Job Discussion Forums

Braidster · Joined: 10 Jun 2009 Posts: 3

I have very recently been offered a job by Caledonian school in Prague and wonder if their offer is in keeping with competition or too low. On receiving the pay rate info (245kc gross per 45mins - 100 lessons a months nets around 19,000kc they say) I began to look for accommodation. Requiring to live in my own place, for reasons I won't bore you with, I find that over 50% of net income would disappear in rent.
I have also read many pieces of advice from a host of helpful people re' accomm and how I shouldn't organise anything whilst not in Prague and am beginning to think that it might be economically difficult to get by in the city. I would be most grateful for any advice offered and more so to anyone who can help me with driving issues as I'd be driving to Prague, in my British car, from Poland.
Many thanks.

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

Hi Braidster,

While I can't help you with the driving issues I can help you with your other questions.

The rate your being paid is not bad. 245 per teaching unit is actually a pretty good start. However, 100 hours is really low. That comes out to only 4 'real' hours of actual work per day. You can easily teach more or for another school with this schedule unless your classes are all over the city and you're traveling all day.

parrothead · Joined: 02 Nov 2003 Posts: 342 Location: Japan

Congrats on your job offer. 19,000 isn't a bad start, and a reasonable salary for starting out in Prague. Perhaps you can find privates or more hours in the future. I personally wouldn't bother with a car in Prague, unless you plan on taking trips into the surrounding countryside. The metro, tram and bus system is excellent.

ITTP · Joined: 23 Sep 2006 Posts: 343 Location: Prague/Worldwide

Braidster · Joined: 10 Jun 2009 Posts: 3

Sincerest thanks to you, Chris and Parrothead for your advice. I'm somewhat encouraged by your words and am looking at things more positively now. The accommodation issue still concerns but I'm continuing with my research here. Any other advice will be gratefully received.

Thanks also to you Neville and I wonder if I can pick your brain about driving to Prague? I'm aware of the motorway sticker system but don't know much else. How do you get one and how does the whole thing work?

As for driving in Prague, I'm likely not to. If it's half as bad as Warsaw, it'll still be like taking your life in your hands. A combination of bad road surfaces and all too common wreckless driving means that the excellent metro and tram services are the only option.

Dobry den to you all.