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Teach English in the Czech Republic

Thinking about teaching English abroad in Europe? Here’s why the Czech Republic could be the perfect place to start.

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​The Czech Republic is Europe’s hidden gem, offering plenty of culture and a high demand for English teachers. Thanks to its central location and relatively low cost of living, the Czech Republic is a great way to explore the rest of Europe – once you’ve explored the country’s own UNESCO heritage sites and historic towns, that is.

The capital, Prague, is a popular destination for English teachers, with its stunning architecture and lively international vibe. If you’re feeling more adventurous, smaller towns in the Czech Republic offer a slower pace of life, less competition for jobs, and a chance to experience authentic Czech culture more deeply.

In this guide we cover everything you need to know about teaching English in the Czech Republic – from job types and salaries, to visa info, education requirements, and more.

Why teach English in the Czech Republic? 

The Czech Republic is an underrated TEFL gem in the heart of mainland Europe. While Rome, Paris and Barcelona might be more famous, the Czech Republic has plenty of examples of what a major European city can be. While many know Prague's charm, other Czech cities like Olomouc and Brno offer fantastic teaching positions, a distinct way of life, and must-see attractions. 

If you’re keen to travel around mainland Europe, the Czech Republic is an ideal base. Rail costs around Europe are famously low, and you can zip around the continent on a budget on your time off. The Czech Republic also offers a more affordable cost of living than some other major TEFL destinations, making your hard-earned teaching money go further. If you’d rather see what’s on offer closer to home, there are plenty of UNESCO heritage sites in the Czech Republic, from historic town centres to villas and picturesque landscapes.

Opportunities in the Czech Republic

Most ESL jobs in the Czech Republic are in private language schools, but you’ll also find work in businesses, public schools, and even universities (though the requirements for these types of jobs are more demanding). 

Language schools are a common entry point, especially for those teaching children after school or adults in the evenings. Business English is big here too – many professionals want to improve their skills for work or tourism. And with English being part of the school curriculum, there’s also steady demand from students and teenagers.

Requirements to teach English in the Czech Republic 

With a strong education infrastructure, rich culture, and access to mainland Europe, you won’t have to look that hard to see the benefits of teaching in the Czech Republic. But what qualifications do you need to realise your Bohemian dreams? Let’s take a closer look.

Degree 

Most job opportunities for English teachers in the Czech Republic require a bachelor's degree. This isn’t to say you can’t teach English without a degree, but the opportunities are limited for English teachers who don’t have a degree.

Teaching certifications

If you want to teach English in the Czech Republic, you’ll need at least 120 hours of TEFL certification. An advanced TEFL course is also a good idea to set yourself apart from the competition.

Courses in Business English are particularly useful, given the demand from Czech professionals looking to build their English for international business and within the country’s tourism sector. (Tourism is a major industry in the Czech Republic, with millions of visitors, many of whom speak English.)

For inexperienced teachers or non-native English speakers, a Level 5 TEFL course is a good place to start.

Native/non-native English speakers

Can non-native English speakers work as English teachers in the Czech Republic? Yes, many do. Having an IELTS or TOEFL is vital for the visa application process and for finding teaching opportunities.

Prior teaching experience

Employers in the Czech Republic typically hire candidates with previous teaching experience. It can be hard to find teaching jobs in the country without experience, though language schools show interest in new TEFL teachers.  

Visa 

There are two main visa options for English teachers aiming to work in the Czech Republic:

Freelance Visa (Živnostenský List)

The živnostenský list (the 'živno' for short) is the visa route for self-employed ESL teachers. For English teachers seeking to work as tutors or in private language schools, this is the ideal choice. This self-employment licence authorises holders to engage in business activities, including English language instruction. Prospective applicants must couple the živno with a long-term residence visa

Employee Card

The Employee Card is another pathway to teaching English in the Czech Republic. You need an employer's sponsorship to get an employee card.

To apply for an Employee Card, you’ll need:

  • A completed application form
  • Travel documentation
  • Proof of your accommodation arrangements in the Czech Republic
  • Passport photographs
  • A contract from an employer
  • Details of the job vacancy
  • Criminal record/police certificate

Download our teaching English in Europe guide

Salary, benefits and cost of living

Here’s a breakdown of the salary and benefits you’re likely to find for English teaching jobs in the Czech Republic.

Country Avg. monthly salary Degree required Start of term Teaching experience Housing & flights included Suitable for non-native English speakers Age restrictions
Teach in Czech Republic £800 – £1,200 GBP
($1,000 – $1,500 USD)
Preferred September Preferred None

Salary 

English teachers are in high demand in Prague, and if you’re able to meet specific requirements for teaching jobs, you should be able to land jobs with a decent salary. The average pay for teachers in the Czech Republic is around 40,100 Czech Koruna (£1,337 - £1,719). (For comparison, the average wage in the Czech Republic is about 36,000 - 37,000 CZK, according to Numbeo.)

Benefits 

Some employers in the Czech Republic offer additional benefits. These can include meal vouchers, a stipend for cultural and sporting activities, housing assistance, supplementary health insurance, and professional development opportunities. 

Cost of living

Take a look at the table below to get a better idea of the average living costs in the Czech Republic: 

Restaurants
CZK
USD
GBP
Inexpensive restaurant meal
Domestic beer (0.5 litre)
Regular cappuccino
Water (0.33 litre)
Markets
CZK
USD
GBP
Regular milk (1 litre)
Loaf of white bread
Regular eggs (1 dozen)
Apples (1 kg)
Transportation
CZK
USD
GBP
One-way ticket (local transport)
Monthly pass (regular price)
Taxi start (normal tariff)
Gasoline (1 litre)
Utilities
CZK
USD
GBP
Electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage (for a regular apartment)
Regular prepaid monthly mobile tariff with 10GB+ data
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited data, cable/ADSL)
Clothing and shoes
CZK
USD
GBP
Pair of jeans (Levis 501 or something similar)
Summer dress in a chain store
Nike running shoes (mid-range)
Men's leather business shoes

English teaching jobs in the Czech Republic

Looking for English teaching jobs in the Czech Republic? Here are some of the best places to start.

Private language schools

Private language schools are a useful route into the Czech Republic, especially for newer teachers. Typically, ESL teachers in private language schools are teaching English to adults. Specifically, Business English and English for Academic Purposes are private language school pupils' most popular learning areas. 

Where to find teaching jobs in the Czech Republic

You're TEFL certified, you've looked up teaching jobs in the Czech Republic, and you're ready to go. So, what do you need to know about finding rewarding work in this central European gem?

Applying for teaching jobs between September and January will help significantly. Location is also important. Prague is undoubtedly an attractive destination, but cities like Brno and Plzeň often offer a higher teacher's salary and less competition for jobs.

Utilising the likes of our TEFL Org Jobs Centre and platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook are undoubtedly effective, but it's also worth applying directly to schools with tailored applications. A video introduction, a cover letter in Czech and an example of a lesson plan might do the trick. Also, networking is crucial - attending TEFL conferences will connect you with colleagues from around the country and help you to hear about job opportunities that might not be posted online.

How to get started

If you're looking for a career teaching English in the Czech Republic and you’ve met all the basic requirements, here are a few of our top tips on how to get started.

Get your paperwork ready

As we already discussed, getting the proper visa is essential. Getting the correct visa and work permit before leaving for the Czech Republic means you'll have a smoother time when you get there. Consult with your nearest Czech embassy and speak to immigration lawyers before you leave to ensure you comply with regulations.

In terms of other documents, it's useful to keep up with your paperwork regarding your bank accounts, accommodation, transport passes, receipts for anything you need to claim back from an employer, contracts, and anything else you need.

Learn some basic Czech

Before you move, it’s a great idea to start learning Czech. You don't necessarily need to be fluent, but it'll help your experience teaching English if you can muster up some basic phrases. Once you're there, immerse yourself in the culture by conversing with native speakers of Czech, and you'll pick up plenty.

Start networking early

While advanced TEFL courses and qualifications like the DELTA are a great look, seeking out professional networks like the Association of Teachers of English of the Czech Republic (ATECR) is another good way to kick off your teaching career. Through professional associations, you can find mentorship opportunities and connect with peers to help you establish yourself as a teacher in the Czech Republic

Key takeaways

Ready to get started? Here are some of the main takeaways for ESL teachers looking to move to the Czech Republic.

  • The average salary for teachers in the Czech Republic is around 40,100 Czech Koruna (£1,337 - £1,719)
  • Peak hiring season for English teachers in the Czech Republic is between September and January
  • Benefits can include: meal vouchers, a stipend for cultural and sporting activities, housing assistance, supplementary health insurance, and professional development opportunities. 
  • To teach English in the Czech Republic, you’ll need 120 hours of TEFL certification, an IELTS or TOEFL (for non-native speakers), plus a bachelor’s degree and teaching experience.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q. Are English teachers in demand in the Czech Republic?

    Yes, there is demand for English teachers across the Czech Republic. Schoolkids, university students, adult professionals and all kinds of other people in the Czech Republic are looking for qualified teachers with a TEFL certificate on their CVs.

  • Q. How much do English teachers make in the Czech Republic?

    On average, English teachers in the Czech Republic earn around 40,100 Czech Koruna (£1,337 - £1,719) per month. Wages are dependent on factors like qualifications (including a TEFL certificate), location and experience.

  • Q. Which country has the most demand for English teachers?

    China has the highest per capita number of English learners in the world. However, there’s significant demand for English teaching worldwide, particularly in Asia and Latin America

  • Q. What country pays best for English teachers?

    The highest TEFL salaries are usually in the Middle East (particularly Saudi Arabia and Qatar), Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Once you've completed a TEFL certification course, you can earn a living teaching English worldwide!