Job Discussion Forums

[ITTP]

Hi DrVanNostrand!

Just wanted to add that most of your classes will probably be teaching one-to-one classes and this doesn't leave a lot of room for making friends.

I definitely recommend to any teachers who are currently just teaching one-to-one classes and wanting to make Czech friends, to take on a few public English courses.
These usually take place in the evening and are typically large groups of the general public who pay relatively little for the General English lessons.
These classes can be an excellent way to meet local Czechs.

It's def true that natives speakers are no longer the unique people that they once were to the local Czechs but once you get out of the centre you will still find friendly locals who will be interested in getting to know you.
Once out of Prague of course the interest factor increases dramatically.

Learn just a few words of Czech and you will find those social doors opening up for you.

Hezky den!/Lovely day!

Neville

ITTP Prague
Jungmannova 32
Prague 1

[cks]

I have lived here for 3 years and have noticed that the people who have the most trouble adjusting are the ones who are a bit older and expect to have all the same luxuries as their lives in their home country. I had a roommate who was 45 and decided to move here for a new prospective after his divorce. He was used to living in a nice, middle-class home with all the modern technologies such as a dishwasher,dryer, garbage disposal, ect.. And he was always angry that the customer service was not up to par, that everyone didn't speak English and give him the over the edge U.S customer service that he is used to, and missed his U.S salary. So those who are leaving a decent career, salary, and are set in their ways do not seem to adapt.

[parrothead]

[cks]

I agree completely! It just seems that I have run into these types so many times, and unfortunately had to live with one of them. They drive me crazy! I also recently encountered a man who came here to take his TEFL, and immediately left to go back to the US for such reasons. I think that they are naive and not adaptable or open. And I have come across a few of these guys who could not last here for these ridiculous reasons. This man seemed quite worried about adjusting overseas and just want to make sure that he does not fall into this category.

[Aussie Chick]

Whilst it can be frustrating to adapt to new cultures, the differences are what make travel all that more interesting. Why leave home if you only want to speak English and have all the mod cons like you have back home?

At 38, I�m probably one of the �older� TEFLers who have moved here (compared to the 22 yr olds fresh out of college like who were in my tefl course) and I think as you get older, you like your conveniences etc. HOWEVER, if you travel to a country where English is not the native language, then you HAVE to expect things to be done differently, and God help us, even in a more difficult way than what we�re used to at home.

Sheesh, I�ve traveled to England and the USA (twice) in my lifetime, and even then you encounter culture which is different to what we have back in my home country. But you have to expect that if you want to travel.

Personally, it�s the differences in culture and language which make travel fun. I count myself very lucky to have been able to travel around the world like I have. I wouldn�t swap it for the world!

[cks]

Exactly! I am an "elder" one too 35, still young, but not one of the fresh out of university youths. Maybe I am just trying to say that the ones who had a nice paying job in their home country, a luxurious lifestyle, and a bit of ignorance are the ones who don't adapt too well. They lose the whole point of moving abroad. Maybe they expect their stay abroad to be some extension of their previous vacations. I also offer to show people around Prague through a hospitality club, and I come across such people. Maybe that is why I have so many crazy experiences with unadaptable persons. I offered to meet someone at Museum, and he arrived on the street in an air conditioned rental car to tour Prague, hmmmm.