Teach English in Slovakia

Details

Summary

Slovakia has traditionally been neglected in favor of the Czech Republic, so there is much less competition for jobs.

Main TEFL regions

Bratislava, Kosice, Nitra, Presov, Banksa, Bystrica and many other smaller towns

Types of teaching

State schools: General English, Cambridge FCE/CAE
Private language schools: General English, Business English, Cambridge FCE/CAE

Accommodation

Accommodation is sometimes supplied by your employer, or they may help you to find a place. A one-bedroom apartment will cost about 9,000Sk (US$470) per month, but you’ll pay 6,000Sk or less if you share with another teacher.

Flight reimbursement

Not common

Salary

Salaries range from 12,000-25,000Sk (US$650-$1,300) per month, depending on your pay and qualifications and experience. State schools tend to pay at the lower end of this range, with private schools paying more.

Taxes

Income tax has a flat rate of 19%

Cost of living

The cost of living is still reassuringly low, although it’s slowly creeping up. A loaf of bread costs 30Sk (US$1.50), a glass of beer is only 15Sk; while a restaurant meal is 100Sk.

Potential to save money

You might be able to save enough money for your summer vacation around Slovakia, but not much more.

How much TEFL training is recommended?

A TEFL course will stand you in good stead for getting a job. i-to-i offers a range of programs to get you on the employment ladder.

Common teaching conditions

Most jobs are working for private schools, but you might not spend much time at the school itself: many send their teachers to give lessons at private companies, so for the average of 25 classroom hours you could spend a lot of time travelling.

The students are usually willing learners.

Be aware…

Some schools offer a lot but provide little. If you’re searching for a job once you’ve arrived, try to get some recommendations from other teachers.