Job Discussion Forums

Penguina1984 · Joined: 21 May 2006 Posts: 2 Location: Florida

Hi Everyone,

I am going to Prague for a TEFL course during October (I may stay afterwards). Can anyone tell me what the weather will be like? What do I need to bring? I know that sometimes it's best to wait and see, but I'd rather buy things before I go so I am not spending too much money over there.

Also, can you guys think of anything that I may need that I won't be able to find overy in the CR?

Thanks everyone! Very Happy

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

Octobers vary....it may be mild, or it may already be the beginning of winter. The best clothing is layers - a lightweight parka and a couple of good sweaters will get you a long way. If you're staying, bring a heavy coat. Last winter, we had many days of way below zero and tons of snow.
Good shoes for walking. Prague's hilly and cobblestoned. Something better than jeans for teaching, if you're going to teach. Even practice teaching on your TEFL course, it looks better if you are dressed more like 'business casual.' Sorry, maybe that goes without saying, but North Americans tend to dress more casually than Europeans in general, and it's better as a teacher to fit in.
Prague's basically got everything. You shouldn't need to bring anything special - prescription medications is all I can think of at the moment.

Penguina1984 · Joined: 21 May 2006 Posts: 2 Location: Florida

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

I'm not personally 'on' anything, so I'm not speaking from first-hand knowledge here and can't comment on how difficult it can be to get the same medications here as in the States. But I know for sure that some brand stuff is not available on one end or the other.
If you need something on a regular basis, it's probably just much easier to bring enough of it, rather than trying to go somewhere with a prescription from the States (which may or may not be available - and the prescription from out of country may or may not be considered acceptable).
Alternatively, you'd need to consult a physician here and get a Czech prescription - easily doable, if you want to take the time for that.

Chris Westergaard · Joined: 14 Mar 2006 Posts: 215 Location: Prague

My advice is to take some into the country with you and then check the situation once you get here. Czechs take substancially less meds than Americans (especially kids and young adults) do and they might

1. Not have the medicines available

2. They might be very rare

3. They might be prohibited

4. The doctor might not give them to you

If any of these are the case, the best thing to do is notify your doctor that you are leaving and he/she will still prescribe them. Then you can have them sent in the mail. If they are considered illegal medication here (like ritlin and other stronger meds) you can still send them over - just hide them a little. The worst thing that can happen is that they just get confiscated.

All the best,