Angloville Arvostelua 47

I completed a three-week programme with Angloville during the summer and, like every similar programme, it had its flaws—but overall I found it to be a great experience and I can honestly say that I thoroughly enjoyed it.
So much so that I ended up applying for an extra week at the end of August, which also went really well—at least from my perspective.

When I applied for a winter programme last week, I received a generic email telling me I had been blacklisted, which honestly baffled me. The email stated that they reached this decision after reviewing “both participant and coordinator feedback.”
I can only assume this was a copy-and-paste email they send to everyone they blacklist, because the follow-up clarification email I received only mentioned coordinators having issues—which I will get to.

During my first week, I received a verbal warning for playing pool with the kids during conversation sessions. I was far from the only volunteer doing this, yet to my knowledge I was the only one who was warned. I could be wrong, but I know for a fact that one of my friends who also did it was not warned.
Regardless, if this—or anything else I did during the first three weeks—was so serious, surely they would not have invited me back for another programme.

The second issue raised in the email was that “persistent warnings about phone usage were ignored.”
This is simply untrue.
I was never once spoken to about phone usage. I was particularly conscious about avoiding my phone, especially during the talent show/presentations, because I understood how difficult it was for the kids to stand in front of a large group and speak in a foreign language. I should also add that in most venues, phone signal in the conference rooms barely even worked. So I honestly have no idea where this accusation came from and would like more clarity on it, because there is zero truth to it.

The final point in the email stated that “coordinators felt their interactions with you were often impolite and disrespectful.”
This was also news to me, because as far as I’m aware, I did not have a single negative interaction with any of the coordinators. I wasn’t especially close to any of them, but I thought we got on fine—or at least neutrally.
I did feel that one of the coordinators during my first week didn’t really take to me. Not because of anything she said, just a general vibe. That’s normal—you’re not going to get along with everyone. I didn’t and still don’t have any negative feelings toward her.
But again, this was during my first three weeks, so to my knowledge it can’t have been it wasn’t what got me blacklisted.

During the final week in August, I felt the coordinators were very good. I didn’t interact with them much, but they all seemed committed to the job and I never felt like they were just there for the pay check.
Given that this was my most recent programme, it must have been one of these coordinators who filed the negative feedback—unless Angloville have something they haven’t told me.
I am genuinely struggling to understand why.

The only explanation I can think of is that they may have misconstrued me being quiet and shy as being rude or disengaged. I don’t think that’s fair at all. Just because I wasn’t outgoing or loud doesn’t mean I wasn’t enjoying myself or didn’t want to be there—I wouldn’t have applied again if that were the case.
I should also mention that I am autistic and have struggled with social situations my whole life. As a 19-year-old, this was the first time I had ever thrown myself in the deep end like this: going to a foreign country alone, meeting new people, and living in a group environment. I genuinely thought I was doing a good job at masking my social difficulties, unfortunately, it seems the coordinators may have misinterpreted me.

If there was any specific situation in which I was ever rude to the coordinators, I would genuinely like to know, because I have spent the last week trying to understand what I could have done for them to come to that conclusion. I never acted in an impolite or disrespectful way—at least not intentionally.

Overall, I would still say my experience with Angloville was positive. The kids were great, and I made friends I will keep for life, and for that I will always be grateful.
But I do believe I was unfairly blacklisted. I don’t know the exact reason, and the explanation I got was not convincing. If there is some other motive behind their decision, I would really like to know.

A very difficult company to deal with. I spent hundreds of pounds and weeks of work signing and filling forms, sending all my personal details, receipts, photographs, studying rules, regulations, restrictions, compliance, until my flight came and passport and all personal.documents disappeared. All was lost, and a huge chunk of my savings gone. My insurance company was unavailable. The airline tried to avoid being contacted. Angloville disappeared, was sorry that it happened but made a nice profit from my loss.

They're scammers who'll keep your deposit - go with one of the many other similar providers instead.

After successfully providing the week of free tuition, they refuse to return the deposit of £100 claiming that they do not have a record of their mandatory online training being completed before the labour started. I can't comment on what their records show, but how interesting that they didn't check that before the tuition was given, only when the deposit return was requested. It's a clear demonstration that they don't care about the service provided to their customers, only that they can steal some extra profit for themselves.

Overall, it was a good experience and I love the Angloville’s morals. It really does live up to being a culture exchange, and you do meet some great people. It was a very rewarding experience. I loved working with my mentees and collaborating on a presentation for the end of the week, and the letters are so wholesome.

However, I have a few issues i’d like to point out, in Dwór Pomorski, my first week i felt like one of the coordinators was trying to cause drama and wedge a bridge between IPs. She said I was miserable based on some gossip, but then turned around and said I'm always giggly, laughing, and no doubt engaging in my conversation sessions. It made me feel very wary of my fellow workers. This had a detrimental impact on my confidence and self-esteem because I was putting in full engagement the whole week. This coordinator also described this other girl as aggressive, who was in no way aggressive and was one of the nicest people on that programme. I felt like the co-ordinator came across as unprofessional and naive, and bases her response on gossip. At times, I felt there was favouritism and preferential treatment shown to certain people. The coordinators In week 2 were superb and I found no issues, they were well organised and very empathetic. I found the workshops to be fun in Chojnik and engaging.

Another small issue I’d like to point out is misleading information on the site for Dwór Pomorski and & chojnik. It says 2/3 max per room, but I was put in rooms of 4 both weeks, and the first week the room felt claustrophobic. I feel that living areas in descriptions should be clarified. The venues were beautiful and the kayaking was fun& I loved the cats. The second week, hotel the ceilings were very low down and the bathroom was nearly unusuable, not fit for purpose or people above 5 feet. The food is generally solid as well, with some good variety. I would maybe suggest people doing more than 1 programme are guaranteed not to be put in rooms of 4 continuously, as privacy is an issue and accessing facilities. It does come across as favouritism or luck of the draw.

Overall, I generally enjoyed being an IP, especially in my 2nd programme, but I feel like Angloville needs to work on clarity and organisation. But working with the kids was a huge pleasure. With a few fixes, it could have been an excellent experience. And I also appreciate being able to access a TEFL with a huge discount after a 2-week programme. Thank you, Angloville it has been an eye-opening experience, and it has enriched my interpersonal skills. The people make Angloville! I love the premise of Angloville and would definitely be interested in volunteering in a country different from Poland.

I loved the experience of working with Angloville and helping native Polish people improve their English skills. I have no teaching background but this was not required to participate. It was a great cultural experience too and the venue was fabulous. My experience took place in April 2021 and I have fond memories - would do again should the timing arise.

If you enjoy travel,meeting new and interesting people,(English speakers and locals) Angloville is a good choice.the programme/format is tried and tested and it is very effective,all students,without exception make good progress.The programme is intensive but not extreme and is very stimulating and fun.I have taken part in 46 programmes and have made many good friends in the process .I am over 70 and would recommend anyone of any age who is looking for an adventure in a safe,friendly and sociable environment to try attending an Angloville programme .

What a fantastic experience! I was initially a bit skeptical—perhaps due to the way the interviews were conducted and the quick request for a deposit. But once I arrived in Warsaw and met the staff and fellow mentors, I knew I had made the right choice.
Our time at Lipowy Most was truly unforgettable. The setting was beautiful—lush green landscapes, a relaxing pool, and, most importantly, warm-hearted people. Both the mentors and mentees created such a welcoming and inspiring atmosphere.
I wholeheartedly recommend this experience, and I’m already planning to return next summer

I've been doing Anglovilles for the last 8 years and have done over 30 venues. Each and every one of them was a great pleasure to have been involved in. The coordinators are always professional caring as individuals. The course itself is well designed and the participants gain the confidence to speak more freely. I have also found many new friends from participating in them.

I’ve volunteered for Angloville on 2 different occasions for a total of 4 weeks. My time with them has been wonderful, and I’ve recommended the experience to some of my friends!

Bullying and harassment amongst mentors. Openly discussed with students.

No repercussions.

Overall, a nice experience with the students but adult interaction needs management and atleast a little integrity.

It was all reported by multiple people effected but no response was given.

I had such an amazing experience working with local people and learning a little about the culture and the city as well. Made a lot of new friends, and I am looking forward to my next adventure with Angloville.

My experience of Angloville was very poor and I wouldn't recommend it for people like myself: neurodivergent, people who like planning ahead & those with dietary requirements.

The communication in the weeks leading up to the programme was non-existent with emails being ignored or responded to incorrectly. For example, I emailed to find out if I should pay for my own hotel the night beforehand and if I'd be reimbursed, only to be told that accommodation was provided, but I wasn't informed of the hotel information until I'd enquired and just 2 days before my arrival. I spoke with two other participants who had paid for accommodation unnecessarily and even onward travel to their starting destination as they didn't know they'd have this provided either.

Finding out where you are being sent a few days before departure was highly stressful for me and although we were assured we would have time to join the tours; for my second location I wouldn't have arrived until 1am, ahead of a 10am departure time for the 2nd programme.

Before our departure to the location of the programme we weren't provided breakfast or indeed told to sort our own ahead of a 5 hour coach drive. Additionally we weren't informed we would be sharing the coach travel with participants.

For those with allergies, intolerances or dietary preferences; I was sent to a location where allergens and dietary requirements were not catered for. This led to me being served food I couldn't eat on 3 occasions, becoming ill and I ultimately ended up eating a lot of snacks, fruit and plain bread as when I was served food I could eat, it was not very.. edible. I later bought food from a shop 20 minutes walk away. Thankfully some other participants took pity on me and also shared their personal snacks!

The days were very long with only a few hours of time for self in the evenings or when schedule changes allowed. The excursions were okay, but the plans changed a lot which led to confusion and shortened free time.

Finally, whilst some participants received contracts, others did not. I didn't speak to anyone who had received their Tefl code and didn't get much information about when that would come through from the coordinators. Some participants paid deposits and others did not due to using external websites such as Reed or Indeed. So I recommend not applying through the website if you intend to participate with Angloville. I'm sure this programme would work for some, but I believe you should know the above before applying!

The few redeeming factors were that the children were brilliant, there were opportunities to connect and build friendships. Depending on the hotel, you may have access to spa facilities and beautiful locations.

Edit to add: I've seen the response from Angloville and I'm actually not going to bother responding as the attitude of their response alone highlights that they're defensive, uninformed, unable to take on feedback to improve their service and think they can do no wrong despite the *many* examples given. I wanted to review them so others considering partaking would have forewarning and/or Angloville could make changes to improve, but they've clearly taken no accountability and are instead deeply unprofessional, accusatory and likely won't take my feedback on board for future for the sake of future participants ! Which only emboldens my stance !

This program let's you use your brain and connection to English language learners

I would recommend this experience to everyone, it's an excellent way to travel for free and get some good experience to put in your CV, alongside lifelong memories and connections. Give it a shot, even for a couple of weeks

The Angloville volunteer programme is hard work, but extremely rewarding. It is a fantastic way to experience another country and to meet the best and most interesting people.

I joined Angloville in Poland and Hungary, attracted by their promise of a free, online TEFL course at the completion of three of their week-long programes.

No experience was required; so it was an amazing, no cost, opportunity to discover whether TEFL was for me, whilst gaining my first TEFL certificate.

Furthermore, Angloville provided me with an excellent reference which I used, together with my certificate, to secure my first teaching post.

I have been teaching ever since.

In short, Angloville lived up to every promise and more, exceeding all my expectations.

If you want to find out if TEFL is for you, or you just want to travel, make lasting friendships and meet the most interesting people, I unreservedly recommend Angloville.

They ask you to pay them so that you can work for them. How do I reply to a reply?? I have done more than 30 programmes with Angloville. Most are 5 days long and 12 hour days. So I have given them over 30,000 euros worth of my time, ( I value my time at 20 euros an hour. ) and that is no including the expences of travelling there. Yea, I know, my choice. Still they ask for more. That is not right
I volunteer to help others, not for the profit of Angloville.

My time at Anglovile was 100% unforgetheble. I enjoyed location, accomodation, food, time with kids, but the mostly friendships there builded. Also respectfull and great flow organisation. We shared all the differences for the best. I felt present and surrounded by supportive and funn enviroment. After year from it we are still in touch and share some news in ours lifes.

Honestly the best thing i ever did

It was a great experience for me, I met so many amazing people and learnt a lot and the venue was amazing! I had a lot of fun and everyday was so different from the previous one, I wished the information was better organized before each event and I would rather having the commute included in the price and not having all the stress before hand but the experience was overall great!