Job Discussion Forums

brulox · Joined: 07 Jul 2009 Posts: 2 Location: Newcastle, Australia

Hi all. I and my partner have recently completed a Certificate 3 in TESOL in Australia, which included online courses, classroom learning (@ 25 hours) plus about 6 hours of observation and 4.5 hours of actual practice teaching with non-english speaking students.

I have been fortunate to just been made redundant from my job of the last 20 years so at 40, I am ready to head off with my partner to go teach.

What I am wanting to find out is whether the course I have completed is acceptable for employment in the Czech or Slovak Repbublics? We have both travelled through these countries previously and really want to spend a couple of years away. We are looking to head over in about 4 weeks.

Your advise would be appreciated.

Bruce

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

Well, your timing is good as most teaching contracts run mid September-ish thru June.

And it's lucky that you did have supervised teaching practice.

However, you should be aware that Prague is something of a teacher training centre mecca, and the couses are all CELTA-equivalent, meaning 100+ hours on site, with the teaching practice added.

So you are at a bit of a disadvantage on the job market. You will want to play up your teaching practice, for certain.

brulox · Joined: 07 Jul 2009 Posts: 2 Location: Newcastle, Australia

Hi Spiral78, thanks for the reply.

The onsite part was what we were worried about. Having read through a lot of the posts here it seems our course may have been a bit light on, and therefore we were thinking of doing a course in Prague. I have made some enquiries already - just a little confused as to what the requirements would be.

Do you think that would be a better grounding for us to gain a teaching position? Luckily my "lovely" current employers are giving me a nice payout so the extra investment may be worth it.

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

Obviously it wouldn't hurt for you to take a course in Prague, if your finances allow. Lots of good reasons to do so!

1. you can be 100% sure your cert will be recognized in the region

2. your practice teaching students will be really representative of those you'll be starting with

3. training centres offer you extra benefits, like airport pickup and housing during the course, along with local orientation - this may not be necessary, but does make things a bit easier when you first arrive

4. training centres can give you invaluable tips about reputable employers in the area (they aren't all reputable, I'm afraid)

5. can provide you with some contacts for housing and information regarding visa processes, though your new employer should be your best help on these issues

I don't think it's entirely necessary - you would likely land something with your current cert- but it would certainly help, if you can swing it!

The general economic downswing has impacted the job market to some extent (if you read through recent threads here, you'll find some info on this, and to what extent different people think it's problematic).

Personally, I'd want to be towards the top of the crop in terms of quals - salaries aren't great in the CR and Slovakia to begin with , and I wuoldn't want to be at the bottom of the pay scale thanks to certification that's less than what most job-seekers have...

Knight · Joined: 22 Nov 2008 Posts: 25

Hi,

Adding my $0.02,

As someone who's been teaching (in Korea) for 12 years, I just took a CELTA last winter and I know I am a much better teacher already: I've been using it this semester in my classroom, here in Seoul. Taking the CELTA course was almost humbling, and I learned so much!!! It was one month: training every morning, observed teaching in the afternoons.

Warning: it's pretty heavy work, but well worth it.

(I'm headed to Prague for my first time too-- Aug 5)

PS I hope they're not hating on Canadians now, with this new VISA requirement!! Not like I need more things to do right now!! Anyone?

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

Don't worry - they won't hate Canadians. They'll be hating Czech Roma even more than ever, though....

I realise that I sound dreadfully prejudiced, but I don't 'hate' Roma myself, I'm just reporting. The problem with Canada and the Czech Rep is that thousands of gypsies have headed for Canada and applied for economic asylum. They're nearly always denied in then end, but the costs of processing their claims is considerable.