Program Profile
The WorldTeach Summer Program in Poland started in 2002, when WorldTeach received an invitation from Zbigniew C
hrzanowski, a member of the Polish Parliament (Sejm), to place WorldTeach volunteers in the region surrounding the small town of Maków Mazowiecki – a region he represented. Mr. Chrzanowski and the local government’s efforts resulted in five volunteers spending two months in rural areas around Maków teaching English to primary and secondary school students in the summer of 2003. The program was given the official name “Wakacje z angielskim!” (Vacation with English!).
Though Mr. Chrzanowski’s term in parliament ended in late 2004,WorldTeach has been able to establish new partnerships in Poland to allow for further expansion and development of the program. In 2012, we expect to have 12 to 14 schools hosting volunteers.
Volunteer Role
Volunteers in Poland mainly teach high school students, but occasionally some middle school or even elementary school students participate in the program. Class size will vary between 10 and 15 students. Volunteers will be responsible for teaching conversational English, basic grammar, and some lessons on American culture. All volunteers will have internet access, and some will also have computer labs to use for instruction. Classes are open to the entire community, allowing students with a wide range of preexisting English skills to participate.
In addition to their teaching responsibilities, volunteers are also encouraged to actively participate in community life and engage in additional activities or projects of interest. Outside of the classroom, volunteers will have many opportunities to experience both traditional and modern Polish life. Trips to major cultural sites in the region and celebrations with host communities supplement the program, particularly during the orientation, mid-service, and end-of-service conferences when the group convenes.
Please note that volunteers participating in WorldTeach summer programs are not eligible to receive WorldTeach TEFL certification.
Placements & Housing
The majority of volunteers live with one or more host families throughout the summer though there may be one or two placements where the volunteer lives in an apartment on the school grounds. Host families decide to host a volunteer because they are pleased to have a native English teacher in their community and because they are interested in the cross-cultural exchange that will take place while you are 
a guest in their home. Very often they will be families with children who might benefit from having a native English speaker giving them some extra lessons.
Prior to making placement decisions, the Summer Program Coordinator will ensure that the volunteers will have an appropriate level of living standards either with their host family or in independent housing. All host families will be interviewed so that compatible volunteers and host families can be successfully matched. Alongside providing you with a furnished room and meals, they will become among your closest friends this summer. Most volunteers stay in contact with their host families long after they leave Poland!
Though placement locations change from summer to summer, check out the locations of the volunteers last year.
Financial Information
The cost of the summer program is $4,490. This covers pre-departure information and preparation, round-trip international airfare from a US departure city to Warsaw, overseas medical and emergency evacuation insurance, one week in-country orientation as well as a mid-service and end-of-service conference, 24-hour field staff support, room and board, and alumni support.
Many volunteers successfully fundraise all or a significant portion of their volunteer commitment. Please refer to our fundraising webpage for more information about fundraising possibilities.
Read more about our costs and services.
Requirements
Volunteers in the Poland Summer program must be:
- fluent English speakers
- between the ages of 18 and 74
- highly flexible, mature, and have a genuine interest in teaching
