Job Discussion Forums

elliot_spencer · Joined: 26 Feb 2007 Posts: 495

1 last thing, when the EUro is introduced in 2010 what will happen to wages and cost of living? 20k is worth around 700 euro - will they switch it over? Another I wanted to know is that some jobs in Italy pay 700 euro and I am sure Prague is cheaper than Italy, so whats the fuss about?

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

Housing costs in Prague are roughly equivalent to housing costs in Italy. Housing is always by far your biggest expense - expect to pay minimum 6,000 per month for a room in a shared flat, up to 12/14,000 to live on your own.
Food may be cheaper, but goods and services are also roughly the same.

Euro may or may not happen, but, if so, it is still not going to strongly impact teacher's wages in Prague - at least, not in a positive way.

The bottom line is that Prague is a highly desirable destination for newbie teachers. There are literally hundreds hitting the streets every few months. There are jobs around, but schools have no pressure to raise wages, having such a strong supply of newbies around to exploit. This has been the case since the mid 1990's, and isn't likely to change drastically.

elliot_spencer · Joined: 26 Feb 2007 Posts: 495

so, would that make the deal better in Italy then? As its far more easier to make a salary of 1000euros!

Do you know as I am guessing you've been/worked in Italy where teachers have a better standard of living-
Those in prague - 20,000CKz net
Those in Italy - 1000 ueuro net.

A single person with no debt back home!

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

The overall deal, as I see it, is this:

working for private language schools is going to give you enough to live on all right - but not to build a future, save, etc.

To get the jobs that offer better pay requires more extensive qualifications. These include local language skills, local contacts, years of experience/references, and, these days, post-grad training specific to the ESL/EFL field.

No one walks into well-paid permanent, professional positions in year one or two in a new country (well, 99% - there is always some wild card chance, but it's REALLY rare).