Job Discussion Forums

Matt_22 · Joined: 26 Feb 2006 Posts: 193

I am planning on teaching English this-coming fall and am thinking about getting my feet wet in Prague. However, after browsing through this forum I am a bit concerned about salaries, the cost of living, and whether or not this is a good place to start.

I am planning on enrolling in the CELTA course and will have graduated with a four-year degree in Political Science from a university in the US. I also have an English minor and a year and half of experience working as an English/Math tutor with the American Reads America Counts program.

Based on my background, what kind of contract should I expect to find available this September? I have read on different school websites that salaries can range from 20K-30K but on here I have been seeing that 16K is the norm. I know this has been hashed over a million times on this forum but can anyone give me a better idea of what to expect? Thanks.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

You should be able to safely expect around 20,000 with your credentials. If you decide to start in Prague, you might be able to find better-paying jobs after you have been there a while and have made some contacts.
But remember that Prague's a fairly major training centre for new teachers and the fact that there are literally hundreds of new teachers hitting the streets (obviously not all of the newly-certified teachers opt to stay in the city, but a considerable number do) means that it's essentially an employer's market.

In terms of the buying power of 20,000kc per month - well, rents are relatively high. You can expect to pay around 6,000 montly for a shared accomodation or up to 10, 12, or more for a private place. Basically, English teachers make enough in Prague to live quite all right there, and to travel some around the country - but those koruny aren't strong enough to pay back debts at home, or do much traveling in western Europe.

Matt_22 · Joined: 26 Feb 2006 Posts: 193

Do many schools nowadays help pay for rent, transportation, lunches, etc? I will have a friend to share a place with, so that should be a plus. Thanks for the help.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

A good school should pay for your transport pass (good in the city only) as they will be sending you all over Prague to teach! Lunches, not commonly. You'll be paying rent out of your salary, unless you're living in housing provided by the school - in which case they pay you less.

You may find a few exceptions to the above, but these are the general rules.