Hi all, thanks for dropping by. To make things easier, I've decided to merge some of my blogs, which, including this one, can now be found at ELT World. I've been getting off my backsides and writing recently, so come over to the new URL and leave lots of lovely comments.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Monday, August 18, 2008
Classic Articles: Secrets of those that do the TEFL Hiring
In celebration of the upcoming release of the fifth edition of Horizons Journal, I've decided to revisit some of the classic articles from the first four issues. In this article, we look at what you need to ask at your TEFL interview:
In March, Mishmumkin raised an issue of great significance to those of us who are looking for that dream TEFL job or are considering starting out in the profession: 'If I've done my research correctly I should know a great deal about my potential employer before the interview. I'm curious what those who do the hiring wish their candidates asked about.'
So, what are recruiters expecting from their prospective employees at the interview? The forum members shared their wealth of experience in offering the following words of great wisdom. Here's what those in the position to hire feel you should be asking your future employer at that interview:
Ask what you NEED to know
First and foremost, there is a consensus that you really need to ask what's important to you as the employee: don't assume that the person interviewing you knows what your priorities are. MELEE notes that, 'mostly I'm just listening to see what they ask me. That will tell me what's important to them (the students, the curriculum, resources, housing, benefits, vacation time, etc.). I do the interviews individually, but then report back to a panel - that conversation always includes letting the others know what questions were asked by the candidate.' When applying for a job it's easy to forget that, while it's a one of event for you as the potential employee, the person doing the hiring is having the same interaction many, many times and, as noted earlier, is probably under time constraints. Therefore they are likely to try to get what they need from the encounter, leaving you to ask the questions you personally need answering. Justin Trullinger exemplifies the kind of things that he, from experience, feels teachers should ask at the interview:
'I do the hiring at the organisation where I work. It's not that I have a list of questions I want you to ask, because I don't know what's important to you but I feel very strongly that you SHOULD ask about whatever is. Some of the worst problems I've had with teachers have had to do with things that were important to them that they didn't find out about beforehand, or didn't ask for more details.'
Some examples:
1 Clothing:
Teachers placed in elementary schools through us wear uniforms. They are told about this before hiring, and asked if they are okay with it. Depending on the school, these uniforms vary - some are very smart suit looking things, but some, especially at lower income schools, are sweatsuits with school logos. One teacher, very appearance conscious, was so horrified by wearing a sweatsuit that she was unable to continue, and we had to negotiate special permission for her to wear her own clothes. This made all the parents think she was the principal. It was a mess. Personally, I don't care what I wear, and would love to have a uniform, any uniform that meant I wouldn't have to shop for clothes, or try to figure out what color tie goes with things...but to her, it was an issue. She should have asked.
2 Costs of living:
Some things are very cheap in Ecuador. Some are more expensive. Computers are first world prices or higher. Having read online that the cost of living in Ecuador is low (in terms of rent and food, it is) one teacher decided rather than bringing a computer, to buy one here. But here, lap tops are high end luxury without much selection. He should have asked.
3 Housing:
We don't provide housing - but many of our teachers share apartments with each other - which is clearly stated in our pre-interview literature. This is because Ecuadorian apartments are mostly large family or multifamily units, and it would be hard to afford one on your own. A teacher who doesn't like to share simply assumed that he could find his own, and anticipated finding an apartment for the same cost as a room in a shared unit. Not a chance. Then he complains that it's hard to make ends meet...should have asked.
4 Teaching conditions:
Our teachers are expected to use text books, but not to spend the whole course using only textbooks. They also have to be creative and come up with their own supplementary activities and materials. Payment for this is included in their hourly rate - they are not paid for extra hours for doing it. This is standard enough that I didn't make an issue of it, though again, it says in the package that "teaching hours are paid for at $X per hour, and that this rate includes preparation..." Again, if this is a problem, ask, let's talk beforehand. Likewise, if you have any financial obligations outside of the country, like student loan payments, it would be good to ask about how feasible that is...
To that list I'd certainly want to add medical insurance and, if you're thinking about staying in a country for an extended period of time, you might also want to look into their policies regarding work permits and social security contributions. Those of you who're new to teaching may find it hard to believe but some of us end up staying for good. It would be a shame to find out several years down the line that you've been living illegally and that you're presence in a country is no longer welcome, or that what could have become a reasonable state pension to supplement your retirement doesn't exist as your employers never registered you. Ask!
Post-interview questions
Of course, sometimes as the interviewee, you're going to feel overwhelmed by the situation. A natural consequence of this is forgetting to ask the questions that you really need answering, as Emma notes, 'I've found in interviews that the interviewer has told me so much information about the school and teaching methods that I really can't think of anything when asked if I have questions. To ask about obvious stuff like salary when I haven't been offered a job seems presumptuous.' This issue of asking about salary is something that I'll return to later. Emma also asked the following question on the forum:
'How do you feel about teachers coming back and asking questions before accepting the post?'
MELEE replied thus, reiterating the need to be time conscious, 'I think it's great. I'd rather teachers ask only 2 or 3 of the most important questions in the interview, but that's because we interview over the phone and I'm under pressure to try to keep the calls around 30 minutes. I welcome additional questions by email, no matter how many. The sooner the better because really I'm using those questions to decide whether or not I'm going to make you an offer.' Something I've always done at the end of an interview is ask the interviewer if I can make additional contact after our meeting, primarily because I experience the kind of information overload that Emma mentions. As MELEE quite clearly states, this is beneficial to both parties.
Time (not) to talk money
Now onto the issue that's almost always at the bottom line, salary. Gordon shares his thoughts on the matter:
'Prospective applicants should not ask about salary until they are offered the job. On the other hand, applicants should have a pretty good idea of the salary at this point anyways. I won't apply for a job unless I have a decent idea of the salary range, in many cases it would be a waste of everyone's time. I hate it when jobs don't give the salary in the ad or at least the salary range.' It's not impossible these days to get a fairly good idea of what you can expect to earn in a particular country or even at a certain school. Asking questions at the ELT World Forums is one good way to learn such information. Sherri adds, 'I don't see why the salary should be such a big secret. I always tell the applicants what they can expect to make. I usually tell them over the phone before we schedule the interview. There is a pay scale so it is easy to figure out. All teachers have a copy of the pay scale once hired. If it looks like the interview is going well, I tell them how often they will be paid and when they can expect their first pay check. This is especially important for people who are relocating for a job.' I also chipped in with a recommendation which has always seen me right in the past:
'I think it's appropriate for the interviewee to raise the issue, such as, 'I'm sure once you've made your decision about hiring me, we can talk in more detail about the salary and benefits package you offer.' This lets the interviewer know that while this isn't your only motivation for wanting the job, it is something that they expect to be informed about in detail at some point.'
Gordon summarises the issue perfectly when he states, 'I think one doesn't want to appear as though money is the most important factor in the job decision, whereas we all know that it is.' I would make it clear that you will want to have a clear idea about the kind of money you'll be earning without making that the sole purpose for you having turned up for the interview.
How can you prepare for the interview?
What can you do before the interview? Gordon again offers advice:
'Before an interview, I write a list of things (housing, resources, etc) that I want answered before deciding to take a job. Then, during the interview I take copious notes, and if the interview hasn't answered my questions, I ask them at the question time. Although, just thinking about it now, I haven't had a face to face interview for years now, so its easy to have my little list and notebook. Not sure how that would go down in a face to face interview.'
While Gordon may not have tried this in a face to face interview, this is a tactic that I myself have used and find that it has been received well. If you've taken the time to sit down and make a note of what you need to know from this potential employer, it gives the impression that you're serious about wanting the job.
Another thing that makes a good impression is showing that you've given some thought about how you'll fit in to the school. Sherri exemplifies, 'I must admit, I like it when people ask about the students. I like it when they ask about the work atmosphere, but how the teachers work together, if they share and support each other. I like it if they show an interest in our program and show that they at least looked at our website.' For the interview I had for my present job, I printed off the school's entire website, annotated the points that interested me and highlighted other information I wanted to ask about. While there was no way for me to get through more than one or two points that I'd noted, it gave the impression that I'd really thought about why I wanted to work here, and was told as much later.
Don't waste their time
Let's now briefly assume you've been offered a job. Having noted earlier that recruiters appreciate you asking questions that will help you decide if you're going to take the position, think about whether or not you're realistically thinking of taking the position before making secondary contact. MELEE explains: 'If I make the offer, then you hit me with questions that lead me to believe that this is not the best position for you, then you've wasted my time because I need to give you adequate time before I offer it to someone else rather than you.' Think, at some point it could be you who misses out on an interview because someone was wasting the recruiter's time mulling over an offer they didn't intend to take.
One thing you also really need to do is prioritise what you need to ask. The interviewer will want to make a decision about you just as much as you want to decide if you want the job. One sure way to put off the person deciding whether or not to hire you will be asking questions to which you could easily find the answers elsewhere. Think about this: what would you rather know about, the number of hours you could expect to work in an average week or the colour of the tiles in the bathroom of the apartment you'll be sharing? Prioritise what you need to learn about the school. Yaramaz explains this issue, referring to a recent incident in her efforts to recruit teachers:
'We just recently recruiting for next term and have had an interesting time poring over applications. One woman included a jpeg list of over 100 questions for us to answer-- not even in word or PDF format! How can we even begin to answer 147 questions on a jpeg??? And most were really pointless questions that could be googled or asked in the interview, like "Do you have a photocopier?' and 'what is the climate of your city?' Aaaaagh!'
Aaaaaagh indeed. Imagine how you would feel if you received such a list of questions at a time when you've got to interview numerous people. How much priority would you give to someone who asked questions to which they could so easily find the answers themselves? I'll conclude by returning to the advice of Justin Trullinger: 'It isn't a question of what you should ask - but ask everything that YOU need to know. I may not know what's important to you, but it's important that you ask about what you need to know. Do not assume! Whatever you need to know in order to make an adequate decision, you'll need to ask.'
Use and distribution of this article is permitted subject to no changes being made to the content and appropriate hyperlinks/URL references in place.
In March, Mishmumkin raised an issue of great significance to those of us who are looking for that dream TEFL job or are considering starting out in the profession: 'If I've done my research correctly I should know a great deal about my potential employer before the interview. I'm curious what those who do the hiring wish their candidates asked about.'
So, what are recruiters expecting from their prospective employees at the interview? The forum members shared their wealth of experience in offering the following words of great wisdom. Here's what those in the position to hire feel you should be asking your future employer at that interview:
Ask what you NEED to know
First and foremost, there is a consensus that you really need to ask what's important to you as the employee: don't assume that the person interviewing you knows what your priorities are. MELEE notes that, 'mostly I'm just listening to see what they ask me. That will tell me what's important to them (the students, the curriculum, resources, housing, benefits, vacation time, etc.). I do the interviews individually, but then report back to a panel - that conversation always includes letting the others know what questions were asked by the candidate.' When applying for a job it's easy to forget that, while it's a one of event for you as the potential employee, the person doing the hiring is having the same interaction many, many times and, as noted earlier, is probably under time constraints. Therefore they are likely to try to get what they need from the encounter, leaving you to ask the questions you personally need answering. Justin Trullinger exemplifies the kind of things that he, from experience, feels teachers should ask at the interview:
'I do the hiring at the organisation where I work. It's not that I have a list of questions I want you to ask, because I don't know what's important to you but I feel very strongly that you SHOULD ask about whatever is. Some of the worst problems I've had with teachers have had to do with things that were important to them that they didn't find out about beforehand, or didn't ask for more details.'
Some examples:
1 Clothing:
Teachers placed in elementary schools through us wear uniforms. They are told about this before hiring, and asked if they are okay with it. Depending on the school, these uniforms vary - some are very smart suit looking things, but some, especially at lower income schools, are sweatsuits with school logos. One teacher, very appearance conscious, was so horrified by wearing a sweatsuit that she was unable to continue, and we had to negotiate special permission for her to wear her own clothes. This made all the parents think she was the principal. It was a mess. Personally, I don't care what I wear, and would love to have a uniform, any uniform that meant I wouldn't have to shop for clothes, or try to figure out what color tie goes with things...but to her, it was an issue. She should have asked.
2 Costs of living:
Some things are very cheap in Ecuador. Some are more expensive. Computers are first world prices or higher. Having read online that the cost of living in Ecuador is low (in terms of rent and food, it is) one teacher decided rather than bringing a computer, to buy one here. But here, lap tops are high end luxury without much selection. He should have asked.
3 Housing:
We don't provide housing - but many of our teachers share apartments with each other - which is clearly stated in our pre-interview literature. This is because Ecuadorian apartments are mostly large family or multifamily units, and it would be hard to afford one on your own. A teacher who doesn't like to share simply assumed that he could find his own, and anticipated finding an apartment for the same cost as a room in a shared unit. Not a chance. Then he complains that it's hard to make ends meet...should have asked.
4 Teaching conditions:
Our teachers are expected to use text books, but not to spend the whole course using only textbooks. They also have to be creative and come up with their own supplementary activities and materials. Payment for this is included in their hourly rate - they are not paid for extra hours for doing it. This is standard enough that I didn't make an issue of it, though again, it says in the package that "teaching hours are paid for at $X per hour, and that this rate includes preparation..." Again, if this is a problem, ask, let's talk beforehand. Likewise, if you have any financial obligations outside of the country, like student loan payments, it would be good to ask about how feasible that is...
To that list I'd certainly want to add medical insurance and, if you're thinking about staying in a country for an extended period of time, you might also want to look into their policies regarding work permits and social security contributions. Those of you who're new to teaching may find it hard to believe but some of us end up staying for good. It would be a shame to find out several years down the line that you've been living illegally and that you're presence in a country is no longer welcome, or that what could have become a reasonable state pension to supplement your retirement doesn't exist as your employers never registered you. Ask!
Post-interview questions
Of course, sometimes as the interviewee, you're going to feel overwhelmed by the situation. A natural consequence of this is forgetting to ask the questions that you really need answering, as Emma notes, 'I've found in interviews that the interviewer has told me so much information about the school and teaching methods that I really can't think of anything when asked if I have questions. To ask about obvious stuff like salary when I haven't been offered a job seems presumptuous.' This issue of asking about salary is something that I'll return to later. Emma also asked the following question on the forum:
'How do you feel about teachers coming back and asking questions before accepting the post?'
MELEE replied thus, reiterating the need to be time conscious, 'I think it's great. I'd rather teachers ask only 2 or 3 of the most important questions in the interview, but that's because we interview over the phone and I'm under pressure to try to keep the calls around 30 minutes. I welcome additional questions by email, no matter how many. The sooner the better because really I'm using those questions to decide whether or not I'm going to make you an offer.' Something I've always done at the end of an interview is ask the interviewer if I can make additional contact after our meeting, primarily because I experience the kind of information overload that Emma mentions. As MELEE quite clearly states, this is beneficial to both parties.
Time (not) to talk money
Now onto the issue that's almost always at the bottom line, salary. Gordon shares his thoughts on the matter:
'Prospective applicants should not ask about salary until they are offered the job. On the other hand, applicants should have a pretty good idea of the salary at this point anyways. I won't apply for a job unless I have a decent idea of the salary range, in many cases it would be a waste of everyone's time. I hate it when jobs don't give the salary in the ad or at least the salary range.' It's not impossible these days to get a fairly good idea of what you can expect to earn in a particular country or even at a certain school. Asking questions at the ELT World Forums is one good way to learn such information. Sherri adds, 'I don't see why the salary should be such a big secret. I always tell the applicants what they can expect to make. I usually tell them over the phone before we schedule the interview. There is a pay scale so it is easy to figure out. All teachers have a copy of the pay scale once hired. If it looks like the interview is going well, I tell them how often they will be paid and when they can expect their first pay check. This is especially important for people who are relocating for a job.' I also chipped in with a recommendation which has always seen me right in the past:
'I think it's appropriate for the interviewee to raise the issue, such as, 'I'm sure once you've made your decision about hiring me, we can talk in more detail about the salary and benefits package you offer.' This lets the interviewer know that while this isn't your only motivation for wanting the job, it is something that they expect to be informed about in detail at some point.'
Gordon summarises the issue perfectly when he states, 'I think one doesn't want to appear as though money is the most important factor in the job decision, whereas we all know that it is.' I would make it clear that you will want to have a clear idea about the kind of money you'll be earning without making that the sole purpose for you having turned up for the interview.
How can you prepare for the interview?
What can you do before the interview? Gordon again offers advice:
'Before an interview, I write a list of things (housing, resources, etc) that I want answered before deciding to take a job. Then, during the interview I take copious notes, and if the interview hasn't answered my questions, I ask them at the question time. Although, just thinking about it now, I haven't had a face to face interview for years now, so its easy to have my little list and notebook. Not sure how that would go down in a face to face interview.'
While Gordon may not have tried this in a face to face interview, this is a tactic that I myself have used and find that it has been received well. If you've taken the time to sit down and make a note of what you need to know from this potential employer, it gives the impression that you're serious about wanting the job.
Another thing that makes a good impression is showing that you've given some thought about how you'll fit in to the school. Sherri exemplifies, 'I must admit, I like it when people ask about the students. I like it when they ask about the work atmosphere, but how the teachers work together, if they share and support each other. I like it if they show an interest in our program and show that they at least looked at our website.' For the interview I had for my present job, I printed off the school's entire website, annotated the points that interested me and highlighted other information I wanted to ask about. While there was no way for me to get through more than one or two points that I'd noted, it gave the impression that I'd really thought about why I wanted to work here, and was told as much later.
Don't waste their time
Let's now briefly assume you've been offered a job. Having noted earlier that recruiters appreciate you asking questions that will help you decide if you're going to take the position, think about whether or not you're realistically thinking of taking the position before making secondary contact. MELEE explains: 'If I make the offer, then you hit me with questions that lead me to believe that this is not the best position for you, then you've wasted my time because I need to give you adequate time before I offer it to someone else rather than you.' Think, at some point it could be you who misses out on an interview because someone was wasting the recruiter's time mulling over an offer they didn't intend to take.
One thing you also really need to do is prioritise what you need to ask. The interviewer will want to make a decision about you just as much as you want to decide if you want the job. One sure way to put off the person deciding whether or not to hire you will be asking questions to which you could easily find the answers elsewhere. Think about this: what would you rather know about, the number of hours you could expect to work in an average week or the colour of the tiles in the bathroom of the apartment you'll be sharing? Prioritise what you need to learn about the school. Yaramaz explains this issue, referring to a recent incident in her efforts to recruit teachers:
'We just recently recruiting for next term and have had an interesting time poring over applications. One woman included a jpeg list of over 100 questions for us to answer-- not even in word or PDF format! How can we even begin to answer 147 questions on a jpeg??? And most were really pointless questions that could be googled or asked in the interview, like "Do you have a photocopier?' and 'what is the climate of your city?' Aaaaagh!'
Aaaaaagh indeed. Imagine how you would feel if you received such a list of questions at a time when you've got to interview numerous people. How much priority would you give to someone who asked questions to which they could so easily find the answers themselves? I'll conclude by returning to the advice of Justin Trullinger: 'It isn't a question of what you should ask - but ask everything that YOU need to know. I may not know what's important to you, but it's important that you ask about what you need to know. Do not assume! Whatever you need to know in order to make an adequate decision, you'll need to ask.'
Use and distribution of this article is permitted subject to no changes being made to the content and appropriate hyperlinks/URL references in place.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Ten Things You Should Not Miss While In Poland
In this article, Jonathan Williams gives you his list of the must see places in Poland:
Poland is a county that is rich in history as well as beautiful places, and as such, this has become a favorite tourist destination. Here are the places that you should visit while in Poland.
1. The Old Town
Words can only capture so much of the beauty and timelessness that defines Stare Miastro. Take a walk or ride a bike or carriage for a tour of the city, and be mesmerized by the simple grandeur of the place. Pubs, bars, restaurants, etc. are plenty in the city, so you don't have to worry when that tummy churns from hunger in this beautiful city.
2. Warsaw
World War II did something to change the landscape of Warsaw, but the beauty of this city remains worthy of a stopover. Visit Warsaw and see for yourself the Royal Castle, the Wilanow Castle, the Lazienki Park, and other scenic sites that gives color and grandeur to this Polish city. The ruins of the Jewish ghetto wall are standing up to this day, a reminder for the many who perished in Nazi atrocities and the few who managed to come back.
3. Sopot
Sopot is the premiere vacation spot in Poland that gives travelers a scenic place and a place for a myriad of activities. Sopot is also a home to both budding and respected artist in various fields, giving radiance to the already lively place. With so many things to do, boredom is certainly one of things you shouldn't plan for in this city.
4. Slowinski National Park
Drop by the Baltic Coast and see for yourself the various land features that characterize Slowinski National Park's topography. Walk by the beach, enter the forest, step on wet marshlands and sand dunes, and cross grassland and moors while you're in it. Be fascinated by the wide variety of flora and fauna that comes with it.
5. Tatra Mountain
Tatra Mountain range, home of natural wonders and mountain adventures, lies in the border of Poland and Slovakia. Glance at the Polish biodiversity while admiring the landscape formed by four glaciations that took place in the Tatra mountain regions. Take a hike and climb the peaks of Tatra, and be astounded by the scenic view of Poland from its side.
6. Auschwitz
More than sixty years after the Nazi Rule, Auschwitz stands as a reminder of the past that should be forever remembered. Travel back in time of Nazi's occupation of Auschwitz and relive the tragedies that surround the concentration camps. Let the edifice and the few things left both by the perpetrators and the victims speak of the history that unfolded in this side of the Polish lands.
7. Great Masurian Lake
Found in the northern part of the country, Great Masurian Lake is the remains of the Ice Age that cover all of Poland. With some 4000 lakes linked by intricate river and water tributaries, it covers up to 15% of all Masurian Plateau. Travel the lake in its entirety with bike tours made available in the area.
8. The Wawel
Visit the place where polish kings rule for over 500 years. Walk around time and see yourself time-locked in the Renaissance period with Wawels's castle, churches, courtyards, and other infrastructure. Learn, discover and marvel at the sight of this city.
9. Czartoryski Museum
Da Vinci and Rembrandt aficionados who plan to visit Poland put Czartoryski Museum on top of their list. Despite losing some artworks during Nazi occupation, artworks like Da Vinci's Lady with the Ermine and Rembrandt's Landscape with the Good Samaritan is still a sight to see. Tour the museum for more artworks from Greeks, Romans, Etruscans, Italians, Dutch, and Flemish artists.
10. Kazimierz Dolny
Named after Kazimierz Wielki who founded the town in 1335, this polish town offered shelter to persecuted Jews before World War II. The number of Jews living in Kazimierz was a target for the Nazi during WWII, reducing the 70,000 Jews in pre-world war era into 600 to this day. Take a peek into the preserved Jewish ghettoes and discover the lives these people have then.
About the Author
Jonathan Williams is the travel writer for Destination Guide TV - the place to share travel videos. Visit http://www.destinationguide.tv/poland to view or share Poland travel videos.
Poland is a county that is rich in history as well as beautiful places, and as such, this has become a favorite tourist destination. Here are the places that you should visit while in Poland.
1. The Old Town
Words can only capture so much of the beauty and timelessness that defines Stare Miastro. Take a walk or ride a bike or carriage for a tour of the city, and be mesmerized by the simple grandeur of the place. Pubs, bars, restaurants, etc. are plenty in the city, so you don't have to worry when that tummy churns from hunger in this beautiful city.
2. Warsaw
World War II did something to change the landscape of Warsaw, but the beauty of this city remains worthy of a stopover. Visit Warsaw and see for yourself the Royal Castle, the Wilanow Castle, the Lazienki Park, and other scenic sites that gives color and grandeur to this Polish city. The ruins of the Jewish ghetto wall are standing up to this day, a reminder for the many who perished in Nazi atrocities and the few who managed to come back.
3. Sopot
Sopot is the premiere vacation spot in Poland that gives travelers a scenic place and a place for a myriad of activities. Sopot is also a home to both budding and respected artist in various fields, giving radiance to the already lively place. With so many things to do, boredom is certainly one of things you shouldn't plan for in this city.
4. Slowinski National Park
Drop by the Baltic Coast and see for yourself the various land features that characterize Slowinski National Park's topography. Walk by the beach, enter the forest, step on wet marshlands and sand dunes, and cross grassland and moors while you're in it. Be fascinated by the wide variety of flora and fauna that comes with it.
5. Tatra Mountain
Tatra Mountain range, home of natural wonders and mountain adventures, lies in the border of Poland and Slovakia. Glance at the Polish biodiversity while admiring the landscape formed by four glaciations that took place in the Tatra mountain regions. Take a hike and climb the peaks of Tatra, and be astounded by the scenic view of Poland from its side.
6. Auschwitz
More than sixty years after the Nazi Rule, Auschwitz stands as a reminder of the past that should be forever remembered. Travel back in time of Nazi's occupation of Auschwitz and relive the tragedies that surround the concentration camps. Let the edifice and the few things left both by the perpetrators and the victims speak of the history that unfolded in this side of the Polish lands.
7. Great Masurian Lake
Found in the northern part of the country, Great Masurian Lake is the remains of the Ice Age that cover all of Poland. With some 4000 lakes linked by intricate river and water tributaries, it covers up to 15% of all Masurian Plateau. Travel the lake in its entirety with bike tours made available in the area.
8. The Wawel
Visit the place where polish kings rule for over 500 years. Walk around time and see yourself time-locked in the Renaissance period with Wawels's castle, churches, courtyards, and other infrastructure. Learn, discover and marvel at the sight of this city.
9. Czartoryski Museum
Da Vinci and Rembrandt aficionados who plan to visit Poland put Czartoryski Museum on top of their list. Despite losing some artworks during Nazi occupation, artworks like Da Vinci's Lady with the Ermine and Rembrandt's Landscape with the Good Samaritan is still a sight to see. Tour the museum for more artworks from Greeks, Romans, Etruscans, Italians, Dutch, and Flemish artists.
10. Kazimierz Dolny
Named after Kazimierz Wielki who founded the town in 1335, this polish town offered shelter to persecuted Jews before World War II. The number of Jews living in Kazimierz was a target for the Nazi during WWII, reducing the 70,000 Jews in pre-world war era into 600 to this day. Take a peek into the preserved Jewish ghettoes and discover the lives these people have then.
About the Author
Jonathan Williams is the travel writer for Destination Guide TV - the place to share travel videos. Visit http://www.destinationguide.tv/poland to view or share Poland travel videos.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Krakow Nightlife
In this article, Paul scottyn delves into the Krakow social scene:
The 'new Prague' of Eastern Europe, the cobbled streets of Krakow house more than the nostalgic cultural throng of local history and contemporary cafés. For Poland's capital and latest tourist sensation also boasts a mean nightlife that's up there with Europe's best.
Cheap entertainment
In excess of 100,000 students have made Krakow their term time home, which ensures that there are a wide variety of reasonably priced clubs, bars and pubs to make travelers of any persuasion feel at home. Travelers nursing their hangovers in youth hostels in krakow are never far away from their next nightspot, and there are plenty of ancient goodies to keep them entertained throughout the day, especially in the resplendent enclaves of the Old Town.
For all tastes
To get the evening going with a couple of drinks, the Old Town specializes in atmospheric bars known as 'piwnice' (atmospheric cellar bars). These are a great place - generally stumbled upon, rarely found - to have a few excellent local 'piwos' (beers).
As the night lengthens, Krakow really comes into its own for the variety and quality of its clubs. Whether rock, jazz or drum and bass, Krakow rarely disappoints: Club Fusion on ul. Florianska is a firm favorite with the international crowd, offering live music and DJ sets spanning, hip-hop, R&B and reggae. On ul. Bracka, meanwhile, Rdza attracts only the cream of the drum and bass crowd. For more mainstream dance and techno, backpackers are well advised to hop out of their Krakow hostels and take themselves to the popular yet swanky Club Prozak on pl. Dominikanski.
For a more relaxing blend of cool music and laidback vibes, travelers are advised to head over to the Art Club Bledne Kolo on ul. Bracka which switches between chill out house and reggae dub nights that will set them up for a long night's (or rather morning's) sleep.
The historic district of Old Town finds its nightlife equal in the Kazimierz district down to the southeast of the city. Here travelers have a wide selection of places to explore for a night of revelry, many of which are in interesting, quirky or just downright attractive settings.
About the Author
Before settling down and becoming a copywriter for HostelBookers. Paul Scottyn did a backpacking tour of Poland, he checked out a variety of the country's budget accommodation, including a number of most Krakow hostels http://www.hostelbookers.com/hostels/poland/krakow/.
The 'new Prague' of Eastern Europe, the cobbled streets of Krakow house more than the nostalgic cultural throng of local history and contemporary cafés. For Poland's capital and latest tourist sensation also boasts a mean nightlife that's up there with Europe's best.
Cheap entertainment
In excess of 100,000 students have made Krakow their term time home, which ensures that there are a wide variety of reasonably priced clubs, bars and pubs to make travelers of any persuasion feel at home. Travelers nursing their hangovers in youth hostels in krakow are never far away from their next nightspot, and there are plenty of ancient goodies to keep them entertained throughout the day, especially in the resplendent enclaves of the Old Town.
For all tastes
To get the evening going with a couple of drinks, the Old Town specializes in atmospheric bars known as 'piwnice' (atmospheric cellar bars). These are a great place - generally stumbled upon, rarely found - to have a few excellent local 'piwos' (beers).
As the night lengthens, Krakow really comes into its own for the variety and quality of its clubs. Whether rock, jazz or drum and bass, Krakow rarely disappoints: Club Fusion on ul. Florianska is a firm favorite with the international crowd, offering live music and DJ sets spanning, hip-hop, R&B and reggae. On ul. Bracka, meanwhile, Rdza attracts only the cream of the drum and bass crowd. For more mainstream dance and techno, backpackers are well advised to hop out of their Krakow hostels and take themselves to the popular yet swanky Club Prozak on pl. Dominikanski.
For a more relaxing blend of cool music and laidback vibes, travelers are advised to head over to the Art Club Bledne Kolo on ul. Bracka which switches between chill out house and reggae dub nights that will set them up for a long night's (or rather morning's) sleep.
The historic district of Old Town finds its nightlife equal in the Kazimierz district down to the southeast of the city. Here travelers have a wide selection of places to explore for a night of revelry, many of which are in interesting, quirky or just downright attractive settings.
About the Author
Before settling down and becoming a copywriter for HostelBookers. Paul Scottyn did a backpacking tour of Poland, he checked out a variety of the country's budget accommodation, including a number of most Krakow hostels http://www.hostelbookers.com/hostels/poland/krakow/.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Cheap flights to Poland
Helpful tips when travelling to Poland by Danny Wirken
In the past all foreign tourists were forced to exchange certain amount of money every time they were crossing the boarder according to the official (poor) course - not anymore! People from Western Europe and the USA were also forced to pay higher rates in the hotels than people from Eastern Europe - not anymore either. In spite of the fact that Polish "zloty" (Polish currency) is interchangeable into dollars (there is not anymore "official" and "inofficial" exchange course). Poland is still a relatively cheap country for the foreigner from the Western Europe and the USA.
There are some precautions that you need to take into account before your travel to Poland:
Better use public transportation than rent a car. Car insurance is very expensive, one of the reason, many cars, especially the expensive western brands are stolen by car "Mafia's". Besides, the road system is poor, there is not enough highways and freeways in the country. Traffic on the streets of many towns is also high (lack of beltways) and it makes driving inconvenient and expensive (gas price is high compared to the USA). Polish police can also take advantage of naïve and "rich" foreign tourists and they are first to get tickets. Public transportation system is cheap and comfortable. It includes trains, buses, airplanes (between some cities) and city transportation system like trams, buses, metro (Warsaw) and of course taxis. Be careful with the taxi. Some taxi drivers may charge you higher rate especially if you are at the airport, Warsaw airport is the worst. I know that the police tried to solve that problem but I am not sure whether they did. For instance the best way of transportation between Krakow and Warsaw is an express train, but the best transportation system between the Warsaw and Wroclaw (Breslau) is to take an airplane.
Do not do any money transactions on the streets. There are money exchange offices (kantors) almost everywhere and they do not charge a fee for a transaction and are safe to exchange the money. Some locals want to take an advantage of the foreigner. Do not try to look too much as a wealthy foreign tourist with expensive cameras hanging from your shoulder and do not speak your language too loud because you would be exposing yourself to either a thief or someone trying to do some questionable deals.
About the Author
For more information please visit http://www.444.net.
In the past all foreign tourists were forced to exchange certain amount of money every time they were crossing the boarder according to the official (poor) course - not anymore! People from Western Europe and the USA were also forced to pay higher rates in the hotels than people from Eastern Europe - not anymore either. In spite of the fact that Polish "zloty" (Polish currency) is interchangeable into dollars (there is not anymore "official" and "inofficial" exchange course). Poland is still a relatively cheap country for the foreigner from the Western Europe and the USA.
There are some precautions that you need to take into account before your travel to Poland:
Better use public transportation than rent a car. Car insurance is very expensive, one of the reason, many cars, especially the expensive western brands are stolen by car "Mafia's". Besides, the road system is poor, there is not enough highways and freeways in the country. Traffic on the streets of many towns is also high (lack of beltways) and it makes driving inconvenient and expensive (gas price is high compared to the USA). Polish police can also take advantage of naïve and "rich" foreign tourists and they are first to get tickets. Public transportation system is cheap and comfortable. It includes trains, buses, airplanes (between some cities) and city transportation system like trams, buses, metro (Warsaw) and of course taxis. Be careful with the taxi. Some taxi drivers may charge you higher rate especially if you are at the airport, Warsaw airport is the worst. I know that the police tried to solve that problem but I am not sure whether they did. For instance the best way of transportation between Krakow and Warsaw is an express train, but the best transportation system between the Warsaw and Wroclaw (Breslau) is to take an airplane.
Do not do any money transactions on the streets. There are money exchange offices (kantors) almost everywhere and they do not charge a fee for a transaction and are safe to exchange the money. Some locals want to take an advantage of the foreigner. Do not try to look too much as a wealthy foreign tourist with expensive cameras hanging from your shoulder and do not speak your language too loud because you would be exposing yourself to either a thief or someone trying to do some questionable deals.
About the Author
For more information please visit http://www.444.net.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Car Hire - A Guide to Driving in Poland
Liam G offers the lowdown on the Polish driving experience...
The large, Eastern European country of Poland is characterised by its enchanting towns and cities, wild and unspoilt countryside and its turbulent past.
Poland's capital - Warsaw, was once one of Eastern Europe's most striking and sophisticated cities, World War II however, left the city in nothing more than rubble and ruins. Since then the city has undergone major regeneration, with much of its Old Town district being rebuilt to its 17th and 18th century form.
Albeit, Warsaw does not offer the archetypal beauty of other European countries, the sheer determination of its people and the traces of it's magnificent past scattered throughout the city however, has given Warsaw its unique lure.
The historic port town of Gdañsk is situated on the coast of the Baltic Sea and its location has made it one of the most important port cities in Northern Europe. Similar to Warsaw, Gdañsk has also suffered a violent past but it has been meticulously rebuilt over the years.
The city is now one of Poland's most beautiful, with its magnificent buildings, renaissance style monuments and a seafront lined with cosmopolitan restaurants, bars and cafes.
Poland's most charismatic and striking city is Krakow, which, situated in the southern region of the country managed to escape much of the destruction of World War II. This has resulted in a charming city, retaining much of its historic glory.
With over 125,000 miles of road spanning the country, hiring your own vehicle is an excellent way to discover many of the hidden gems scattered throughout the beautifully diverse landscape.
Admittedly, much of Poland's roads are poorly maintained and can present quite the challenge for the more conventional driver. For this reason it's recommended that you opt for a 4x4, which should make the ride a lot more comfortable.
Also, opting to hire from one of the major rental agencies will mean you can take advantage of one-way pick up deals, where you pickup your vehicle in one city and drop it off in another. The wealth of countryside to explore coupled with the cheap petrol prices makes Poland an excellent country to do take advantage of such deals.
Car hire pickups are available at the country's two major airports, and within many of its larger towns and cities. Organising car hire before you set off is always the best way to ensure you will get a cheap car hire deal.
About the Author
Liam is a UK based writer.
The large, Eastern European country of Poland is characterised by its enchanting towns and cities, wild and unspoilt countryside and its turbulent past.
Poland's capital - Warsaw, was once one of Eastern Europe's most striking and sophisticated cities, World War II however, left the city in nothing more than rubble and ruins. Since then the city has undergone major regeneration, with much of its Old Town district being rebuilt to its 17th and 18th century form.
Albeit, Warsaw does not offer the archetypal beauty of other European countries, the sheer determination of its people and the traces of it's magnificent past scattered throughout the city however, has given Warsaw its unique lure.
The historic port town of Gdañsk is situated on the coast of the Baltic Sea and its location has made it one of the most important port cities in Northern Europe. Similar to Warsaw, Gdañsk has also suffered a violent past but it has been meticulously rebuilt over the years.
The city is now one of Poland's most beautiful, with its magnificent buildings, renaissance style monuments and a seafront lined with cosmopolitan restaurants, bars and cafes.
Poland's most charismatic and striking city is Krakow, which, situated in the southern region of the country managed to escape much of the destruction of World War II. This has resulted in a charming city, retaining much of its historic glory.
With over 125,000 miles of road spanning the country, hiring your own vehicle is an excellent way to discover many of the hidden gems scattered throughout the beautifully diverse landscape.
Admittedly, much of Poland's roads are poorly maintained and can present quite the challenge for the more conventional driver. For this reason it's recommended that you opt for a 4x4, which should make the ride a lot more comfortable.
Also, opting to hire from one of the major rental agencies will mean you can take advantage of one-way pick up deals, where you pickup your vehicle in one city and drop it off in another. The wealth of countryside to explore coupled with the cheap petrol prices makes Poland an excellent country to do take advantage of such deals.
Car hire pickups are available at the country's two major airports, and within many of its larger towns and cities. Organising car hire before you set off is always the best way to ensure you will get a cheap car hire deal.
About the Author
Liam is a UK based writer.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
What to see in Poland
So, you're living and teaching in Poland. You want to do some sightseeing but where do you start? By ken wilson
Poland is a beautiful country, one with a rich culture and old traditions that people are proud of. Polish customs are meaningful and they have lasted along the years and Polish people are friendly and welcoming. If you have never been to Poland, it is about time you convinced yourself about its beauty and its nice inhabitants. Lately, tourism in Poland has increased a lot, contributing greatly to the economic development of the country. Among the natural beauties of Poland we must mention the Tatra Mountains, the coast of the Baltic Sea and the coast of Pomerania. If you would like to travel to a country you've never been before, one with amazing landscapes and affordable accommodation costs, we suggest taking into consideration coming to Poland.
Poland is a beautiful country, one with a rich culture and old traditions that people are proud of. Polish customs are meaningful and they have lasted along the years and Polish people are friendly and welcoming. If you have never been to Poland, it is about time you convinced yourself about its beauty and its nice inhabitants. Lately, tourism in Poland has increased a lot, contributing greatly to the economic development of the country. Among the natural beauties of Poland we must mention the Tatra Mountains, the coast of the Baltic Sea and the coast of Pomerania. If you would like to travel to a country you've never been before, one with amazing landscapes and affordable accommodation costs, we suggest taking into consideration coming to Poland.
Besides the cost-effective prices of a trip to Poland, we must not leave out the fact that there are plenty of things to do and to see here. For example, you can visit Warsaw and take a walk in Old Town square or check out the antique shop. You can also visit the Palace of Culture and Science; this impressive edifice was built in 1953 at Stalin's order. If you are interested in history, you can also see the Warsaw Rising Museum which provides an educational experience, the museum featuring films, testimonials, slides and artifacts dating a long way.
In Poland, you can also visit the market square situated in Zamosc, or you can take a walk in Cracow Gate, which represents an architectural symbol of Lublin and which houses a historical museum. Besides these you can also visit the Jagiellonian University, the Wawel Castle, Wieliczka Salt Mine and other interesting places. Besides these historical places, you should know that the night life in this country is very exciting and that Polish Girls are among the most beautiful women in Europe.
As you can see, a good reason for visiting this country is meeting new and interesting people, especially Polish Girls who are looking forward to making new friends. These girls are great persons, with high principles and moral values, unlike girls from other countries. Moreover, they are well behaved, disciplined, cheerful and calm, learning to be mature and to run their household early on in their lives.
Most Polish Girls are looking forward to meeting someone and start their own family and they have been brought up with great respect for their culture and tradition. Most Polish people are Catholics and all Polish children are raised on the principles of Catholicism. It is also worth mentioning that Polish Girls are not as modern as western women and that they believe in family and in fidelity, taking their commitments very seriously.
Girls in Poland receive the same education as boys do and they are usually great students. They enjoy studying arts, sciences and foreign languages, most of them speaking fluent English. If you are interested in a Polish girl, you shouldn't worry about not managing to talk to her, because most of these girls speak English and some of them even French.
Teenage Polish Girls are pretty much the same as any other teenagers, being encouraged to pursue their hobbies. They like listening to music, dancing, playing sports and watching movies. Girls in Poland are known for their grace, femininity, beauty and understanding. Furthermore, they have great tastes in clothes and fashion, dressing remarkably well. Having said this, we hope that we have convinced you to visit Poland and to admire the beauty of this country and its inhabitants.
About the Author
If you are interested in Poland, it is our pleasure to put at your disposal essential information about our country and about what you can do here. Furthermore, you will definitely like meeting the beautiful Polish Girls! http://www.forpolonia.com/
In Poland, you can also visit the market square situated in Zamosc, or you can take a walk in Cracow Gate, which represents an architectural symbol of Lublin and which houses a historical museum. Besides these you can also visit the Jagiellonian University, the Wawel Castle, Wieliczka Salt Mine and other interesting places. Besides these historical places, you should know that the night life in this country is very exciting and that Polish Girls are among the most beautiful women in Europe.
As you can see, a good reason for visiting this country is meeting new and interesting people, especially Polish Girls who are looking forward to making new friends. These girls are great persons, with high principles and moral values, unlike girls from other countries. Moreover, they are well behaved, disciplined, cheerful and calm, learning to be mature and to run their household early on in their lives.
Most Polish Girls are looking forward to meeting someone and start their own family and they have been brought up with great respect for their culture and tradition. Most Polish people are Catholics and all Polish children are raised on the principles of Catholicism. It is also worth mentioning that Polish Girls are not as modern as western women and that they believe in family and in fidelity, taking their commitments very seriously.
Girls in Poland receive the same education as boys do and they are usually great students. They enjoy studying arts, sciences and foreign languages, most of them speaking fluent English. If you are interested in a Polish girl, you shouldn't worry about not managing to talk to her, because most of these girls speak English and some of them even French.
Teenage Polish Girls are pretty much the same as any other teenagers, being encouraged to pursue their hobbies. They like listening to music, dancing, playing sports and watching movies. Girls in Poland are known for their grace, femininity, beauty and understanding. Furthermore, they have great tastes in clothes and fashion, dressing remarkably well. Having said this, we hope that we have convinced you to visit Poland and to admire the beauty of this country and its inhabitants.
About the Author
If you are interested in Poland, it is our pleasure to put at your disposal essential information about our country and about what you can do here. Furthermore, you will definitely like meeting the beautiful Polish Girls! http://www.forpolonia.com/
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