The Czech Republic has been a popular destination for teaching English abroad for many years as it offers a unique cultural experience, a low cost of living, and a very healthy job market. Prague is the most popular destination, boasting an eclectic mix of architecture and a fascinating history that draws huge numbers of tourists from around the world every year. The city also has one of the largest demands for ESL teachers in the whole of Europe. Cities such as Brno, Ostrava, Liberec, and Plzen, which is world famous as the birthplace of Pilsner beer, are also popular locations.
What are TEFL salaries in the Czech Republic?
As there is a huge number of employers across the country offering a wide range of positions, the average salary can be anywhere from 18,000 to 30,000 CZK (currently US$700 to $1,200) per month. Many private language centers prefer to pay by the hour and it is common practice for teachers to work at more than one institute in order to make up a full-time schedule. Teachers working on an hourly rate can expect to earn around 200 to 300 CZK ($8 to $12) per hour. Private tuition is also a common way for teachers to earn extra income outside of normal working hours. The rate for private lessons will usually depend on experience, but is typically from 300 to 500 CZK ($12 to $20) per hour.
Who are the main employers of English teachers in the Czech Republic?
The most common form of employment for foreign teachers in the Czech Republic is through private language schools. Language schools generally cater to young learners of all ages who require extra English tuition outside of school hours, while some also run adult classes. Language schools can be found in most towns and cities throughout the country, with over a hundred located in Prague alone. Job applicants will usually require a degree in any subject and a TEFL/TESOL certification is also generally expected. Teachers with a passport from an EU country can typically turn up in the location of their choice and find a job relatively quickly. Non-EU citizens are recommended to secure a position from within their home country and then apply for a work visa through the school office on arrival.
Who else employs English teachers in the Czech Republic?
It is also possible to find teaching jobs in public primary and secondary schools, as well as some colleges and universities. These positions are relatively few in number in comparison to language schools which means that the competition for each job is often quite strong. Previous experience is usually expected for public school positions so many first-time teachers spend a year working for private language schools before applying. The peak hiring seasons for public schools are August/September and January/February. In contrast, jobs in private language schools can be found year-round.
What is the cost of living for English teachers in the Czech Republic?
As well as a strong demand for teachers, the relatively low cost of living is another reason why the Czech Republic is a very popular destination for teaching English abroad. Routine expenses such as groceries and public transport are considerably cheaper than you will find in most of Western Europe and North America. Many teachers also reduce their overheads by renting a room in a shared apartment rather than living alone. A comfortable room in a good area starts at around US$250 per month, while a private one-bedroom apartment starts from around US$400.
