Poland the Hollywood of Europe
Many Poles are puzzled why I am living in Poland. Poles love Poland. Poland is a great country. But why would a foofy American from Boston live in Poland? Some Poles, but certainly not all, dream of the converse, to live in NYC, Boston or Hollywood.
Besides having a Polish family connection, wanting to learn Polish, among other reasons, I live in Poland because to me this is like living in Hollywood for them. Yes living in Krakow is like living in Hollywood. Its far aways from what I know, exotic, and a different culture experience. Do we have Nowa Huta in Boston? No. Do we have ‘milk bars’ in Boston no. Living is in Poland is very different from Boston., All the things the Poles take for granted is something fascinating and exotic and outside the ordinary for me. It would be like for them to move to Hollywood.
59 responses to Why living in Poland is like living in Hollywood
It is not very understandable for me, why people enjoy my town (Kraków) and my country (Poland). Besides cheap… everything, it’s dirty, laud and the traffic is very problematic. Especially now, with all this roadways repair. From my point of view, Poland sucks. High costs of living, low income. Almost nothing to offer to the young people. Bureaucracy kills every good idea.
After 2nd World War and Soviet regime there is still a lot to change and improve in every single field.
I feel as if someone played a joke on me. Why birth determines people’s lives? Why wasn’t I given a chance to be born in some other country, yes why not in NYC? Sometimes I am just ashamed I’m the Polish citizen, we do not have a lot to be proud of. Except fof Shopin, Sklodowska-Curie, Walesa, John Paul II… Oh and look! 3/4 of them lived abroad, far away from their motherland.
And our government… People pecome politicians just to be rich and famous, with some exceptions of course, but still, we should soak the experience from the western countries, because they succeeded. Smaller and poorer country – Slovakia or Czech Republic are doing a lot more better than we…
I could go on and on like this, but I don’t want to waste your preciuos time, dear reader:)
Best Wishes for the author!
PS: No iTunes Store, no iPhone and pricy Macs and iPods
Why living in Poland is like living in Hollywood
@Joanna I hear what you are saying about Poland and Krakow and thank you for your comment. 1) Poland is not a poor country. Although Polish people like to complain. If you consider the 6 billion people in the world, Poland is in the top 90 or 99% in terms of wealth. I am not joking. Look it up. I studied Economics and this is true. Think of Africa, or South America or Asia. There are billions of people who live in true poverty. I have been to these places and that is real dirt and poverty. Krakow has more large shopping malls downtown then my hometown of Boston. Gallerias, shopping plazas etc, Polish people are flying all over Europe, taking trips to Egypt on holiday, while people in Africa are starving. I have not seen any starving people in Poland. In fact Poland has great food. Not just rice like some Asia countries but ham, pork , fruits. Poland might have the best food in the world, not poverty and starvation. Poland is a rich modern EU country compared to the rest of the world.
Poland is a great country and its faith, spiritual values, literature, culture and contribution to history is amazing.
2) Poland had the Germans and the Russians destroy a great culture in the last 70 years. All economics problems of Poland were caused by WWII and the Soviets. This is a fact. Look at the difference that existed between East and West Germany before West Germany bailed out the east. – Get real. The USA pumped trillions of dollars to build Germany, if we did that to Poland, Poland would be richer than any country in Europe, Trillions of dollars under the Marshall plan, Trillions. So of course it will take time to be at the same level as Western Europe. But look at Ireland. It was the poorest country in Western Europe when I was growing up and not its rich than England. People use to say that the Irish could only clean houses and get drunk and eat potatoes, now they are richer than England the country that oppressed them. Poland will be richer than Germany. Just as Ireland is richer than England. China will be richer than Japan. This is the way the world works, Money moves very quick and yesterdays underdogs are todays champions.
3) Poland evolved faster than other counties around it, it became spiritual and democratic, and focused on culture and trade and openness, to all people including inviting the Jews into Poland. The great Jewish culture grew in Poland. While other counties were autocratic and ruled by military idiots. This was Poland’s only mistake. They were very advanced. So your not comparing Poland to these countries I hope? Your not comparing Poland to the countries that did not help Poland in WWII or after or destroyed Poland during WWII and before?
4) Krakow, has more churches and cafes than any other city in Europe, per sq. meter. Fact. Krakow is the most amazing city like all Polish cities, from Sopot, to the mountains. Do you know how much history there is? Its clean and beautiful. Paris on the other hand is very dirty and has all kinds of ethic riots etc. I love Paris but Krakow is less toursty and calmer and cheaper and cleaner.
5) Aristotle said ‘ man is a political animal’ Do you think Polish Politics is different than the west or any other government since Aristotle? or America? look up ‘the big dig’ Its 20 billion dollars of Boston corruption. Poland has nothing like that. The governor of CT is in jail as is the mayor of Providence and majors and governors of many US cities and states in the US for bribes. Look up the ‘Clintons and murder’ some people connect them to over 100 murders. I do not believe it, but who knows. Poland is like any other place, actually better, in terms of politics.
6) Do you know that Polish industrial growth rate is 15%? Czech has like 4% Poland 15%, pick up a copy of the “Economist” magazine the facts are in the back about growth. Poland is second only to China.
7) I could go on, but instead of complaining do something for Poland.
Why living in Poland is like living in Hollywood
Polish history and living in Poland is beautiful
I am Polish and have lived in both Poland and have lived 30 years in Sydney, Australia being one of the top cities of the World and winner of many awards. I work in the tourism industry and have travelled extensively. I guess we all take things for granted but I really couldn’t agree with Mark more! Absolutely everything he mentioned and more.
The ultimate question that I want to ask any Polish person complaining about Poland “Why do you think our history shows that all Poland’s neighbours always want a piece of it? Because it is a top country full of rich culture, strong tradition, very spiritual country-Queen of Poland is Mary Mother of Jesus!That’s gutsy. The cities like Sopot, Gdynia, Gdansk, Wroclaw, Krakow, Zakopane , Warszawa rich in architecture, great shopping, fantastic arts and good food. These top cities are unexplored by the rest of the World and offer the full experience and uniqueness.
Polish People, unfortunately what I have noticed, are generally always looking towards the west however look at yourself as “You are united bunch” – look how you have progressed and how far you have come. How you showed the World the unity in the 80s Solidarity Days and when the president was sacrificed with the crème de la crème of your top officials last year.
You should hold your head up high. Studies show that Polish people pick up a foreign language the fastest in Europe why because they are smart, clever, motivated and love to communicate with others. They work hard and have high standards – Never ever be embarrassed or ashamed of whom you are. Each country has people that do wrong are lazy and people that do good aim high and get there by not giving up.
I love Poland and please stop underestimating your abilities as a nation and how much this country and its people have to offer.
People who complain need to get off the back side and just do it.
Why living in Poland is like living in Hollywood
@Joanna You are not one of those people who expect the government to help you are you? You want to be born with a silver spoon in your hand or someone to knock on your door and say here is a million dollars? Sorry the world does not work like this. I had bleeding in my brain, I have horrible pain everyday. I worked 11pm at night to 7am in the morning 7 days a week. I paid for my own University. I moved to Poland from Boston and I do not expect the Polish government to help me. Why do you expect the government to help you? Or think it matters where you were born? In a free economy it takes brain and courage to succeed in life. I got a legal job myself and will start a business in a few years. My advice to you is count your blessings and your health. And see all you have around you. Poland is a beautiful place and I know many people who on their own courage got rich. Polish people in Poland, who are honest. Some Polish students complain about Poland, but usually they are the ones who will never really do anything with their lives. No one gives you anything in this life, you have to go an get it for yourself.
Why living in Poland is like living in Hollywood
I’m an American, living in Chicago suburbs. I have Polish ancestry and I speak a bit of Polish. I’ve visited Poland about three times before. What I noticed is that Poles are great at planning cities, (besides Warsaw) Krakow is such a big city, but full of parks. Auschwitz is a sad city to visit in terms of the camp, but having stayed there for 2 weeks, it is a very livable town. There are tons of parks, walkways, restaurant and not too much traffic. The only country where i spent a lot of time other than Poland was Italy. Don’t get me wrong, Italy is great and full of culture, but they are lacking land!!! Everyone has an apartment, there are very few parks and the parks they have are falling apart. You feel claustrophobic too. I enjoy Poland because the architecture is newer and bigger more like America, it is a very liveable country that mixes old tradition with newer ways of thinking and building. Maybe if Polish people didn’t litter so much, the bigger cities would be cleaner. hahaha. But hey, it’s Europe, most big cities are dirty there anyways.
Why living in Poland is like living in Hollywood
G’Day!
I have received a job offer based in Warsaw Poland. I am completely unfamiliar with all that is Poland and all that Poland offers in regards to culture, vibe arts, and overall ambiance. Would anyone be able to offer me some insight on what its like living in Warsaw? I speak several European languages, not Polish. However, I’m a quick learner!
I’m from Brooklyn, New York. Thank you very much!
Why living in Poland is like living in Hollywood
I don’t believe anything u say here. people come on? Poland is messed post communist place. This country should been thrown away from European union and stew in own juice by ages decade. when all Europe is going up ! people we got else 20 years to to the same level. I think that USA UK and France betrayed Poland. Of course that’s true. The Marshall plan was messed up. too. Because Roosevelt was to easy for Soviets.
Why living in Poland is like living in Hollywood
What you wrote about history is true. Poland was betrayed during WWII as it was the first ally. However, the west did not want WWIII that is why they did it and the Soviets would have been harder than the Germans to fight. But Poland was betrayed many times.
However, Poland now is a very nice place to live. In fact in many ways better than the west. It has not been corrupted by western material values or moral decline. Ireland was the poorest nation in Western Europe when I was a kid, now it is the richest. Poland will be richer than Germany. You will see. In fact I think in the cities Poland is at western standards already. I have lived in the West and Poland and it feels the same. But life is not about who is richer. It is who is about each individual and how they live their life according to morality.
Why living in Poland is like living in Hollywood
Dear Joanna you are just frustrated and listining to much to the stories about greener grass somewhere there .Definitely Poland is not a poor country there is a lot to be sorted out but don’t be naive there are problems in many so called rich countries , our young Irish friend mentioned his native Ireland , well unfortunately Ireland is not the richest country of western Europe and my friend long way to go to get to this level and just to mention , Irish citizens are one of the most indebted people in EU and Ireland by no means is richer than England , Germany or Holland and in many points Poland is better. The present crisis didn’t drop just like that from the Havens. As a person who traveled to many parts of this planet and been living in Ireland too, I would like to tell you Joanna you can always try your lack ,why don’t you just cross the western border of Poland or board the airplane and fly to hmm New Zeland ,they may take you, but I have a small problem I don’t think you will be much richer there, what stops you from going to Canada or Australia and what is so appealing in living in NYC. Poland is not a poor country and I am quite sure that you haven’t been to Czech Republic or Slovakia you have never traveled those countries because if you would you would never say that the two
are richer than Poland . Mr. Poland is looking at his own country in very specific way, as It was betrayed in WWII it was betrayed by its own politicians after 1989 and by its own people too. Many people keep comparing Poland to the better off countries like France , Germany, UK forgetting about colonial past ,Marshal plan and as if it is possible to move over the night from the soviet dominated state to a free country. USA is printing dollars so is Western Europe euro and UK pounds ,so called crisis is hitting hard at any level of the society in any country . There are poor people in Poland but there are poor people everywhere and in many places much much poorer than in Poland.
Joanna is expecting everything to be given to her and I agree with young friend from Boston you want to be born with a silver spoon, look around there is plenty of people in their 50/60s most of them the silent heroes of 70and 80s and with exception of masters of the deception who will “believe” to their death , that whatever they were doing was for the best of the country, this silent people are the people who made a difference , what kind of difference you make, would you be able to do what they did, and yet they not rich. Fact bureaucracy can kill anything , but this can be changed and this is actually the easy part. What stops you from living your dream, is it you ?opsticles that you know about but not saying,you want to fly away ,do it, what are you waiting for. Just take into consideration that everything comes with a price there is plenty places where little racisms are looming like a smell from the sewage , a car ,a house (comes usually with ~30 years bond ) and sometimes it kills too.Get a ticket and maybe one day
you will get on a big screen , who knows.All the best. Ask the Greeks are they Happy, How about Spanish, Portuguese ohh I would forget ,Ireland they are happy,and why would so many of them be on the way to Australia ( just happened that OZ shut the door for them not so long ago). And could be worse haw about being born in central Africa.
Why living in Poland is like living in Hollywood
Joanna, you are certainly wrong, I’m 18 and im not planning to leave Poland, in fact, most of my peers don’t want to leave it anymore. There was big boom, when Polish people were leaving Poland (most of them are uneducated, and they are wondering why Poland is considered dump?), but now its over. I want to stay, and make it a better country, despise red bastards trying to gain control here again!
I live in Krakow, Poland and from Boston, USA. I studied economics and worked in business in banking and investments for 15 years.
Krakow, Warsaw, Sopot, Gdansk, Wrocław, Poznań and many others are rich cities. I am sorry, I live in Poland, Poland is a rich EU country. Maybe not like the USA over all but if you want a life style like the USA move to Warsaw or Krakow. I think you can make just as much money in Poland, if not more, than the USA if you are educated or creative. The world has changed and living in Poland is the best place in the world if you consider all factors.
Why living in Poland is like living in Hollywood
Hehe interesting topic!
I am 23 years old and live in Australia,I live in my own house and building an investment property with my husband, we earn good money, but something has always made us come back to Krakow, I think it’s only when you live outside of Poland that you realize how good it is. Yeah its probably harder to get ahead in life, but trust me your not going to get rich just by leaving your country.
Why living in Poland is like living in Hollywood
Ania, you are right, Krakow is a magical city and I love it.
About getting rich outside of Poland.
If you can make reasonable money in Poland, it is better to live in Poland because it is much less expensive. If I had a business I would rather live in Poland.
The year is not 2004, Poland is doing very well, and is the only country in the Americas and Europe that is growing. That is true.
But again life is not about money, it never was and lifestyle and other factors are more important. Life abroad my ‘seem easy’ but life in Poland is beautiful. What do you want an easy life or a beautiful life?
Why living in Poland is like living in Hollywood
yeh thats very true
If I could find a job in Krakow I would probably go back
but i think it would be quite hard to find a job
Poland is a beautiful counrty. I have lived in the USA for 25 years now, my kids were born in the US but we never forgot out roots. We travel to Poland every 2-3 years to visit a few relatives that are still alive. We always enjoy the Polish hospitality. My friends from Highschool are all doing well and it’s nice to keep in touch with them. I definitely would consider to go back to Poland for my retirement.
Why living in Poland is like living in Hollywood
I was just in Florida, the retirement capital of the USA, and for me it would be more interesting to retire in Poland. But that is just me. Florida has sunshine and I love it, but everyone there is retired. I live culture and a mix of different people. This is what I get living in the center of Europe.
I’m Polish and I won’t retire in Poland. I guess I’m too used to L.A. I can spend a month or two tops in Poland but anything longer is simply torture. Its not that I don’t like it there, there just isn’t much to do. You only want to meet your relative so many times and then it get boring. And, no offence, Poland is really boring. Unless you are 40, then you can’t do much anyways.
I am American and Polish, live in both places. The USA is fine, but Poland rocks. It is the center of Europe, you can go to scores of countries in a short trip, there is so much history and you have the Alps right next door, Poland is like one state in the EU. LA is OK but it is plastic and a lot of pollution. But look the reason you think like this is you are from Poland and when you leave everything is new, therefore better. But if you were an American you would see it in the reserve way. Plus you are a girl I think, and for an American guy going to Poland it is like a Polish girl going to the USA. You get a lot of attention, right?
Why living in Poland is like living in Hollywood
Hello..this is a very interesting thread. I am an American from New Orleans.I lived in Spain the past few years and I also lived in the Cariibean for 7 years.
I am moving to Poland in 2 months and I am very excited. My fiancee is from Ruda Slaska and that is where I will be living…..could anyone give me some input on renting a large apartment and how much would a 3 bedroom place cost? I have been studying Poland and the more I learn about the country the more I want to be there.
Why living in Poland is like living in Hollywood
Three bedrooms is a large apartment. Most things go by square meter which is about 1/10 square ft when you convert it. So I 120 meter apartment is 1200 square feet, basically. This is a three bedroom apartment. In a major city you can expect to pay up to 1500 dollars (but could be much less if you are frugal). I live in 70 meters (about 700 square feet) and pay about 300 dollars in the center of Krakow.
If you are talking a small town, you pay half.
If you want to live like a European, that is not in a three bedroom, in a modest place you could pay 500 dollars.
Poland is a great place, I love living here. I guess the bottom line is it cost what you want to spend.
If you give me more details of where, size standard I can answer in more detail.
Why living in Poland is like living in Hollywood
Moving to Poland price of International schools
Hi Mark,
First of all, I really appreciate your comments, I got a offer to work in Poland 22K per month and I am quite keen on moving to Poland from UK . But my only concern is International schools, looks like they are very expensive. I have 2 kids , 4 and 14 , Can you please give me your honest feed back on international schools?
Hema
I guess my first question is 22k what per month? I imagine Polish Złoty. If this is the case you will be rich and can afford any school no matter what. My second reply is at that age they can learn Polish and English is taught in schools. It would be hard the first six months but after that they would have a mental advantage better than going to Cambridge or Oxford quite frankly. Better to give your children the gift of language than send them to a fancy school. Further there are many private schools which are not the international schools. They can get as much English as they want in these schools. But for 22k a month you are a rich person and can afford anything in my opinion in Poland.
Please ask questions about Poland.
Why living in Poland is like living in Hollywood
Thank you for the great info! My husband is polish (although has a German passport) and I have been trying to learn the language with marginal success. We think the only way for me to really learn is to move to Poland for one year. We are thinking of either Krakow or Gdansk. Do you know the best way for me to find out the legal requirements of living there for a year? Or best ways to evaluate the cities when we visit to scope it out?
Thanks!
Why living in Poland is like living in Hollywood
I live in Krakow and really love it. I am from Boston. I think Boston is the Krakow of the USA. I lived mostly in Beacon Hill and Waltham. Now I love Krakow. More shopping, lower prices,close to the mountains like NH or VT. Easy access to trains and international travel. We have gone on 300 dollar vacations to Egypt for example, hotels and air and food included for 2 weeks with last minute. I think Krakow is great. The Polish sea is beautiful but its more like Maine, too cold to enjoy except for a few months.
Please ask any questions. Your an American married to an EU citizen, no problem with visas.
Please Anya as questions.
Polish is hard to learn but I learned it and I am no good with languages, so can you.
Why living in Poland is like living in Hollywood
I should add to above comment/question that I am American (also in the Boston area!)
Hi Mark….thanks so much for your info…I just spoke to my girlfriend in Ruda Slaska and she found a 3 bedroom flat for 350US.I am very excited to move to Poland and to embrace its rich culture. She has 2 children..the reason for a bigger flat. Once again…many thanks Mark
One more question….is it true that once divorced from a previous marriage… one can never get married in the Catholic Church in Poland??
Why living in Poland is like living in Hollywood
Hi that is great about your flat.
About the divorce issue it depends. 1) Where you or here married in the catholic church in the previous marriage. If it was church of England or something than no problem or just a civil marriage no problem. If it was the Catholic church and one person did not want to have kids for example it is not a marriage and you can get remarried.
So yes you can get married in the Catholic church. But even if not you can do a civil or non-denominational wedding no problem no matter what. If you have questions about this or give me more specifics just ask.
Why living in Poland is like living in Hollywood
Thanks Mark….I was married and had one child in a Catholic Church in New Orleans….my wife was married in Spain but was born in Poland and has children also. We are both divorced…my marriage was anulled..hers was not…we plan on getting married by the government but she mentioned to me that since we were both married previously in a Catholic Church….then it is not allowed by the Polish Church to get remarried in Poland…sounds confusing…
Why living in Poland is like living in Hollywood
Do not listen to that.
The Polish church is the same as the Catholics church anywhere. Poles believe that the you can not get annulled because that is what they were told. It is wrong. You can get annulled if and only if a church council approves just like in the USA or Rome or anywhere. You can go to a large city like Krakow or Warsaw and talk to a priest who will advise you. Your future wife feels guilty maybe but an annulment might (I do not know) be possible. I believe everyone deserves a second chance. I think Jesus would agree.
There might be resistance and people and priests who tell you no, but this is your life and chance for a new life. Try not to be intimidated and try to get this for your future wife. In Poland in the catholic church this can be done like you did in the USA. Same church, same Vatican law.
Why living in Poland is like living in Hollywood
sorry meant my future wife
Thanks for the scoop. I felt the same way,that the Vatican is the gold standard everywhere. Not that important anyway, we are both recovering Catholics. I firmly believe in Jesus and that is most important to me and her……thanks for your opinions though. now the real important question I have and I surely hope you can help, I need to get all the NFL games for my TV. We just won the Superbowl in Spain I could not find games anywhere, please let me know if it is possible to get the games on cable or satellite there in Poland, would be a great help, thanks Boston Mark
Why living in Poland is like living in Hollywood
I have ESPN and about five other international sports stations in Krakow where I live, but I do not watch sports that much so I can not tell you if it is possible. However, I know there are a few pubs for sure that have TVs that get all the major games. Many expats go there during the matches.
Thank you Mark…..I researched also where I can find all NFL games via the internet..I appreciate your help…..Ted
Do they allow older Americans to live and work in Poland? I have English teaching experience while I lived in Prague, but that was back in 94-96-I am 59 years old, and know it is impossible to find work at that age in so called western countries. I live in Hollywood, btw and I want to get out. Krakow sounds like it would be great for me, I think, and I was almost fluent in Czech, which is very similar to Polish. What are the immigration regulations, etc? Do you need to have a job before you get there? DO you have to be fluent in Polish before you can work? etc?
Why living in Poland is like living in Hollywood
Just like in the USA or EU you need either a work visa, green card or citizenship. Age does not matter, just visa. Of course many people just go and apply at a school and work I think without visa’s but you need something or you will only be able to stay on your passport for 3 months maybe 6.
What’s the weather like in Poland?
If you know the weather in New England, that is what it is like. It is beautiful from April to the end of October. From November to March people hibernate. I basically live like Bilbo Baggins in his Hobbit hole during these months.
You know how in Russia most (but not all) of the people have blonde hair and blue eyes,is Poland the same way?
Poland is a very interesting country, it is getting beautiful and richer.
I have to say that Iv’e been to Poland and it was amazing. Polish people are wonderful and the food is delicious!!!
I’d rather live on Warsaw than in Hollywood.
does anybody agree with me???
Poland is the greatest country on earth. How is that?
Hi guys, I am Polish. Joanna, I want to make Poland a richer or a better country as well, but we can certainly do it! We cannon just sit on a chair and think about how bad Poland is.
If we all work together then we can do a lot, trust me!
If we only find more people then that would be great but even if we don’t that doesn’t matter.
Think about Hollywood, think about how people make Hollywood such a popular and a rich place! The answer is they take care of Hollywood!! a lot of rich people!! they make tons of movies.
I certainly want to make people care about Poland!
I certainly want to have a life like in Hollywood!
I certainly want Poland to be the richest and the most beautiful country in Europe.
and we certainly can do it as long as we want to and believe that if we work together we’ll make Poland a fabulous country.
I seriously do.
Why living in Poland is like living in Hollywood
Well that is true Mark.
In my life Poland is the greatest country.
Well i’m not going to poland. Or I don’t live there. But i’m doing a project on it. And I found on a website and it said that poland was a really poor country. But here people have been saying that its not, that its a rich country. So I would really like to know weather its a rich or a poor country.
I am an American. I have lived in Poland for seven years. I am also a Polish citizen. Poland is not that poor. It is an EU country. If you like in Warsaw, Krakow or any major city it is very nice. If you live in the countryside it is beautiful but you make less. Rich and poor is a relative thing. I am from Boston and live the same life teaching English here and there as I did in Boston making six figures. There I saved more but here I live more.
Poland rocks in my opinion if you have skills and an education and have imagination.
That being said the average person here is not making what people do in the UK or USA of course. But it is not that bad here. I like it a lot.
Why living in Poland is like living in Hollywood
I am Polish and I live in Wales and it’s a better life here because we are richer, we have a bigger house and we have safer conditions.
Did you know Poland has the second lowest murder rate in the EU, only after Austria? I think you think it is safe there but statistically compared to Poland it is not.
Further, if you are a worker, than you are right you have higher earnings when you go to your factory or cube, but if you consider PPI it is not the whole story. The economist magazine wrote how a senior manager in Warsaw is better off in terms of lifestyle than a senior manager in London. The UK is extremely expensive.
If you are a capitalist or a creative person or have ideas and dynamic thinking, it is much better in Poland. If you work in a cube or factory it is better in the UK.
Why living in Poland is like living in Hollywood
Czesc Mark!
I’m an American living in Florida. I had a friend that was Polish when I was younger and he use to tell me great stories about that country and I always had a fasination with it ever since.
I went to college and got a degree in graphic art but since then I have not been able to find steady work here…
More and more I find myself thinking of moving to a place like Poland and teaching English.. ESL(of course after getting the proper certification)…
Ive always wanted to travel and I think maybe teaching English abroad would be PERFECT! Plus I have known a few Polish girls and WOW so different then American girls : )
I have a few questions…
I am 23… is that considered too young there to teach English?
I only know a few words and phrases in Polish so would that hurt me?(I have byki language learning software for polish and I try to learn as much as I can)
Would you think it would be better if I got a degree in English before?
Do schools there prefer UK native English speakers or US or does it not matter?
What do Polish girls think of American guys? : )
What do older Polish people think of Americans?
And what (if you know) is the art field like in Poland? Teaching English would be easiest at first for me but art is my passion and one day I would love to have a steady career in it..
Thanks in advance!
Why living in Poland is like living in Hollywood
Your fine to teach English as you are a native speaker. As a native speaker you need no degrees or anything. Just bring your brain and be creative and passionate about it. Poles in general like Americans, they are good allies and many Poles in the USA.
I am married to a Polish girl and she loves me and I love her.
I have another part of this site claritaslux.com/girls/ check it out a lot of things written there.
I highly recommend you consider what you are thinking.
Why living in Poland is like living in Hollywood
Would you recommend Poznan for someone like me?
Fresh with no experience ever in teaching with no degree as well.. only CELTA.
Mark, I live in wales and i would never have such a big house in Poland as i do here.
The question is why not? Prices of houses are cheaper in Poland. Labor costs are much cheaper. If you took that same money in Poland you could build a castle I am sure. Lets say you paid the average home price in the UK which is 246,387 GBP. That equals about 1.2 million PLN. If you build a 1.2 million PLN house outside of Krakow in the countryside, you would have a castle, with a swimming pool, tennis courts, a greenhouse etc, with a maid also. In the UK just an average house.
Why living in Poland is like living in Hollywood
Hello!! At he beginning I would like to congratulate You Mark the excellent blog on Poland.
I would like to ask you, is it correct? (how do you say it in English),
I never rest on my laurels?
I’ll be grateful for your help.
Mark she might have meant that in Wales she earns more then she ever would in Poland maybe?
Speaking of money. What are some common things in America that are down right cheap in Poland? Is there anything that’s more expensive?
and
Is Poznan a good city to teach in?
Thanks.
btw I lOVE this blog. I’m leanring so much from it!
You’re awesome mark…
It depends on the lifestyle you choose. If you have to have American brand name clothes and food in packages it will be more expensive in Poland. But if you eat Polish local food everything will be cheaper. Shop at Auchen.
Use allegro.pl or ebay.co.uk to buy things that are cheaper in the states. Therefore, you can get consumer goods the same price. But Auchen is really like Walmart.
Gas, electric, is also more pricey in Poland.
Poznan is good to teach, any major city.
Important the price thing comes down to how you eat and rent. Because those are your two biggest expenses. You are not buying a new laptop every month.
transport you take a tram instead of a car.
So food and rent. If you get ripped off with your rent, it eat your savings.
If you know how to cook and eat natural food, your fine. Potatoes, chicken, vegetable. But if you need frozen dinners and bags of chips and cola it will be more.
The home in wales, I disagree, you will make marginally better in terms of PPI, but it depends on your level. Five years ago maybe, but in Poland you can make as much as you want if you have skills. Most guys I know choose to stay in Poland. If you have no skills and not developed in any way and do not want to innovate or develop yourself and prefer to work in a factory or cube it is better in the west, but not by much. So cube slaves maybe, but people who innovate and develop themselves there is more opportunity in a dynamic economy.
And further because of the exchange rate if she came back home with GBP in her account she could build a much bigger house here.
Why living in Poland is like living in Hollywood
Polish upper class and need for security
Hi Mark,
I have to say that your blog has been incredibly helpful. I am a US citizen living and working in Spain. Recently, I began working with a company that is interested in the Polish market. As I was studying the market and Poland in general I realized that I lacked information about what Polish people like, do, read, etc. We manufacture and sell steel home security doors with home automation options (smart cards, fingerprint scanners, touch screens, etc), and if this works out we may think about opening a store in Poland where I may relocate to in the future. We have a wide product range, but the main door system that I am interested in selling is geared to the upper class and I was wondering two things:
1. Is home security an issue for wealthier Poles? For Poles in general?
2. I want to reach the final consumer (pull marketing strategy) by buying advertisement slots in luxury magazines. Could you possibly be able to tell me which are the most popular?
If I end up going to Poland I am sure I will have many more questions for you.
Good luck with everything.
Jamie
Why living in Poland is like living in Hollywood
Magazines the rich and famous read in Poland
Security is an issue for Polish people just like Americans. The wealthier ones, and I do not know how you define this, all have fences and security cameras. the middle class just have fences. Really almost everyone has a fence around their house in the countryside.
Further, right now there is a building boom in the suburbs as Poles are moving out of the city as prices are too high. So I think there is opportunity within the middle market more than a select few of wealthy. Also I think it would be better to target Polish builders and contractors in addition to the wealthy. But you know the market more than I do.
About magazines, I do not know, do people read magazines as much as the Internet? I think well targeted ads from the big G are the best effective as you can monitor the cost and benefit very closely. Forbes is an example of a magazine that does sell as well as Newsweek, with the latter having more influence proportionally than in the States. There is the Warsaw business journal, building magazines in every Kiosk.
Murator Projekty Domów is one I would recommend as well as something like domy drewniane, even if these are for the middle market in Poland.
There are scores of b But Poles are tech oriented and plugged into the Internet so I would consider this options also..
Why living in Poland is like living in Hollywood
Hi Mark:
I just realized I never thanked you for your help. It is so nice to ask these questions to someone actually living there. I am off to Poland next month to check out the market more and visit stores. Do you have any restaurant recomendations for the Warsaw area? I can’t wait to visit this place that is like living in Hollywood!
Thanks again!
I am not a Warsaw guy, more a Krakowian. So I am sorry, in Warsaw I usually shop at supermarkets and make something fresh. You will love Warsaw I think, just focus on the Old town if you want to meet girls by the way, or near the University.
Leave a reply to Why living in Poland is like living in Hollywood