By Lucian Reed-Drake
To learn to teach English, you have to go back to school. Well almost. TEFL Worldwide Prague does exactly what it says on the tin. Accepted around the globe, this 4-week certified course in the Czech Republic’s capital, teaches you the trade of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), and is the passport to finding your dream job in the world’s most exotic places.
TEFL Worldwide Prague
The highly reputed British and American owned school started back in January 2004, and is the brainchild of Cheryl Drabova, Terry Prosser and Paul Whitaker, who between them have over 30 years experience training teachers and recruiting students to teach English abroad. So just what is so good about teaching English abroad? “This is the perfect way for someone to live abroad whilst earning an income”, Cheryl tells us, “it’s an opportunity to experience another culture, learn another language, and add international experience to your CV. Teaching abroad really is the easiest way to live abroad and with the qualification, you’ll be able to travel and work full-time in another country.”
There is no doubt the demand for English teachers abroad is greater than ever. In today’s world English is the universal language used in travel and business. Students’ requirements for achieving a high level of proficiency in English are steadily increasing, therefore creating a growing need for native-speaking English teachers.
So with the high demand already there, why would a budding TEFL teacher require a certificate to work abroad? “I’m sure there are some schools out there that would hire people without a TEFL certificate but it wouldn’t be beneficial for the student or teacher,” Cheryl explains, “just because you speak English doesn’t mean you can teach it. TEFL training is specific and teaches the methodology and approaches used in teaching English as a foreign language. You’d have a significantly better chance of securing employment with a TEFL Certificate.”
A browse at any TEFL jobsite such as www.eslcafe.com and www.tefl.com recognizes that a TEFL qualification is well valued and often essential to land a well-paid overseas teaching job. The demand for English teachers is increasing, but so are the requirements for applicants interested in teaching abroad. TEFL Worldwide Prague certainly has their stamps of approval. Accredited by the Ministry of Education and a member of the American Chamber of Commerce in the Czech Republic, as well as IATEFL (International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language (www.iatefl.org), the course is recognized by language school employers globally. The industry standard is at least 100 hours, and a minimum of 6 hours of teaching practice. TEFL Worldwide’s course is 124 hours and offers 8 to 10 hours of teaching practice observed by a qualified teacher trainer. TEFL Worldwide Prague will certainly give you the skills and knowledge to help you feel confident in teaching English abroad.
Besides offering a professional and top quality training course, TEFL Worldwide Prague helps graduates find exciting teaching positions. During and after the course the staff will provide you with information on contacts for language schools and current job openings throughout Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America. Jobs are available worldwide and year-round so it doesn’t matter which session you choose. After help with a covering and reference letter, on average graduates receive several TEFL job offers and are working within 2 weeks after the course!
The opportunities for working abroad once qualified are endless and last a lifetime. What’s more is that you can definitely earn great money teaching abroad. In general, English teachers work 20-25 hours teaching a week, and with a bit of private tutoring too, you can certainly make enough to live a comfortable lifestyle with some extra money for entertainment and travelling. Positions exist in language schools, companies, primary and high schools and colleges. You can also teach private students on the side to supplement your income. It varies around the world of course, but as an example, Germany or Spain in Western Europe might earn you from 8 to 22 Euros an hour. Many teachers also jet across to the Middle East, or Taiwan, Japan or South Korea in Asia, where most save enough to pay off their student loans and credit cards, pocketing up to 3000 $(US) a month! Check out the teaching English abroad section on JobMonkey for more information.
Nothing in life is free though, so just how much does the course cost? Well its 1300 Euros (1700) for the 4-weeks tuition, and can include a private room in an apartment for about 330 (440) Euros for 30 nights. It sounds pricey, and Cheryl agrees it is competitive, “we fall pretty much in the middle for the cost of TEFL courses around Europe. The operating costs are quite high not to mention the taxes especially in a country like the Czech Republic where the sales tax is 19%”. We at WAM have researched the market and can agree that it is a fairly typical price for a course that includes a world-renowned certificate, as well as complete orientation in Prague. Not to forget that living costs are also low; a meal and a beer at a Czech restaurant will set you back just 5 Euros.
And yes, there is Prague. A historical, cultural, and architectural jewel of a city, nestled in the heart of Eastern Europe, and a stones throw from other major European cities such as Berlin, Krakow, Budapest, Vienna and the Austrian Alps. The location boasts a splendid setting to spend your free time out of class, as well as the opportunity to hop on a bus, train or plane to travel for the weekend and see the sights.
As for the people who will be learning/teaching alongside you, well Cheryl describes the ideal candidate as a people person and having a positive attitude and enjoys working with people from different backgrounds and cultures, “such individuals include recent college graduates who want to gain international experience and travel abroad, professionals who are looking for a change in their career or life, and even tradesmen and women who want a totally new experience, as well as individuals who would like to spend their retirement years teaching English abroad.”
Now’s your chance to choose where to work in the world’s most exhilarating places. It’s time to wipe the dust off your dictionary and polish your apple for Sir! Going back to school with TEFL Worldwide Prague has never been so rewarding.
To find out more about TEFL Worldwide Prague and apply, visit www.teflworldwideprague.com.