Job Discussion Forums

[ToddandJenn]

Do you think it's worth it to invest in a laptop to bring along to the Czech Republic? Has anyone wished they'd brought a laptop along because they didn't have enough access to computer facilities to plan lessons, etc., or did anyone bring one and find they didn't need it? I'm thinking mainly of lesson planning and preparing to teach, not so much for personal usage. We'd be taking a TEFL course, so I'm wondering if we might need it for that as well...

We don't have a laptop right now, but we'd be willing to buy one if we thought it would be worth it. I'm also wondering about electrical compatibility- has anyone brought a North American laptop to CR, and what kind of additional equipment/modifications did you need? (I must admit, I'm a bit of a idiot when it comes to electronics.)

Thanks!

[spiral78]

It could be useful to have a laptop for lesson prep. I'd suggest you might try to buy a used one in Canada. You can buy a simple converter to make it usable in the CR.
Printing would be another issue - you would probably want a flash drive or some other tool for transferring your work to some computer at an internet cafe or at your training centre for printing.

Electronic equipment is not cheap in the CR.

Internet cafes are plentiful and pretty cheap to use. You'll find easy public access to computers and internet, so if you don't find a good deal in Canada, you can be pretty sure that it won't be a big problem - just that, instead of lesson planning and etc in the comfort and quiet of your flat, you'll likely be working in public places.

[Chris Westergaard]

I would bring one for sure. First of all, you can always use it to play movies and use the internet. More and more places in Prague are becoming wireless, so it really is a good idea. As far as the printer, I would agree with Spiral, but you can buy one on the cheap side for less than 30 bucks if you need to.
You will most likely have so many other things to spend you money on once you get here, so i would bring the computer with you.

Cheers,

[spiral78]

Most laptops are equipped so that a simple plug adaptor will work safely. I've done this with several different laptops over the years (I haven't had several because any of them died - it's because my employer supplies me with different laptops for different kinds of project work!).
You should be quite safe with just the plug adaptor.

[spiral78]

You're very welcome. I love the CR and the surrounding countries. I have lived/worked in the CR, Luxembourg, Belgium, Netherlands, Russia, and Canada. But my spouse is Czech, I live there half of every year, and for me it's the epitome.
I always hope that I can help people out with realistic advice and info, when I know something that can help. I have known people to experience the entire range of possibilities when they start TEFL - from horrible to wonderful. A lot depends on realistic planning.

Luck to you!

[Gerhard E. Jene]

I don't know if you are already in the Czech republic or not as I am reading your posting on the 6th of Jan.2007. But make sure you not only have a receipt for the purchase of the computer but a statement from the customs office of your home country. That way when you return you can prove that you bought it before you left for the overseas job.
Also, take an adaptor with you. Once you get settled in and get your bearings with the city and where there are computer stores, then you can buy the appropriate transformer and do away with the adaptor and transformer that you brought with you if you are from North America.
Best of luck. The receipt will also prove to the foreign customs agents that you bought it in your home country and what its value is in case it is stolen or damaged for insurance purposes.

Gary