The Czech Republic is one of the biggest employers of TEFL qualified teachers in Europe and its popularity seems to grow every year. This continued growth is down to a number of factors, including a strong job market in most areas, a relatively low cost of living, and the unique and welcoming culture. By far the biggest city for jobs is Prague where you will find countless opportunities at any time of the year. Other options that are well worth exploring include Brno, Ostrava, Liberec, and Plzen.
How much can I expect to earn while teaching English in the Czech Republic?
Due to the diversity of employers and the different economic situation in various parts of the country, the average salary for TEFL teachers in the Czech Republic can be anywhere from 18,000 to 30,000 CZK (currently US$850 to $1,400) per month. It is also common for schools to pay an hourly rate rather than a fixed salary, with rates of around 200 to 300 CZK ($9 to $14) per hour about average. Additional private tutoring is also a popular way to add extra income. Private lessons can bring in between 300 and 500 CZK ($14 to $23) per hour, depending on your experience as a tutor.
What type of employer will I work for while teaching English in the Czech Republic?
The most likely work environment for TEFL qualified teachers in the Czech Republic is a private language school that caters to young learners looking for additional English tuition on top of their normal school lessons. Some schools also provide lessons for adults and business English related classes within the premises of local companies. This type of school can be found all over the country, with at least one hundred in Prague alone. In order to apply for teaching positions you will usually require a degree and a TEFL certificate, particularly for the best paid jobs. It is common for teachers to secure a job from within their home country and then apply for the relevant work permit with the help of the employer on arrival.
What other employment options are there for TEFL teachers in the Czech Republic?
As well as private language schools, you might be able to find job options in public primary and secondary schools, as well as colleges and universities. However, jobs in these sectors are small in number and the competition is often very strong as the rewards can be significant. Generally, teachers will require some level of classroom experience to have a chance of landing a job in the public school system. The peak hiring seasons in the public sector are August/September and January/February, while jobs are typically available in private language schools year round.
How does the cost of living affect TEFL teachers in the Czech Republic?
By European standards, the Czech Republic has a relatively low cost of living which is one reason why it is such a popular destination for teaching English abroad. Daily expenses such as groceries and public transport are very affordable, and eating out at local restaurants will not break the bank. To reduce the cost of rent, which is usually the biggest overhead for teachers, many people decide to share an apartment with friends or colleagues, or rent a room from a local family. The cost of a room in a shared house in a popular part of town starts at around $250 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment will set you back around $400 per month.
