Can You Teach English in Poland Without Knowing Polish?

Poland has become an increasingly popular destination for English teachers, especially over the past decade. With a growing demand for English language skills, opportunities for native and fluent English speakers are widely available. But one question comes up often: Can you teach English in Poland without knowing Polish?

The short answer is yes, but with a few important considerations. In this blog post, we’ll explore how feasible it is, what types of jobs are available, what qualifications you might need, and what challenges and advantages come with the language barrier.

Why Poland Is a Great Place to Teach English

Poland is a member of the European Union, has a relatively low cost of living, and offers a rich cultural and historical experience. It is also home to a growing middle class and a strong education sector. English proficiency is increasingly seen as essential, not only in schools but also in business and higher education.

English Teaching Jobs That Don’t Require Polish

If you’re a native or fluent English speaker, there are several roles available that do not require knowledge of the Polish language:

1. Private Language Schools

Language schools across Poland, particularly in cities like Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, Gdańsk, and Poznań, frequently hire English speakers to teach children, teenagers, and adults. Most of the teaching is conducted in English using immersion methods, so Polish is not necessary.

2. Business English Instructors

Companies in Poland often hire English teachers to train employees. Lessons typically focus on business vocabulary, presentations, meetings, and email writing. The students are usually intermediate to advanced speakers, and classes are conducted entirely in English.

3. International Schools

International schools follow English-language curricula and usually cater to the children of expatriates and local elites. Teachers are expected to have formal teaching qualifications, but Polish is generally not required.

4. Online Teaching

Many foreign teachers live in Poland and teach students online from other countries or within Poland itself. These jobs rarely require Polish since all communication is in English.

Qualifications You May Need

Even if Polish is not required, most employers look for certain qualifications:

• TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA certification: These are often a minimum requirement for language schools.
• Bachelor’s degree: Not always mandatory, but highly preferred.
• Native-level English fluency: A must-have, especially for higher-paying roles.

Visa and Work Permit Considerations

If you are from an EU country, you don’t need a visa or work permit to teach in Poland. However, non-EU citizens, such as Americans or Canadians, will typically need a job offer before applying for a visa and work permit. Many schools will assist in the process, especially if they are accustomed to hiring foreign teachers.

Do You Ever Need Polish?

While you can teach English without speaking Polish, learning even a little Polish can make your life much easier outside the classroom. It helps with:

• Navigating daily tasks (shopping, transport, bureaucracy)
• Building relationships with colleagues and locals
• Managing younger students, especially beginners
• Creating a deeper cultural connection

However, from a professional standpoint, many employers actually prefer that teachers use only English in the classroom, to create an immersive learning environment.

Challenges to Be Aware Of

• Bureaucracy: Non-EU citizens may face paperwork hurdles, especially if handling visas independently.
• Lower pay compared to Western Europe: While the cost of living is lower, salaries may be modest by international standards.
• Job stability: Some language schools may offer only part-time or freelance contracts initially.

Tips for Success

• Get TEFL certified before arriving if you aren’t already.
• Apply in late summer or early fall, as most hiring takes place in August and September.
• Start in a larger city, where demand is highest and English-speaking communities are easier to find.
• Join expat and teacher forums to share experiences and get job leads.

Final Thoughts

Teaching English in Poland without knowing Polish is not only possible — it's common. Many foreigners have built successful teaching careers in Poland without ever becoming fluent in the local language. That said, embracing some basic Polish phrases and cultural nuances will only enrich your experience and help you feel more connected to your new home.

If you're considering teaching English abroad, Poland offers a welcoming and rewarding environment — even if you can't say much more than “Dzień dobry” when you arrive.