Job Discussion Forums

[paolino]

Hello troops, this is my first post and I have secured an interview in two days with these fellows who had a placement advertised in the Prague Post.

I have sent in my CV: bachelor of arts in philosophy and english lit with no tefl experience, multilingual in italian english french but only english to a teaching level, 22 years old, currently on a tourist visa.

I have some questions:

1: Appearance. I am travelling through hostels and as such don�t have a suit, or formal clothes or shoes. I have decent clothes, im not a vagrant travelling the earth's terrain stinking of fish, but i have, let's say, a modern haircut- midlength and slightly messy. I will shave, but any info on this school or the strictness in general with these jobs would help greatly. I've been to a language center as a student before and have found a fairly relaxed dress code for teachers, but your input would be appreciated. I guess i could buy some nice shoes, though my current pair isnt disgusting it's casual, and a shirt or non-jeans pants....... !

2: Visa. I am on a tourist Visa, how should i approach this topic? I'm told it's unnecessary here, that they might bring up a work permit in the interview then now again.

3: Wages and contract. The job description uses words like:

[ITTP]

Hello Paolino.

Teaching contracts in Prague are usually for 1 year with a leaving clause of 1 month's notice. My advice is always to be as honest as you can with a school should your plans change and you need to leave early into a contract: they will probably be more sympathetic and thank you for letting them know ahead so they can arrange for a new teacher.

Occasionally our grads provide us feedback on Ulrych Language School and the reports are always good.

They pay decent (approx 200,-CZK-250,-CZK per 45 minutes), and on time.

Their schedules are often flexible and they have a lot of part-time teachers who work a few hours here and there, while working hours at other schools too. I'm sure they also have full-time positions too (although we never strongly recommend putting all your eggs in 1 basket and recommend teaching for 2+ schools so as to provide a level of flexibility and security).

They have a lot of Business English classes so I would definitely recommend having that shave and dressing smart casual/formal (as in any interview).

Concerning the visa issue, each school has its own policy and this should be discussed in your interview.

Without TEFL experience though you might find yourself being offered a lower hourly rate and an unenviable teaching schedule...

All the best though!

[paolino]

thanks very much!

I hope they give me the damn interview they invited me out there!!

anyhow, here's to hoping.

paul

ps. you think 200-250 is a likely wage relative to my experience- i have none!