“Teaching is the greatest act of optimism." Colleen Wilcox

This week marked the reaching of a very important milestone for me - one year of teaching English in the captivating city of Prague. Naturally I have taken the time to reflect on the last year and can confidently say it has been a year full of many memorable moments and much personal growth. Having also been asked to contribute another article to Gooverseas.com
(http://www.goteachabroad.com/teach-abroad-blog/teaching-in-czech-republic/1081), I decided to write a post reflecting back on my experiences. In addition, I wanted to share the type of lifestyle one can expect if they decide to live and teach here as well as tips on how you can go about finding legitimate work. 

Anyone that has spent anytime browsing through the pages of Gooverseas.com will agree that TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) is an occupation that leads to countless employment opportunities throughout the world. Previous guest contributors have written about a variety of enviable TEFL experiences ranging from Asia to Africa, South America to Southern Europe. Now it is time to shine the TEFL spotlight on the centrally located European country of the Czech Republic, in particular it's capital Prague. As an Australian in her twenties, I feel very fortunate that for the last year I have been able to call Prague home. Now I would like to share with you just why.


My Journey

It all began for me in 2009. Having recently completed a university degree and with the world in the grips of an economic crisis, my plans to find employment in my chosen field were rather abruptly thrown out the window. I soon realized that I wanted to go back overseas for an extended period of time (in 2005 I completed a 'Gap' year in the UK- essentially a year between school and university), which would require basing myself somewhere and working. But what to do? I knew that I wanted to do something with a purpose. I didn't want go down the 'working in a bar' path that so many Aussies take. So after some research (both internally and online!) I decided that I would teach English as a foreign language, specifically in Europe. After some more research I chose to attain my TEFL Certification in Australia beforehand through the company i-to-i.

It took around 3 months to complete the course and at first I was unsure in which country exactly I would teach. Eventually I made the decision to find work in Prague, a city I had visited on my travels during my Gap Year and had found to be extremely charming and beautiful. My decision was initially met with much curiosity- "Why the Czech Republic?" and "Why not a southern European country such as Spain or Portugal where the climate is warm?" Some even quizzed - "Where is it?" and "What language do they speak there?"


Benefits of Living in the Czech Republic

I will admit, coming from a town located on the East Coast of Australia I was a little nervous moving to a country entirely surrounded by land and where I didn't speak a word of the language. But for me these things have been but mere molehills compared to the mountain of benefits a life here offers. For starters, The Czech Republic's central position in Europe provides keen travelers with a wealth of travel opportunities. To the West countries such as Germany, Austria and Switzerland beckon, and to the East Poland, Slovakia and Hungary call. 

But let's not forget the country itself, which exhibits a rich history, multitude of landscapes and countless charming towns. It's capital and historical heart Prague is the epicenter of action and it is stunning both architecturally and culturally. Whilst smaller in comparison to other European cities, Prague's intimate size is all part of it's charm. There are a ton of quirky bars (serving the best and cheapest beer in the world!), quality restaurants and places to socialize. While the pay may not be as high as in other countries, the local currency keeps the cost of living low, meaning a teacher can easily take advantage of all the Czech Republic has to offer. What’s more, Prague's cosiness makes it an extremely livable city. Boasting a highly efficient and integrated transport system comprised of metros, trams and buses, once confidently mastered city travel becomes a breeze. 


Teaching Lifestyle

And a master of public transport you will soon become, as the majority of TEFL jobs require travel around the city to teach adults at their place of work. Zipping around the city to multiple locations in a day is beneficial on two levels. Firstly, it means that you're always active and won't run the risk of getting bored working a sedentary job. Secondly you will see the many different faces of Prague, each of which has it's own particular appeal. Teaching adults is yet another rewarding aspect. Compared to children, they are much easier to manage and you will enjoy interacting with and seeing them progress on an adult level. What's more if you take a genuine interest in their country, most are just as eager to learn as they are to share their insider knowledge and tips! 

Qualifications & Finding Work

Over the last decade Prague has emerged as a TEFL hotspot, resulting in many language schools and TEFL training schools opening as well as a burgeoning expats community. While the demand for English continues to grow, finding work can sometimes be a little overwhelming. As far as finding a legitimate job is concerned, there are a couple of things to consider. Firstly, should I attain my qualification beforehand or via an on-location TEFL training school? It is true that some employers will only accept those who have attained their qualification in the country, as they believe these courses better prepare teachers both practically and culturally. But if like me you have completed your course beforehand there is no need to fret, as there are still many employment opportunities. However you may need a little help when it comes to finding work, which brings me to the second point of consideration. 

Should I find work myself or can I find work through a job placement service? If you decide to find work yourself then it requires researching and contacting language schools independently. While you are likely to find work, a safer bet is to seek assistance to ensure you are applying for a reputable school. Most credible TEFL courses (whether you decide to do one beforehand or on location) will provide job placement services, which essentially liaise between you and prospective employers. In my experience, seeking assistance via such a service really simplified the whole job application process. Whichever road you decide to take there are plenty of job opportunities, and for those who choose to live and work in the Czech Republic a great experience awaits.

Living in the Czech Republic - A General Overview

"What is it like living in the Czech Republic?" This is a question that I have been asked by many of late. Having also been invited to contribute an article to Gooverseas.com (http://www.gooverseas.com/go-abroad-blog/better-know-country-czech-republic/8626), I decided to write a post that would give readers a general overview of life in the country I feel very lucky to currently call 'home'. 

With it's central location, the lands which today constitute The Czech Republic have long served as a gateway to surrounding Europe. The first Czechs arrived in Bohemia (an area still used to describe the West) in around 200BC. In the 9th Century the Czech state emerged, resulting in the formation of a kingdom that would for many centuries be an influential player on the European political landscape. Subsequently the Czech Republic is a country steeped in history. The architectural grandeur and historical importance of it's capital Prague, it's equally fascinating and attractive cities and towns, and 2000+ chateaus and castles dotted throughout are all constant reminders of it's former opulent days.

Places of Interest

Whilst undeniably important, the Czech Republic's appeal is not just limited to it's history. With it's three regions of Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia boasting a multitude of landscapes, it's no wonder the Czechs love nothing more than to get outdoors with their bikes, rollerblades, skis or simply just on foot! In the western area of Bohemia, visitors can discover distinct rock formations such as those in Cesky Raj (Bohemian Paradise) and Ceske Svycarsko (Czech Swiss) and captivating mountainous regions such as Krkonose (home to the country's highest mountain 'Snezka' at 1,602 km) and Sumava.  There are also various places of interest such as the famed spa town of Karlovy Vary (each year it hosts the 'International Karlovy Vary Film Festival', which is often referred to as the 'B-grade' version of Cannes), the former silver-mining town of Kutna Hora (it is home to a striking and rather macabre Ossuary aka 'bone church' comprised of approximately 40 000 skeletons!) and my personal favourite - the enchanting and fairytale-like town of Cesky Krumlov. To the east, the regions of Moravia and Silesia are largely comprised of rolling hills, highlands and low mountain ranges. The land is particularly fertile in the South, where the Czech's answer to Tuscany lies - the Moravian Wine Region. There are various towns throughout complete with their own vineyards and cellars, which during the harvest season host many wine-related festivals.

Beer Culture

Whilst on the topic of alcohol, the ever-important role that 'pivo' (beer) plays in Czech life must also be mentioned. The Germans may have Oktoberfest, but it is actually the Czechs who drink more per capita than other nation in the world. They also lay claim to another important statistic - the development of the world's first lager 'Pilsner' in the Bohemian town of Plzen. And with Plzen recently winning the 'European Capital of Culture' for 2015, it's clear that all of Europe can vouch for Czech beer! There are 100s of breweries throughout the country and a plethora of beers available, ensuring a favourite brew for all and converting even the non-beer drinkers such as myself! What's more the good news continues where price is concerned, on average you can buy half a litre for around 30 Kc - that equates to just over 1 euro!

Prague

As with most countries, the capital of Prague is the epicentre of action. Whilst smaller in comparison to other European capitals, it's intimate size is all part of it's charm. Stunning historically, culturally and architecturally, visitors are never short on things to do. Prague has an array of prominent sites such as the imposing Prague Castle, ornately statued Charles Bridge and beautiful Old Town Square. Throughout the city there are many parks, which during the warmer months heave with action. An impressive range of museums and theatres showcase the depth of Czech cultural talent. Prague also has a thriving nightlife with innumerable bars, restaurants and clubs. If all else fails, one can simply meander along the cobble-stoned streets and revel in the 'City of 100 Spires'.

And for those wishing to stay more permanently, Prague is an extremely livable city. It boasts a highly efficient and integrated public transport system comprised of metros, trams and buses. Coupled with the city's cosy size, residents are never more than a few metro stops from the action. The majority of Prazaks are English-friendly, meaning that newcomers with absolutely no knowledge of the Czech language are able to get by. But as with any foreign country it helps to learn some basics. (NB. The Czech language is considered one of the hardest to learn. Also that in smaller Czech towns one can not rely on the locals to speak English as they would in Prague.)

Employment

With the English language widely used and in demand, they are subsequently many English-speaking jobs on offer in Prague in a variety of industries. TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) is perhaps the most common. A plethora of language schools and TEFL training schools have resulted in Prague becoming a European hotspot for all things TEFL. And with a growing number of English native speakers jumping onboard the employment wagon, the expat culture is also thriving. Expats.cz is the 'go-to' guide for English-speaking expats living in the Czech Republic. Listing everything from jobs to flat rentals, second hand furniture to news and reviews, it serves as trusty companion to those navigating a life in the Czech Republic.

So there you have it, a general overview of life in the Czech Republic. It is by no means a comprehensive guide but I hope it has provided some insight to those who had asked the question, as well as to those who may have been a little curious about life in this cool, central European country.

Australian in Prague

Charles Bridge with Prague Castle in the background

The enchanting, fairy tale-like town of Cesky Krumlov

The macabre Ossuary (bone church) - Kutna Hora

The chic town of Karlovy Vary