When I went looking for teaching programs in Poland that would sponsor a work permit and visa for native speakers, the options were limited. I was fortunate enough to come across English Wizards, which was a newer teaching program at the time. The program does not charge for its services and allowed me to to find my own job in the city of my choice.
Alumni Spotlight: Emily Krank
Photos
Emily spent a year as a language assistant in Madrid, Spain. After returning to her hometown in Seattle, WA in the US, two months passed before she began aching to return to Europe. After applying to English Wizards, she moved to Krakow, Poland.
Why did you choose this program?
What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
English Wizards provided a lot of assistance with my work permit, as well as all the documentation needed to apply for a visa in the US. Later, when I arrived in Poland, they provided a step-by-step guided for applying for a National ID number, as well as helpful day-to-day suggestions for where to sign up for a bank account, etc. Months later, they also provided assistance when I decided to extend my time in Poland and needed to apply for a Temporary Residency.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
My advice to future applicants would be to think about where you want to live in Poland, then focus your job hunt in those areas. I was insistent upon having a job lined up before I arrived in Poland, and the first job I was offered didn't end up being a good fit. The hours were few, and the pay was low. I wish I could go back and tell myself to get to Poland, meet people/network, and figure out what the going rates were for teaching before committing to a position.
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
Average work days/weeks vary a ton for each participant. For example, I work 95% remotely. I teach individual private lessons during the week from about 9am-4pm, but with a few breaks in the middle. I have total control over my schedule, and since I am a Freelance teacher, I can take time off when I want.
Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?
My biggest fear was feeling lonely in a new country. I knew from experience how hard it is to establish a community in a new country. I knew I had to hit the ground running when it came to making friends. To do this, I (swallowed my pride and) posted a "friend ad" on a Krakow women's Facebook page. I went on fifteen+ friend dates over the next few weeks. Several of them didn't go anywhere, but I met some awesome friends that way who I still see often.