The Poland FAQ
The Course in Wejherowo
1. What do the fees for the program include?
The fees include tuition, course materials, certification and moderation fees. Airfares and food are not included. The standard accommodation is 1000 PLN (subject to availability), and the premium accommodation 1400PLN. These figures cover the full duration of the course.
2. How do I pay for the course?
Please pay the balance of the course and accommodation fees in Wejherowo directly at the school on the first day of the course. By this stage, you should already have paid the $500 deposit either online by credit card or via bank transfer. The course fee is payable in American Dollars (USD) or Polish Zloty (PLN), at the current exchange rate. The rate is determined online based on the “Average Interbank Exchange Rate” at:
http://www.bot.or.th/BotHomepage/databank/FinMarkets/ExchangeRate/exch
ange_e.asp.
The payment can be made in cash. Please note that we are unable to accept bankers drafts or cheques.
3. What is an average program day like?
From Monday to Friday, there are input sessions every morning from 9.30 to 12.30, where trainees learn classroom management, grammar, Polish language and culture, and other practical aspects of the course (on demand and extra paid). Lunch is from 12.30 to 2.00. From 3.00 to 4.00, trainees prepare their lessons with assistance of the instructors, then from either 4.30 to 6.30, or 6.30 to 8.30, they teach and observe lessons with Polish students. These lessons are followed by immediate feedback from the instructors. We aim to provide 6 to 10 hours of observed teaching practice over the 4 weeks. These lessons are taught from Monday to Thursday. On Friday, trainees are free, and the weekend is theirs. They are, however, encouraged to take their books with them to the beach or home, so that they can study over the weekend! In addition to those hours, there is also time that must be spent preparing materials and completing various assignments.
During the course you will learn a little of another language using the same techniques as you will use to teach English. This is so that trainees can see the problems that students will face from their perspective.
4. How many students on average are in the program each month?
It depends on the month. It is usually between 2-8.
5. What are the teaching practice students and classes like?
We use local Polish students for the trainees’ teaching practice. Polish students are very keen and enthusiastic, and because we don’t charge them to attend the TEFL course, all students come to classes purely because they want to!
6. What are the program accommodations like? Where are they located?
Private apartments are the only option of accommodation in Wejherowo. The fact is that this is the cheapest way to live in Wejherowo for four weeks while attending your TEFL course. To get them is very easy. You will pay anywhere from 1000PLN – 1400PLN plus bills (not more than 150PLN) per month for a fully furnished apartment of approximately 30-35 square meters.
Each apartment consists of a living room with an equipped kitchenette, and a private bathroom. Cable TV and Internet access are provided for but not in every apartment. All apartments are located in safe areas approximately 200m-1000m away from the school. We will gladly support you to obtain them.
One has to register at least three weeks before the start of the course in order for the school manager to find accommodation. There is accommodation finding fee 75USD which has to be paid on arrival.
Airport collections (between 8am to 6.30pm) and accommodation are available from the Saturday before the start of the course.
7. Can I have things shipped or mailed to me at the school?
Yes! In fact, we suggest doing so a few days before your arrival.
This is our address:
TEFL International
Perfect English Karolina Kawalec,
ul. Rzeznicka 12b
Wejherowo 84-200
Poland
Tel: +48 (Poland) 512 459 955
8. Can I bring my laptop?
You can if you like. There are a number of Internet facilities nearby. All computers have Internet access, which you can use to check your email. Please note that only some flats are equipped with the internet connection.
9. What clothes will I need?
Bear in mind that the climate is moderate, so the temperature varies between hot and very cold. There is also a high probability of short, heavy showers. It is simply hot in the summer, warm in the spring, cool in the autumn and cold in the winter.
Input Sessions and Lesson Planning:
Attire is casual and relaxed. Dress comfortably. Jeans, t-shirts, jumpers, tops, and comfortable shoes or trainers are the norm.
Practice Teaching Sessions at the training centre:
Attire is smart and conservative. Your shoulders must be covered, and any skirt or trousers must cover your knees when you are sitting down. For women, be careful that your shirts are not too low cut or show your stomach as you may need to lean over to help a student sitting at a desk. Jeans are acceptable. Shoes or sandals should be smart. If you decide to wear trainers make sure they are clean.
Job Interviews and Teaching in Wejherowo:
Attire is conservative and business-like. Once hired, most schools will tell you what they expect you to wear and what is unacceptable. However, when you’re dressing for an interview, as with any job, remember that you’re trying to make an impression. For men, collared shirts, a tie, slacks and smart dress shoes are appropriate and expected. For women, long skirts and dress shoes are expected. Dresses with straps can be covered with a smart sweater.
If you are still unsure of what to bring, you may want to wait until you arrive to buy suitable clothes. There are plenty of inexpensive clothing stores that will have lots of options.
Please also bear in mind that tattoos should be covered when teaching, and any facial piercing removed.
The job market and teaching in Poland;
Paperwork and documentation
1. What is the TEFL job market in Poland like? Will I have trouble getting a job?
The TEFL job market in Poland is excellent and finding employment is a fairly straight forward matter. With just a little patience, you will certainly locate work in no time, usually in the area of your choice.
2. When do I need to start looking for work? Where do I start?
We suggest you begin setting up interviews and sending resumes in the second or third week of the course after we have covered job related matters during input sessions. There are dozens of TEFL employers in the Tricity area alone, and hundreds elsewhere in Poland. Of course, you’re certainly not limited to working in Poland – where to teach is up to you!
3. What will TEFL International do to help me secure employment?
We can give you a list of available jobs in Wejherowo and the rest of Poland, and provide schools lists for most countries worldwide. We will also help you with resume and interview preparation. We guarantee job placement assistance. This job placement assistance is an integral part of the course, and is available for the duration of your teaching career.
4. What is the average salary like?
The average TEFL salary in Poland is about 35-45PLN per hour of teaching, though of course this varies depending on what type of school or company you work for, and whether you work full- or part-time. Your wage depends on how many hours the schools offer.
5. Do most schools provide accommodations for their teachers?
Some employers provide accommodation as part of an employment package, those that do not will offer assistance in finding suitable accommodation. Accommodation is generally easy to find and inexpensive but this depends on the area you want to work in.
6. How many of the TEFL graduates actually find work in Poland?
Most of our course graduates who have wanted to work in Poland have been able to secure teaching positions.
7. Do schools provide health insurance?
Generally, no.
8. Do schools provide work permits?
No, they don’t
9. What is a typical teaching position like?
Teaching positions vary greatly and good deal of choice is available. There are teaching positions available in schools, language centres, businesses, hotels and resorts and more besides.
10. Can I return to my own country and teach with my certificate?
Yes, though the requirements for working in ESL or TEFL in many western countries are different, and sometimes need graduate education in ESL or TEFL.
Questions about Wejherowo; Living in Poland
1. What do I do if I get sick in Wejherowo? Are there western-standard medical facilities?
If you find yourself requiring medical attention, Wejherowo has a very well equipped and renowned hospital and lots of clinics with well-educated, helpful doctors. There are also pharmacies on every other corner.
2. Do I need any immunisations?
Poland is a developed country, and is free of any rare diseases. To attend the course in Wejherowo, most people don’t need any inoculations in addition to the ones they would have at home anyway. However, please check with your local General Practitioner or medical centre for further information relating to current immunisations that are recommended for Poland.
3. What’s the public transportation system like?
There are local buses that run all over the town that are very inexpensive. Taxis are available 24/7.
What to do before departing for Poland
1. How do I get to Wejherowo?
In order to be picked up at either Gdansk airport or the train station, please let us know the date and time of arrival, and the flight number if you are flying in, no later than one week before the start of the course. This is so that we can make arrangements to meet you, and take you to your accommodation. If we receive your arrival details after that time, we can’t be sure that we’ll be able to meet you. Please note that the most realistic version is the plane.
Airport collections (for arrivals between 8am and 6.30pm only) and accommodation are available from Monday to Sunday prior to the course start date. Airport pickup fee is 50USD. Those arriving on the Sunday will be charged 30USD extra.
2. What documents do I need to bring?
Of course you’ll need your passport! When you secure work you will be asked to provide your original college degree if you have one, so if you plan to work immediately after the course, you’ll need to bring it with you or make arrangements for it to be sent on at a later date. You might also consider obtaining an international driving permit, should driving in a foreign country be necessary for you.
Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have other questions or concerns.
Thank you for choosing TEFL International.
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