Job Discussion Forums

[roren]

Hi

I am thinking of applying to do my CELTA a International House Prague in September.

First of all, does anyone have any advice, comments, experience about this course. Anyone have any horror stories or great stories to share with me?

Secondly, how easy / difficult will it be to find a teaching job around October time in Europe? Are many employers still looking for teachers, or is January a better time to look for jobs? I am interested in Prague, in particular for this question, but also other areas of Europe (italy, spain)

Thanks for your help!

[spiral78]

Typical contract periods in most of Europe are Sept - June, so October's not the best, though you should be able to find something in Prague, if you're willing to work at it a bit.
January's usually easier, as there are always some teachers who don't return from the holidays. August is best for job interviews.
Ditto for Spain and Italy.

CELTA's a good qualification. I don't know anything personally about the Prague course in particular, but I've never heard anything negative about it.

[Shaun]

Hi,

You can find people on our website (www.akcent.cz) to email about our CELTA course here in Prague or you can contact me directly and I'll supply you with some contacts from the last course. I am sure anyone you contact will tell you exactly what the CELTA course is like with us.

As for work, while spiral's post is correct I think there is every opporuntiy of finding work in October as this is the month when most language schools really kick off as this is when company teaching begins. As a recruiter for schools both in Prague and around the world, as well as a CELTA tutor, I would say that I hire more people for an October start than other months.

If I can be of any further help either email me ([email protected])

Yours

Shaun Wilden
IH Prague /Bratislava

[denise]

I did my TEFL course in Prague in September (several years back...) and had no problem finding jobs in October. There are always business classes starting up--they don't follow the academic year. And, keeping in mind the high turnover rate in this field --there are always immediate vacancies to fill when teachers who've agreed to come just don't turn up, or get scared off after a few weeks... It happens, and schools need to get those posts filled immediately. So don't worry about your timing!

d