Job Discussion Forums

[mr tree]

I'm taking my 4wk CELTA course in November, so should be qualified and ready to work in the New Year.

What are the chances of finding work in Prague, or the Czech Republic as a whole?

I'm a little concerned, reading comments about Prague being "saturated" with english teachers!

The timing is a little unfortunate but I was lucky enough to receive my course free in a prize draw at a TEFL Open Evening - i guess that's fate!

I know a couple of people in Prague, and have been 3 times myself and love the place. I'm sure I'd be able to stay at a friend's for a week or so while finding a job and accommodation - would this be the best way to conduct my search?

All advice gratefully received!!

[spiral78]

Don't worry. There's a normal intake of new teachers in January to replace the few who don't return from their holidays. It might be a bit more difficult than in late August/early September, but you should find work.

Yes, there are lots of teachers on the market, but the main result of this is just to keep wages and benefits low. There are still openings, pretty much year-round, excepting July-August.

[mr tree]

thanks spiral - i have only just discovered these forums and it is good to have a way of contacting those who've been there, done that.

how long would the holiday period last? should i aim to come over Jan 2nd and be ready to start finding jobs, or is it a case that most schools won't even be open again until mid-Jan (or later ) ?

[spiral78]

If I were you, I'd come as early as you can, so that you have time to get sorted out a bit before interviews begin (get over jet lag, make sure you have accomodation, can find your way around). Looking at the calendar, I think if it were me, I'd likely try contacting some schools on Thursday and Friday, 3rd and 4th. of January, and plan to start in earnest on Monday the 7th.

It's possible that you'll find some schools closed until the 7th., and the Directors still on holiday, but even so, if you arrived on the 2nd., that's only five days in advance of job-hunting in earnest.

[mr tree]

thanks again - i have taken your advice on board and the plan now is to be over on Thu 3rd for weekend acclimatisation before job-hunting in earnest from Mon 7th...

i'm currently halfway thru my course - who'd have thought you could learn so much in just 2 weeks

the centre i'm at has an advert for Caledonian School in Prague, so i plan to email them and see what they're offering...
that aside, how would you recommend going about finding work?? is it a case of pounding the streets and dropping my CV into any school i find?? or would it be better to work from adverts in the paper or online??

[spiral78]

You'll ultimately need to pound the streets, but of course you can use the adverts to narrow your search! Prague Post is the standard (there's a free online edition at www.praguepost.com). Don't disregard schools that aren't actively advertising, but it's a good place to start.

[comenius]

Spiral78 gives good advice.

When I was looking for work in Prague a number of years ago I found the Prague Post and a willingness to walk all over the place a huge asset. Of course I was there in the spring and so didn't have to deal with the weather. Bring warm clothes and shoes or boots that will keep your feet dry!

[mr tree]

thanks guys! i'm not averse to a bit of street-pounding at all - it's a good way of finding out about the place!
sounds like i could with investing in new shoes though

[ITTP]

Hi mr tree!

In addition to the Prague Post you might also want to try the Seznam pages:
http://search.seznam.cz/?q=jazykova+skola+v+Praze&mod=f

All the best!

[digitaux]

I'm also interested in beginning teaching in Prague mid-January (know it's a bit late) but I'd wonder about contract length. Would it just be filling in for those teachers who have flaked, thus go to June? Or would it last a year? What I'm asking is Is it possible to get a job from January until June?