Teach in Poland

Start Teaching in Poland with Guaranteed Job Placement in Central Europe!

Embarking on an English teaching journey in Poland is akin to wielding a multi-faceted skill set. Picture yourself guiding an array of eager learners: motivated young professionals carving their path, diligent teenagers striving for prestigious universities, and enthusiastic youngsters honing their English fluency. As an ESL maestro, crafting comprehensive lesson plans spanning diverse topics is your forte.

Poland, a haven for seasoned educators and fresh talents, unfurls a goldmine within the EU job landscape. Brace yourself for an unparalleled blend of thriving opportunities. But that’s not all—immerse yourself in a captivating environment that seamlessly merges the thrill of work and the bliss of life!

The Experience

You’ll kick off your journey landing in Krakow for a week-long Orientation filled with excitement! Meet your fellow Wizards and get the hang of life in Poland while having a blast. Krakow’s enchanting charm, as Poland’s hub of history and culture, will sweep you off your feet and make you adore your new home.

Right after our orientation, you’ll dive into teaching as an ESL teacher at a language center or school. We’ve teamed up with top-notch language centers, preschools, and primary schools across Poland to place our teachers for this special program.

The need for advanced English learning from native speakers has shot through the roof in Poland. More jobs, careers, and university programs demand a top-notch professional level of English.

Your students will be as diverse as the world of teaching itself. You might teach business pros, bubbly kids, spirited teens, or a mix of them all. Classes with younger ones will gear up for big exams like FCE and IELTS, while adult classes will focus on practical, real-life conversations. Preschoolers? It’s all about learning through playful adventures.

If you’re working with older students, they’ll likely have a good grip on English already. So, no “apple” lessons here; you’ll dive into intriguing topics like political debates, contract negotiations, and all the real-life English intricacies.

Your pay will match up with your local colleagues’, ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 PLN (about €1000 to €2200) per month. The average lands around 7,000 PLN. Your actual pay will be discussed directly with your school, factoring in your experience and qualifications.

The Support

Moving to a new country can feel isolating, especially when tackling visa hurdles and self-employment tasks. Not everyone's cut out for that! At BWBMart, we've got your back. We provide various support levels tailored for freelancers making the move to Europe.

€ 900

Registration as self-employed in Poland (jednosobowa działalność gospodarcza or equivalent)
Registration in Poland’s Registration in Poland’s social security (ZUS) and public healthcare system (NFZ) *
All documents necessary to obtain a visa (Type-D) or Temporary Residence Permit as a freelancer
Step-by-step guidance in obtaining the necessary visa or residence permit
Assistance completing the visa or residence permit application, gathering supporting paperwork, and in continuation of the process as necessary
A dedicated Community Manager to answer your questions before you arrive and after
Access to our massive community (200+ members strong) full of resources, support, and opportunities

€ 1695

All assistance support in the Basic Package, PLUS:
Assistance finding accommodation – we’ll make sure you find an apartment before you arrive!
Personal assistance finding work – you’ll work one-on-one with our professional career counsellors do up your CV, identify the best opportunities, and work you through the hiring process
Personal assistance opening a bank account, getting a phone plan, getting a PESEL (tax ID) number, and setting up home internet
Invitation to attend one of our fun-packed Orientation Weekends (held year-round)
Airport pickup

€ 2990

All assistance and support of the Support Package, PLUS:
Guaranteed job placement at one of our trusted partner schools (see note below)

Installment Plans Always Available!

We get it, sorting out finances during a move can get overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to ease the burden! You can opt to pay our program fees in monthly installments, completely customizable to suit your needs. 😊

Upon registration for the Support Package and Placement Package, a €900 deposit is necessary.

For those with EU citizenship or not requiring a visa or Residence Permit, there’s good news! You get a €100 discount on the Basic Package and Support Package.

Placement Package Offer

BWBMart joins forces with over 500 schools and language academies sprawled across 20 vibrant cities and towns in Poland for our Placement Package. These partners are handpicked, with most nurturing long-standing relationships with our program, welcoming countless joyful teachers. Each ensures a full-time commitment throughout the academic year, with a minimum salary of 5000 PLN (around €1200) pre-tax.

However, our commitment to delivering the Placement Package guarantee is subject to a few conditions:

Timely Arrival: You must be available to kickstart in Poland during one of our scheduled Orientation Weeks mentioned on our page.
Qualifications and Skills: Meeting the program’s specified qualifications and skills is crucial. We reserve the right to decline the package and issue a refund if requirements aren’t met.
Single Placement Guarantee: While you’re free to accept or decline an offer, we can only ensure one placement offer per teacher. Regrettably, we can’t guarantee a second offer if the first is turned down.
Preferences Acknowledged: Your preferences like desired cities, age groups, contract types, and start dates are considered but aren’t guaranteed.
Partner School’s Decision: Although we ensure placements for eligible teachers, securing a position is contingent on successful interviews and school hiring policies. Schools have the final say in teacher selection.

Rest assured, while we guarantee placement availability for qualified teachers, securing a position relies on successful interviews and the partner school’s hiring decision.

APPLY If YOU

Are a Native English Speaker

Or possess the same fluency as a native

Have Professional ESL Teaching Qualifications

CELTA, Trinity TESOL, or another TEFL certificate

Have Completed Secondary Education

High school, A-Levels, or your country’s equivalent

Are Extremely Outgoing and Sociable

Teaching English is a serious matter, and requires you to be a sociable person.

Are Capable of Working With Kids

Most language schools cater to all ages, including young kids (usually 7+). Is this okay with you?

Are Competent and Professional

Teaching is a professional job, not a “McJob.” As such, you’ll need to demonstrate the necessary professional and academic competance.

Why Poland

Poland is a gem, boasting medieval castles, enchanting town squares, breathtaking mountains, and serene lakes. Its cobblestone streets and vibrant culture, paired with a nightlife that rivals Western Europe, create an irresistible allure. And guess what? It’s pocket-friendly too!

But it’s not just about beauty; Poland stands tall as one of Europe’s most liveable countries. Modern infrastructure, safe streets, and a populace fluent in English make it an inviting haven.

When it comes to teaching, Poland’s job market is a powerhouse, rapidly expanding with a surge in language schools seeking skilled educators.

Be warned: Many come for a semester and end up making Poland their home for years. It’s that captivating!

Start Dates

FALL SPOTS STILL AVAVAILABLE

August 7th - 14th

January 8th - 15th

WHAT ARE THE COSTS

Poland is wonderfully budget-friendly for everyone. But let's keep it real and plan ahead for living expenses. No one likes unexpected surprises, right? So, here's a peek at the average costs of living in Poland:

Rent in Poland varies depending on where you live. In smaller cities, you can find a room in a shared flat or even a private studio for as low as €200 per month. However, if you’re in a big city like Warsaw, a private apartment will typically cost between €400 and €600 per month.

When you first arrive, it’s a good idea to budget between €150 and €550 for temporary accommodation in a hotel or hostel for a few weeks. This gives you time to explore potential apartments and participate in our Orientation Week.

Public transport in Poland is fantastic, making owning a car unnecessary. A monthly pass for public transport is approximately €25.

For your mobile phone, you can get a plan for less than €8 per month. Additionally, home internet plans start at around €15 per month.

To legally pursue either the freelance teaching or digital nomad pathways and reside and work in Poland, non-EU citizens need to fulfill the following requirements:

Type-D Visa: €60 – €80
Program Joining Fee: Starting from €495
Travel Insurance (mandatory for the visa): From €160
Translation of documents (required in some cases): Approximately €40

After covering your housing and commuting expenses, a sensible budget for living and enjoying life in Poland ranges from €300 to €800 per month, depending on how you typically spend your money.

In Poland, how much income tax you pay depends on your earnings and job type. If you’re an English teacher or in a creative job, you usually pay the lower tax rates, which is great news!

If you have to contribute to Poland’s social security and healthcare system, it costs between 300 and 850 PLN per month (around €70 to €200). But in return, you get access to healthcare and social services not only in Poland but in the whole European Union.

At BWBMart, we handle all the money stuff for our freelance teachers. We charge a monthly fee of 300 to 350 PLN (about €70), and this covers making and managing invoices, sorting out taxes, taking care of social security, and providing you with a dedicated community manager for support.

You can also use your own accountant if you want, but our fee is in line with what others charge in Poland.

If you’re working with us on an employment contract, the school takes care of the paperwork, and you don’t have to pay extra. However, keep in mind that the tax rate is higher for this type of contract, so your take-home pay might be a bit less.

Want To Come and Teach in Europe

Frequently Asked Questions

APPLYING & ELIGIBILITY

Certainly! There’s a widespread demand for English teachers throughout Poland, ensuring ample opportunities for employment. Whether you choose a bustling metropolis like Warsaw or a smaller town, you should easily find teaching positions.

For those who have selected the Placement Package, it’s essential to note that while we consider your preferences, we cannot guarantee that everyone will be placed in their first-choice cities.

Our Orientation Program is held in Krakow, but our partnerships with schools extend across the country, so it’s probable that you’ll be teaching in a different city.

Should you need to travel to and from Krakow to attend the Orientation Program, rest assured that we will cover the associated costs.

Certainly! All the language centers we collaborate with for this program prefer to have direct conversations with our teachers. Most interviews are conducted through platforms like Skype or Zoom in the months leading up to the start of the semester. Additionally, you might be requested to conduct a trial class at the school upon your arrival.

In the rare circumstance that you are not offered a job, your Community Manager will persist in working with you to identify a suitable school through our extensive network.

While schools ultimately have the authority to make the final decision on hiring, the schools we collaborate with place trust in our program to deliver high-quality teachers. Our Community Managers and program directors boast extensive experience in the Polish ESL job market, understanding the nuances needed to successfully navigate interviews with our partner schools and language centers. To align with expected job openings, we limit the number of teachers we accept.

It’s crucial to highlight that the job guarantee associated with the Placement Package is applicable only to teachers meeting our program requirements, as outlined on this page. We retain the right to decline offering this package and providing a refund if, at any point, we determine that you do not meet the specified requirements.

Regrettably, working at public schools in Poland presents significant challenges. The Polish Ministry of Education mandates that teachers hold Polish teaching credentials, demonstrating fluency in the Polish language, and completing a licensing course in Polish. Consequently, the vast majority of foreign teachers in Poland find opportunities at language centers.

If you aspire to experience a more traditional school setting with a typical daily routine, we do provide placements at private preschools and primary schools.

While securing a position at a university is feasible for highly experienced and qualified individuals, the requirements often include at least a Master’s Degree in English or a related field and several years of teaching experience. Some teachers have navigated this path using our Freelancing Visa, but due to the specialized nature of this work, we don’t include such placements in this program.

The majority of schools in Poland will expect you to make a commitment for the entire academic year, typically until late June. This requirement is essential for us to uphold our placement guarantee associated with the Placement Package. Teachers seeking shorter-term options can explore opportunities during the winter hiring season, where half-year contracts may be available. However, schools generally prioritize teachers expressing an interest in longer stays.

While the commitment is for a year, there’s certainly nothing stopping you from extending your stay! Many teachers have chosen to remain with their schools for multiple academic years, while others have ventured into different opportunities in Poland, either as teachers or in other capacities, often facilitated through our freelance work visas.

Certainly! We’re delighted to welcome couples and/or groups of friends to our program. While we can’t guarantee placement at the same school for those opting for the Placement Package, we make every effort to accommodate the natural desire for couples and groups of friends to work in the same city.

Certainly! We welcome applications from teachers who have already taken the leap into living overseas.

For non-EU citizens, obtaining a visa before arrival may not always be possible, as acquiring a Polish visa in a third country can be challenging. It’s advisable to check with the Polish embassy in your current country to determine if obtaining a visa without returning to your home country is feasible.

If you hold a passport from a country that enjoys visa-free travel to the Schengen Area, such as the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia, you also have the option to go directly to Poland and apply in-country if you are unable to apply for a visa in the country you’re in. While it involves a slightly more complicated process, it is achievable, and we assist numerous teachers every year through this route.

Yes! A Bachelor’s Degree is not a requirement for this program.

While you’ll be working as a teacher, it’s important to demonstrate a level of academic and professional competence that schools and students will expect. If you do not hold a formal education degree, we will ask you to showcase in your interview and application that you can speak, write, and work at an equivalent level to an educated person.

It’s worth noting that completing high school/secondary education is a requirement for the visa.

Certainly! Candidates without a TEFL certificate or another recognized ESL qualification will be considered for this program only if they have substantial prior ESL teaching experience.

While teaching experience isn’t a mandatory requirement, it is highly advantageous. Many Polish schools prefer candidates who have some experience in the classroom setting. This could include roles such as being a sports coach, academic tutor, or leading corporate training sessions.

Although not a strict requirement, showcasing such experiences on your application, especially if you are interested in our Placement Package, significantly enhances your chances of securing your preferred placements.

Our program welcomes candidates of all nationalities. Your passport is not the determining factor; rather, it’s your proficiency in English that’s crucial.

While we do not outright reject candidates based on nationality, if you are from a non-English-speaking country and need a work visa, please refer to our visas page for additional information, as there may be some visa-related considerations.

Absolutely! You must be a legal adult (18+), but there is no upper age restriction for our program. Age discrimination is against the law in the European Union, and any school advertising a preference for teachers of a certain age is violating the law.

The acceptance into the program depends on your fluency and clarity in speaking English. If your level of English is not perfectly fluent or if you have a noticeably non-native accent, unfortunately, we cannot accept you on this program.

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 or even C2 English, possessing advanced degrees and extensive teaching experience. To be considered for our program, you must bring something unique that local teachers might not: a native comprehension of the English language.

If you can speak English with native proficiency and a neutral accent, and can demonstrate it in your interview, we will gladly accept you regardless of your nationality and linguistic background.

THE PROGRAM

As a freelancer, your accommodation is your responsibility. However, if you opt for our Support Package, you will receive assistance from our team in securing a place before arrival. If you’d prefer to find accommodation yourself, we highly recommend taking advantage of our Accommodation Packages so you’ll have a place to stay while you look at apartments during your first week. Most cities have English-language Facebook groups for apartment-seeking foreigners.

Our support staff will assist you in finding suitable accommodation near your school as soon as you are placed. In many instances, your school director may be able to recommend places based on where their past teachers have lived.

We strongly suggest considering shared accommodation to reduce costs. Many teachers form friendships with others on the program and choose to split an apartment together. Alternatively, some find shared apartments with local students or other young working professionals. Regardless of your preference, our staff is here to help you find a good deal.

Just like the locals! Navigating Polish cities is quite straightforward, as all of them boast well-developed and reliable public transportation systems, featuring buses, trams, and, in the case of Warsaw, a metro. Monthly transit passes are available for around €20-30, depending on the city. Owning a car or motorbike is not necessary and is relatively uncommon in the larger cities.

Some BWBs who choose to live near their school are fortunate enough to be within walking distance of their workplace.

Not at all! BWBs on the program quickly bond with each other during the pre-course orientation week. You’ll also have the chance to meet other BWBs working in your city through our Facebook group and regular social events.

Cities in Poland where we have BWBs working are cosmopolitan and have vibrant expat scenes. Fellow foreigners in these communities are usually very friendly, with Facebook groups and regular meetups to welcome newcomers. Polish people are also very friendly and welcoming to foreigners. Just visit a social bar or café, and you’ll see for yourself! The level of English spoken by Poles is high, so the language barrier is rarely a problem when interacting with locals. In many cities, Community Managers organize language exchanges and other social events, providing a perfect opportunity to mingle with locals, expats, and fellow BWBs.

That’s perfectly fine! The dates listed here are for our full-week Orientation Programs, and attendance is not mandatory. We also run weekend Orientation Programs throughout the year, where you’ll receive the same support from our professional staff and, of course, have a lot of fun!

However, if you wish to receive the job guarantee of our Placement Package, it’s important to arrive in Poland and be ready to start around the time of a scheduled full-week program. These full-week programs coincide with peak hiring seasons, allowing us to guarantee placements. But if you prefer to arrive a week or two later, that’s also acceptable.

Remuneration for ESL teachers in Poland varies slightly depending on the job, but the typical salary at language schools is around 50 to 100 PLN (about €12 to 25) per hour before tax, and positions through this program generally follow a similar range.

On a monthly basis, you can expect to earn between 5,000 and 10,000 PLN (about €1000 to €2200), with the average falling around 7,000 PLN. This is typically more than enough to live comfortably in Poland.

It’s important to note that BWBMart cannot guarantee exact remuneration levels, as this is negotiated directly with your school and depends on various factors, including your experience and qualifications.

Pay and salary details are negotiated directly between you and the school, so at BWBMart, we can only provide advice and estimates.

Language schools typically pay on an hourly basis, with full-time salaries ranging between 3500 and 8000 PLN per month before tax. The standard tax rate in Poland is 12%, although your rate may vary slightly depending on various factors. Payroll is usually processed monthly, with taxes deducted before payday.

We understand that payroll matters can be a bit complex when moving to a new country. Once you’ve been offered a job at one of our partner schools, our support staff will be happy to review everything to ensure you’re not encountering any issues and there are no hidden surprises in your contract.

As soon as you are accepted, we will connect you with our support staff who can assist you in preparing for your departure. If you need a work visa, we will prepare all the necessary documents and provide detailed instructions on how to obtain a visa from your nearest Polish consulate. For more information about visa requirements and the support we offer, please refer to our visas page.

Your Polish adventure kicks off with a lively Orientation Program, filled with fun activities and essential information to help you settle comfortably into daily life in Poland. Our support staff will provide an introduction to the city, assist you in opening a bank account, finding an apartment, getting a phone plan, navigating the public transit system, and much more.

In addition to practical assistance, our staff organizes social events to give BWBs the chance to connect with each other and engage with locals. Rest assured, we carefully select our staff – they’re fun-loving individuals, not mundane office administrators.

If you ever need ongoing assistance beyond your initial settling-in period, our staff and the community are always here to help!

You will primarily be teaching adults, teenagers, and kids at language centers, typically after their regular work or school hours. Consequently, your work hours will generally be in the late afternoon and early evening. There might be some mornings dedicated to “in-company” classes, and an occasional Saturday commitment. Most teachers work between 20 and 25 classroom hours per week, with additional time needed for lesson preparation, grading coursework, and light administrative duties.

If you secure a placement at a preschool or primary school, your hours will likely follow more traditional school hours, and you’ll typically work Monday to Friday.

In most cases, yes.

While the guaranteed placement on this program lasts until the end of the academic year, if your performance has been exceptional and you wish to stay for another academic year, the majority of schools will be open to your return. Alternatively, many Wizards who choose to extend their stay in Poland for a longer duration may transition to the Freelance Program for their second academic year. Moreover, several BWBs have chosen to remain in Poland and explore opportunities in fields outside of education, given the country’s thriving economy.

Extending your stay for an extra year (or longer) does not incur additional program fees, and the process of extending your legal residence in Poland can be managed from within the country.

By enrolling in this program and accepting a position with one of our partner schools, you commit to working with them until at least the end of the academic year. Schools choose to collaborate with our interns because of our proven track record in delivering quality teachers through our training program. Leaving early not only leaves your students without a teacher for the rest of the year but also jeopardizes our reputation and the job prospects of future interns.

However, we also hold our partner schools to high standards in terms of how we expect interns to be treated. If you genuinely believe that your school is not upholding our program standards, inform us, and we will do our best to mediate with the school and resolve the issue. In the worst-case scenario, we’ll make every effort to find you a new school for the remainder of the program.

Yes, the Polish people love holidays! Most schools typically have 1-2 weeks off around Christmas time, as well as 2-3 weeks off in February as the fall semester ends and the spring semester begins. Additionally, there are usually 1-2 weeks off in April around Easter.

It’s important to note that, depending on your contract, you may or may not be paid for holidays, so it’s something to consider when planning your budget.

Teach in Poland

The Experience

The Support

Basic Package

Support Package

Placement Package

APPLY If YOU

Why Poland

Start Dates

WHAT ARE THE COSTS

Want To Come and Teach in Europe

Frequently Asked Questions

Support

COMPANY

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