Job Discussion Forums

[amyap]

Hi,
I am planning on going to Prague this August to get my TEFL certification and I am a bit lost on a few things.

1-Can anyone recommend a particular program to get my certification? I have been accepted into TEFL International and am also applying to Next Level Language. I want a certification that is accepted internationally and I would like a program that I know will help me find a job in Prague or in an Asian country (maybe Thailand?).
2-How hard is it to find a job in Prague? To get a visa? I am an American and am unsure how big of a factor this will be.
3-How long does it take to find housing? Would you recommend getting housing through the TEFL certification program even though it is more expensive?
4-If there is any other advice anyone can give I would really really appreciate it.
Thanks!!!!

[spiral78]

Americans can still get work permits for the Czech Republic, though it's a time-consuming hassle. You will tackle this after your course finishes and you have a contract with some school, most likely.
With a basic cert from any of the training centres in Prague you should be able to find a job in the city. Note that Prague features a number of training centres, and therefore the market for hiring is in the favor of the schools - there are a lot of newly-certified teachers hitting the streets every month in the city (of course, not everyone chooses to stay there, but many do, at least for a while). So, salaries and benefits are not lavish, but they are usually enough to cover living all right. Not travel outside the country, or to pay back debts at home, though.
Housing is expensive in Prague, regardless of whether it's provided by the training centre, language school, or you find it yourself.