Page 25 - ELG1805 May Issue 457

EU special .
SPECIAL FEATURE
Czeching MANAGING YOUR LIVING COSTS you. But in my experience there does seem n Teacher salaries in the Czech Republic can be paid on a salaried or per-hour basis.

Info and tips:
to be a bias towards native speakers. I’ve
The Czech Republic is well known for its
been contacted by many students requesting
low cost of living compared to other European
a teacher with a ‘British accent’, which is an
countries. Beer and food cost very little if you
it out avoid tourist places in the centre of Prague. unfortunate but true part of life here. An average salary in a foreign language school ranges from about 18,000 to 24,000 Kc
Eating out and going to the hospoda (pub) is
(about $1,000 to $1,300 or £700 to £910), where an average rate for a 45-minute lesson is
Also, it’s worth noting that the recently re-
elected Czech president, Milos Zeman, ran on
very common and a great way to sample some
around 200 Kc (about $12 or £8.50). The cost of living is lower, however, and salaries can be
Czech and Slavic culture. Other amenities are
boosted with private tuition. Source: Teachaway.com
an anti-immigration platform in which posters
could be seen around the country with the
also generally cheap, and it’s certainly possible
to live comfortably and travel around the
candidate], stop immigration, this is our
continent on a teacher’s salary. message of ‘Stop Drahos [the pro-European n A Tefl or Tesol certificate is generally needed to gain a job, along with an undergraduate
degree.
Declan Carey, an English teacher in Prague, gives you country.’ However, these sentiments are rarely
the low-down on teaching in the Czech Republic PEOPLE expressed in any way other than at the ballot n Try spending some time in the country before deciding to move here permanently.
Czechs are a friendly bunch with a dark
box and I personally know very few people
While it is a fantastic place to be for all of the reasons listed above, it is not a place for
sense of humour and a thirst for good beer who have ever had any bad experiences for everyone and some people struggle to adjust to living in a small Central European nation
he Czech Republic is a fascinating opportunities for teachers. One such teacher and food. Anyone who has ever visited small being a foreigner. in the process of modernising. Prague is a good place to start.
country in the heart of Europe with working in Prague is Tom Jowett, a British villages with Czech friends will confirm that
a booming expat community. In fact, teacher who moved to the Czech Republic they treat guests extremely well and do their TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES n Research the different language schools that operate here and see what they can offer
Tthe UK government reports that several years ago and studied for his teaching best to make you feel welcome. Being in central Europe, the Czech you. Many include nice benefits such as paying for your Litacka (travel card in Prague) and
over 10,000 British nationals are currently certificate in Prague. The friendships and welcoming approach Republic is an excellent place to be for those other incentives.
living here, many of whom are teachers or ‘I had been volunteering to help the EAL of the Czech people is something that looking to travel. Germany, Poland, Slovakia
work in the English language industry. teacher in a local UK school before moving encourages many teachers to stick around. and Austria share a border and are easy to n Finally, enjoy your time here. If you would like to
According to the Czech Ministry of to Prague to do my Tesol, but I found that When I asked Tom Jowett what keeps access on local buses, and there’s also a very contact me for specific advice or to find out more, I’m on
the Interior, there are 8,966 US citizens even without this the number of jobs and him in Prague, he told me: ‘A mix of friends, good international airport in Prague with Twitter @DeclanGCarey
registered as living here too. language schools hiring was very high. relationships and other factors are among connections all over the world.
People come for a variety of reasons, I had more than a few job offers the the reasons, but in addition I find that life n Useful websites include:
and many (like me) fall in love with the week after I finished my Tesol course. ‘I’ve here is quite easy. By this I mean I am able ARTS, CULTURE AND HISTORY
place and choose to stay. Its location in the experienced a steady progression in my to easily afford to do my hobbies – sports, Anyone who comes to visit or work here -Expats.cz - everything you need for life here
middle of Europe, its ancient history and its career, taking on different challenges and hiking, travelling or eating out at restaurants must keep in mind that the Czech Republic is -Crowdsauce Prague Facebook page - for events
charming culture and people make it a great tasks and slowly moving towards teacher – without breaking the bank like it did back a country that has experienced great change happening in the city: https://m.facebook.com/
place to be. training and development.’ in the UK!’ over the past forty years. Not so long ago, it groups/285696778121727
was part of the Eastern Bloc, and it has gone -https://www.prague.eu/en
FINDING WORK GETTING A FLAT ATTITUDES TOWARDS TEACHERS, through a revolution and many major identity -www.jobs.cz
Finding a job in the Czech Republic There are a lot of flats in Prague, but FOREIGNERS, NON-NATIVE transformations since then. This experience
isn’t extremely difficult. In Prague, there there’s also a lot of competition for rooms TEACHERS can still be felt and is remembered by the
are several language schools that hire since many students and workers come Teachers are respected in the Czech local people.
teachers all year round, such as James Cook seasonally. Republic, and students value their time with That said, the Czech Republic has a much
Languages and Jipka, Mostly, teachers live together in flat-share longer history, which can be seen on the
and there are also many arrangements to keep the costs down. ancient and beautiful streets of Prague’s old
Czechs who seek private These can be found through local Facebook town.
teachers. English is used groups. In terms of culture, there are festivals
widely as an international There are also Czech websites that every weekend in the summer in Prague.
language in the Czech advertise vacant properties available for rent Many regions of the country are famous for
Republic, and that without commission. their wine and cuisine, which is definitely
means there are plenty of something worth experiencing.
There’s also a lot of nightlife and events
happening that include a mix of different
cultures. It really is a global city and the
cultural events reflect that.
Declan Carey is an English
language teacher based in
Prague. Alongside teaching, he
volunteers supporting human
rights and educational causes.

DOS AND DON’T Dos Don’ts

FOR ENGLISH  Get a trade licence (Czech:  Expect an easy ride. Students here can
be demanding, so be prepared to teach
Živnostensky) to earn more money as a
LANGUAGE freelance. all kinds of lessons, e.g. grammar, exams,
Contracted employees usually are paid
business etc., not just conversation.
TEACHERS IN THE less at language schools.  Stay in Prague. There is loads to see in
CZECH REPUBLIC  Look around for work, and take Central/Eastern Europe, so get around
and see as much of this beautiful part of
advantage of different language schools
and their resources/contacts/training the world as you can.
sessions.
24 May 2018 editorial@elgazette.com 25