The Full Service - Both Home and Abroad

CIEE's Czech Republic teaching program really is top notch! I highly encourage anyone who is interested in experiencing a unique European culture, traveling across Europe, and/or learning about themselves to apply to this program. I have many reasons for my recommendation, but I will condense my list to a few prominent ones (listed below).

1) CIEE provided me with excellent support during the preparation phase of the process. It did more than provide a means to obtain a TEFL certificate, which is, from what I have since learned, the common approach of other similar organizations. Instead, CIEE provided a full service! This included assistance with locating a job in the Czech Republic, the provision of pivotal support when applying for an employment card and a long-stay visa (I cannot understate how vital this was), help with the health insurance process, and important arrival information regarding the Czech Republic's cultural norms, climate, and people's typical in-country needs (i.e. electrical voltage, cell phone, and other information).

2) CIEE's preparation-phase support was surpassed only by its phenomenal in-country orientation. The orientation included the full service as well! My fellow program participants and I were not merely given information on how to obtain Czech cell phone SIM cards and bank accounts and how to use the public transit system. Instead, we were split into small groups and paired with locals (who spoke both Czech and English). These immensely helpful individuals physically took us to a Czech cell phone store, bank, and public transit office. Not only did they help with these necessary things, they also taught us some Czech (which supplemented our formal lessons give at the CIEE Study Center during orientation) and took us to other cool cultural places and events, such as local bars, restaurants, and parks. My group even attended one of the fiftieth anniversary gatherings held in remembrance of those who lost their lives during the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968!

3) Lastly, during the in-country orientation, CIEE provided high-quality, temporary housing in Prague to all of the participants. CIEE also helped those who did not have employer-provided housing to locate it and even allowed those who struggled to locate permanent housing to stay in the temporary housing until they did. This housing was included in the initial fee to CIEE and was located in a great location. This allowed the participants to explore the beautiful city during the non-orientation hours!

If you have made it to this point in my review, I commend you. CIEE's Czech Republic teaching program is phenomenal and I most certainly recommend it! However, there are certain realities that prospective applicants should bear in mind (see below).

1) You will not get rich working part-time in the Czech Republic as an English teacher. You will likely need to teach private English lessons or bring additional funds if you would like to travel. Because private lessons are readily available to those who want to teach them, do not be deterred by this reality.

2) The food, culture, and language of the Czech Republic are different from that in the United States. Do not assume that the Czech Republic (or other European countries for that matter) is culturally identical to the U.S. just because it is in Europe. There are significant differences between the two. This is what makes the experience fun and interesting! However, recognize that these differences exist before undertaking the program so that you know what you are getting into.

Ultimately, CIEE's Czech Republic teaching program is phenomenal! I highly recommend it and hope that this review helps make your decision easier!