may fluctuate due to exchange rate volatility on the day of being invoiced. |
Expert guidance and support
Our experts will explain the program and answer all your questions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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.
Safety
Moving to another country to live and work is a big step and we realise that safety can be a concern.
What do TravelBud staff and teachers say about 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.
How are the authorities?
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.
24/7 On-the-ground Support
Our on-the-ground support staff provide you with personal assistance throughout the duration of your teaching experience.
You can rest assured knowing that any queries will be answered such as emergencies, travel options, translation help, culture shock, legalities, or school queries.
Someone is on hand.
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.
Refer to the Teaching Placements section for more information.
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.
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.
We’re here to help
We’ll answer all your questions and guide you every step of the way!