Poland

Poland is located in the heartland of Europe, nestled within a unique range of countries and cultures that are within easy travel distance.  Fusing modern living with the grand theatrical and musical traditions of the past, it offers a rich combination of history and culture in a rapidly developing country.  Lattitude Volunteers play an important role in improving the English language skills of students and a select number of placements also allow you to assist in schools for visually impaired students.

Placement locations

Placements are located throughout Poland, click here to view a map.

Is it for me?

Poland offers volunteers the freedom to develop imaginative lesson plans that encourage students to practice their English while incorporating fun facts about New Zealand.  The ability to adapt, think creatively and embrace a new culture will allow you to experience the wonderful traditions and customs that Poland has to offer.  

Placements explained

English Teaching placements enable volunteers to use their conversational English skills to assist both students and teachers.  Some placements have the added challenge of being in special schools for blind or partially sighted students, or for students with special needs.  Students may range in age from six to 25.  Volunteers may also become involved with additional activities in the school, such as music or drama classes or sport.

Working hours vary between placements but generally coincide with full school days.  A small amount of pocket money is paid.

Accommodation & food

Volunteers either live with a host family or in residential quarters attached to the host institution.  Food is provided accordingly.

Need to know

• Pre departure briefing - all volunteers are invited to a group briefing prior to departure
• Language - no previous knowledge of Polish is required
  
• On arrival - volunteers attend a combined teaching skills course and orientation

Support provided

Before you go:

• We interview each volunteer in order to find out their strengths, skills and interests, as well as identifying what they are hoping to achieve while away. This helps us select the right people to be Lattitude volunteers and after a second interview with the In Country Programme Manager (often via Skype or e-mail), we match them to a placement that is right for them.
• Once you have been accepted by the in Country Programme Manager you will be looked after by a specialised Volunteer Coordinator based in the Palmerston North office, who is responsible for all volunteers going to a particular country. They provide briefing materials, support with logistics such as flights and visas and are there to answer any questions.
• Everyone attends a pre-departure briefing to meet other volunteers and Lattitude staff, and other professionals such as our travel agent, travel doctors and insurance company representatives as well as hearing from returned volunteers.
• All volunteers sign our Term and Conditions to ensure that Lattitude's expectations of each volunteer are agreed and clear from the outset.

When you're overseas:

• We have paid staff based in each country.  Our Country Managers oversee the program and work with a team of Local Representatives who provide support in the local areas and develop close relationships with placement hosts.
• Each volunteer attends orientation on arrival and where needed, other courses such as a local language or teaching skills course.
• Each volunteer is visited at their placement soon after arrival by an in-country staff member to check how things are and provide additional support if needed.
• We work with Embassies and High Commissions to ensure we can respond to any situation and provide 24/7 emergency support from the Lattitude office in Palmerston North.

When you're back:

• We recognise that coming home can be difficult and provide one-to-one support, with onward referrals for further professional support if needed.  Volunteers are invited to debriefing events and become part of our network of alumni.

Costs

These costs are for Lattitude placements in Poland in 2013

Lattitude fees (exact costs):

 
You will also need to budget for the following (approx costs):

Travel

The main opportunity to travel within Poland and around Europe is during the school holidays and at the end of your placement.  Poland is relatively inexpensive to get around, you should be able to absorb much of this history-rich country.  From medieval castles to charming rural villages, from grand old cities to pristine forests, Poland is packed with must-see highlights.  Make sure that your list includes:  the beautiful cities of Gdansk, Krakow, Wroclaw, Poznan and Torun;  the Great Masurian Lakes;  the Bialowieza National Park;  the mountain resort of Zakopane;  the largest medieval castle in Europe at Malbork;  the Wooden Churches in the southern Malopolska; and one of the world’s most emotionally-charged sights, Auschwitz-Birkenau.