Hello Academies: TEFL Course & Teach in Prague

Name: Hello Academies: TEFL Course & Teach in Prague
Brand: Smaller Earth
SKU: 34026
Rating: 4.96 (55 reviews)

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4.96 Rating

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Location

Czech Republic
- Prague

Length

120 hours

Training Type

Classroom

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Program Details

Teaching Practicum

Job Placement

Pricing

Starting Price

1000

Last Updated: Dec 03, 2018

Last Reviewed: Dec 15, 2017

Wish List

6 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Get TEFL Certified in Prague - Getting TEFL certified abroad gives students an advantage as you receive more hands-on teaching practice and are also able to look for jobs during the course in order to find full-time employment by the time the course is over. The Teaching English as a Foreign Language (also known as TESOL) certification qualifies you to find a paid teaching job overseas. A 4-week course prepares you for teaching grammar, speech and other necessary skills that are required when working at international schools.

Hello Academies in Prague is operated by Smaller Earth. It is a unique experience where Smaller Earth participants can learn to teach English, but at the same time, our participants from the Czech Republic also study English at the academy before they head out on their international adventures!

This program is no longer offered. View more programs from Smaller Earth.

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Program Reviews

4.96 Rating

based on 55 reviews

Leave a Review

Rating Spread Teach TEFL

5 rating 96.36%
4 rating 3.64%
3 rating 0%
2 rating 0%
1 rating 0%

Benefits 5
Support 5
Fun 4.25
Facilities 4.65
Safety 4.8

Instruction 4.9
Support 5
Value 4.95
Academic Rigor 4.05
Job Assistance 4.75

Showing 41 - 48 of 55 reviews

The start of the rest of your life!

I can remember the first day like it was yesterday. The sun was beaming down and it was a glorious day to start my life in Prague. The staff were friendly and really welcoming and I was excited to start. We got all the information about the course, not really taking much in, I was like a kid in a sweet shop, I just wanted it to start. However there was more planned, quick whistle stop tour of Prague itself. Great first day. The days turned into weeks and the weeks become the month, and then everything had finished. Yes it was stressful, yes I was stressed, but the people you meet and the experiences you gain are definitely worth it. I would recommend this course to anyone. The teaching experience is daunting at first, but you get used to it....you have to!

Thank you to everyone involved, and I have certainly made some friends for life.

I absolutely loved my four week TEFL course through Smaller Earth. It was an extremely rewarding experience both culturally and educationally. Not only was my teacher a wealth of knowledge, but the rest of the Smaller Earth staff was nothing but helpful. Our program coordinator Shannon facilitated us through the entire course as well as job, housing, and visa assistance. Four months into my life in Prague I have a job I love, am exploring a beautiful and culturally diverse city, and I could not have done it without the amazing people at Smaller Earth.

I completed my TELF course in July 2014. After leaving a large company to come teach English abroad, I was nervous about finding a job and succeeding at something new. This course and program ensures that you are able to find a job after the course should you wish to stay, and even makes it very easy for you to apply. All you really have to do it look at the recommendations and apply! The interview is up to you. As far as the course goes, this program sets you up for success. With various lessons to teach with different themes and support for planning, I felt at ease while teaching in front of Czech students who only had a intermediate knowledge of English.

On a whim, I started googling TEFL courses about a year ago when I stumbled upon Hello Academies. What really sparked my interest about this course was not only the location, but their overall simplistic and user-friendly style. This course really focuses on the individual and making your stay in Prague personal and enjoyable. From the moment I spoke to Shannon during my Skype interview, I felt secure in my decision to move abroad. All of my questions and more were answered in a thorough and respectful manner. The staff at Hello Academies is incredibly helpful not only with TEFL related topics, but with flat searching, visa assistance, and job assistance as well. By the end of the course I had a flat near the city center and a wonderful job at a preschool. Although this course makes for an intensive 4 weeks, it thoroughly prepares you for various teaching positions and you can use your TEFL certificate all over the world. They cover everything from lesson planning and structure to teaching methods, and provide you with loads of references for your future teaching needs. Teaching real english language learners was a great benefit of this program in that you were able to directly apply the skills you were being taught and even gain perspective into your own teaching style by receiving feedback after each lesson. My experience with Hello Academies was truly wonderful and I was impressed at the level of dedication and helpfulness of the staff. They really want to see you succeed which makes all the difference. I would recommend this course to anyone looking to teach English aboard!

If you're planning a TEFL course in Prague, or anywhere for that matter, make it this one! Adrienne is an incredible, thorough teacher with experience teaching a range of ages and abilities on several differnet continents. Her approach simplifies everything, and through her personalized approach, you'll come out a confident, capable teacher. Shannon and Tomas provide excellent assistance throughout, ranging from help with finding accommodation, locating a post office, or simply a great restaurant to try. If this isn't enough, remember that Prague is a beautiful city in which you will never run out of great things to see or do. In summary, fantastic staff, a great location, and a genuinely great experience. I wholeheartedly recommend this course!

What would you improve about this program?

Hello Academies was such a wonderful experience. Adrienne was an amazing instructor who really personalized every lesson to each student. I was part of a small class which, at first, I was nervous about. This actually made my experience here better. Shannon and Tomas are so helpful and really make sure you have everything you need while taking this course, and well after. Any questions, concerns or issues you have will be taken care of or assisted with. I am so happy I decided to go with Hello Academies because it was such an amazing course. There is nothing I would have changed about my experience and if you are thinking about doing it, you should stop thinking and sign up. This course will prepare you for any TEFL job you want and more. Prague is a beautiful city that you will regret not seeing.

What would you improve about this program?

I would honestly not change one thing about this program. The instructor really makes sure to understand what you need as a student and personalize it. Shannon and Tomas are so helpful and I was not afraid to ask any questions.

Where to start... Too many good things about this course!! I believe the first and best thing to mention is the staff: they really are always there for you, for anything you need from housing, jobs, help with coursework...anything. The facilities are good, though as someone mentioned would be cool to have a proper kitchen to cook great meals at :)
The teacher is amazing and really knowledgeable and if you pay attention, you will go far on the teaching business. Best of all, they make teaching fun around there, though despite some hard work there is never too much pressure to handle (well, except maybe before the first couple of lessons you will teach).
Jobs are going to be easy to find with this certification, so despite being a bit expensive consider this: one month and you are a qualified teacher, able to teach anywhere in the world. Worth it!

Read my full story

The TEFL trainer was a great teacher who was very helpful in every aspect and organized this course beautifully. I enjoyed teaching our private students and experiencing what it feels like to learn a new language during our Czech lessons. While this course was very intensive, I now feel prepared to teach English professionally. One of the best parts of this course was the job assistance. I was placed in a job before I even graduated! This took a lot of the stress away about finding a job in a new country and made this experience one that I will always remember. I also really enjoyed the different events that were planned for us because we got to see a lot of Prague and meet new people. I would recommend this course to anyone!

Questions & Answers

How much extra money do you need for things not covered?

Hi, thanks for stopping by! There is no one right answer - budgets vary depending on your needs and expectations for your time abroad. We recommend contacting the program provider to learn more about what is customary. You can ask them a question at the bottom of this page: https://www.helloacademies.com/faq.

By Go Overseas on August 6, 2018

Is a bachelors degree required?

A bachelors degree is not always a requirement, but when you apply you will have a chat with the program coordinator who will talk you through those kind of details. Applying for a work permit here is pretty easy and only takes around a week!

By Becky Ferran on August 11, 2016

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Ella Haslett

Program

Hello Academies: TEFL Course & Teach in Prague

Originally from Dublin, Ella has lived in Brisbane, Australia for the past 3 years where she completed her high school education.
She decided to return to Europe this year and will study Human Biology at the University of Glasgow.

Ella had 9 months between finishing high school in Australia and starting university in September, so she decided to do the TEFL course at smaller earth in Prague. She is currently teaching English in Prague.

Why did you pick this program?

I chose to do the TEFL course at smaller earth Prague to meet like minded people who share a love for travelling and to experience studying/working in a foreign country.

I also thought having these 9 months between high school and university was a fantastic opportunity to travel and a perfect amount of time to have an insight on teaching English in a foreign country.

What is the most important thing you learned abroad?

"From living in Australia for almost 3 years and Prague for 5 months I've had fantastic experiences learning about other cultures. If you really want to discover foreign cultures and traditions I have realised that you will definitely have the best experience by living and studying/working in the country, rather than visiting for just a few days.

I have become so much more independent from living not only away from home but also in a foreign country!

I believe the most important thing I have learned from living abroad is that I should spend money on travel rather than things, as they are all unforgettable experiences!"

View Entire Interview

What was the hardest part about going abroad?

I lived in Dublin until I was 15 and then moved to Brisbane, now Im in the Czech Republic! I love meeting new people and making friends, but it is always extremely difficult leaving everyone! After just 1 year in Australia I knew I had made lifelong friends, but I will always stay in contact via facebook and Skype!

What made this experience unique and special?

I began teaching English after just 1 week of completing the TEFL course. As an English teacher in Prague, all of my students are Czech. Teaching is a extremely rewarding career, especially when you can see your students improving! It has also allowed me to discover so much more about the Czech peoples' traditions, attitudes and culture. My students always love telling me about great places to visit in Prague. The main reason they want to learn English is not just for communication with english speakers in their country, but also for travelling. English is the common language throughout Europe! They are always interested in learning about cultures of English speaking countries.

Tell us about an experience you had that you could not have had at home.

"There are many TEFL courses in Europe. I considered doing a course at home in Dublin, however there aren't many people looking for English lessons there, compared to Prague! The staff at smaller earth were fantastic. They were always happy to help, with recommendations on the best restaurants and bars to help with finding a job or accommodation after the course. Because of this, I didn't want to leave Prague after finishing the course, and so I decided to stay for 5 months until university begins! I have made so many new friends through the TEFL alumni group, and they were always willing to show me around when I arrived."

What made this trip meaningful to you, or how did this trip change your perceptions, future path?

I will definitely continue teaching English during my summer holidays at university. After such an amazing experience in Prague, I hope to teach English in other foreign countries around the world. If I hadn't done this course, I don't think I would consider living in a different country for an entire Summer!

Pedro Martins

2014 Alum

Mickey Flood

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

1. Tell us a little about yourself and your role with Smaller Earth in Prague

Smaller Earth: Martha

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.

Shannon Madl

About Smaller Earth

Ready to work abroad? If the thrill of earning a paycheck and traveling at the same time is enticing to you, then welcome to Smaller Earth. Smaller Earth has been sending individuals on work and travel programs since 1999. What started out as a one-man shop (aka the spare bedroom of our founder's parents' house) now sends over 6,000 people around...