Teaching English in the Czech Republic
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Czech fact file
Teaching in Prague
Finding Work
Due to the growing awareness of English being an important language to have for any foreign speaker there is an abundance of jobs going for native English speakers in the country. Although one should be well prepared as it is a competitive market. To be ahead of the game, taking a TEFL course will really help to boost your chance of employment. If you have a degree, this is also helpful, thopugh not essential.
If you are a first time TEFL teacher, job searching will be limited to work in Language schools and private teaching (public and state schools usually require you to be a qualified teacher).
The Teaching
Language schools – there are many language schools dotted about the country. Job offers are posted daily in newspapers and online. Employers show most interest in those with a TEFL qualification but being a native English speaker is the main thing. The majority of students in these schools are adults, many of whom work, so you will often be required to teach them in the early hours of the morning, or late afternoon and evening.
Private teaching – it can take a while to establish yourself in the country until you can offer your own private lessons. A good way to start is advertising in local newspapers or a popular website www.expats.cz .This is a great way of earning money as you can arrange your own fees and hours with your clients. This can be from 200-300czk (€8-€12). There are some disadvantages with this type of work: you will need to provide all of your own materials for your lessons. Also it can be quite unreliable and may affect your income due to students cancelling.
Living
A lot of customs are very similar in the Czech Republic to many other European countries. The Czechs are very tolerant people but will appreciate it if, being a foreigner, you speak to them in their native tongue. Therefore it is important to try to learn a bit of the language before heading out there. You don’t have to learn much but a few essentials will put you in good stead for building a rapport with the locals.
The best thing to do is be yourself, not a foreigner. Let the people realize this themselves. They are very curious people and will always want to have a conversation with you and offer you their help.
Also be sure to get into the nightlife in the country. They have great pubs and clubs and their beers are world famous for being cheap and extremely moreish!
Cost Guide
Renting apartment – 7500-17000 czk per month
Monthly transportation pass – 500 czk
Beer in a bar – 20-30 czk
Meal in restaurant – 80-250 czk
Litre of milk – 15 czk
Loaf of bread – 15 czk
