1. Tell us a little about yourself and your role with Smaller Earth in Prague
I am the new Course Director for the Hello Academies TEFL certificate in Prague. I have a degree in Czech and Russian and I also hold a Master’s in translation. I have been translating and teaching in Prague since 2010. In that time I’ve taught a range of people and levels from Kindergartners to business executives, from General English to English for a Special Purpose, and I’ve loved every minute of it.
In my spare time, I knit, alone and with my knitting group, and I also play bass guitar in a punk rock band. I’m originally from London but I’ve travelled around Australia, The US, Asia, and Europe, and I’ve lived in Scotland and Russia. My job is to train and assess the TEFL participants and run the course and I'm thrilled with it.
2. Describe a typical day at the Academy.
There’s a morning session on teaching methodology followed by a grammar session. The sessions are interactive and often make use of games. They’re very hands on and also serve as demos. After lunch, there’s a planning period and then our participants teach real classes a grammar point or skill such as reading. You then get feedback on your lesson – what to take forward and what to improve on.
This practical experience is invaluable and will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to be a competent and confident teacher post certification. On other days you may also be teaching a one-to-one lesson with an assigned learner, learning Czech or hanging out with staff, students and alumni of the Academy at social events such as dinner or a day trip. But don’t forget your homework; there are many assignments that need to be completed for certification too!
3. What makes Prague a unique destination to obtain TEFL certification?
Prague’s the beautiful ‘City of a Hundred Spires’ and home to Prague Castle and St Vitus’s Cathedral, not to mention Charles Bridge with stunning views of the Vltava River. Walking around its wonderfully preserved historic centre is like stepping into a mediaeval fairy tale.
It has great history, which is not surprising given its strategic location in the heart of Europe. Thus it provides an excellent base for anyone planning to explore the surrounding countries.
Since Czech is not widely spoken, Czechs value the importance of speaking a second language and are very enthusiastic about English. There is a great demand for English teachers, and participants who stay on in Prague tend to find work very quickly.
There is also a large expat community here, including our growing alumni, so you won’t be lonely. And of course, let’s not forget that the Czech Republic has some of the best beer in the world! But if that hasn’t convinced you, Prague has the only cubist lamppost in the world, so that’s something you won’t find anywhere else!
4. What is one piece of advice you would offer to someone considering obtaining a TEFL Certification in Prague?
Consider whom you’ll be teaching and what opportunities there are. Czech people value English as a precious commodity, taking great interest in English and relishing any opportunity to speak to native speakers.
This also means there are a lot of job opportunities here for TEFL certified teachers. Even if you’re not staying, you will get to practise on highly motivated students in a beautiful and fun city.
Also consider the cost of living and safety. Prague is one of the safest cities in Europe and cheaper than most with the pound and dollar taking you far. A teacher’s salary is usually more than enough for a spacious flat in a nice neighbourhood and several restaurant trips and nights out per week.
Transport costs are almost negligible and Prague is a very manageable size so you won’t have a very long commute. Lastly, learning the local language will definitely benefit you wherever you go but there are many expats who successfully live here never speaking Czech so you can be at ease about that.
5. What's the most memorable story you've heard from a past student?
I’ve heard many times from different people how they were only supposed to be in Prague for four weeks but they fell in love with the place, or a local, or both, and ended up staying longer-term.
It’s very easy to set yourself up here and enjoy a good quality of life with a great work-life balance. I myself first started with just nine hours of work a week but within a month I had filled up my schedule, found a gorgeous flat in the centre and a group of friends. Moving to Prague to teach was one on the best things I’ve ever done – and that’s something you’ll not only hear from me but from pretty much everyone who has done it.