Ola asked us to write a couple of words about her – it´s very hard to write briefly about her.
Varia team
We are a close-knit team of interesting people.
Among us, there are the fans of cats and passionate fish keepers, those with a sweet tooth and those obsessed with a healty lifestyle, calm readers and intrepid adventurers, volleyball and ballet fans, talented choir singers and creative gardeners... And even though we are so differnt, we all like each other as well as our work, regardless if we are just working on the curriculum, preparing the workshops, making sandwiches for our parties or simply sharpening crayons.
Ola Gołdyn
Ola asked us to write a couple of words about her – it´s very hard to write briefly about her. ...more
An extraordinary friend, an attentive and patient listener, helpful, joyful and highly authentic – that's how she is. A combination of positivism and romanticism, rather the ones in life than in the literature.She is open-minded and talkative, thanks to what she finds a common language with her students without the smallest problem and she can be a great inspiration for them. Her classes always have an excellent atmosphere, in which the students learn and make friends among themselves. She's a professional. She has been teaching Polish for more than ten years and she constantly finds passion in it. She trains other teachers and also educates herself continuously – not only in the field of methodology. Ola will respond to almost every question related to the Polish Film School and gothic churches, most willingly having at the same time a strong and aromatic coffee.
Magda Król
I work at Varia because I like people and here you can meet people from the whole world. ...more
I work at Varia because I like people and here you can meet people from the whole world. I like enthusiasts, if it was not for them, who else would learn Polish? :) In general, I like otherness, even the absurd – at least it´s not boring, and you can look for similarities. My motto is “Having Fun With Polish”, you can have fun teaching both conversations and Polish grammar. This way, I invite you to my lessons.
Magda Górna
At Varia my "field of expertise" is on-line classes. ...more
I have been working as a Polish teacher for several years, first in the Ukraine, then in Ireland and now in Krakow. At Varia my "field of expertise" is on-line classes. My students live in all corners of the world, and thanks to them I "visit" Manchester, Tokio, or a town in Provence. In the real world :) I meet my students at semester and summer courses. What is my recipe for a successful class? Enthusiasm and energy, combined with a well-balanced portion of grammar, all dipped in a pleasant and informal atmosphere. Apart from that, I'm a reliable companion in traveling, friendly chit-chatting and... eating chocolate.
Magda Szymczak
What do my students say about me? “A terrorist”. :) ...more
I have a soft spot for Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn, I love the smell of freshly mowed grass, people with a good sense of humour, and red wine. What do my students say about me? “A terrorist”. :) But this is what must happen when you teach Polish grammar…And what do I say about my students? A good material for hostages. ;) They are disciplined and obedient. The classes with them are always very interesting, it’s also great fun. All the fearless are invited to my lessons!
Ela Łątka-Likh
I believe that the lesson should be carefully constructed and well-thought-out. ...more
I believe that the lesson should be carefully constructed and well-thought-out. During my classes I try to see each of my students separately, discover their potential and then develop their talents. I set high standards and I effectively help my students to overcome all the language difficulties. In my spare time I read, go to the cinema and... dream – recently about a small cat that could live at home with me
Karolina Łodygowska
My mum says that I could have been a ballet dancer, because I dance well. ...more
My mum says that I could have been a ballet dancer, because I dance well. My friends claim that I make the best avocado salad and my boss says that I'm always committed to my work. Indeed – I love dancing, surprising my friends and... teaching, teaching, teaching! :)
My Polish lessons? They remind good series – well "acted", "produced" with passion and having a precise script. During a lesson "the same characters" appear, but always something new happens. There is a "revision" of the last episode, grammar "plot", "thrilling" vocabulary and an ending full of surprises... (those exams!:)). And finally HAPPY END... :)
Malwina Cieciora
If you happen to see in a tram or bus a person reading Stephen King’s book. ...more
If you happen to see in a tram or bus a person reading Stephen King’s book, looking at a map of a foreign country or tapping her fingers on a knee to the rhythm of rock music while shamelessly stuffing herself with raisins, it will definitely be me!
Travelling and doing the whole organisational work is my passion. But my favourite place on earth is the place where I was born – Kraków. Kraków is present during my Polish lessons when I not only acquaint my students with the world of vocabulary and grammar, but also “smuggle” cultural and historical flavours of the city.
Kamila Dąbrowska
My hobbies, apart from languages, are also biking, swimming, hiking, and lately – skiing. ...more
Being a teacher and a guide is a long tradition in my family. In my case, teaching is not only a continuation of this tradition, but most of all – a great passion.
Polish language lessons give me an opportunity to meet a lot of interesting people from different parts of the world. I’ve been working as a Polish language teacher for almost 10 years now. During this time I had the possibility to teach students of various ages and professions. When it comes to the methodology, I’m a fan of a direct method. That’s why I do my best to create the environment of natural language acquisition. Cutting a long story short: it’s all about speaking, speaking and speaking. :) In my private life, I’m a mother of two adorable girls. I love to spend my free time with them, especially in an active way. My hobbies, apart from languages, are also biking, swimming, hiking, and lately – skiing.
Justyna Klyszcz-Bochniak
In my day-to-day life I teach Polish and French, I ride through the city on my bike and I face freakish weather. ...more
In my day-to-day life I teach Polish and French, I ride through the city on my bike and I face freakish weather. I could spend my whole free time lying in the sun and reading contemporary prose (especially Polish and French) and have breaks to visit cinema and theatre (both as a member of the audience and an actress on stage, because I really enjoy acting). I’d also save some time for jogging and riding my bike. From time to time I’d go to a foreign country as well, just to make it less foreign. And to have the strength to do all that, I’d eat delicious Italian pasta and Japanese soups (made by someone else, as I hate cooking). For dessert – tea and apple pie. Polish style please. :)
Agnieszka Zięba
I’ve been promoting the Polish language and culture for a couple of years now. ...more
I’ve been promoting the Polish language and culture for a couple of years now, not only here, in Poland, but also abroad: I’ve spent the last four years as a Polish teacher in Bulgaria. I’m constantly looking for inspiration for my classes, even while on vacation. I travel whenever I get the chance to, usually to Istanbul and the Balkans, but my biggest wish is to visit Asia. My passions include cinema, folklore, forgotten stories and legends (especially the Cracow ones), fashion, museums and flea markets. My all-time favourite place in Cracow is the Planty Park.
Magda Kowalska
Teaching is a very inspiring process… more
Teaching is a very inspiring process… What we learn? How? What does the acquired knowledge give us? How it defines and changes us? At first, I was looking for the answers to all these questions as a participant of various different courses. For a couple of years now I have been exploring this subject by observing the work of my students. I will never be fed up with their stories and different motivations, that led them to study one of the most difficult languages in the world. I strongly believe, that it is never too late to learn and “If you don't move forward, you begin to move backward”. That is probably why I study languages myself and try to spend my free time as actively as possible: I jog on a regular basis, I skydive and I have taken up skiing recently, but I also love to read as well as to go to the cinema or theatre.
Joanna Gorzkowska
"Someone once wrote, 'the boundaries of my language are the boundaries of my world' ...more
Someone wrote once: ‘the boundaries of my language are the boundaries of my world’. I am a teacher of a Polish language for a several years now. And as such, I believe to be helping people from all over the world to stretch those boundaries.
I enjoy teaching grammar as its base is logic of a language. Besides, I'm a translator, I like photography, cats, knitted toys and reading until late at night. I dream that one day I will learn Finnish, Japanese and Icelandic.
Ania Stelmach
It is said that as a teacher you can concentrate on material or on a student ...more
It is said that as a teacher you can concentrate on material or on a student. For me, the latter is the most important. However, also the most difficult, as it forces you to be always attentive and to seek for inspiration. I do my best to organise classes in a way that there is a lot going on in a friendly and creative atmosphere; there is no chance that the routine could sneak in! I want the lessons to be a meetings that are awaited! Despite many years of work, I still enjoy teaching, because I know that giving a lot means getting a lot.
Monika Barańska
I am a virtual teacher. :) At VARIA I teach on-line classes, and every day I “move” to a different corner of the world. ...more
I am a virtual teacher. :) At VARIA I teach on-line classes, and every day I “move” to a different corner of the world. In this way I have already met students from … 30 different countries: from United States, Iran to Japan and Australia.
My lessons? A mix of various cultural information and interesting facts about the Polish language, phonetic exercises, grammar and above all - communication. Always in a relaxed, stress-free atmosphere!
In my spare time I read, travel, walk through the oldest volcanoes in Europe, work on improving the makeup techniques and I let myself to a slight addiction to watching TV series.
Agata Szybura
Constantly on the run! A little scatty, a little chatty, ...more
Constantly on the run! A little scatty, a little chatty, usually with a big smile from ear to ear.
I have been teaching Polish for several years now. At work I am 200% committed, because I love my job and my students!
I like when the lesson is cheerful, buzzy, intensive and effective. That's the reason why my students, after graduating from the course, do SPEAK Polish.
Privately I'm a mum of two lovely girls. After work, or rather in between work and home, I write a PhD thesis, in which I study learning process of foreign children in Poland. Most often than not, you can find me sitting in one Krakow's cafes devoted to reading a book and savouring aromatic coffee.
Natalia Wójcik
"The true journey of the discoverer is not about finding new landscapes, but about finding new eyes." ...more
My favourite writer, Marcel Proust, used to say: "The true journey of the discoverer is not about finding new landscapes, but about finding new eyes." These words has become my motto in a private and a professional life.
I love travelling and during each trip I really try to "see" other cultures. My work and passion is to teach those who set out on a trip to Poland and settle down there for a while - I help them to find "new eyes" in Polish reality. I cannot get bored, I like riding a bike, practicing yoga, buying cool clothes and talking to people!
On my lessons you can have fun and a lot of homework :), because the success gained by hard work brings real joy!
Aneta Kawa
Katarzyna Hoffmann
Ania Graczkowska
A soul of an adventurer doesn’t let me stay in one place for too long ...more
A soul of an adventurer doesn’t let me stay in one place for too long. I love travelling, discovering new worlds, meeting new people. My paradise on Earth: all the places where mountains meet the sea – such as in Bask Country.
In my free time I enjoy staying active: riding a bike, dancing (mostly hip-hop and jazz), running or kickboxing. If I need some calmer time I feel best surrounded by my family and friends: cheerful, cosy and tasty…
Emilia Florczak
I love foreign languages. I’ve studied Russian...more
I love foreign languages. I’ve studied Russian Language and Culture and now I learn Georgian and Italian. In the future I hope to find some time for Czech and Estonian.
My greatest passion is travelling and knowledge of foreign languages is a big help on the road. When you go on a trip, it’s not only about sightseeing. The most important for me are people met on the way and our conversations. Best trip so far? To Lake Baikal. Though in the future I’m planning to conquer Kamchatka and visit Mexico.
In my free time I practice yoga vinsaya. Or I cook – my friends never say ‘no’ to a delicious hummus or a lentil soup.
Patrycja Koszyk-Barańska
I love being active – discovering, studying, learning new things ...more
I love being active – discovering, studying, learning new things! I am also fascinated with discovering the past – perhaps for the reason I studied history… 😊
I paint, potter a bit and produce natural cosmetics at my home laboratory. I am interested in graphic design and I develop this passion during graphical studies.
On the calmer side, I am a total bookworm. I appreciate evenings with a good book and a kitten on my knees, while my mind travels through fictional worlds. My favourite author? Of course Stanisław Lem!
Apart from that…I love spring and summer for their colours and odours! I am passionate about board games and… chocolate.
Marek Klapka
A chatterbox. ...more
A chatterbox who converts his words into projects – that’s why we are always impatient to see them. He’s a game for anything. Every girl would be happy to have such a husband, son or at least… brother.
Tomek Klimek
Wearing a white flat cap. ...more
The one and only expert on Krakow, who knows how many virgins were eaten by the Wawel Dragon. Our students appreciate his sense of humour and the fact that he has the answers to all their questions – about the Wawel Chakra or the intrigues of Bona Sforza.
You’ll usually find him wearing a white flat cap.
Klaudia Koszela
An artistic soul. ...more
A linguist with an artistic soul. She’s a part of our Varia world with her optimism, distance and sense of humour.
Karolina Gucko
Irreplaceable. ...more
Irreplaceable – in translation, text verification or conversations about politics. A traveller and a polyglot. She probably knows all the languages in the world or, at least, she had some contact with them. She knows (almost) everything about Spain and the Spanish people.
Helenka Ermolaeva
Full of positive energy. ...more
Always smiling, kind and open. Our ex-student from Ukraine who stayed with us for good. Usually from Vinnytsia, but sometimes also from Krakow, she takes care of the Russian version of our website. Her e-mails, full of positive energy, always put us in a good mood.
