Teach English in Czech Republic

If you are looking for somewhere to make new memories and explore new places, the Czech Republic could be the perfect country to teach English abroad. Located in the East of Europe, the Czech Republic brings together a rich history and vibrant culture to create a unique experience that is proving popular with many ex-pats who now live and work in this fantastic country. Prague is a popular location for English teachers in the Czech Republic, one of the most dynamic and exciting cities in Europe. This cosmopolitan location is a great base for your next adventure, with plenty to see and do in your downtime and lots of excellent TEFL opportunities in the many institutions based there. If you like exploring cities, you will love the colours and bustle on offer in the amazing bohemian markets. For those who prefer to get out into nature, the many mountain ranges offer hiking and skiing adventures for those who love the rush of adrenaline.

Looking for work in Prague can be a double edge sword; there is a lot on offer, but the vast competition. The roles will generally go to the more qualified and experienced candidates. So, if you are new to teaching, then consider one of the smaller cities or towns, as they too have a lot to offer, and there is plenty of work available if you look.

Of course, those who bring experience and qualifications to the table tend to get higher salaries. However, there are still plenty of jobs on offer for newly qualified English teachers in the Czech Republic. They are always looking for business English teachers, and TEFL certification institutions often offer this as an extra. Be sure to check that out if you fancy teaching English in the Czech Republic.

Job types

There are opportunities to work in many different roles as an English teacher in the Czech Republic, including public schools, private language academies, summer camps and private tutoring.

Public Schools

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in life and culture is to work at a public school. First, you need to be registered with the government-affiliated Academic Information Agency, which will check your qualifications for authenticity. You are expected to have a degree, but they have been known to accept candidates who do not, provided they have a high-level, regulated TEFL qualification. If you work at a public school, it will likely be outside of the capital city.

Private Language Academies

Language schools are found in almost every city across the globe. Here the classes take place in the evenings and weekends to fit in with pupils who are at school or work during the normal day. They cater mostly to business clients who want to improve their English skills in order to progress at work. This is where that extra experience in business English will come in most useful. They are also a little less stringent about their applications than public schools, but they also have a lower rate of pay. Non-EU candidates may find this a hard place to find work and will need their Czech business licence before heading out to work.

Private Tutor

Private tutors teach pupils in their own homes or in that of the student. It does take some time to get your name known. You can also teach English online, which means your students can come from anywhere. In order to be legally self-employed as an English teacher in the Czech Republic, you do need the business licence mentioned, which is also known as the freelancer visa.

Summer Camps

Summer camps are fabulous if you are looking for a gap year experience or what to do something different with your summer. As a camp counsellor, you will not only have the ability to teach English in the Czech Republic, but your food and accommodation are free, and you get paid around $225-$340/£192-£290/€225-€340 per week. The gig tends to last through June and July.

Finding a job

Finding work in the language schools can easily be done from your home country as they tend to advertise vacancies on international job boards. Those hoping to teach English in the Czech Republic at a public school will find they need to go in person. The AIA checks your qualifications and then passes your file to any of the schools looking. You do not get a say in which school you are appointed to, but this is a great way to find work in primary and secondary public schools.

Qualifications

Most of the roles advertised for English teachers in the Czech Republic will stipulate that a degree is required. However, it can normally be any subject. Native speakers are preferred, but if it is not your first language, you may still find work if you can prove you are fluent and know enough to teach English in the Czech Republic. A TEFL certification is required, and they are fussy about the awarding body.

Visa Requirements for English Teachers in the Czech Republic

In order to remain in the Czech Republic as an English teacher, you will need an employee card or permit for long-term residence. There are two visa options, and you will need to decide which to apply for. All applications need to be made before you head to the Czech Republic, and the process can be very long. If you are not coming from an EU country, you will need to visit and be interviewed by the consulate for the Czech Republic in your home country. Be aware that you will need at least 90 days to apply and get your visa approved.

Need to know

Most positions pay reasonably well, and it is common to find that your accommodation is appointed for you. It will either be free or heavily subsidised by the employer and will most likely be a basic apartment, but as rent is one of the biggest costs, this is a great deal and a load off your mind. If you do need to pay for accommodation, then many English teachers in the Czech Republic top up their income by offering private lessons. Of course, if you have a lot of experience and many qualifications, your salary will be higher. If you are looking for work as an English teacher in the Czech Republic. You should do so in April as this is when they feel their positions. There is a lot of focus on conversational English, and sometimes students can be a little sensitive about criticism, so be careful how you approach corrections.

Those looking to teach English in the Czech Republic should look at the most popular cities, including Prague, Ostrava, Liberec, and Brno.

Prague

Prague is the capital city of the Czech Republic, and therefore many English teachers choose to base themselves there. It does mean that there are more opportunities for teaching English in the Czech Republic, but there are also more applications for each job.

Brno

The second largest city in the Czech Republic is Brno, and here you will find that the cost of living is lower than Prague and it has some amazing public transport links. If you find work here as an English teacher in the Czech Republic, it will likely be in one of the private language schools.

Liberec

Liberec is found at the bottom of the Jazeera mountains and on the border with eastern Germany. This is a small city again; they have the advantage of having a university as well as many language schools.

Culture and Living in the Czech Republic

Locals tend to be quite reserved and wary of strangers. This is because the country has suffered a lot in the past under communist rule, creating a deep-seated distrust of new people. However, once they get to know you, they will pick up, and you will discover that underneath that cold shell is a warm and friendly group of people.

Classroom & work culture

How strict you will be expected to be in your classroom depends a lot on who you are working for, so take your lead from other teachers. In terms of dress code, you should expect to be business casual and when you greet new people do so with a handshake.

Culture & etiquette tips

People in the Czech Republic do not like confrontation, which means they are quite reserved and do not particularly get to the point. However, once you get to know people, you will enjoy socialising, and they are very hospitable, so you may be invited for dinner and drinks.