If you’re the sort of teacher and traveler who prefers the mountains to the beaches, the Arctic to the tropics, and the actual chill to the chill factor, then this guide to the 5 coldest TEFL destinations out there is just what you’ve been searching for. It runs through a handful of places where the thermometers are sure to dip below the zero mark during the winter time; where woolly jumpers and thermal under layers are a must. There’s plenty in the mix, from the snow-doused isles of Japan to the historic towns of south Poland…
Japan
Teachers who like snow are sure to love Japan. The northern part of this amazing Asian country is known for having some of the heaviest and finest snowfall of anywhere on the globe. You’re looking for the island of Hokkaido, which actually sits just 29 miles off the shores of Russia at its closest point. That should give you an idea of just how cold it can get in the midst of the winter. The main city – and the place with the most TEFL jobs – is Sapporo, but the stunning backcountry is the real draw. That rolls through the Daisetsuzan National Park to smoking volcano cones and hot springs. There’s skiing, too, at the award-winning resorts of Niseko and Furano.
Czechia
Although it’s not particularly far north, the landlocked Czech Republic, recently renamed Czechia, has a continental climate that means it doesn’t enjoy the warming oceanic breezes of countries nearer the Med or the Baltic. The upshot? Thermometers can plummet to nearly -35 C (-31 F) in the middle of winter. Thankfully, there are oodles of cozy beer halls to counter the sub-zero outside with frothy ales to warm the blood. Prague also happens to have some of the most festive Christmas markets in the whole of Europe, best enjoyed when your breath is frosting in the air!
Poland
Contrary to what many think, Poland can be balmy in the summer months – like 35 degrees C (95 F) and humid sort of balmy. On the flip side, Poland gets super, duper cold in the winter. The southern mountains around Zakopane tend to be the chilliest of all the places. Come December, they are often bathed under a blanket of the white stuff and weather temps that are regularly -10 C or even more below the zero mark. Most folks will work in larger cities like Krakow or Warsaw, where the pay can be as high as $1,900/month.
Estonia
Estonia is often overlooked by teachers keen to find a job in Europe. But it shouldn’t be. The country sits on the side of the sloshing Baltic Sea, offering the UNESCO-tagged capital of Tallinn and wonderous swathes of pine forests that roll on to meet the Russian border. The location alone should give a clue that it’s a cold spot in the winter. In fact, the record low temp in these parts was a whopping -43.5 C (that’s -46.3 F), while the daily mean temperature in the capital is between +2 C and -3.6 C (35-25 F) from November to February. Bring the big coat!
Finland
Even though the vast majority of teachers who head the way of Finland will probably be chasing jobs in the southern cities of Helsinki and Turku, there’s no getting away from the fact that it will be a chilly place come November. Even the capital – one of the most southerly points in the country – sees daily means that are below freezing point from December through to March! Go further north and you can enter the wondrous world of Lapland, where fells rise between dashes of Arctic tundra. A certain Santa Claus lives up that way, you know?
If you can think of any more places that should be on our list of the coldest TEFL destinations out there, we’d love to hear about them in the comments below. Alternatively, start chasing those sub-zero temperatures by getting your 120-hour TEFL certificate today.
It’s not all about scorching Thailand and the tropics, you know? There are stacks of TEFL destinations that look stunning in the winter months. From the snowy climes of the Polish mountains to the enchanting old cities of northern Europe to the ski fields of the Southern Hemisphere, this guide runs through seven of the finest spots to consider when it gets chilly outside…
Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn is anchored on what some people call the single most enchanting old town area in Europe. That’s a tall order, but it’s easy to see where the plaudits come from. The city has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, offering cobbled alleys that weave this way and that, a bustling town square, and a hilltop crowned by the glimmering spires of Orthodox onion domes. When the snows come – and they always do in this part of the Baltic basin – that district is a veritable fairy tale. There are fire-warmed taverns serving Estonian dumplings next to cozy cafés that have fantastic people watching. Estonia has a growing TEFL scene, but it’s also a haven for digital nomads and online English teachers, mainly thanks to its welcoming visa system.
Krakow, Poland
Just wait until you see the old medieval spires of the St Mary Basilica in Krakow during the midwinter. Snows dash the roofs all around them and there’s a cold mist above the cobbled Main Square of the city below, filled with beer-sloshing taverns and pierogi restaurants. Another UNESCO-tagged town, this one’s a fantastic place to be based as a TEFL teacher in the colder months, with ski fields and mountains only two hours’ drive away. Poland also has a booming English learner market, with all sorts of private schools offering wages in the region of $10-20 USD/hour depending on experience.
Hokkaido, Japan
Calling all skiers – Hokkaido is hailed as the home of the world’s most perfect powder. The island-province sits at the northern end of Japan. It gets some strange climactic weather system that crashes moist oceanic air into cold Siberian air, creating uber-heavy snowfall from November to March. Hitting the slopes is activity number one when school is out for the holidays. Choose between the acclaimed resorts of Niseko and Sapporo to be in the best spots. Oh yep, and Japan pays TEFL teachers very well indeed, to the tune of around $1,600-2,600 starting salaries!
Moscow, Russia
Moscow in the winter is cold. Like…super cold. Temperatures can hit a mere 14 F (-10 C) on just an average day, with record lows much, much lower than that. So, you’re going to need the thermals and the bobble hat. But there’s also a charm to the great capital of Russia between November and March. Take the twisted domes of St Basil’s Cathedral and the walls of Red Square. They have just a fraction of the tourists as they do in the summer and look positively beautiful with snowdrifts to the left and right. Russia is a good market for TEFL teachers these days, with lots of jobs and steady pay of around $1,000 USD/month.
Pucón, Chile
Winter is the other way around in Chile as it is to the USA and Europe. Yep, this Southern Hemisphere nation gets colder in the months from May to August, making it the perfect option for TEFL teachers keen on escaping the heat of summers in the north to chase the lower end of the thermometer scale. Pucón is a cracking option for those in search of adventure, too. It’s a resort hub perched in the middle of the Chilean Andes. You’ll see the great Villarrica volcano on one side, can hit the local ski resorts when the snow falls, and explore the alpine trekking trails of the greater Chilean Lake District – all stunning!
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is pretty no matter the time of the year. But it really comes into its own in the winter. That’s when the festive Christmas markets start sizzling up their Slavic blood sausages on the Old Town squares, when mulled wine is served from gingerbread-style huts on the street corners, and when the underground beer halls hit a cozy high. Snows are common but not constant, and temperatures hover around the freezing mark for much of December and January. There are also loads of TEFL jobs on offer, as the Czech Republic is one of the largest markets in Central Europe today.
Munich, Germany
Wait for the hubbub of Oktoberfest (which is actually in September, you know?) to subside. Then, Munich preps for the colder days of winter. For many of the city’s inhabitants that means bidding farewell to the outdoor beer halls in the English Garden park and looking southwards to the German Alps. There are ski resorts there – in Sprungschanze, and in lovely Garmisch-Partenkirchen – but also lakes that look like something from a fantasy novel when dusted with snow and surrounded by frozen pine trees (Eibsee, we’re looking at you!).
Tempted by some of these winter TEFL destinations? To get started applying for jobs, you’ll need at least a 120-hour TEFL course. You can check out what’s included in that over on our courses page.
Fall in the Northern Hemisphere means it’s time for leaves to drop off the trees and the temperatures to dip. But not everywhere. Thailand is just entering its peak time, while Mexico is cool and welcoming. Basically, there are stacks of fantastic TEFL destinations that look stunning in the fall that you might just want to have on the radar this season…
Thailand
Thailand…in the fall? Well…the truth is that the Land of Smiles doesn’t really have a fall. But autumn here does mark the transition between the rainy season and the dry season. By mid-November you’re usually looking at cloudless days of pure sunshine in the southwest of the country. That means islands like Koh Lipe and Koh Lanta are at their finest, and the crowds of the proper high season haven’t’ arrived yet. You can spend your days lazing on palm-threaded beaches or diving in the coral reefs, when you’re not teaching, of course!
Mexico
Mexico is a big place, so we’re going to stop short of recommending the whole country. In fact, we’d say steer clear of the beaches of Cancun and the Yucatan in the fall, as it can be stormy towards the end of the hurricane season. Move to Mexico City, though, and wow do things get good. Sat at a cooling 2,240 meters above sea level, the metropolis is a warm but not-too-warm 74-76 most days. It’s also riddled with lovely color-changing trees, like jacarandas and beeches. You could also scoot over to the Pacific Coast. It’s just before high season on the Riviera Nayarit but the weather’s a sub-tropical 70-80 and the surf is really picking up.
Italy
We’ve got a whole lot of love for Italy in the fall. Well…to be honest, we’ve got a whole lot of love for Italy no matter the time of the year. But there’s something special about the months between September and November, when the big tourist crowds return home and the wooded Prealps start turning shades of orange and yellow. If you’re not one for the autumn vibes, you could also head south to Sicily, where it’s warmer for longer. Foodies should consider Tuscany, which has harvest festivals filled with truffles and rich red wines.
South Korea
South Korea has long been a favorite of TEFL teachers on the hunt for well-paid and stable employment. It can back that up with some seriously stunning hinterland, which looks positively gorgeous when the fall colors hit in October. It’s generally accepted that the autumn is the best time to go hiking in SK, too. So, be sure to pack the boots, because the jagged peaks of the Seoraksan National Park and the ridges of the Woraksan National Park are a real wonder to explore.
Hong Kong
The autumn in Hong Kong is short lived. In fact, it only lasts one month. Yep, a mere 30 days. It hits in November and things are cooling down by the start of December to usher in winter. But that single month is often hailed as the single best time of year in HKG. The locals love it because the thermometers read an almost-constant 73 F, while the sea temperatures sit at a neat 68. We’d recommend looking to escape the big city to hike the Dragon’s Back Trail and have a plunge in Big Wave Bay!
Poland
The locals in Poland call it Złota Polska Jesień – the Golden Polish Autumn. The reason? This heavily forested nation starts changing colors in spectacular form when the fall hits. Things start in September and roll over into October, as the tall trees in Warsaw’s vast Łazienki Park and Krakow’s lovely Planty Park blaze in hues of brilliant yellow. But ditching the city is a better choice if you ask us, because the sylvan valleys of the Tatra Mountains around Zakopane are sure to be prettier!
Oman
Things are still likely to be hot in Oman in autumn. But don’t let that put you off. This one has a deserved place on our list of 7 TEFL destinations that look stunning in the fall because it really does look stunning. Check out the rugged hiking paths of Jebel Shams if you’re feeling adventurous. Or, head to the pomegranate plantations of the gorgeous Jebel Akhdar (try the juice!). And if that’s still not enough, the cumin-colored beaches of Ras Al Jinz in the east of the country become a hotspot for nesting turtles in September.
This list of 7 TEFL destinations that look stunning in the fall is really just scratching the surface of what’s on offer to travelers looking to get on the road in September and October. If you have any to add, we’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Alternatively, get over to our courses page and start your TEFL qualification right away…
So, you’re looking for language camps in 2021? With COVID finally on the backfoot and the rollout of vaccines gathering pace across North America and Europe, there’s a good chance that travel and TEFL work will be returning to normal pretty soon. And with the summer approaching that means there might just be short-term employment opportunities once again. Check out this list of five places that we think are likely candidates if those TEFL camps do get a-going…
Poland
Poland is now a major destination for TEFL language camps. Fuelled by a fast-growing economy and an increasing cohort of younger English learners, there are lots of programs that take place between June and August when the state school term finishes for the year. The southern part of the country around the famous Tatra Mountains is one of the best places to look for these short-term opportunities. It’s a favourite with domestic holidaymakers and families alike, offering access to craggy peaks and rolling woodlands. You can also find lots of Polish language camps in the Owl Mountains near Wroclaw and in the lake district of Masuria.
Spain
Oh, Spain – there are loads of reasons why oodles of TEFL grads look to this sun-kissed country for their first job. One is that there are lots and lots of language camps in the birthplace of Don Quixote. The lovely south coast is something of a hotspot (no pun intended!). Lots of camps take place there and draw in learners from all over the country. That means you could earn a bunch of euros while teaching English to folk on the gorgeous Costa del Sol! But there are also one or two urban camps in Madrid that offer employment closer to the historic wonders of the capital.
Germany
English language skills are highly sought after in Germany, largely thanks to this one having the leading economy in Europe. But learning starts from a young age and summer camps are very popular, so you should find ample opportunities for short-term teaching work in this part of the world. Particular hotspots are in the countryside around Berlin and in the mountain-spiked region of Bavaria in the south, where many EFL camps take place in the shadow of the Alps.
UK
Just because the UK is filled with native speakers it doesn’t mean that there aren’t language camps in the home of fish and chips. There are loads. That’s mainly down to the multicultural make up of British society, which has large portions of international folk from all over, many of which speak Spanish, Polish, Russian, or other lingos as their mother tongue. Companies like Cactus currently organize a series of camps all across Old Blighty. They run courses in the self-proclaimed first city of The North, Manchester, and in the buzzy capital of London.
Italy
Italy has one of the biggest arrays of summer language camps of any destination on the globe. Companies like Educo and ACLE have been running two- to eight-week residential camps for years, combining intensive English tuition with native speakers with conversational English training and an adventure in some of the most stunning parts of Europe – from the jagged Dolomites to the beautiful coves and beaches of Sicily in the south. Requirements vary but most teachers will need at least a 120-hour TEFL certificate to apply. Camps also usually involve a week’s induction that takes place on the ground in Italy.
If you’re a veteran of language camps and have something to add to this list, be sure to drop your thoughts in the comments below. Or head over to our courses page to get qualified and applying for summer jobs in one of the amazing destinations listed above right now.
If you’re heading off teaching English in Warsaw, you’re in for one seriously amazing experience. One of Europe’s fast-growing capitals, the Polish first city is steeped in history and buzzing with life. Look one way and there are immersive museums to hard-fought WWII battles. Look another and you’ve got rowdy vodka bars that rumble all night long. This guide has you covered when it comes to planning what to do and what to see…
Łazienki Park
It might be tricky to pronounce this one to the Uber driver (it’s wa-sh-ee-en-ki!), but it’s unquestionably up there with the must-see sights in Warsaw. Also known as the Royal Baths Park, it encompasses a huge swathe of the city center – nearly 80 hectares, in fact – and was originally designed in the 1700s for a rich Polish nobleman. Today, it’s got all sorts, from Neo-Classical buildings inspired by ancient Greece and Rome to stunning orangeries built in the Victorian style, along with Chinese gardens and a huge statue to the composer Frederic Chopin. It’s the go-to place to chill both summer and winter in Poland’s capital.
The Praga district
Praga is where Warsaw gets its moxie. An area of real grit and character, it’s now riding high as the hipster hub of the town. It’s not as pretty as the Old Town, but it’s way more authentic. The buildings here are cracked and the paint is peeling. There are even bullet holes left over from WWII dotting some of the façades. It’s all a bit of a USSR-inspired maze, weaving through hidden alleys and shadowy underpasses between imposing Stalinist tenement blocks. But there’s life here, and everyone teaching English in Warsaw should be sure to hit the happening beatnik bars and art workshops come clubs at least once!
The Old Town
Warsaw’s Old Town is the result of one of the most successful and ambitious re-building projects in post-war Europe. After the tumult of the 1930s and 1940s, this part of the city was left in complete ruins. But the Poles, determined to restore their capital’s former glory, set about recreating what was there like for like. Remember that as you stroll down the cobbled streets past the great redbrick Royal Castle and onto the market square, which comes fringed with elaborate medieval and Renaissance-era mansions. There are lots of open-air bars and cool cafés to check out here to boot.
Copernicus Science Centre
Those teaching English in Warsaw looking for a break from past tenses for a little might enjoy the more scientifically orientated exhibits at the Copernicus Science Centre. It stands right on the side of the Vistula River, offering 450 installations covering three disciplines: Physics, chemistry, and biology. It’s said to be very hands-on. So, expect interactions with AI robots and swinging pendulums. Expect walkthroughs of the human body and anthropological looks at the development of human civilization. The highlight has to be the immersive Heavens of Copernicus planetarium, which pays homage to the Polish-born astronomer of the 15th century.
Warsaw Uprising Museum
The second museum on this list of top things to do when teaching English in Warsaw looks back to the darker days of the last century, when Warsaw was under Nazi occupation. Specifically, it’s all about the heroic Warsaw Uprising, a 1944 attempt to rid the capital of Axis forces. You’ll hear recorded evidence of the uprising itself from fighters who actually took part. And you’ll get to see recreations of the sewer systems and ruins in which much of the combat took place. It’s a fine introduction to one of the formative episodes of the city’s history, not to mention one of the most important underground resistance operations Europe has ever seen.
Are you a veteran of teaching English in Warsaw? If so, we’d love to hear your thoughts about what’s great to see and do in the Polish capital. Or, if you want more info on teaching in Poland, be sure to head over to our destinations page.
There are more reasons why Europe and TEFL are a match made in heaven than you can shake a pile of tomato-topped tagliatelle at. We’ve only got time for 10 of them, but perhaps you’ll be reaching for the passport, the beret, and the beach gear by the end…
The food
From the pizza pies of Italia to the pierogi dumplings of Poland, the blue cheeses of France to the patatas bravas of Spain, there’s hardly a dull moment for the taste buds on the continent. When it comes to Europe and TEFL, that means some darn fine lunchbreaks and evenings out with your teacher pals.
The pay
Europe has one of the most solid pay scales for TEFL teaching in the world. Granted, it’s not the soaring salaries of the Middle East or Japan, but schools offer healthy packages in these parts. It’s usually enough to enjoy your chosen destination to the fullest and perhaps even set aside some savings every month.
The people
Dutch pancake cooks and Twirling Dervishes, Portuguese surfers and sun-seeking Croats, romantic French and passionate Italians – there are all sorts of people to meet on the continent of Europe. Get ready to enjoy some excellent company wherever you choose to go.
The nightlife
It’s no secret that TEFL teachers are known to partake in a little tipple to top off a week in the classroom. In Europe, staff parties and end-of-term shindigs are sure to be off the hook. Whether you’re shooting vodkas in Krakow’s underground basements or glugging sangria on the shores of the Med, you’ll want to practice your ‘cheers!’ for this one.
Barcelona
Ask any group of newcomer teachers with their heart set on Europe and TEFL and you can bet that Barcelona will be mentioned plenty of times. There’s just something enigmatic and alluring about this city of tapas and golden beaches that always draws the eye. Who wouldn’t want to start that new life abroad between the spires of Guadi’s La Sagrada Familia and the cobbled alleys of the Gothic Quarter?
Abundance of jobs
The Euro hiring season starts in the early summer for a term beginning in September and October. It’s a field day for TEFL graduates, who come from far and wide to score jobs on the continent. And there are lots of those jobs up for grabs, what with thousands of private, business, and state institutions looking for native speakers to add to their staff.
The beaches
The beaches in Europe are simply stunning. There’s also one darn varied selection to pick from. Portugal’s got wave-lashed surf beaches in Peniche; Italy’s got the long rivieras of Rimini; Greece has got hidden lagoons and pebble coves from the Saronic Gulf to southern Crete. It’s endless!
Summer camps
Taking a TEFL job in a European summer camp is one of the best ways to dip your hand in the industry; to see if teaching is for you. There are oodles of opportunities, from young learner’s weeks in wood-built lodges in the Swiss Alps to urban stays in Madrid and Barcelona. Decent pay and guaranteed teaching experience are all part of the offering.
The mountains
Move over Rockies – Europe is the home of the Alps. One of the most skiable and hike-ready ranges of peaks on the planet, they’re accessible from major TEFL destinations like Italy, France, and Germany with ease. And it doesn’t end there. From the Pyrenees to the Polish Tatras, there are snow-caked ski runs and pine-scented trails aplenty.
A continent connected
Not only does Europe have some of the finest infrastructure on the globe, it’s also got one of the most advanced digital industries. On weekends away from the TEFL classroom, you could hit the local airport in Madrid and be touching down in southern Italy by late morning (and that’s just one example). What’s more, zippy internet links mean you can easily keep in contact with home – if you’re not too busy devouring crispy pizza, that is.
Europe and TEFL have always been the perfect match up. If you’re a veteran of teaching on the continent, tell us why you love it so much in the comments below. Alternatively, check out our courses page to get a-searching for that dream job abroad.
So, you’re thinking of teaching English in Poland? Mystical castles, UNESCO old towns, cheap beer, craggy mountains, sweeping lakes – there’s loads to look forward to. But you might have missed the joys of the Polish kitchen. Often trumped by the pizzas of Italy and the paellas of Spain, it’s a cuisine that’s not so well known in Europe. Here’s a tasty journey into the dishes and delights of what’s on the menu from Gdansk to Krakow, with a pick of five staples every TEFL teacher simply has to try. Smacznego (enjoy!).
Pierogi
The flag-carrier of Polish cuisine is pierogi. It’s the national dish of the nation, and a beloved staple of households from Szczecin to Sopot. Virtually every Pole you meet will love these packed dumplings – and the ones that don’t often keep silent. They’re made from heavy, unleavened dough, which is neatly folded around a hearty filling that comes in all different shapes and sizes. The most popular type is surely pierogi Ruskie (literally: Russian pierogi), packed with potato and cheese and onion. There are also sweet variations that burst with summer berries and fruit, served topped with glazed sugar. Don’t worry, you’ll be able to find the dish wherever you happen to be teaching English in Poland – just waltz into the nearest tavern
Zapiekanka
Love them or hate them, zapiekanka remain a favorite on the Polish fast food scene. They’re thought to have originated in the southern city of Krakow – a much-loved and historically-rich hotspot for teaching English in Poland. They’re made from a crispy French baguette that’s sliced in half, topped with a glaze of tomato passata, and then garnished with all sorts of extras before being grilled. You can drop on Greek cheeses, Tex-Mex jalapenos, smoky Slavic blood sausages – you name it. It’s a sort of Central European make-your-own pizza, if you will.
Oscypek
One to warm the bones and lift the spirits when the snows are falling between December and March, oscypek cheese comes from the highlands of the Tatras in the south of Poland. They are small wedges of fermented sheep’s milk that’s been smoked and then grilled over open charcoals. In the town of Zakopane – the capital of winter sports and skiing in Poland – they are doled out from street-side stalls with a healthy dollop of cranberry on the side. That adds a little dash of sweetness to the salty, woody flavor of the curd, all of which matches perfectly with a cold, frothy Slavic beer!
Zurek
Soups and Poland are a match made in culinary heaven. From beetroot broths to noodle-filled chicken bowls, this corner of Europe is a master of the liquid meal. Cue zurek, a fusion of sour rye soup that’s often packed with extras. The dish varies from region to region, but you’re likely to dig into a broth that brims with boiled eggs and homemade farmer’s sausage, along with scraps of oats and potato. It’s a hearty, uplifting meal that has its roots it the medieval peasant class. What’s more, anyone teaching English in Poland around Easter might find it served at family gatherings and events.
Bigos
Bigos is the original hunter’s stew. A meal designed to feed deer stalkers on their expeditions through the forests, it’s a stomach-filling combo that’ll warm the bones. The main ingredients are typically stewed sauerkraut and chopped cabbage. They’re dropped into a slow-cooking mix of root veggies like carrot, potato, parsnip, turnip – you really can add anything. A twist of eastern influence comes with a sprinkling of spices, and grisly game meat usually provides the protein. Bigos is best tasted out in the country, cooked over a flickering open flame between the rolling Polish hills or wild woodlands close to the border with Belarus.
Are you a veteran of teaching English in Poland? If so, you’ve surely got some more taste-bud-tingling dishes to drop onto this list? If you’re planning to head to Europe for teaching – we can help! Be sure to check out our courses page and destinations page…
Yes, teaching English in Poland promises to whisk you away to some seriously fairy-tale cities. There’s Krakow, topped by medieval castles and haunting Gothic church spires. There’s Warsaw, its reconstructed Old Town spreading out on the side of the Vistula like something out of Cinderella. There’s Wroclaw, a town laced with centuries-old merchant’s guilds and cathedral-topped islets. But what about when it’s time to get away and escape to nature? Well, there’s another side to this huge cut-out of Central Europe that you might not have heard so much about. That’s the untamed backcountry, and it comes with rock-ribbed mountains that soar through the clouds, rolling plains peppered with farms and lakes, and shimmering beaches with frothing waves. Check it out…
The Beskids
The Beskids refer to a series of mountains that splinter off the great Carpathian chain on the south-eastern edge of Poland. They are easy to get to for English teachers in Poland who are based in towns like Krakow, Tarnow, Rzeszow, or even Lublin. A few hours’ drive or bus ride from those and you’ll soon be lost in flowing vistas of soft hills and ridges, dashed with green forests of fir and pine. In the winter, the snow coverage here can be total, lending the woods a real wonderland sort of vibe. Come spring, the meadows bloom with white-tinted flowers and flutter with butterflies, making it the perfect time to hike and cycle.
Masuria
Ask any native Pole where the most beautiful part of their country lies, and it’s likely that Masuria will at least be mentioned. Ranging from the gritty ports of Gdynia to the borderlands with Kaliningrad, the region is a bucolic patchwork of wetlands, wiggling rivers, canals, and – most importantly – lakes. It starts with the green fields that encompass the historic cobbled squares and churches of Olsztyn, and eventually runs into the sky-blue waters of Lake Niegocin (a sailing mecca), through campgrounds on the banks of Śniardwy, and into handsome Christian sanctuaries like Święta Lipka.
The Tatra Mountains National Park
When you’re done spending your weekends vodka tasting in Krakow and hopping Krakow jazz bars in underground cellars, you could set your sights on the town of Zakopane. It’s around two hours to the south of the city, nestled in a gap in the rising Tatra Mountains. Around it spreads a vast national reserve that protects the Polish side of the Carpathian chain. It’s webbed with miles and miles of hiking trails, which you can take deep into the hidden Shangri-La that is the Valley of Five Lakes – watch for the shimmering alpine waters reflecting the summits of peaks like Rysy (the highest in Poland) and Kasprowy Wierch. Come winter, a trip to the Tatras is your ticket to Zakopane ski fields and some of the best skiing in Poland to boot!
The Hel Peninsula
Salt, sand, and sea might not be the first thing you associate with Poland. In fact, loads of folk even think the country is landlocked! Not a chance. There are hundreds of miles of coastline running from the German border to the Baltic States, with more dune parks and beaches than you can shake a pierogi dumpling at along the way. The jewel in the crown of it is probably the Hel Peninsula, though. Move past the striking name and you’ll find 21 miles of sparkling yellow sand with oat-tufted dunes that slope straight into the Baltic Sea. Things get busy in the summer, but months like May and September can be perfect.
Ojcow National Park
Calling all TEFL teachers based in the kingly city of Krakow – the Ojcow National Park is one of the most popular day trips from Krakow for good reason. This national park (yep, it’s a full-on national park) might be the smallest in the country, but it’s also only a mere 20-minute bus ride from the center. (You could be teaching modal verbs one moment, and pulling on your hiking boots the next!) But don’t let the accessibility fool you. This place is a wild swathe of craggy gorges and mountains, with amazing rock-spire formations set in wooded valleys that are topped by the ancient castle fortifications of the so-called Eagle’s Nest. Amazing stuff.
These are just some of the get-away-from-it-all nature escapes for English teachers in Poland. If you can think of any more or have anything to add, we’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Alternatively, to get TEFL qualified, you can head over to our courses page for extra info.
So, you’re heading off to Poland’s second city for a spot of teaching English in Krakow? Congratulations! Or, gratulacje, as the locals might say. With its cobbled Old Town area and bohemian Kazimierz district, medieval church spires and smoky jazz bars, there’s all sorts to get stuck into in this UNESCO-tagged destination. This weekend itinerary offers a good grounding on the ins and outs of life in Krakow, with some of the major sights, eateries, and areas involved…
Day 1
Breakfast in the Old Town
There’s simply no more an enchanting district in Krakow than the Old Town. A UNESCO World Heritage Site in its own right, the whole area is a patchwork of rich and enthralling history. Alleys wiggle this way and that, while cobbled streets laced with beer bars and vodka shops pass underneath mysterious Slavic churches. It’s a great place to have breakfast, especially thanks to the mix of uber-cheap ‘milk bars’ – classic Soviet-style diners with wallet-friendly eats.
Wander the Main Square
The Main Square is the epicenter of Krakow. It’s one of the largest medieval plazas of any city in the world, and home to some of the town’s most bucket-list sights. If you’re hanging around teaching English in Krakow for a while, then it’s certainly worth getting your bearings here – it’s a great meeting point for after-work dinners and the like. For today, stroll the perimeter of the colossal piazza and take in the towering Town Hall, the brick-fronted St Mary’s Church (one of the most important basilicas in all of Poland), and the souvenir-brimming Cloth Hall market in the middle.
Go people watching in the Planty
There was a time when Krakow’s Old Town was ringed by mighty medieval fortification walls. They were totally ripped down in the 1800s, being gradually replaced by grand gardens with bandstands and water features. These days, they form a ring around the historic heart of the city, known as the Planty Park. It’s peppered with great cafes like Bunkier Sztuki, where you can grab a strong coffee and watch the rollerbladers, dog walkers, and cyclists whiz by.
Join the afternoon walking tour
Any history buffs teaching English in Krakow will find that the free walking tour that departs from outside the main church on the big square is a top way to unravel the centuries – nay, millennia – of tales that coalesce in this town. You’ll learn about the powerful Polish kings and queens who ruled great swathes of Eastern and Central Europe from the hardy castles above. In fact, the trip takes you right through the Old Town and down to the Wawel Castle itself – the piece de resistance of Krakow’s historic relics.
Dinner by the Vistula
Right next to the Wawel Castle is the snaking Vistula River (the Wisla, in the local lingo). If you happen to be arriving for your teaching English in Krakow in the summertime, you’re sure to find this buzzing with life – sunbathers, cyclists, street performers, flower hawkers. A few excellent restaurants and bars pepper the edges of the water, with the best offering views of the nearby Tatra Mountains from their rooftops.
Day 2
A morning in the Salt Mines
Get up early, grab a quick obwarzanki (a traditional Polish-Austrian pretzel) to go, and hop on a tour to the Wieliczka Salt Mines. In an outer district of Krakow, these are an amazing remnant of the city’s golden age, showcasing the deep salt mines that gave the monarchs their great wealth throughout the late medieval period. You can delve 100s of meters underground to encounter curious salt-rock carvings and even an entire cathedral chiseled out of the rock.
Lunch in Kazimierz
After checking off the caverns of the salt mines, jet back to the center of Krakow as fast as you can and make for the district of Kazimierz. You don’t need an official guide to Kazimierz to get around – simply getting lost in the maze-like warren of blocks is a pleasure. You’ll see cafés and vegan eateries, food trucks and intriguing Jewish restaurants popping up on all the corners. Some of the best sit on Plac Nowy in the middle of the area, with the antique beer bar of Alchemia a veritable must for that post-lunch cold one.
Hop across to Schindler’s Factory
From Kazimierz it’s just a 10-minute walk across the bridges on the Vistula to the area of Podgorze. Cool and collected, it’s now Krakow’s boho hub. But it’s also where you’ll find the striking museum at Schindler’s Factory. Head there to get a feel for the sobering and dark history of southern Poland, and learn all about the ravages of Nazi occupation in the 1930s and 40s.
Vodka tasting – a Polish rite of passage
To cap off a long day, there’s arguably no better activity than a spot of vodka tasting in Krakow. You’re likely to be doing quite a bit of this if you’re teaching English in Krakow, which means it can’t hurt to learn the roots of the potent tipple that Poles glug like it’s water. You’ll trace the story of fermenting potatoes and rye back 100s of years, and see why the Russians are so determined to claim it as their own.
Has the prospect of teaching English in Krakow captured your imagination? Be sure to check out our destination page on Poland for information on how to get started in the classroom. Or, have you been teaching English in Poland and have something to add to this list? We’d love to hear your suggestions in the comments below…
So, you’re heading to do some EFL teaching in Poland, eh? Smoky blood sausages and powdered ski pistes, soaring Gothic spires and elegant churches, mountains and rolling plains where bison-spotted forests lurk all await. You’ve made a cracking choice. Here are just some of the top places you can visit on those days away from the classroom.
Krakow
There’s really no other city that could top this list. Krakow isn’t only Poland’s cultural piece de resistance, it’s also a lived-in, lovable city in its own right. Yes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site covers the whole Old Town area. Yes, there are enthralling mine systems at Wieliczka. Yes, there’s more Baroque and Gothic than you can shake a plate of pierogi at. But it’s not all about that. It’s also about the hedonistic Krakow nightlife; times spent smashing vodkas in underground bars. It’s about the Viennese-style café culture. It’s about the youthful energy that permeates its streets and student joints.
Wroclaw
Wroclaw is a slightly more off-the-beaten-track spot to visit while EFL teaching in Poland. Those who do end up passing its way often fall head over heels for the place. It’s easy to see why. A medieval core of the city quickly filters out to small clusters of churches and cobblestone streets that sit on islets on the Oder River. There are loads of hidden squares where craft beer bars and traditional Polish taverns bustle with chatter and life. There are striking art galleries with Slavic panoramas that are sure to get the cultural juices flowing.
Warsaw
Warsaw is the beating epicentre of modern Poland. It’s actually quite unlike most of the other historic cities that pepper the rest of the country. The reason: It’s only medieval area was virtually entirely reconstructed after being razed by the Nazi’s in WWII. These days that part of town is a tad more like a museum piece and a testimony to Polish determination in the face of German invasion post war. It’s around that where the action flows, in the new town and its gorgeous parks, in hip and happening Praga and its boho bars.
Poznan
Krakow done and dusted? Wroclaw and Warsaw done? Gdansk too far away? Consider Poznan for that weekend break while EFL teaching in Poland. It’s as historically rich as many of the above, flaunting an Old Town area with rows of centuries-old mansions that in glow ice cream colors against the sombre cobbles. It’s also home to an outlet of the National Museum and all the world-class art and Slavic relics that go with that.
Zakopane
Zakopane is often introduced by its other moniker: The Winter Capital of Poland. And while this town of snow-dusted fir trees and jagged mountains in the deep southern reaches of the country certainly comes alive when the colder months swing around, and while there’s the undisputed best skiing in Poland to get stuck into on the surrounding pistes, it’s also something of a misnomer. The summer is also pumping here, with all the hiking trails of the gorgeous Tatra range opening up, loads of open-air festivals and art displays. This one’s really not to be missed if you’re EFL teaching in Poland and find yourself based close to the Slovak border.
Gdansk
This onetime German trading city of the Baltic Coast is now one of the top cities to visit while EFL teaching in Poland. A hipster hub, it’s got oodles of artsy cafes and student dives, wild beer bars and buzzing independent design galleries. It’s also close to the coast, which brings the opportunity of exploring long, shimmering beaches, and the chance to see the old industrial docklands where tales of Poland’s 20th-century plight against Communism still coalesce.
Sopot
It might be tempting to tack on a visit to much-loved Sopot while your wallowing away your days in the boho bars of Gdansk. But this little resort town of opulent hotels and chichi cocktail bars is actually worthy of a little more time than that. It can easily be reached on the transport networks that connect the so-called Tri-City of the north (that’s Gdansk, Gdynia and Sopot), faces up to a long line of glimmering sand, and has some of the most thumping parties during the summer months.
Masuria
Okay, so let’s get one thing straight: It’s likely to be one hefty roadtrip from the town your school’s based in to the wild lands of Masuria. It’s just that these rolling grasslands that fill the gap between central Poland and Russian and Belarussian borderlands in the east are so far-flung and distant. Therein lies the real charm though. You can drive for miles through alandscape of lakes and rustic hamlets of timber-built cottages and hardly see any sign of modernity. And talking of the lakes, this region is known for its thousands of small spots of water, perfect for that summertime dip or sail or stroll.
If you can think of anywhere else to add to this list of the top places to visit while your EFL teaching in Poland, we’d sure love to hear about them in the comments below. Alternatively, if Poland’s taken your fancy and your thinking of teaching in this corner of Europe, you can find lots more info over on our destinations page.