Job Discussion Forums

elliot_spencer · Joined: 26 Feb 2007 Posts: 495

Is it possible to get work in a language school in Prague that will be 23,000ckz and also give you holiday pay? The closet I have come to this Cledonian school but they only offer 1 week holiday around x-mas. The only other thing I can think of is working my socks off from Sept - July and try save 1800ckz a month and this in turn will give me 20,000ckz for August! Any advice?

Thanks

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

The Caledonian package is typical. August is problematic throughout Europe - everyone is simply on holiday. You really do have to factor in the month without pay, unless you are working for something other than a private language school.

elliot_spencer · Joined: 26 Feb 2007 Posts: 495

so, if working 34 hours a week that will give me 23000NET with the school, is that enough to live decent in Prague and be able to save 1800 a month for the summer?

snuffy519 · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Posts: 16 Location: Prague

Yes, it is.

However, working (teaching) 34 hours a week will inevitably result in a) your disdain for life or b) your student's disdain for you.

Working that hard for that long to save maybe $1,000 (20,000 crowns)after 9 months?

A piece of advice, ignore it if you'd like: enjoy Prague, like most other ESL teachers there. Get the going rate, don't worry about money, and know that you'll come out the other side with about as much money as you did going in.

elliot_spencer · Joined: 26 Feb 2007 Posts: 495

thanks for that, but, I am a career teacher, not some yank coming for 'spring-break' to see EE!!

elliot_spencer · Joined: 26 Feb 2007 Posts: 495

btw, not a dig at u, its a dig at Americans who bring salaries down!

snuffy519 · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Posts: 16 Location: Prague

I'm American.

There are plenty of career teachers among them, too.

The point remains the same: go somewhere other than Prague if you're looking to save. The crown just shrinks when you cross the Czech border.
There's lots of support for that opinion on this board.

Having said that, if you get a few private students, then you can travel a little. East.

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

I'm American, married to a Czech citizen, with nine years of experience teaching EFL/ESL, six of which are in universities. I have an MA in TESL/TEFL from a British university.

I am not bringing salaries down.

Quite honestly, salaries are low simply because Prague is a training centre mecca - there are lots of British newbies on the streets too.

Snuffy's right. If you need to save money and build a future, you need to go somewhere that is not overrun with newbies. That means cities like Prague and Madrid are out. Salaries are low because there are lots of training centres and lots of newbies - regardless of passport issues.

merlin · Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2007 10:27 am Post subject:

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

Merlin said it exactly.

worldtraveler11 · Joined: 24 May 2007 Posts: 3 Location: Middle East

Hi,

Your best bet would be to try an obtain an ESL/TEFL position at one of the Prague international schools such as: Riverside, International School of Prague, Meridian International School in Prague, etc. (do a google search for a complete list of schools).

Depending upon your experience and qualifications, the salaries range from 30,000 czk up to 50,000 cz. These schools also offer paid holidays during the summer, Christmas, and Easter. Some of the better ones even offer health insurance and a retirement package as well. Keep in mind that if you have an elementary or secondary teaching credential, it is easier to obtain a position at an international school than if you do not.

Good luck!
Wrl