These answers to frequently asked questions should help you in considering the WorldTeach Poland program. If you have further questions, please call the WorldTeach office at 1-800-483-2240 or 617-495-5527. We can also put you in touch with a returned WorldTeach Poland volunteer.
Q: When does the program start and end?
A: The Poland summer program runs from mid to late June to mid to late August, depending on school schedules and flight availability. The program lasts for eight weeks, which includes a week-long orientation and seven weeks of teaching. Exact travel dates will be available approximately two months before departure.
Q: Do I need to speak Polish?
A: You do not need any language preparation for the program in Poland. In fact it is rare that there are any volunteers who speak any Polish before the departure and with some exceptions most of the volunteers who have had some experience with the language only poses very basic Polish skills. During the first week of your stay in Poland, you will be attending an intensive Polish language course that will prepare you for meeting your host family and will allow you to do basic activities like shopping or paying for food in restaurant on your own.
Q: Do I need to get a visa?
A: US passport holders do not need a visa to enter Poland for periods of less than 90 days. Non-US passport holders should contact the WorldTeach office to discuss procurement of a visa if necessary.
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Q: When will I find out where I will be teaching?
A: Your exact placement will be determined by the Program Coordinator, based on a match between you and the host families. Once accepted to the program, you may express general preferences with regard to your teaching or living situation. The Program Coordinator will take these preferences and your prior experience into account when matching you with a suitable school and host family. Since WorldTeach also has to take into account the needs of the host schools and communities, we cannot guarantee any particular placement. This process of matching volunteers with placement sites is done once the Program Coordinator has received information on all the volunteers in the group. You will receive information about your placement site, teaching assignment and host family about one month prior to departure. Until then, please be flexible and keep an open mind. Most volunteers teach around twenty hours per week.
Q: What type of housing will I be staying in?
A: Volunteers will live with one or two host families for the duration of the program. Families routinely cook breakfast, lunch and dinner for volunteers, although lunch often depends on your class schedule. You can expect to have your own bedroom, although other living spaces will be shared with the family. Each volunteer will be responsible for reimbursing the family for use of the family's phone. Laundry can be done by the volunteer or the family might offer to do it.
Q: Will I get training?
A: Yes. Your first week in Poland will be spent in an intensive orientation training program with your fellow volunteers. This will include orientation to the country and culture, language training and teacher TEFL training. Teacher training will focus on teaching methods, lesson planning, teaching resources, and a teaching practicum.
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Q: Is it safe?
A: While there is some level of risk involved in traveling and living abroad, WorldTeach does not place volunteers in any area considered dangerous, and pays close attention to US State Department and Embassy advice. During orientation the Program Coordinator will discuss health and safety issues with you; please feel free to raise any concerns with them.
Poland, as a member of the European Union, is a stable and developed country, and the people are very welcoming.
Q: What if I get sick? Are there doctors and hospitals?
A: As a WorldTeach volunteer you will have health insurance coverage that includes emergency medical evacuation insurance. For medical expenses such as doctors visits, medicines, etc. you pay up front and then file an insurance claim to get reimbursed. For larger expenses the insurance company may be able to arrange direct payment to the hospital or medical provider.
During orientation, the Program Coordinator will inform you of the location of good hospitals and doctors. He will also be available to assist you if you have any questions.
Q: What immunizations are required?
A: The best source of information on immunizations and travel health is the Center for Disease Control's website at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. This provides recommendations for travel and detailed information on specific diseases. Also refer to the Staying Healthy book WorldTeach sent in your confirmation packet. Be sure to consult your doctor or a travel health specialist and remember that WorldTeach staff members are not qualified to give medical advice!
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Q: Will there be a chance to travel to other places?
A: Yes. You may travel on weekends and days off from school. Additionally, trips to major cultural sites in the region and celebrations with host communities all supplement the program. During orientation and two conferences you, other volunteers and the field staff will have the opportunity to see major sites in Poland, most likely including Warsaw, Gdansk, Krakow, and Zakopane.
Q: Can I make my own travel arrangements?
A: Yes. If you book your own travel to Poland you must plan to arrive in Warsaw on or before the date of the group flight's arrival, so that you do not miss any orientation activities. Be sure to buy a ticket that has a changeable return date, in case your travel plans should change. Volunteers traveling independently must inform the program manager in writing of their travel plans. If you book your own ticket WorldTeach will reimburse you the cost of a ticket on our group flight.
Q: What should I take with me?
A: A suggested packing list is included in the Volunteer Handbook, which you will receive after being accepted and confirming your plans to participate in the program. Do not take too much baggage - you will need to be able to carry it easily.
Q: How much money should I take?
A: This will depend on how much you intend to travel, and the lifestyle you intend to lead. We recommend taking travelers checks and some cash in fairly small denominations, and having a credit or debit card so that you can access more money as needed. Access to $1000 would be more than sufficient for spending money.
Q: Can I speak with someone who has done this program before?
A: Absolutely! We can put you in contact with a returned WorldTeach volunteer who can answer specific questions for you. Contact the office by phone (1-800-483-2240 or 617-495-5527) or send a request by email to info@worldteach.org.
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