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Teach English in Poland

Teach English in Poland

A cultural powerhouse bursting with opportunities for English teachers, Poland is an ideal TEFL destination.

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Poland is one of eastern Europe’s biggest countries, with a captivating history. It’s a great place to discover a different culture and explore a rich geography, from lakeside walks and mountain hikes to medieval towns and modern cities.

It’s a great place to be a TEFL teacher, too. English is taught to all ages in Poland and is comfortably the most-spoken foreign language, with excellent proficiency levels. But there’s room to improve, with a big audience for business English and academic English lessons.

Key facts on teaching English in Poland

There are English teacher roles at all levels in Poland although, as you would expect, the more qualified you are the more quickly you are likely to find work. Teaching experience isn't always required, especially in language schools or if you’re working online.

The key locations for finding TEFL jobs in Poland are the major cities, including Kraków, Warsaw, Wrocław, Gdansk, Łódź, Poznań and the Silesia region.

  • Official language: Polish
  • Currency: Polish Zloty (PLN). See the latest exchange rate.
  • Teaching requirements in Poland: you’ll need at least a 120-hour TEFL certificate, a bachelor’s degree, and English language fluency.
  • Salary: average earnings for English teachers in Poland are PLN 6,568 - 7,335 (£1,337 - £1,493 / $1,790 - $1,999) per month.
  • Teacher benefits: these are generous in Poland and may include health care, accommodation allowances, transport fees, and visa support.
  • Term times: in common with other parts of Europe, terms start in both September or October and February.
  • TEFL jobs in Polish schools: available at all levels, in state schools, kindergartens, private schools, international schools and universities.
  • TEFL jobs in the private sector: try private language schools, private tuition, summer camps, business English and online lessons.
  • Age restrictions: you must be aged 18-60 for women, or 18-65 for men.
  • Teaching programmes: you may be eligible for schemes such as Teach English in Poland (for teachers from the USA).

Requirements to teach English in Poland

At minimum, you’ll need a 120-hour TEFL certificate from an accredited, reputable course provider to teach English in Poland. This is the industry standard for TEFL training, but obtaining a Level 5 TEFL certificate can help you stand out in the job market.

In addition, a subject-specific advanced TEFL certificate can help you find learners who need more tailored lessons, like Business English or English for Academic Purposes.

Teaching English in Poland without a degree

Most English-teaching jobs in Poland will require you to have a bachelor’s degree, but in international schools, private institutions, and universities, you may also need a master’s degree or above.

Not having a degree makes it harder, but you could look for roles in a language school or as a private tutor. Just be aware that there could be intense competition from local candidates who speak English to a high level already.

Teaching English in Poland as a non-native speaker

You can work in Poland as a non-native English speaker. You’ll need to prove your English skills by taking an English proficiency test like the IELTS or TOEFL. A degree from an English-speaking university can also help.

Teaching in Poland

The typical contract for an English teacher in Poland lasts 1-2 years. For shorter contracts, you can apply for jobs midway through the academic year, as there is a secondary intake in February as well as the main term start in September or October. You could also try tutoring work, a language school, or summer schools.

Many Polish companies – often in IT, tourism or finance – hire a Business English tutor to teach in-house classes.

Private teaching can be a great source of income too, particularly if you live somewhere smaller with fewer teachers. Try block bookings if you’re tutoring a company or an individual, so you can budget and plan more effectively.

Tip: The best time to apply for TEFL jobs in Poland is between June and August, and then between October and December.

Typical hours and class sizes

In a state, private, or international school, you’ll usually teach between 20 and 30 hours a week. Teaching time at a private language school can vary from 10 to 40 hours per week.

Class sizes range from 5 to 50 pupils, mainly due to your location. Although Poland has numerous large cities with populations exceeding 100,000 people, nearly 40% of Poland’s population lives rurally.

Teaching in a business will generally be to smaller classes of professionals, while tutoring will be one-to-one or with just a handful of students.

Poland teaching benefits

English teaching jobs in Poland frequently offer great benefits, including:

  • Accommodation
  • Health insurance
  • Paid holidays
  • A ‘social benefits fund’
  • Pension
  • Paid holidays.

English language teachers, especially from North America or Oceania, are sometimes offered a travel fund in some international or private schools.

Salary and living costs

When you teach English in Poland, you can expect to earn an average monthly salary of PLN 6,568 - 7,335 (£1,303 - £1,455 / $1,884 - $2,008).

Country Avg. monthly salary Degree required Start of term Teaching experience Housing & flights included Suitable for non-native English speakers Age restrictions
Teach in Poland
6,568 PLN
£1,303 GBP
$1,687 USD 		September Accommodation sometimes included None

The minimum wage for teachers in Poland is PLN 5,153 (£1,049 / $1,411) for new teachers up to PLN 6,210 (£1,264 / $1,700) for experienced teachers.

ESL teachers can earn substantially more in private and international schools. With a QTS certificate or an equivalent teaching license, a master’s degree and some experience, you could earn around PLN 8,000 - 14,000 monthly (£1,629 - £2,851 / $2,190 - 3,833).

Cost of living breakdown

Costs vary dramatically depending on where you are in the country. Our cost of living table below shows up-to-date information on prices in Poland.

In Poland’s capital city, Warsaw, renting a one-bedroom city-centre apartment costs around £852 / $1,144 –not ideal on a teacher’s salary. Outside the city centre, however, rents fall to a more affordable average of £679 / $911.Monthly utilities are expensive compared to other European countries and other major TEFL destinations. Since 2023, Poland has seen sharp energy price rises, mainly because of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. At least internet costs are low, at around £13 / $18, which is ideal if you plan on teaching English online.

Restaurants
PLN
USD
GBP
Inexpensive restaurant meal
Domestic beer (0.5 litre)
Regular cappuccino
Water (0.33 litre)
Markets
PLN
USD
GBP
Regular milk (1 litre)
Loaf of white bread
Regular eggs (1 dozen)
Apples (1 kg)
Transportation
PLN
USD
GBP
One-way ticket (local transport)
Monthly pass (regular price)
Taxi start (normal tariff)
Gasoline (1 litre)
Utilities
PLN
USD
GBP
Electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage (for a regular apartment)
Regular prepaid monthly mobile tariff with 10GB+ data
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited data, cable/ADSL)
Clothing and shoes
PLN
USD
GBP
Pair of jeans (Levis 501 or something similar)
Summer dress in a chain store
Nike running shoes (mid-range)
Men's leather business shoes

Tip: Want to learn more about TEFL salaries and cost of living in Poland? Check out our free Salary Guide.

Can you save while teaching English in Poland?

If you’re earning the average English teaching salary and living alone in a one-bedroom Warsaw apartment, there won’t be a lot left after paying your bills. Consider flatsharing to spread the costs, save money and avoid feelings of isolation.

Highly-qualified teachers earning the average private school salary should be able to save more easily. Aside from the large energy prices, Poland is an affordable place to live.

If your goal is to save money, try teaching English online. As with in-person tutoring, there’s a demand for English teachers to deliver business English and academic English lessons remotely.

Hiring and visa information

Poland is a member of the European Union, so EU citizens don't need a visa to work in Poland. If you’re from outside the EU’s Schengen Area, including the UK, you must apply for a work visa and temporary residence permit.

To teach English in Poland legally, you need a job offer from a Polish school or business, as well as:

  • A valid passport
  • A completed application form (through the e-Konsulat system)
  • At least two colour photographs (following the Schengen Area photo guidelines)
  • At least €30,000 of travel health insurance cover
  • Accommodation details
  • Travel details
  • Resumé and evidence of work experience
  • Relevant certificates (TEFL certificate, degree, teaching licence)
  • Confirmation of employment
  • Police clearance certificate

Note: If you change jobs while on a temporary residence permit, your new employer must apply for a new permit on your behalf.

Best cities to teach English in Poland

Poland is home to dozens of exciting cities with lots to discover. You’ll find the most jobs in the three biggest cities – Warsaw, Kraków and Wrocław.

Teaching English in Warsaw

One of the world's most popular and friendly cities, Warsaw is full of English teaching opportunities. With a bigger student population than Berlin or Prague, and a demand for Business English teaching, English teachers have plenty of opportunities, everywhere from kindergartens to the city’s international schools and universities.

Tip: While you explore Warsaw, head to the Powiśle district by the Vistula River, where you’ll find some hipster restaurants and bars, like 60s-themed must-visit Syreni Spiew.

Teaching English in Kraków

With top international schools, businesses like International House and the British Council, and countless well-funded state schools, Krakow is another impressive destination to teach English in Poland. Popular for its medieval architecture, affordability, and the locals’ English proficiency, Krakow is well worth trying. You’ll need excellent qualifications – although teaching experience isn’t always required, the standard of English is already high.

Tip: Once you’ve seen everything Old Town has to offer, check out some of Poland's newer contemporary art at the MOCAK gallery.

Teaching English in Wrocław

Wroclaw is Poland’s third-largest city, lined with cobbled streets and full of colour. Its vast student population of 130,000 – around 1 in 6 of Wroclaw’s residents – means there are plenty of teaching jobs here. You can also find work in language centres, schools and as a tutor.

Tip: The Old Town is a must, but if you like your tourist attractions a little more off-beat, visit the Neon Side Gallery, which has dozens of dazzling reclaimed neon signs.

Living in Poland

Poland is a modern country with a strong economy. It has a rich culture and a high standard of healthcare and education, but with a low cost of living compared to other parts of Europe. Here are some of the key facts about life and culture in Poland.

Polish culture

Poland has had a turbulent history over the last two centuries, yet has managed toretain a strong national identity.

Rooted in the Catholic faith, it’s renowned for hospitality, and Poles are usually welcoming to foreigners – particularly if you learn some of the language and traditions. It tends to be more bureaucratic and formal than other western European cultures, however, and smart appearance and politeness are socially important, too. Family ties are strong, with multi-generational and community gatherings common for special occasions.

TEFL Student story: Katie

What’s it like to live and work in Poland? Katie, who teaches in the town of Bielsko-Biała, told us her story.

“Poland has taken me completely by surprise. I couldn’t have asked to live in a better location.

“I have loved learning about the culture in Poland, from its history of communism and war, right down to more fun cultural lessons like food. Pierogi, oscypek, żurek, and amazing potato pancakes... each of these is delicious.

“In a normal week, I teach children, adults, groups, one-to-one, and in companies. Each person has a different level of English, which is great, and it feels so rewarding when you teach a new language to people.”

Read more on-the-ground insights about teaching English abroad on our Graduate Stories page.

Ready toteach English in Poland?

Poland is an amazing place to teach English abroad. It’s easily accessible to the rest of mainland Europe, with quaint cities, great food, Gothic architecture, and plenty of English teaching jobs.

There are extensive job opportunities, allowing you variety and freedom to teach in exciting new places. If you’re keen to teach English in Poland, start by finding a TEFL course that will give you the qualifications you need. Whether you want to teach business English, young learners, or tutor privately, when you find a job as a TEFL teacher in Poland you’ll gain some priceless experience and cultural knowledge. 

Good luck – powodzenia!

More on teaching English in Poland

Teaching English in Poland FAQs

    Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about life as an English teacher in Poland.

  • Q. Can you teach English in Poland without a degree?

    English teachers don't always need a degree to teach in Poland. However, you must be accepted for a teaching job to be able to get a visa.

  • Q. Do you need a TEFL certificate?

    A TEFL certificate is essential for finding teaching positions in Poland and worldwide. Your TEFL certification course must be accredited, with 120 hours of training, and from a reputable provider.

  • Q. Do you need teaching experience?

    Most language schools and private businesses in Poland don't require teaching experience, but it's usually needed for jobs in mainstream education.

  • Q. Do you need to speak Polish to teach English in Poland?

    Some Polish proficiency can help you get a job teaching English in Poland, especially in international and bilingual schools. If you don’t know much Polish before you go, you can look for opportunities to learn while you live there!

  • Q. What is the cost of living like in Poland?

    See our Salary and living costs section for a full breakdown of likely salaries for teaching English in Poland, as well as associated living costs.

  • Q. Do I need a visa to teach English in Poland?

    It depends on your nationality. EU citizens don't need a visa to work in Poland, but anyone from outside the EU’s Schengen Area, including the UK, must apply for a work visa and temporary residence permit.

  • Q. Where is the best place to teach English in Poland?

    Poland is a large country, with several large cities and a big rural population, so there are plenty of opportunities. You’re most likely to find TEFL work in the three biggest cities, though – Warsaw, Kraków and Wrocław.