Teaching English in Prague

The job market for teaching English in Prague is relatively healthy. It’s not too hard to find a job. However, getting enough work to live comfortably can be a bit more of a challenge, but not insurmountable by any means. Don’t consider trying to get a job here without a TEFL or equivalent certificate, unless you have an M.A. in teaching or English. Even then, you may have to provide evidence of experience. If you find a school that is willing to take you without a TEFL certificate, you probably don’t want to work there. They’re most likely an illegal operation.

When to Teach English in Prague

Although most people tend to arrive in Prague in the summer, it is the most difficult time to find work. Summer vacation means that schools are closed and people have things other than English lessons on their mind. If you take a TEFL course in Prague, your school will probably assist you in finding a job, but don’t rely on them completely. You would be wise to hit the pavement yourself, visiting schools in person, handing out your resume and making face to face contact. Another way to source jobs is making contact with other expat teachers or looking for job postings on the net. Be sure to have a demonstration lesson prepared. Many employers will want to see one for the interview process.

Once you’ve found a job, you’ll have to start the process of getting the work permit, first, and then a visa. There is red tape involved, of course, and it takes a few weeks, but it’s not a problem, even for non-European Union citizens. You will have to be able to provide the address of your residence as well. Czechvisas.com is reputably an inexpensive and reliable agency to consider, if you want to pay someone to help you through this maze.

English Schools in Prague

There are a few types of employers you may work for in Prague. Language studios, or private schools, are the most common and pay the best - around 250 CZK for a 60 minute lesson. You will usually be teaching employees of a company and will have to travel to them, often banks, and you will be teaching individuals and groups. Keep in mind travel time, and don’t be afraid to turn down jobs that are unacceptably far away (as you won’t be reimbursed for travel time) or at a time that you’re not comfortable with. If a student cancels less than 24 hours before the lesson, you will usually get paid anyway.

Jobs at universities pay well and are, therefore, hard to get. Here you have to deal with bureaucracy and inefficiency, but you will usually have a group of motivated and hard working students.

Preschool jobs are the easiest jobs to get and the lowest paying. If you love little kids, up to five hours a day of singing songs, finger painting and playing games may be just the ticket for you. You can expect between 12,000 and 17,000 CZK a month, but will have time to get some private students in the evenings to make ends meet.

State schools pay more than preschools, but less than language studios. Advantages are vacations and short days, and many will continue to pay you during the summer vacation.

Private lessons are great if you have ongoing students who show up consistently, but this is often not the case. And you won’t get paid if they cancel.

Make sure you go into a teaching situation in any foreign country well informed about your earning potential and what your cost of living will realistically be. There is plenty of information on the internet to help you figure this out.