Teach English in the Czech Republic

Details

Summary

Demand for English teachers is very high, but the country is very popular with the newly-qualified, so getting a job isn’t as easy as it used to be.

Main TEFL regions

Prague, Pilsen, Brno.

Types of teaching

Private Language Schools: General English, Business English, Cambridge FCE, CAE
In-company: General English, Business English
State Sector (primary & secondary schools): General English

Accommodation

Some schools will organize your accommodation or help you to find a place. Rents in Prague are higher than elsewhere in the country, and you’ll get a small, 1 bedroom apartment for about 9,000Kc per month if you shop around.

However, you’d be much better off sharing, and could pay as little as 6,000Kc (US$400) per month.

Flight reimbursement

This is neither common here nor elsewhere of Europe.

Salary

15-000-20,000Kc (US$1,300) per month is average in Prague, and unlike most countries, the low competition can equal higher wages outside of the capital. If you stay long-term and do plenty of private lessons, you could earn as much as 40,000Kc (US$2,600).

Taxes

Income tax is a flat rate of 15%, but many salaries are quoted AFTER tax so check this when applying for jobs.

Cost of living

The cost of living is rising in Prague, but most things are still affordable. If you stay out of the tourist areas, you can get a cheap restaurant meal for about 70Kc (US$5), and your weekly food expenses shouldn’t be much more than 1400Kc (US$95).

The famous local beer is only US$1 per bottle, so you’ll have enough money for plenty of hangovers!

Potential to save money

This depends partly on your lifestyle and wages, but hinges on your accommodation expenses. If you’re willing to share, you should be able to save enough money to explore in the holidays (most contracts run for the length of the academic year, so you’ll have to use your savings during the summer vacation). Unless you’re on a very good wage, or live a very frugal existence, you’re unlikely to save more than this.

How much TEFL training is recommended?

You should get some sort of TEFL qualification at the very minimum, preferably with classroom experience. i-to-i’s weekend courses give you a good chance of getting a job ahead of the crowds of other TEFL teachers arriving here each week.

Common teaching conditions

Students in the Czech Republic are usually attentive and enthusiastic, even in the private language schools where the adult learners come after a long day’s work. But the hours tend to be longer than in the state schools.

Be aware…

It’s very difficult to find work between June and September, but you might be able to get a job teaching kids at a countryside summer camp.