Staff Spotlight: Nick Wood

Title:
Systems & Immigration Support

Photos

Nick Wood is originally from New York City and first came to Poland to teach English in 2018. Seeing a hole in the market and utilizing his experience working for similar companies in the US, Nick co-founded English Wizards in 2018 and has been working as the Operations Director ever since.

What is your favorite travel memory?

That’s a tough one because I’ve had so many great experiences while traveling. But if I had to pick, I’d say it was my first solo backpacking trip across Eastern Europe. I remember arriving in a small town in Slovakia without any plans and meeting a local family who didn’t speak a word of English. They invited me into their home for dinner, and despite the language barrier, we communicated through gestures and smiles. It was such a pure and meaningful experience—sharing a meal with strangers and feeling that connection without needing words. It was moments like that that really opened my eyes to how powerful travel can be. It’s not just about seeing new places; it’s about those unexpected encounters that remind you how similar we all are, no matter where we come from

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

Working with English Wizards has really shaped me in ways I didn’t expect. When I first co-founded the company, I was focused on solving immediate problems—helping teachers navigate bureaucracy, find work, and settle in Poland. Over the years, though, I've developed a much deeper understanding of the complexities involved in relocation, not just logistically, but emotionally as well. I've become more empathetic and patient because I see first-hand how challenging it can be for people to leave everything behind and start fresh in a new country.

Also, as the company grew, I had to adapt and grow as a leader. When we started, I was mostly hands-on with operations, but now I’ve had to learn how to delegate, manage a team, and think more strategically about the future. Expanding our programs and services to new markets has taught me how to think on a larger scale, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see our impact grow beyond just ESL teachers. Overall, I’d say I've become a better leader, communicator, and advocate for both our program participants and our staff.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

One story that really stands out to me is from a teacher named Sarah, who came to Poland through our program a few years ago. She initially planned to stay for just one year to get some international experience before heading back to the U.S. But after that first year, she fell in love with Poland—the culture, the people, and even the challenge of learning the language. She ended up renewing her contract and staying with us for another year.

What’s incredible is that during her second year, she met someone and they started a family together. She ended up settling in Krakow permanently. She’s now teaching Business English and thriving in her new life here. Sarah told me she never imagined when she first signed up for our program that it would lead to building a life in a new country. Hearing stories like hers is what keeps me motivated—it’s proof that our work goes beyond just placing teachers in jobs; we’re helping people change their lives in ways they never expected

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

If I had to choose one, I would go for the Teach in Poland program. It’s such a great way to experience Poland, especially for anyone looking to dive into the culture while working in a variety of teaching environments. The program offers so much flexibility, whether you're teaching in a school, a business setting, or even freelancing. Plus, Poland has this amazing mix of modern cities and rich traditions, which makes living here both dynamic and immersive.

Teaching here offers more than just a job—it’s a chance to really integrate into a new way of life. The support from English Wizards also makes the entire process much smoother, which I would have loved when I first came here! And on a personal note, it’s just incredibly rewarding to help others discover what makes Poland such a great place to live and work

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

What makes English Wizards unique is our deep commitment to inclusivity and personalization. We don't just place teachers in jobs and send them on their way. We provide ongoing, tailored support, helping them navigate the complex process of moving to Poland, from visas to housing to dealing with bureaucracy. We also offer a wide range of teaching placements—whether it’s preschools, business English, or private tutoring—and we allow our participants to choose what suits them best. Beyond that, our program isn’t limited to just native English speakers; we’re open to teachers of all nationalities, which sets us apart from a lot of other companies.

One moment I was particularly proud of was during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. While many programs shut down, we kept operating. We became one of the few companies in Europe that could still provide visas and help people move during such a difficult time. It wasn’t easy navigating constantly changing travel restrictions and local regulations, but our team adapted quickly. We worked around the clock to support participants who still wanted to come to Poland and teach. Seeing how our team came together and provided continuous support for our teachers during such an uncertain time made me incredibly proud. It really showed the resilience and dedication that is at the heart of what we do

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

For me, the biggest factor in being a successful company is understanding and listening to your customers. At English Wizards, we’re focused on providing a service that directly meets the needs of our participants, whether that’s navigating the complexities of relocating to Poland, understanding visa processes, or finding the right teaching placements. The more we engage with our participants and truly listen to their concerns and needs, the better we can refine our programs and offer genuine value.

I also believe that adaptability is key. Over the years, we've had to adjust to market changes, shifts in visa regulations, and even a global pandemic. We were able to pivot and continue supporting our teachers, even when everything was uncertain. That flexibility and willingness to adapt quickly, while still keeping the focus on customer experience, is what makes a company truly successful