Teaching and Living in the Czech Republic
Posted by Bill - 13:35 on 15 September 2009
With over 300,000 foreigners living and working in the Czech Republic, it has become a top travel destination in Europe. This country is a great window into discovering European history with grand chateaus and castles studded across the landscape. The capital city of Prague is a delight for any traveller. One of the most scenic and cultured cities in the world, you are spoilt for choice with things to do.
Finding teaching 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.
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).
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.
Accommodation
Renting a flat in the centre of Prague can be quite pricey. This can range from 7500czk – 17000czk per month (€280-€635). Obviously sharing a flat would greatly reduce costs. In the rest of the country, this can be around 6300czk-14000czk (€240-€410).
Transport
This is relatively inexpensive. You can buy a monthly or annual pass to reduce costs.
Food
Eating out in a restaurant ranges 140czk-600czk (€5-€20). The countries main supermarkets are Tescos, Billa, Penny Market and Kaufland. Shopping is fairly cheap here.
Nightlife
The pubs and clubs in the Czech Republic can be pretty wild, especially in the old town of Prague. Beer is drunk from dawn till dusk and is some of the finest and cheapest in the world!
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