Job Discussion Forums

kacosta · Joined: 22 Feb 2011 Posts: 1

I'm planning on attending the Akcent school in Prague to get my CELTA certification. Anyone have any experience with this school?

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

I don't know much about it directly, but I can say that it's been around a long time (good sign) and gets generally OK feedback here. CELTA is the name brand newbie-level course, and the course in Prague has to meet general standards for the course. It should be fine.

frankthurston · Joined: 02 Jul 2011 Posts: 3

has anyone TAUGHT at akcent? i'm going to apply there and i'd be curious if anyone's had experience with them, or any other schools in prague for that matter; i've looked around a bit and it's the least sketchy, best paying thing i've come across.

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

The TEFL course at Akcent is good and you should be fine Kacosta. Frankthurston, if you're non EU the most important thing for a school to be able to do is process your work permit and help get you legal. I've had a few graduates work at Akcent and they've been happy there.

not_too_shabby · Joined: 14 Jun 2006 Posts: 21

I taught at Akcent for a few months and what I can tell you is that it is only worth it if you are non EU, want some stability or want to make a career out of teaching. They provide a lot of training, the resources they have are impressive and they pay your taxes and your rent.
BUT:
- the pay is very low, as far as I remember a newbie is paid around 8000 kc per month plus rent. Not much to live on.
- the workload is quite heavy, around 28 classes a week, sometimes more if you need to substitute

Now its up to you. Good luck!

johncoan · Joined: 02 Jul 2010 Posts: 115

The pay IS very low.

I was recently interviewed for a teaching position starting September and they offered 15,500 Kc a month, after tax. That's quite a bit lower than other language schools in Prague - and I've got 18 years' EFL experience.

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

I was making 26,000 monthly as a newbie - back in 1998. Not with Akcent, obviously Shocked

lexharvey · Joined: 26 Feb 2011 Posts: 51 Location: iow

Hi,
I was offered a job there too and the wage was 11 640 CZK before tax ( approx 9 900 CZK after tax)
I thought as it part of IH that it would be a good first job for the development and training offered but the wage just seemed so low even though the rent is payed and they say prague is cheap but I am not sure its that cheap!?
I am sure it would be a great place to live also but I guess I was drawn to bluer skies.....

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

9.000 in hand after taxes is slave wages, even though accomodation is provided. That's seriously just shocking.

Not to imply that one can't live on 9,000 - it is possible to do so, but with a pair of new blue jeans, for example, at 2-3,000, any extra expense apart from basic food and basic entertainment would be tough.

No, lexharvey, Prague isn't super-cheap.

johncoan · Joined: 02 Jul 2010 Posts: 115

Prague isn't cheap these days, let alone super-cheap.

What are IH playing at, offering that sort of money? Usually IH are noted for looking after their staff - paying them well, certainly better than average.

I wouldn't work for less than 20000 Kc these days - and even that doesn't afford much more than a modest lifestyle if you're not sharing a flat.

mr tree · Joined: 09 Oct 2007 Posts: 98 Location: Prague, CzR

they work you hard for that money too, plenty of reports to file, early starts around Prague and *beep*-ch