COUNTRY GUIDES: SLOVAKIA

Slovakia is a laid-back place that’s relatively untouched by modern tourism. After spending so long in the shadow of its big brother the Czech Republic, it gained independence in 1993 and remains one of Europe’s youngest countries. Unlike its neighbors the biggest draw isn’t its capital city, but the grand castles and fortresses of the countryside. Take a walk along the hiking trails and you’ll find yourself winding between picturesque hills, and through towns with gothic churches and strong folk traditions.

Getting to these places is easy, with the train system reaching most parts of the country, and bus services linking the smaller towns and villages. However you travel, the people’s friendly spirit will ease you into the relaxed pace of life.

TEFL in Slovakia (Contracts, Salary, Work)

• Demand for Teachers
• Main TEFL Regions
• Busiest TEFL Periods
• Contract Lengths
• Types of Teaching
• Accommodation
• Flight Reimbursement
• Currency
• Salary
• Taxes
• Cost of Living
• Potential to Save Money
• How Much TEFL Training is Recommended?
• Common teaching conditions

Finding Work

• How to find work
• Can I find work in-country?
• What is the Usual Hiring Process?

Work Visas

• Is a work visa needed to find paid work?
• Work Visa Requirements

Why choose Slovakia?

Be Aware

Before you go

• Read this
• Watch this

A Few Fun Facts

TEFL in Slovakia (Contracts, Salary, Work)

Demand for teachers

High

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

Busiest TEFL periods

September-June

Contract lengths

3-24 months

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

Currency

Slovakian Koruna (Crown) (SKK)
Symbol: Sk

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.

Finding Work

How do I find work?

i-to-i can get you work in a good Bratislava school once you graduate from our 100-hour combined course – and you won’t have to pay a penny extra.

There are very few other options for getting a job before you leave – any school that agrees to employ you without a either seeing you or having a solid recommendation is one to avoid.

Can I find work while in-country?

With the low competition for jobs, an in-country job hunt should prove fruitful. Visit some schools armed with a TEFL certificate, a good suit and a friendly attitude and you’ll probably find an employer willing to hire you.

For a comprehensive list of language schools, contact the British Council once you arrive in Bratislava.

What is the usual hiring process?

It’s the usual process of contacting schools direct and arranging interviews.

Work Visas

Is a work visa required to find paid work in Slovakia?

Yes. EU Nationals can easily get a work permit by contacting the Slovak police after arrival; people from outside of the EU can also arrange a work permit, but the process is more difficult. If you want to stay for an extended period, you’ll have to apply for a work permit and arrange a blood test within 2 weeks of arriving.

Work Visa requirements:

• Proof of job offer
• Proof of accommodation
• Health certificate
• Clear criminal record
• Official translations of all documents

Why Choose Slovakia?

• Beautiful country that’s easy to get around
• Few tourists
• Little competition for jobs
• Willing students

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.

Before you go

Read this…

Lonely Planet Guide to Czech & Slovak Republics – excellent guide to both countries.

A Few Fun Facts

• The parents of famous pop artist Andy Warhol hail from Slovakia.
• Slovakian Stefan Banic invented the world’s first-ever usable parachute.
• It’s estimated that Slovakia produces more cars per person than any other country in the world.
• The national anthem “Nad Tatrou sa blýska” means "Lightning Over the Tatras", and symbolizes danger to its citizens!