TESTIMONIALS
“I think they are a very helpful platform…being in this new country and having to have different requirements…
obtaining a Pesel number, obtaining your temporary residence permit…if it wasn’t for English Wizards I would be lost. So yes, I would definitely recommend them!”
– Candace, South Africa
INTERNSHIP TESTIMONIALS
Myles gives an in-depth review of what he learned with our internship program and shares how it prepared him for the real world of teaching abroad in a new country.
Stephanie, a recent graduate of our internship program, talks about her reasons for teaching and how English Wizard’s has supported her during her time in a new country.
English Wizards has always supported me, if I had a question it was answered and if I needed help it was always offered. The internship was intense but I had such a good time with my fellow teachers doing it. We all had a sense of comradery among us. Between learning new skills and practicing on real-life students, we socialized and saw the sites. I’m now living in the heart of Krakow, my room is small and I work a lot but I expected this. I wanted to come to Europe, I wanted to work as a teacher and I wanted to meet new people. I’ve done all of that and more.
The English Wizards program set me up for success. I was new to teaching english. The program not only gave me experience but gave me priceless guidance, tips, and tricks. It was intensive and rigorous, but entirely worth it. My classmates and I encouraged and supported each other throughout making it a fantastic learning environment. The hands-on experience and practice allowed me to be more confident and capable in front of my students. Overall, the experience made me a better teacher and without it teaching wouldn’t be nearly as enjoyable.
I came to Poland through English Wizards and they offered me a chance and the opportunity to find my first teaching job. Their internship program was so intense yet valuable for me as a new teacher. English Wizards helped me with my visa, accomodation and everything I needed when I first arrived. I never felt alone, and I know that while I’m in Poland I have them as my family.
I joined English Wizards on their Education Internship. It was definitely good review on things I had previously learned in a TEFL course! Definitely come prepared and with an open mind if you don’t have a background in teaching! You’ll be teaching children each night for about 20 minutes and you’ll get a feel for what it’s like to lesson plan! I will say though that getting feedback each night did help me improve! If you’re new to teaching, don’t be afraid to stand up front and always have a back up plan!
If you are looking for a good go-to TEFL course to teach English then I would say sign up with English Wizards. The course is well structured by excellent qualified teachers, the atmosphere is great and I have learned a ton!
FREELANCE TESTIMONIALS
Emily, a teacher and English Wizard from the United States, talks about all the reasons why she loves working in Poland. From the affordability and work hours to the safety and history that Poland provides, Emily’s in-depth analysis will leave you wanting to learn more!
Richard, a Business English Wizard from the United Kingdom, talks about his reason for teaching, what he loves about Poland and the many ways English Wizards has helped him along his journey!
Teaching with English Wizards in Poland has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I have been supported every step of the way, from work permits and visas, to finding an apartment and getting a Polish bank account. I was a preschool teacher in Canada, and I wanted to be an English teacher at a preschool in Poland. With the help of the English Wizards, I found the perfect preschool job in Krakow. I arrived in Krakow in August, 2020, and I started working the day after I arrived. I love the school so much, and I have already received a few awards and some teacher appreciation gifts. The teachers at the school made me feel welcome from the first day, and I knew this was going to be a wonderful experience. So far, my time in Krakow has been great. I love my apartment, my neighbourhood, my school, my coworkers, and my students! I would definitely recommend English Wizards to anyone thinking about teaching in Europe!
I began teaching as an English Wizard this past October. English Wizards helped ensure a smooth transition to my new life in Poland despite the chaos of bureaucracy, moving abroad and settling into a new school. I appreciate their quick responses, open communication and most of all that they provide me with a strong foundation that is allowing me to advance in my teaching career. This means connections with schools, optional on-going trainings and a strong network within Poland. If you are willing to put in the work then working with English Wizards will surely be worth your while. 8 months ago I was teaching online and feeling as though I had no chance to grow professionally due to a global pandemic. Now I am an on the go teacher of all ages living in the hustle and bustle of Warsaw, Poland! I couldn’t be more pleased with how things have turned out!
Rob and his amazing team at English Wizards are second to none! Right from the very beginning with the interview, to organising my Visa, all has gone smoothly with the result of receiving my KARTA POBYTU in record time even with all the Pandemic restrictions and lockdowns. English Wizards is a professional company with a solid team behind them operating at the highest level and this really is a dream come true for a Freelancer like myself, having a team of professionals taking care of all the legality, administration, invoicing & taxes for you so that you can fully concentrate on what you do best.I would like to say A Big Thank You to the outstanding English Wizard’s team for making this possible.
Working with English Wizards has been a great experience. Starting from the day I applied, the EW team has always been available to provide support for whatever was needed: finding accommodation, applying for jobs, dealing with the maze of immigration policies and even locating the best pierogies in Krakow! I’m grateful that I came to Poland and became a Wizard.
While working at English Wizards I have met a lot of nice and friendly people. We have fun Social events where we can meet others in the company. During the Covid scare English Wizards updated everyone on the news and regulations concerning Corona virus. They also have a very helpful guide they send to people starting out in Poland.
I have been teaching in Poland through English Wizards’s Freelance Teaching program for just about one year. I moved to Krakow about a month before the pandemic hit Europe, so it has been an interesting year to say the least. I have, however, been extremely pleased with the service and support that English Wizards offers. They help with all the logistical challenges involved with moving to a new country. Krakow is an amazing place to live! I taught abroad in Madrid before Poland – I love the flexibility that I have working with English Wizards, compared to my experience in the Auxiliares program. I would highly recommend English Wizards!
Duncan’s Review
Duncan Delport, a teacher with English Wizards for over two years, shares his reasons for moving to Poland, why he loves teaching English and how English Wizard’s has supported him during his time abroad
“English Wizards has supported me during my time in Poland immensely. They’ve given me the ability to find schools, to strengthen my teaching style and my method…they make my life a lot easier here in Poland.
Ready to Begin the Journey?
APPLYING & ELIGIBILITY
Can I work anywhere in Poland, or am I limited to certain cities?
You are welcome to apply for jobs and through our program anywhere in Poland. However, our network of schools where we may be able to offer you direct placements is currently limited to the cities we operate in: Krakow, Warsaw, Gdansk, Wroclaw, Poznan, and Katowice. We are also only able to provide the “on site” aspects of our community based support in these cities. Warsaw has by far the highest demand for English teachers, followed by Krakow, so choosing either of these cities will make the job hunt much easier.
Am I free to arrive in Poland at anytime, or does the program have specific start dates?
Our program does not have any specific start dates, and you are free to arrive (or leave) as you please. We only ask that you arrive at least 5 days before you plan to begin teaching, and do not leave in the middle of a teaching semester for obvious reasons. However, the biggest hiring seasons for English teachers in Poland is between September and mid October, and again between January and mid February. We highly recommend that you schedule your arrival for one of these hiring seasons to give yourself the biggest window of opportunity to find work.
Why am I not guaranteed a job before I arrive?
We are a teaching community, not a recruitment agency or a language school. As such, it is not possible for us to guarantee a job for any of our Wizards. Schools in Poland do their own hiring, so no matter what you will still have to interview and get hired by a school before you start teaching. If you would prefer to come to Poland with a guaranteed job, you can apply for our Language Assistant program.
What are the chances that you'll be able to find me a teaching job before I arrive?
While we try our best to match all approved Wizards with jobs before their arrival, this is not always possible as many schools in Poland will only hire face-to-face. On average, about half of our inbound Wizards are able to secure work through our network before arriving, and another chunk arrive with interviews or trial classes already setup. The overwhelming majority of the remaining Wizards are able to find work within their first month in Poland.
I'm pretty flexible about when I start and I'd prefer not to come to Poland before I have a job offer. Can I simply wait until I receive a job offer before I come?
Theoretically yes, but realistically, this is not something to rely on unless you are extremely qualified and/or willing to do a bit of your own job hunting in advance. While we do put forward Wizards to our partner schools before they arrive, for obvious reasons we do prioritize Wizards who are already here, and then Wizards who have already confirmed their arrival date. Furthermore, many schools are reluctant to consider applicants who are not already here or planning to be here by a certain date. If you are not capable of doing your own job hunting before and after arriving in Europe, this is not the program for you. Feel free to apply to our Language Assistant program if you’d feel more comfortable having a guaranteed job before embarking on your travels.
Will joining the English Wizards community make it easier to find a job?
Absolutely. Teaching jobs in Poland, like the rest of Europe, are rarely advertised overseas, and most schools will expect you to already be in the country before making the call to hire you. Our network of schools provides a “back door” to interview in advance to teaching jobs that would not otherwise be advertised or available to you. Additionally, for non-EU citizens, our program provides a solution to the “chicken and egg” catch common in Poland and other EU countries: You can’t get a job until you’re legal to work, but you can’t be legal to work until you have a job. As an English Wizard, you will have a work visa allowing you to legally teach English in Poland, so you can tell schools that you are already legal to work and they can hire you without any additional procedures. Finally, being part of the English Wizards community means that you are part of Poland’s largest community of native English teachers In addition to support you’ll receive from our community managers and your fellow Wizards, this translates to the #1 job hunting resource: word of mouth.
If being accepted doesn't guarantee me a job, why is your criteria so high?
Being accepted as a Wizard means that you are part of our community. As a teaching community, we pride ourselves on being made up of 100% top quality English teachers. It also means that we will be sending you forward to our partner schools, arranging a work visa on your behalf, and providing you with an enormous amount of additional job searching support. Similar companies in Europe charge hundreds, or even thousands of dollars for services like ours. We provide these services free of charge to teachers we firmly believe will have no problem finding work as an English Wizard and representing the English Wizards community.
Can I apply alongside a friend or partner?
Absolutely! Just specify in your application that you would like to teach in the same city. If you would like to share accommodation, you can let your Community Manager know this once you have been accepted.
I am currently traveling/working/studying abroad! Can I become a Wizard and start working without having to go home first?
Absolutely! We love seeing applications from future Wizards who have already made the jump into life overseas. However, if you are not an EU citizen, you may not be able to get a visa before you arrive, as it is not always possible to obtain a Polish visa in a third country. Instead, you will have to come to Poland without a visa and apply for a Residence Permit at the Immigration Office.
What are my odds of being accepted if I am not a native English speaker?
This depends on how fluently and clearly you can speak English. If your level of English is anything below perfectly fluent or if you have a non-native accent, we unfortunately cannot accept you as a Wizard. Poland, like the rest of Europe, has a very high level of English proficiency. There is no shortage of local teachers who can speak C1 English and have advanced degrees and loads of teaching experience. For us to be able to consider you, you must offer something that no Polish teacher can offer: a native understanding of the English language. If you can speak English with a native proficiency and a neutral accent, and can prove it in your interview, we will gladly accept you. However, you must still be prepared for a more competitive job hunt if English is not your first language, and the chances that we will be able to guarantee you a job before your arrival will be slimmer.
English is my first language, but I come from a non-English speaking country. What are my chances of being accepted?
If English is still your first language and you speak with a clear, standard accent, we will usually still be able to accept you as long as you meet our full requirements. For example, if you were born in Guatemala, hold Guatemalan citizenship, but moved to the U.S. at a very young age and speak English perfectly with an American accent, we will treat your will will view your application with the same merits as an American-born native speaker.
I have a TEFL certificate and a degree, but I've never taught English before. Am I eligible to apply?
If you are a Native Speaker and a qualified teacher, you are welcome to apply, and if we think you have what it takes to make a great Wizard, we can accept you into the program. However, if you have no teaching experience, the chances that we’ll be able to match you with potential jobs before you arrive is very slim, so you should be prepared for a more competitive job hunt upon arrival. We highly recommend that less experienced teachers first start with our Language Assistant program. You are free to begin hunting for full-time teaching work during your time as a Language Assistant.
I do not have a Bachelor's Degree. Am I still eligible?
Yes, assuming you meet the rest of our eligibility requirements. A Bachelor’s degree is not required to teach in Poland, although it is a plus. Wizards without a Bachelor’s degree who possess a TEFL and prior teaching experience usually have no issue finding jobs in Poland.
I do not have a TEFL Certificate. Can apply and get certified later?
Absolutely. We work with a TEFL certification program to provide our Wizards with a discounted TEFL course which you can take as you hunt for jobs. If you are new to teaching, we highly recommend you instead apply for our Language Assistant program, which will guarantee you part time work and accommodation as you complete your TEFL.
COSTS & VISAS
Is this really free? Where are the hidden costs?
Yes it is free, you have read everything correctly. At English Wizards we never have and never will charge a program fee for our Teach in Poland program, nor any other program that we run. While our job assistance and other services are free of charge, you will be responsible for your own travel and living expenses, including the costs associated with the visa and work permit if you require one. We do offer additional services for an extra cost, such as the assistance of our immigration agent in filing for your visa or residence permit. However, these services are completely optional and we will never pressure you into opting-in.
If it's really free how do you make money?
English Wizards is a community of Native English Teachers that provide teaching services to schools, businesses, and other clients all over Poland. We also offer the schools that we work with a huge variety of other services in addition to top-quality teachers like yourself, such as outsourced payroll and tax compliance. Just like how the schools pay teachers for their teaching, schools pay us for our services.
Do I need a visa?
If you are a citizen of an EU or EEA country, the answer is no. You can work freely in Poland without a visa. But if you are not an EU or EEA national, you must have a work visa to work in Poland. Our team is very experienced with this process and will help you obtain one.
How does the visa process work?
It’s a bit complicated, that’s why our legal team does the dirty work! But in a nutshell: There are two steps to obtaining a Polish work visa. First, the company you’ll be working for (us) applies for a work permit through the local labor office. Next, you take the work permit, your passport, and a few other documents to the nearest Polish consulate or embassy and receive a work visa. Alternatively, you can travel to Poland and submit the documents at a local Immigration Office and obtain a Residence Permit.
What documents are required for the visa?
The Polish government requires you to submit the following documents to receive a work visa:
• The completed Visa Application Form
• Your approved work permit (we’ll send this to you)
• Your passport and a copy of the main page
• Proof of medical insurance (if you already have insurance, this may suffice. Otherwise we can help you obtain Polish insurance)
• Proof of accommodation in Poland (we can help you arrange this)
• Your flight reservation to Poland (not applicable if applying within Poland)
• Fee payment
How much does it cost to obtain a visa?
The cost of obtaining a Polish work permit is 500PLN (about €115). This must be paid to us, as we will be taking care of the entire work permit process, including fee payments. If you are applying outside of Poland, you must also pay the consulate fee, which varies from country to country. For example, in the U.S. it is 72 USD and in New Zealand it is 102 NZD. If you are applying within Poland, you must instead pay the Residence Permit fee of 490PLN.
Am I eligible for a Polish work visa?
In a nutshell, yes. If you meet our eligibility requirements of our Teach in Poland program and you are accepted, yes you qualify for a Polish work visa. The only possible situation where there may be complications is if you have a criminal record or any mental or physical health issues. If this applies to you, please indicate so in your application.
I am from the UK. How will Brexit affect my eligibility to work in Poland without needing a visa?
As of now, you can still freely live and work in Poland without a visa, but unfortunately nobody can say for sure about the future. However, the Polish government has vowed to allow UK citizens to remain in Poland without any additional red tape in the event of a “no deal” Brexit. Essentially, you should be fine unless something goes horribly wrong. And even if it does, we’re ready to make sure you’ll find a way to stay here!
Will the visa be tied to my job? How can I legally do private tutoring or work part-time at multiple schools?
Polish work visas are always tied to the employer that arranged the work permit. Traditionally, non-EU English teachers are caught in a trap since it isn’t legal to work at more than one school. Being part of the English Wizards community means that you’ll have a work-around to this frustrating limitation, as your work permit will be with English Wizards, and not any particular school. You are free to teach English anywhere you’d like, and we provide outsourced payroll services to schools which allow them to pay you legally under your work visa. For private tutoring, we offer a simple (and 100% legal) system of invoicing your private students and including the pay in your monthly pay check. Keep in mind that your work permit only allows you to work as an English teacher, so getting paid for any work that isn’t English teaching is not legal. If you would like to “branch out” and find other work, let us know as we may be able to modify your work permit accordingly.
LIVING & SUPPORT
Where will I live?
In an apartment of course! Your Community Manager can assist you in finding a good deal on an apartment before you arrive. If you’d prefer to split the rent, he or she can also help put you in touch with like-minded flatmates (most often fellow Wizards). The cost of rent in Poland ranges from less than €200 for a shared apartment on the outskirts of a city, to over a bit over €300 a month for a private apartment near the center. Most Wizards choose to live somewhere close to the center of the city in order to be right in the center of the action, but many choose to save on rent by living further out. Public transportation in Poland is excellent so no matter where you live, commuting won’t be an issue.
How will I get to work and get around?
Just like the locals, of course! Navigating Polish cities is very easy, as all have well developed and reliable public transportation systems, with buses, trams, and in the case of Warsaw, a metro. Cities offer transit passes for around €20-30 per month depending on the city. Your Program Director can show you how to obtain one of these. Some Wizards who choose to live near the city center are lucky enough to live within walking distance of their jobs.
Will it be hard to have a social life in Poland?
Not at all! You will quickly get to meet the other Wizards working in your city through our Facebook group and regular social events. All cities in Poland where we have Wizards working in are very cosmopolitan and have vibrant expat scenes. 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, which are a perfect opportunity to mingle with locals, expats, and fellow Wizards.
How does pay work?
You will get paid by the hour, and will be paid monthly via bank transfer. The rate of pay will depend on whaat job you are able to land, and you are completely free to negotiate your own pay rate with your employer. English Wizards does not mediate such negotiations, however can offer you advice on what rate(s) can be expected from which schools.
What kind of support will I receive before departing to Europe?
As soon as we approve you into the English Wizards community, we will begin putting you forward to job opportunities with our partner schools, and many Wizards have the opportunity to interview over Skype with schools before arriving.
Your Community Manager will also be in touch with you as soon as your placement has been confirmed. He or she can offer you additional assistance with the job hunt in case you’d like to start applying for jobs on your own before you touch down. He or she can also help you arrange accommodation so you know you’ll have somewhere to stay as soon as you arrive.
What kind of support will I receive while I am in Poland?
From the moment you get off the plane, your Community Manager will never be more than a quick call or text message away. He or she will give you an introduction to the city and assist you in opening a bank account, getting a phone plan, using the public transit, and much much more. Most Community Managers also organize social events to give Wizards the opportunity to meet each other and socialize with locals. Remember we choose our Community Managers very carefully – they are fun loving people just like you, not boring office administrators.
If you have not yet found a job, or would like additional work, our team will happily assist you in finding work and navigating the teaching job market. You will have access to potential jobs through our network, and your Community Manager can assist you in “Polish-ing up” your CV and utilizing the best resources to hunt for teaching jobs.
In the rare event that you require assistance beyond the capabilities of your Community Manager, our main office is also never more than a quick phone call or email away.
What kind of hours will I be teaching?
The exact nature of the hours is between you and the school or business. Typically, teachers at public and private schools will work regular school hours, teachers at language centers will work weekday afternoons and evenings and occasional Saturday mornings, and business English teachers will work weekday mornings and early afternoons. Teaching “full time” for an English teacher in Europe generally means teaching 20-30 hours a week, and very few teachers work more than that. It is very common for schools to offer new teachers only part time hours, often between 5 and 15 hours per week, until they have proven themselves as a good fit for their classroom. As such, you should be ready to only work part-time (or juggle multiple part-time jobs) during their first few months before filling up your schedule.
I hate my job! Can I quit and find another?
What goes on at your workplace is between you and the school management, however if you begin teaching at a particular school, in almost every case you are contractually bound to finish the semester before quitting. We uphold this through our contracts as well, and will not simply allow you to take new work through English Wizards after “walking out.”
However, we do hold every school that we work with to a very high standard in how we expect them to treat and manage our teachers. If you feel as if you are being mistreated by the school’s management, please let us know immediately and we will attempt to resolve the issue. If the unlikely event that this fails, we can terminate our contract with the school and you are free to find work elsewhere.
How long can I stay for? Is it possible to extend my stay if my visa is expiring?
We have no limit to how long you can stay with us in Poland providing that your teaching work is continuously superb. A visa is by default valid for one year, and a residence permit is valid for 3 years. Extending the length of your legal stay simply requires applying for an updated visa or residence permit, which is usually far easier than applying for the first one.
How do taxes work?
In Poland, personal income taxes are paid by the employer and not the individual. That is, the school will pay income taxes and social security payments on your behalf as part of your “brutto” salary. The salary the school offers will almost always be the “netto” rate – that is, what you get in your hand. There are no further taxes on this income, and you can see and spend every last penny of your “netto” salary. You will never have to file taxes. We offer all of our Wizards a handy cheat sheet explaining the difference between “netto” and “brutto” rates in Poland in order to make negociating your salary a breeze.
APPLYING & ELIGIBILITY
Can I work anywhere in Poland, or am I limited to certain cities?
You are welcome to apply for jobs and through our program anywhere in Poland. However, our network of schools where we may be able to offer you direct placements is currently limited to the cities we operate in: Krakow, Warsaw, Gdansk, Wroclaw, Poznan, and Katowice. We are also only able to provide the “on site” aspects of our community based support in these cities. Warsaw has by far the highest demand for English teachers, followed by Krakow, so choosing either of these cities will make the job hunt much easier.
Am I free to arrive in Poland at anytime, or does the program have specific start dates?
Our program does not have any specific start dates, and you are free to arrive (or leave) as you please. We only ask that you arrive at least 5 days before you plan to begin teaching, and do not leave in the middle of a teaching semester for obvious reasons. However, the biggest hiring seasons for English teachers in Poland is between September and mid October, and again between January and mid February. We highly recommend that you schedule your arrival for one of these hiring seasons to give yourself the biggest window of opportunity to find work.
Why am I not guaranteed a job before I arrive?
We are a teaching community, not a recruitment agency or a language school. As such, it is not possible for us to guarantee a job for any of our Wizards. Schools in Poland do their own hiring, so no matter what you will still have to interview and get hired by a school before you start teaching. If you would prefer to come to Poland with a guaranteed job, you can apply for our Language Assistant program.
What are the chances that you'll be able to find me a teaching job before I arrive?
While we try our best to match all approved Wizards with jobs before their arrival, this is not always possible as many schools in Poland will only hire face-to-face. On average, about half of our inbound Wizards are able to secure work through our network before arriving, and another chunk arrive with interviews or trial classes already setup. The overwhelming majority of the remaining Wizards are able to find work within their first month in Poland.
I'm pretty flexible about when I start and I'd prefer not to come to Poland before I have a job offer. Can I simply wait until I receive a job offer before I come?
Theoretically yes, but realistically, this is not something to rely on unless you are extremely qualified and/or willing to do a bit of your own job hunting in advance. While we do put forward Wizards to our partner schools before they arrive, for obvious reasons we do prioritize Wizards who are already here, and then Wizards who have already confirmed their arrival date. Furthermore, many schools are reluctant to consider applicants who are not already here or planning to be here by a certain date. If you are not capable of doing your own job hunting before and after arriving in Europe, this is not the program for you. Feel free to apply to our Language Assistant program if you’d feel more comfortable having a guaranteed job before embarking on your travels.
Will joining the English Wizards community make it easier to find a job?
Absolutely. Teaching jobs in Poland, like the rest of Europe, are rarely advertised overseas, and most schools will expect you to already be in the country before making the call to hire you. Our network of schools provides a “back door” to interview in advance to teaching jobs that would not otherwise be advertised or available to you. Additionally, for non-EU citizens, our program provides a solution to the “chicken and egg” catch common in Poland and other EU countries: You can’t get a job until you’re legal to work, but you can’t be legal to work until you have a job. As an English Wizard, you will have a work visa allowing you to legally teach English in Poland, so you can tell schools that you are already legal to work and they can hire you without any additional procedures. Finally, being part of the English Wizards community means that you are part of Poland’s largest community of native English teachers In addition to support you’ll receive from our community managers and your fellow Wizards, this translates to the #1 job hunting resource: word of mouth.
If being accepted doesn't guarantee me a job, why is your criteria so high?
Being accepted as a Wizard means that you are part of our community. As a teaching community, we pride ourselves on being made up of 100% top quality English teachers. It also means that we will be sending you forward to our partner schools, arranging a work visa on your behalf, and providing you with an enormous amount of additional job searching support. Similar companies in Europe charge hundreds, or even thousands of dollars for services like ours. We provide these services free of charge to teachers we firmly believe will have no problem finding work as an English Wizard and representing the English Wizards community.
Can I apply alongside a friend or partner?
Absolutely! Just specify in your application that you would like to teach in the same city. If you would like to share accommodation, you can let your Community Manager know this once you have been accepted.
I am currently traveling/working/studying abroad! Can I become a Wizard and start working without having to go home first?
Absolutely! We love seeing applications from future Wizards who have already made the jump into life overseas. However, if you are not an EU citizen, you may not be able to get a visa before you arrive, as it is not always possible to obtain a Polish visa in a third country. Instead, you will have to come to Poland without a visa and apply for a Residence Permit at the Immigration Office.
What are my odds of being accepted if I am not a native English speaker?
This depends on how fluently and clearly you can speak English. If your level of English is anything below perfectly fluent or if you have a non-native accent, we unfortunately cannot accept you as a Wizard. Poland, like the rest of Europe, has a very high level of English proficiency. There is no shortage of local teachers who can speak C1 English and have advanced degrees and loads of teaching experience. For us to be able to consider you, you must offer something that no Polish teacher can offer: a native understanding of the English language. If you can speak English with a native proficiency and a neutral accent, and can prove it in your interview, we will gladly accept you. However, you must still be prepared for a more competitive job hunt if English is not your first language, and the chances that we will be able to guarantee you a job before your arrival will be slimmer.
English is my first language, but I come from a non-English speaking country. What are my chances of being accepted?
If English is still your first language and you speak with a clear, standard accent, we will usually still be able to accept you as long as you meet our full requirements. For example, if you were born in Guatemala, hold Guatemalan citizenship, but moved to the U.S. at a very young age and speak English perfectly with an American accent, we will treat your will will view your application with the same merits as an American-born native speaker.
I have a TEFL certificate and a degree, but I've never taught English before. Am I eligible to apply?
If you are a Native Speaker and a qualified teacher, you are welcome to apply, and if we think you have what it takes to make a great Wizard, we can accept you into the program. However, if you have no teaching experience, the chances that we’ll be able to match you with potential jobs before you arrive is very slim, so you should be prepared for a more competitive job hunt upon arrival. We highly recommend that less experienced teachers first start with our Language Assistant program. You are free to begin hunting for full-time teaching work during your time as a Language Assistant.
I do not have a Bachelor's Degree. Am I still eligible?
Yes, assuming you meet the rest of our eligibility requirements. A Bachelor’s degree is not required to teach in Poland, although it is a plus. Wizards without a Bachelor’s degree who possess a TEFL and prior teaching experience usually have no issue finding jobs in Poland.
I do not have a TEFL Certificate. Can apply and get certified later?
Absolutely. We work with a TEFL certification program to provide our Wizards with a discounted TEFL course which you can take as you hunt for jobs. If you are new to teaching, we highly recommend you instead apply for our Language Assistant program, which will guarantee you part time work and accommodation as you complete your TEFL.
COSTS & VISAS
Is this really free? Where are the hidden costs?
Yes it is free, you have read everything correctly. At English Wizards we never have and never will charge a program fee for our Teach in Poland program, nor any other program that we run. While our job assistance and other services are free of charge, you will be responsible for your own travel and living expenses, including the costs associated with the visa and work permit if you require one. We do offer additional services for an extra cost, such as the assistance of our immigration agent in filing for your visa or residence permit. However, these services are completely optional and we will never pressure you into opting-in.
If it's really free how do you make money?
English Wizards is a community of Native English Teachers that provide teaching services to schools, businesses, and other clients all over Poland. We also offer the schools that we work with a huge variety of other services in addition to top-quality teachers like yourself, such as outsourced payroll and tax compliance. Just like how the schools pay teachers for their teaching, schools pay us for our services.
Do I need a visa?
If you are a citizen of an EU or EEA country, the answer is no. You can work freely in Poland without a visa. But if you are not an EU or EEA national, you must have a work visa to work in Poland. Our team is very experienced with this process and will help you obtain one.
How does the visa process work?
It’s a bit complicated, that’s why our legal team does the dirty work! But in a nutshell: There are two steps to obtaining a Polish work visa. First, the company you’ll be working for (us) applies for a work permit through the local labor office. Next, you take the work permit, your passport, and a few other documents to the nearest Polish consulate or embassy and receive a work visa. Alternatively, you can travel to Poland and submit the documents at a local Immigration Office and obtain a Residence Permit.
What documents are required for the visa?
The Polish government requires you to submit the following documents to receive a work visa:
• The completed Visa Application Form
• Your approved work permit (we’ll send this to you)
• Your passport and a copy of the main page
• Proof of medical insurance (if you already have insurance, this may suffice. Otherwise we can help you obtain Polish insurance)
• Proof of accommodation in Poland (we can help you arrange this)
• Your flight reservation to Poland (not applicable if applying within Poland)
• Fee payment
How much does it cost to obtain a visa?
The cost of obtaining a Polish work permit is 500PLN (about €115). This must be paid to us, as we will be taking care of the entire work permit process, including fee payments. If you are applying outside of Poland, you must also pay the consulate fee, which varies from country to country. For example, in the U.S. it is 72 USD and in New Zealand it is 102 NZD. If you are applying within Poland, you must instead pay the Residence Permit fee of 490PLN.
Am I eligible for a Polish work visa?
In a nutshell, yes. If you meet our eligibility requirements of our Teach in Poland program and you are accepted, yes you qualify for a Polish work visa. The only possible situation where there may be complications is if you have a criminal record or any mental or physical health issues. If this applies to you, please indicate so in your application.
I am from the UK. How will Brexit affect my eligibility to work in Poland without needing a visa?
As of now, you can still freely live and work in Poland without a visa, but unfortunately nobody can say for sure about the future. However, the Polish government has vowed to allow UK citizens to remain in Poland without any additional red tape in the event of a “no deal” Brexit. Essentially, you should be fine unless something goes horribly wrong. And even if it does, we’re ready to make sure you’ll find a way to stay here!
Will the visa be tied to my job? How can I legally do private tutoring or work part-time at multiple schools?
Polish work visas are always tied to the employer that arranged the work permit. Traditionally, non-EU English teachers are caught in a trap since it isn’t legal to work at more than one school. Being part of the English Wizards community means that you’ll have a work-around to this frustrating limitation, as your work permit will be with English Wizards, and not any particular school. You are free to teach English anywhere you’d like, and we provide outsourced payroll services to schools which allow them to pay you legally under your work visa. For private tutoring, we offer a simple (and 100% legal) system of invoicing your private students and including the pay in your monthly pay check. Keep in mind that your work permit only allows you to work as an English teacher, so getting paid for any work that isn’t English teaching is not legal. If you would like to “branch out” and find other work, let us know as we may be able to modify your work permit accordingly.
LIVING & SUPPORT
Where will I live?
In an apartment of course! Your Community Manager can assist you in finding a good deal on an apartment before you arrive. If you’d prefer to split the rent, he or she can also help put you in touch with like-minded flatmates (most often fellow Wizards). The cost of rent in Poland ranges from less than €200 for a shared apartment on the outskirts of a city, to over a bit over €300 a month for a private apartment near the center. Most Wizards choose to live somewhere close to the center of the city in order to be right in the center of the action, but many choose to save on rent by living further out. Public transportation in Poland is excellent so no matter where you live, commuting won’t be an issue.
How will I get to work and get around?
Just like the locals, of course! Navigating Polish cities is very easy, as all have well developed and reliable public transportation systems, with buses, trams, and in the case of Warsaw, a metro. Cities offer transit passes for around €20-30 per month depending on the city. Your Program Director can show you how to obtain one of these. Some Wizards who choose to live near the city center are lucky enough to live within walking distance of their jobs.
Will it be hard to have a social life in Poland?
Not at all! You will quickly get to meet the other Wizards working in your city through our Facebook group and regular social events. All cities in Poland where we have Wizards working in are very cosmopolitan and have vibrant expat scenes. 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, which are a perfect opportunity to mingle with locals, expats, and fellow Wizards.
How does pay work?
You will get paid by the hour, and will be paid monthly via bank transfer. The rate of pay will depend on whaat job you are able to land, and you are completely free to negotiate your own pay rate with your employer. English Wizards does not mediate such negotiations, however can offer you advice on what rate(s) can be expected from which schools.
What kind of support will I receive before departing to Europe?
As soon as we approve you into the English Wizards community, we will begin putting you forward to job opportunities with our partner schools, and many Wizards have the opportunity to interview over Skype with schools before arriving.
Your Community Manager will also be in touch with you as soon as your placement has been confirmed. He or she can offer you additional assistance with the job hunt in case you’d like to start applying for jobs on your own before you touch down. He or she can also help you arrange accommodation so you know you’ll have somewhere to stay as soon as you arrive.
What kind of support will I receive while I am in Poland?
From the moment you get off the plane, your Community Manager will never be more than a quick call or text message away. He or she will give you an introduction to the city and assist you in opening a bank account, getting a phone plan, using the public transit, and much much more. Most Community Managers also organize social events to give Wizards the opportunity to meet each other and socialize with locals. Remember we choose our Community Managers very carefully – they are fun loving people just like you, not boring office administrators.
If you have not yet found a job, or would like additional work, our team will happily assist you in finding work and navigating the teaching job market. You will have access to potential jobs through our network, and your Community Manager can assist you in “Polish-ing up” your CV and utilizing the best resources to hunt for teaching jobs.
In the rare event that you require assistance beyond the capabilities of your Community Manager, our main office is also never more than a quick phone call or email away.
What kind of hours will I be teaching?
The exact nature of the hours is between you and the school or business. Typically, teachers at public and private schools will work regular school hours, teachers at language centers will work weekday afternoons and evenings and occasional Saturday mornings, and business English teachers will work weekday mornings and early afternoons. Teaching “full time” for an English teacher in Europe generally means teaching 20-30 hours a week, and very few teachers work more than that. It is very common for schools to offer new teachers only part time hours, often between 5 and 15 hours per week, until they have proven themselves as a good fit for their classroom. As such, you should be ready to only work part-time (or juggle multiple part-time jobs) during their first few months before filling up your schedule.
I hate my job! Can I quit and find another?
What goes on at your workplace is between you and the school management, however if you begin teaching at a particular school, in almost every case you are contractually bound to finish the semester before quitting. We uphold this through our contracts as well, and will not simply allow you to take new work through English Wizards after “walking out.”
However, we do hold every school that we work with to a very high standard in how we expect them to treat and manage our teachers. If you feel as if you are being mistreated by the school’s management, please let us know immediately and we will attempt to resolve the issue. If the unlikely event that this fails, we can terminate our contract with the school and you are free to find work elsewhere.
How long can I stay for? Is it possible to extend my stay if my visa is expiring?
We have no limit to how long you can stay with us in Poland providing that your teaching work is continuously superb. A visa is by default valid for one year, and a residence permit is valid for 3 years. Extending the length of your legal stay simply requires applying for an updated visa or residence permit, which is usually far easier than applying for the first one.
How do taxes work?
In Poland, personal income taxes are paid by the employer and not the individual. That is, the school will pay income taxes and social security payments on your behalf as part of your “brutto” salary. The salary the school offers will almost always be the “netto” rate – that is, what you get in your hand. There are no further taxes on this income, and you can see and spend every last penny of your “netto” salary. You will never have to file taxes. We offer all of our Wizards a handy cheat sheet explaining the difference between “netto” and “brutto” rates in Poland in order to make negociating your salary a breeze.
APPLYING & ELIGIBILITY
Can I work anywhere in Poland, or am I limited to certain cities?
You are welcome to apply for jobs and through our program anywhere in Poland. However, our network of schools where we may be able to offer you direct placements is currently limited to the cities we operate in: Krakow, Warsaw, Gdansk, Wroclaw, Poznan, and Katowice. We are also only able to provide the “on site” aspects of our community based support in these cities. Warsaw has by far the highest demand for English teachers, followed by Krakow, so choosing either of these cities will make the job hunt much easier.
Am I free to arrive in Poland at anytime, or does the program have specific start dates?
Our program does not have any specific start dates, and you are free to arrive (or leave) as you please. We only ask that you arrive at least 5 days before you plan to begin teaching, and do not leave in the middle of a teaching semester for obvious reasons. However, the biggest hiring seasons for English teachers in Poland is between September and mid October, and again between January and mid February. We highly recommend that you schedule your arrival for one of these hiring seasons to give yourself the biggest window of opportunity to find work.
Why am I not guaranteed a job before I arrive?
We are a teaching community, not a recruitment agency or a language school. As such, it is not possible for us to guarantee a job for any of our Wizards. Schools in Poland do their own hiring, so no matter what you will still have to interview and get hired by a school before you start teaching. If you would prefer to come to Poland with a guaranteed job, you can apply for our Language Assistant program.
What are the chances that you'll be able to find me a teaching job before I arrive?
While we try our best to match all approved Wizards with jobs before their arrival, this is not always possible as many schools in Poland will only hire face-to-face. On average, about half of our inbound Wizards are able to secure work through our network before arriving, and another chunk arrive with interviews or trial classes already setup. The overwhelming majority of the remaining Wizards are able to find work within their first month in Poland.
I'm pretty flexible about when I start and I'd prefer not to come to Poland before I have a job offer. Can I simply wait until I receive a job offer before I come?
Theoretically yes, but realistically, this is not something to rely on unless you are extremely qualified and/or willing to do a bit of your own job hunting in advance. While we do put forward Wizards to our partner schools before they arrive, for obvious reasons we do prioritize Wizards who are already here, and then Wizards who have already confirmed their arrival date. Furthermore, many schools are reluctant to consider applicants who are not already here or planning to be here by a certain date. If you are not capable of doing your own job hunting before and after arriving in Europe, this is not the program for you. Feel free to apply to our Language Assistant program if you’d feel more comfortable having a guaranteed job before embarking on your travels.
Will joining the English Wizards community make it easier to find a job?
Absolutely. Teaching jobs in Poland, like the rest of Europe, are rarely advertised overseas, and most schools will expect you to already be in the country before making the call to hire you. Our network of schools provides a “back door” to interview in advance to teaching jobs that would not otherwise be advertised or available to you. Additionally, for non-EU citizens, our program provides a solution to the “chicken and egg” catch common in Poland and other EU countries: You can’t get a job until you’re legal to work, but you can’t be legal to work until you have a job. As an English Wizard, you will have a work visa allowing you to legally teach English in Poland, so you can tell schools that you are already legal to work and they can hire you without any additional procedures. Finally, being part of the English Wizards community means that you are part of Poland’s largest community of native English teachers In addition to support you’ll receive from our community managers and your fellow Wizards, this translates to the #1 job hunting resource: word of mouth.
If being accepted doesn't guarantee me a job, why is your criteria so high?
Being accepted as a Wizard means that you are part of our community. As a teaching community, we pride ourselves on being made up of 100% top quality English teachers. It also means that we will be sending you forward to our partner schools, arranging a work visa on your behalf, and providing you with an enormous amount of additional job searching support. Similar companies in Europe charge hundreds, or even thousands of dollars for services like ours. We provide these services free of charge to teachers we firmly believe will have no problem finding work as an English Wizard and representing the English Wizards community.
Can I apply alongside a friend or partner?
Absolutely! Just specify in your application that you would like to teach in the same city. If you would like to share accommodation, you can let your Community Manager know this once you have been accepted.
I am currently traveling/working/studying abroad! Can I become a Wizard and start working without having to go home first?
Absolutely! We love seeing applications from future Wizards who have already made the jump into life overseas. However, if you are not an EU citizen, you may not be able to get a visa before you arrive, as it is not always possible to obtain a Polish visa in a third country. Instead, you will have to come to Poland without a visa and apply for a Residence Permit at the Immigration Office.
What are my odds of being accepted if I am not a native English speaker?
This depends on how fluently and clearly you can speak English. If your level of English is anything below perfectly fluent or if you have a non-native accent, we unfortunately cannot accept you as a Wizard. Poland, like the rest of Europe, has a very high level of English proficiency. There is no shortage of local teachers who can speak C1 English and have advanced degrees and loads of teaching experience. For us to be able to consider you, you must offer something that no Polish teacher can offer: a native understanding of the English language. If you can speak English with a native proficiency and a neutral accent, and can prove it in your interview, we will gladly accept you. However, you must still be prepared for a more competitive job hunt if English is not your first language, and the chances that we will be able to guarantee you a job before your arrival will be slimmer.
English is my first language, but I come from a non-English speaking country. What are my chances of being accepted?
If English is still your first language and you speak with a clear, standard accent, we will usually still be able to accept you as long as you meet our full requirements. For example, if you were born in Guatemala, hold Guatemalan citizenship, but moved to the U.S. at a very young age and speak English perfectly with an American accent, we will treat your will will view your application with the same merits as an American-born native speaker.
I have a TEFL certificate and a degree, but I've never taught English before. Am I eligible to apply?
If you are a Native Speaker and a qualified teacher, you are welcome to apply, and if we think you have what it takes to make a great Wizard, we can accept you into the program. However, if you have no teaching experience, the chances that we’ll be able to match you with potential jobs before you arrive is very slim, so you should be prepared for a more competitive job hunt upon arrival. We highly recommend that less experienced teachers first start with our Language Assistant program. You are free to begin hunting for full-time teaching work during your time as a Language Assistant.
I do not have a Bachelor's Degree. Am I still eligible?
Yes, assuming you meet the rest of our eligibility requirements. A Bachelor’s degree is not required to teach in Poland, although it is a plus. Wizards without a Bachelor’s degree who possess a TEFL and prior teaching experience usually have no issue finding jobs in Poland.
I do not have a TEFL Certificate. Can apply and get certified later?
Absolutely. We work with a TEFL certification program to provide our Wizards with a discounted TEFL course which you can take as you hunt for jobs. If you are new to teaching, we highly recommend you instead apply for our Language Assistant program, which will guarantee you part time work and accommodation as you complete your TEFL.
COSTS & VISAS
Is this really free? Where are the hidden costs?
Yes it is free, you have read everything correctly. At English Wizards we never have and never will charge a program fee for our Teach in Poland program, nor any other program that we run. While our job assistance and other services are free of charge, you will be responsible for your own travel and living expenses, including the costs associated with the visa and work permit if you require one. We do offer additional services for an extra cost, such as the assistance of our immigration agent in filing for your visa or residence permit. However, these services are completely optional and we will never pressure you into opting-in.
If it's really free how do you make money?
English Wizards is a community of Native English Teachers that provide teaching services to schools, businesses, and other clients all over Poland. We also offer the schools that we work with a huge variety of other services in addition to top-quality teachers like yourself, such as outsourced payroll and tax compliance. Just like how the schools pay teachers for their teaching, schools pay us for our services.
Do I need a visa?
If you are a citizen of an EU or EEA country, the answer is no. You can work freely in Poland without a visa. But if you are not an EU or EEA national, you must have a work visa to work in Poland. Our team is very experienced with this process and will help you obtain one.
How does the visa process work?
It’s a bit complicated, that’s why our legal team does the dirty work! But in a nutshell: There are two steps to obtaining a Polish work visa. First, the company you’ll be working for (us) applies for a work permit through the local labor office. Next, you take the work permit, your passport, and a few other documents to the nearest Polish consulate or embassy and receive a work visa. Alternatively, you can travel to Poland and submit the documents at a local Immigration Office and obtain a Residence Permit.
What documents are required for the visa?
The Polish government requires you to submit the following documents to receive a work visa:
• The completed Visa Application Form
• Your approved work permit (we’ll send this to you)
• Your passport and a copy of the main page
• Proof of medical insurance (if you already have insurance, this may suffice. Otherwise we can help you obtain Polish insurance)
• Proof of accommodation in Poland (we can help you arrange this)
• Your flight reservation to Poland (not applicable if applying within Poland)
• Fee payment
How much does it cost to obtain a visa?
The cost of obtaining a Polish work permit is 500PLN (about €115). This must be paid to us, as we will be taking care of the entire work permit process, including fee payments. If you are applying outside of Poland, you must also pay the consulate fee, which varies from country to country. For example, in the U.S. it is 72 USD and in New Zealand it is 102 NZD. If you are applying within Poland, you must instead pay the Residence Permit fee of 490PLN.
Am I eligible for a Polish work visa?
In a nutshell, yes. If you meet our eligibility requirements of our Teach in Poland program and you are accepted, yes you qualify for a Polish work visa. The only possible situation where there may be complications is if you have a criminal record or any mental or physical health issues. If this applies to you, please indicate so in your application.
I am from the UK. How will Brexit affect my eligibility to work in Poland without needing a visa?
As of now, you can still freely live and work in Poland without a visa, but unfortunately nobody can say for sure about the future. However, the Polish government has vowed to allow UK citizens to remain in Poland without any additional red tape in the event of a “no deal” Brexit. Essentially, you should be fine unless something goes horribly wrong. And even if it does, we’re ready to make sure you’ll find a way to stay here!
Will the visa be tied to my job? How can I legally do private tutoring or work part-time at multiple schools?
Polish work visas are always tied to the employer that arranged the work permit. Traditionally, non-EU English teachers are caught in a trap since it isn’t legal to work at more than one school. Being part of the English Wizards community means that you’ll have a work-around to this frustrating limitation, as your work permit will be with English Wizards, and not any particular school. You are free to teach English anywhere you’d like, and we provide outsourced payroll services to schools which allow them to pay you legally under your work visa. For private tutoring, we offer a simple (and 100% legal) system of invoicing your private students and including the pay in your monthly pay check. Keep in mind that your work permit only allows you to work as an English teacher, so getting paid for any work that isn’t English teaching is not legal. If you would like to “branch out” and find other work, let us know as we may be able to modify your work permit accordingly.
LIVING & SUPPORT
Where will I live?
In an apartment of course! Your Community Manager can assist you in finding a good deal on an apartment before you arrive. If you’d prefer to split the rent, he or she can also help put you in touch with like-minded flatmates (most often fellow Wizards). The cost of rent in Poland ranges from less than €200 for a shared apartment on the outskirts of a city, to over a bit over €300 a month for a private apartment near the center. Most Wizards choose to live somewhere close to the center of the city in order to be right in the center of the action, but many choose to save on rent by living further out. Public transportation in Poland is excellent so no matter where you live, commuting won’t be an issue.
How will I get to work and get around?
Just like the locals, of course! Navigating Polish cities is very easy, as all have well developed and reliable public transportation systems, with buses, trams, and in the case of Warsaw, a metro. Cities offer transit passes for around €20-30 per month depending on the city. Your Program Director can show you how to obtain one of these. Some Wizards who choose to live near the city center are lucky enough to live within walking distance of their jobs.
Will it be hard to have a social life in Poland?
Not at all! You will quickly get to meet the other Wizards working in your city through our Facebook group and regular social events. All cities in Poland where we have Wizards working in are very cosmopolitan and have vibrant expat scenes. 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, which are a perfect opportunity to mingle with locals, expats, and fellow Wizards.
How does pay work?
You will get paid by the hour, and will be paid monthly via bank transfer. The rate of pay will depend on whaat job you are able to land, and you are completely free to negotiate your own pay rate with your employer. English Wizards does not mediate such negotiations, however can offer you advice on what rate(s) can be expected from which schools.
What kind of support will I receive before departing to Europe?
As soon as we approve you into the English Wizards community, we will begin putting you forward to job opportunities with our partner schools, and many Wizards have the opportunity to interview over Skype with schools before arriving.
Your Community Manager will also be in touch with you as soon as your placement has been confirmed. He or she can offer you additional assistance with the job hunt in case you’d like to start applying for jobs on your own before you touch down. He or she can also help you arrange accommodation so you know you’ll have somewhere to stay as soon as you arrive.
What kind of support will I receive while I am in Poland?
From the moment you get off the plane, your Community Manager will never be more than a quick call or text message away. He or she will give you an introduction to the city and assist you in opening a bank account, getting a phone plan, using the public transit, and much much more. Most Community Managers also organize social events to give Wizards the opportunity to meet each other and socialize with locals. Remember we choose our Community Managers very carefully – they are fun loving people just like you, not boring office administrators.
If you have not yet found a job, or would like additional work, our team will happily assist you in finding work and navigating the teaching job market. You will have access to potential jobs through our network, and your Community Manager can assist you in “Polish-ing up” your CV and utilizing the best resources to hunt for teaching jobs.
In the rare event that you require assistance beyond the capabilities of your Community Manager, our main office is also never more than a quick phone call or email away.
What kind of hours will I be teaching?
The exact nature of the hours is between you and the school or business. Typically, teachers at public and private schools will work regular school hours, teachers at language centers will work weekday afternoons and evenings and occasional Saturday mornings, and business English teachers will work weekday mornings and early afternoons. Teaching “full time” for an English teacher in Europe generally means teaching 20-30 hours a week, and very few teachers work more than that. It is very common for schools to offer new teachers only part time hours, often between 5 and 15 hours per week, until they have proven themselves as a good fit for their classroom. As such, you should be ready to only work part-time (or juggle multiple part-time jobs) during their first few months before filling up your schedule.
I hate my job! Can I quit and find another?
What goes on at your workplace is between you and the school management, however if you begin teaching at a particular school, in almost every case you are contractually bound to finish the semester before quitting. We uphold this through our contracts as well, and will not simply allow you to take new work through English Wizards after “walking out.”
However, we do hold every school that we work with to a very high standard in how we expect them to treat and manage our teachers. If you feel as if you are being mistreated by the school’s management, please let us know immediately and we will attempt to resolve the issue. If the unlikely event that this fails, we can terminate our contract with the school and you are free to find work elsewhere.
How long can I stay for? Is it possible to extend my stay if my visa is expiring?
We have no limit to how long you can stay with us in Poland providing that your teaching work is continuously superb. A visa is by default valid for one year, and a residence permit is valid for 3 years. Extending the length of your legal stay simply requires applying for an updated visa or residence permit, which is usually far easier than applying for the first one.
How do taxes work?
In Poland, personal income taxes are paid by the employer and not the individual. That is, the school will pay income taxes and social security payments on your behalf as part of your “brutto” salary. The salary the school offers will almost always be the “netto” rate – that is, what you get in your hand. There are no further taxes on this income, and you can see and spend every last penny of your “netto” salary. You will never have to file taxes. We offer all of our Wizards a handy cheat sheet explaining the difference between “netto” and “brutto” rates in Poland in order to make negociating your salary a breeze.