Job Discussion Forums

[lostintranslation100]

Hi everybody. I'm new to these discussion boards so I thought I'd say hello. I'm an ESL teacher in Korea. I'm 24, graduated with a BA last fall and made the plunge into Korea last March. I really enjoy teaching, however, I really don't want to stay in Korea any longer. So when my contract ends in March, I was thinking about moving to Czech. I'll probably wait to come over until August when people are hiring. I really love Europe and hear Prague is beautiful. I've an American who spent lots of time in Western Europe, but have never been to eastern. I have a few questions about ESL in Czech Republic:

1. How is the job market right now? I understand the whole world is in a crunch, but would I find a job in March?

2. How much do ESL jobs pay on average in Czech? I'd be going for the experience, not necessarily the money - but hey, we all have to eat!

3. I've got a BA and will probably get my CELTA before coming over. Is anyone going to hire a 24 year old with these qualifications?

4. If not Czech, are there any other countries where an American can work? I know it's hard with the visa issues.

Thanks for any advice you can give me!

-Gary

[hope3809]

Hey Gary- I did my TEFL course in Prague and originally wanted to teach there but because the jobs weren't hiring until Sept/Oct and it was still July (not to mention my 90 days on my visa was about to run out) I headed back to America. [PLUS I didn't have the luxury of having a lot in my savings to go back and teach on what they pay.] Anyway I did get a lot of information while there and have some answers for you.

1. How is the job market right now? I understand the whole world is in a crunch, but would I find a job in March?

>I'm not to sure about March...but you never know so keep check the ESL and TEFL websites or find some schools there and send shoot them an email asking that question.

2. How much do ESL jobs pay on average in Czech? I'd be going for the experience, not necessarily the money - but hey, we all have to eat!

>The cost of living is extremely cheap so keep that in mind when you find out that most school pay you 20,000 kc which is around $1000 - $1100 depending on how the dollar is going. Keep in mind the taxes they will have to take out as well. Hardly any schools offer you paid for accommodations but, again, the cost of living is really cheap.

3. I've got a BA and will probably get my CELTA before coming over. Is anyone going to hire a 24 year old with these qualifications?

>Your age is great...in my class that was the average age and those are the two qualifications schools are looking for.

4. If not Czech, are there any other countries where an American can work? I know it's hard with the visa issues.

>As far as the visa issue goes it can be a hassle in the Czech. Most schools make you do the running around to get it all done but it can be done as I have friends that are teaching there now. From what I've been reading on these forums no country runs smoothly when it comes to visas. But hey its' all part of the experience I suppose. Lol. And with regards to other countries hiring Americans...I�m finding out there are lots of them. Saudi Arabia has a shortage of teachers and Americans at that�at least that�s the word on the street.

Let me know if you have any more questions and I'll help out as much as I can. The Czech Republic is beautiful and I'd like to go back one day and teach there as well.

Cheers!

[spiral78]

, again, the cost of living is really cheap.


Accomodation isn't really cheap. It can easily eat up half of your take home wages. Yes, food and entertainment are relatively cheap. At a newbie level, teaching in the Czech Rep is a great experience, but don't expect to feel or live as though you are 'rich.' A pair of jeans will be a noticeable expense, for example. Eating and drinking out are feasible within reason.



March is a bit tough, as most job contracts are September to June. You're really at the end of the hiring period.

Most reputable Saudi schools want a related MA plus experience for Americans (and others).

[hope3809]

Accomodation isn't really cheap. It can easily eat up half of your take home wages.

That is a correct statement, however, life my friends teachers and others live with one or two other roommates and the flats are furnished. One of my friends got a sweet deal with her flat...it was remodeled with a flat screen tv...new hard wood floors...and it was right in the center of Prague for an amazingly good price (inexpensive). I do believe that eventually the prices are going to rise because more and more people are going to Prague but for right now you can still find some good deals. "Expats in Prague" is a ok website to check out for flats and many other things.

but don't expect to feel or live as though you are 'rich.'

I couldn't agree more on this one. I have other friends that are from the country and unless you are in a field that really pays well (which in that country I don't know what that field would be) you'll not be living like a King or Queen.


But hey don't let that stop you because if you have some good savings and don't try to live like a rock star you'll truly enjoy the country.

Cheers!

[cks]

You can sometimes run into a good deal through flatshare but it depends on your luck. Some months, especially March, can be a rough time to find both a flat at a good price and a decent job. You will have to do a flatshare to survive, www.spolubydlici.cz or www.expats.cz.

If you work at more than one language school you can probably build up your hours to full-time in March. James Cook and Caladonian often hire people year round and guarantee a minimum income, but who knows what will happen next March. There is a huge difference in the amount of classes offered this year in comparison to last year. But it is still not a bad market here; but highly competitive.