Job Discussion Forums

[justhin]

Hi Everyone..

I am Malaysian, I have a BA in English from an American university and a few years of experience in advertising. I would like to travel more and live in Europe. Now I am seriously considering taking up TEFL in Prague but I am not sure about the job prospects for a non-native speaker like me. What do you think of my chances of securing a job in Europe? Should I go for it?

Thanks.

[spiral78]

Because Prague is a pretty major teacher training centre, with six or eight training schools, there are literally hundreds of newly-certified teachers hitting the streets looking for work every couple of months. Obviously, not everyone who trains in Prague wants to stay there to teach, but many do. So, the competition is pretty great.

Further, EU citizens are beginning to be preferred - not to say that you can't find work or get a work visa, but with EU entry, the rules are starting to change, or at least change is anticipated by the schools.

I have a Chinese-American friend who taught in Prague for four years, and there is little to no problem in terms of racial preferencing, though I do think that native speakers are preferred (especially in light of the strong labor market).

However, Prague is likely doable if you're totally determined, and don't forget that Prague's not the only possibility in the region. Poland often has a greater demand for teachers, and there are nice locations in Slovakia, Hungary, and some smaller Czech towns as well. I'd suggest that if you're really interested in this step, do some additional research, and possibly consider expanding your target area also.

best!

[justhin]

Hi Spiral,

Thanks for the advice. I appreciate it.

I am thinking of doing the TEFL course in November next year. By the time I finish the course, it will be Christmas, and hopefully schools will start recruiting teachers again soon after that. What do you think? I just hope I'll be employed.

I don't mind teaching anywhere in Europe, because I just want to experience living in a new foreign place, although I do think it would be nice if I could teach in Central Europe or in Scandinavia. But I heard it's quite difficult to gain a teaching position there, especially for non-EU citizens. Infact, I even thought of enrolling in a TEFL course in Paris, but someone mentioned that it is better to do it in Prague.

Well, I guess in the meantime I just have to save up, wait, and do more research.

Thanks again.