What made you want to change your life and take a TEFL course?
I come from Prague, so the TEFL program wasn’t in a foreign country for me, but maybe that was the main reason why I took it. I always loved travelling and exploring new cultures and places. I’ve visited 44 countries around the world but my main focus was in Asia. Coming from the heart of Europe, we start learn English in kindergarten and its widely spoken everywhere in Czechia and Europe. But during my travels, I saw many countries where the vast majority of the people don’t speak English at all. I always wanted to help people to achieve their dreams while doing something that I like. So the short answer is I took the program because I wanted to teach English abroad and help those who need it or really want to learn.
What were the best and worst moments of your TEFL course?
Even though I was terrified that my English level wouldn’t be sufficient to successfully pass this course I really enjoyed it. I met so many friends there from all around the world and saw English from the point of view of a teacher. So one of the best moments is when we all started talking to each other and realize that we have lots of similarities, the early morning queues for coffee and panicking over lesson plans which were absolutely new to most of us. There are NO worst moments, yeah sure, sometimes it was hard, long information absorbing like sponges during the day and lesson planning during the evening and sometimes even night. But in the end, we survived and enjoyed it. It was fun 90% of the time and that’s a fact.
What do you like the most about life in Prague/the Czech Republic?
I already mentioned that I am from Prague. I love Prague, it’s a lovely city with incredible history, architecture, food, the beer that’s cheaper than water and friendly people. Of course there are some drawbacks but those are in every capital in the world. There are lots of work opportunities in Czechia and Prague which are well paid. Prague especially is a safe city with good public transport infrastructure, its cheap and it is also affordable to rent a flat here.
What are you doing now?
I was offered a job right after the course. I now teach in companies, preparing young students for school leaving exams and teach some private students as well. Because of Corona situation here (and everywhere in the world) I am now not able to travel somewhere else at the moment. However, I am planning to go to Vietnam early next year to pursue my dream of teaching there.
What would you recommend to someone who is now considering taking a TEFL course in Prague and teaching English in Europe? Do you have any advice for them?
I say DO IT! it is fun, interesting and there is nothing to fear. The feeling that you taught something new to a student is terrific and you will meet new people during the course. I would recommend taking the TEFL course in Prague to anyone who wants to teach and travel or widen their horizons.
