Job Discussion Forums

[Laeti]

Hello all,

I've decided to finally take the leap, flee the US, and enroll in a TEFL certification course for September. I've pretty much settled on going to Prague to do this, as it seems to have plenty of decent training programs and is close to the areas in which I would prefer to work. I have two questions:

First of all, I'm trying to decide between getting certified at the Akcent IH or The Language House. I know Akcent is a CELTA program, which has a greater name-brand recognition, but from looking around it seems that The Language House has a good reputation and is very accommodating, offers lots of classroom time, etc. Does anyone have good/bad reviews on either?

Secondly, I'm curious what the job market will be when I complete my training, in early October. I'm hoping to go further east, into Russia perhaps, as I'm hoping to strengthen my meager Russian skills. However, I'm considering staying in the Czech Republic or going to another Slavic-speaking nation as I'd be interested in learning a new language as well. I know the schools generally start in September in the region - would I be at a severe disadvantage looking for a job in October?

Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[spiral78]

Either course would be fine - CELTA is not strongly preferred in most of Central/Eastern Europe as it might be in some Western European countries. There are a lot of teachers in Prague, and you're right, the normal contract is September - June. But if you are really determined to stay in the city, you can probably find work, though it might take longer and be less desirable in terms of schedules and etc.

In whichever country, if you're willing to go outside the big city to smaller towns, you would have more scope - and would be more likely to find better deals in terms of schedules, contracts, and pay vs cost of living.

[Chris Westergaard]

Dear Laeti,


Whether you decide to go with us or Akcent, we will both offer you great training. As far as job assistance, the majority of our graduates find work in less than one week of the course ending. Many find jobs even before the course is over. If you want, I can give you a list of about 40 past graduates that you can contact for advice in teaching abroad and whether our program is right for you. I will say that we've got a very intensive course and it is only suited for people who are really serious about getting trained. You probably already have our contact info, so I won't post it here.

The most important thing for anyone who is interested in teaching abroad is to simply make the steps and do it. The TEFL cert is only the beginning. Once you start working, its what you put into the job that matters. I think that the majority of people on this forum would agree with that.

Cheers,

[Laeti]

Thanks for the replies, guys. From looking around on the forum it seems like you two are reguarly helpful to us newbies.