How to Teach in the Czech Republic

I want to teach in the Czech Republic. What do I need to know?

Nestled in the heart of Europe, the Czech Republic is one half of the former Republic of Czechoslovakia (present-day Slovakia is other). Its famous capital, Prague, acts as the country’s nexus to the rest of the continent and boasts some of the oldest and most distinctive architectural and cultural sites in Europe. Outside of Prague, smaller towns and communities with their own distinct Czech flair make up the rest of the country.

The modern state of the Czech Republic has developed in leaps and bounds since Czechoslovakia was dissolved in 1993, and its unique ethnicity and culture has been allowed to flourish. Reserved upon introduction, the Czech people are nonetheless quietly proud of their history and culture. A year in their country will expose you to world-famous art and architecture, a thriving film industry, robust cuisines and brews (did you know that the Czech Republic has the highest beer consumption per capita in the world?), and passionate football/soccer and ice hockey fans.

What to expect

The Czech Republic may be a beer-lover’s paradise, but it’s also a great place for EFL teachers seeking professional development and a unique European experience. Very few people speak English as a first (or even second or third) language in the Czech Republic, and schools in the countryside especially are eager to take on native speakers as teachers. It’s fairly easy to get around Prague without knowing the local language, but you’ll probably find yourself learning Czech quite quickly if you’re working outside of the city.

Teaching opportunities can be found in both public and private schools, with most positions offering moderate salaries. The cost of living in the Czech Republic is lower than many other countries in Western Europe, however, with the same access to transportation around the continent.

Expect warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Looking for some physical activity? Don’t miss the opportunity to hike the many mountains found in the country (in fact, one meaning of the Czech word for ‘tourist’ is also ‘trekker’ or ‘hiker’). An extremely environmentally conscious country, the Czech Republic has an abundance of nationally-protected areas to explore.

How to get there

Public and private Czech schools will require an accredited TEFL/TESOL certificate and a Bachelor’s degree. After receiving their TEFL certificate, prospective EFL teachers can apply independently to positions or go through placement programs. Take note: you must have secured a contract with a legitimate school or institution to obtain a work visa.

 The academic year begins in September, so plan to apply in the spring or summer, allowing time for the visa application process!

On the look-out for programs and job listings in the Czech Republic? Be sure to check out these resources:

CIEE Teach in the Czech Republic : CIEE’s newest program offers language and culture assistant placements in primary and secondary schools in small towns outside of Prague. Visa assistance, travel insurance, orientation, and in-country support included. The best part? CIEE’s 150-hour course is part of your pre-departure program!

Dave’s ESL Café: One of the best places to independently find ESL jobs around the world – for Czech Republic postings, try the international job board.

TEFL.com: Seek postings around the world here. You can narrow your search with many fields, including type of position, country, type of institution, experience, and more.

Caledonia: A country-wide language school offering instruction all over the Czech Republic.

Watts English: A private language company with centers throughout the country.

Berlitz: While Berlitz is a global company, it has centers in Prague and Brno.