What inspired you to go abroad?
I'd always wanted to teach english, and when I discovered that a TEFL certificate would allow me to do so in a foreign country- I jumped at the opportunity.
Why did you choose The Language House?
I chose the Language House in Prague based on a friend's recommendation (and a strong desire to live in Czech Republic). It worked out perfectly; the program promised hands-on teaching experience with local Czech students, a huge alumni support group, and a guaranteed working reference to help you land your dream teaching job abroad. The course delivered on all fronts: they prepared me for everything before I left Canada, helped me to secure a work visa, and even landed me a full-time teaching position at an international school in Prague.
My tour colleagues at NEXT City Tours in Old Town, Prague
What was your favorite part about Prague?
Learning the history of this wonderful country has made my experience living abroad to be amazing. Walking around the Old city section of Prague, you're surrounded by 22 centuries of history. A single block of buildings will boast romanesque, gothic, and baroque structures standing side by side; it's really a wonder to behold. But what's really wonderful about Prague is how this history has formed Czech culture, which is so unique and fascinating. I learn something new nearly every single day.
What made your experience abroad unique?
My experience abroad was unique because I immediately began a job working among Czech locals. To supplement my income from my TEFL job, I began putting my history studies to use and started giving walking tours of Old Town. By doing this, I met countless locals and travellers I would not have otherwise had the chance to speak with. This helped me truly immerse myself in the culture, pick up the language more quickly, and see a side of Prague that most don't. This in turn helped in my teaching, I was able to connect and relate more easily to my Czech students.
Visiting Italy after successfully completing my TEFL course!
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
The staff were very supportive in helping us seek out employment, housing, and to secure visas and other necessary documents for long stays in the Czech Republic. All members of my TEFL course who are working as teachers in Europe or Asia found their positions through Language House recommendations or alumni connections. I am still able to contact the school's staff at any time with any questions or concerns; they have made my stay in Prague much easier than it otherwise would have been.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?
When I first arrived in Prague, I took the first teaching position that was offered to me instead of comparing the salary, benefits, or contract with other potential jobs. Because of this, I ended up barely making enough to survive and having to work several other part time jobs with long hours to support myself during the first few months after my course. I soon found a better contract at a school I love, but if I could change anything it would be to seek help and advice about finding work sooner than I did.
Describe a typical day in the life of your program.
A typical day at the Language House begins with morning classes based on ESA and other TEFL techniques. The instructors are all veteran teachers, and make the lessons fun and engaging. After these classes conclude, there is a lunch break. Everyone heads to the closest pub for beers and gulaš before lesson planning begins. Each day, teachers in training are expected to plan a new 45 minute ESL lesson on the topic of their choice to teach that evening. The lessons begin at 5 and, after all the trainees have finished, the groups meet with their observers to discuss how they can improve. The environment is positive, comfortable, and informal- so while it can be stressful preparing and conducting your first lessons, you quickly bond with your observers and fellow trainees.
Vyšehrad beer garden, overlooking the Vltava river
What did you enjoy doing in your free time?
Often, because the program allowed us free weekends, most of the trainees would travel during their free time. The cost of bus or train tickets out of Prague was very affordable, so on my weekends I would travel to Vienna, Budapest, Berlin, or Krakow to soak up all the history, culture, and food that I could for 72 hours. If I stayed in Prague, I would visit some of the many markets or festivals that were offered during the summer (my personal favourites being the Cider Festival and the Pizza Festival). I also loved enjoying Prague's amazing nightlife- my classmates and I were amazed how many unique bars and beer gardens that became favourites in just our short month together.
What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?
During the program, we were housed in apartments in Prague's trendy Zizkov neighbourhood. Just a five minute tram ride from the school's downtown location, and situated beside the huge Riegrovy park- it was the perfect place to get to know the city. You had the option of either living with a roommate or on your own, and both options were spacious and had all the necessary amenities. I chose to live with a roommate, which was a great decision. She became a close friend throughout the course, and our apartment really felt like home.
The colosseum in Rome!
What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?
Know that it will be equal parts fun and difficult- one night you will spending sharing beers and laughs with your new friends along the Vltava river, and the next you could be up until 4 a.m. trying to finish your activation homework before the deadline. It was a lot more work than I was prepared for when I first arrived, but it was worth it to be able to work and live in this beautiful city.
Now that you're home, how has your program abroad impacted your life?
I decided not to come home when the course completed- I decided to stay abroad, which I think was the biggest impact on my life. I always wanted to travel the world and do a job that I loved, but before The Language House TEFL I thought I never thought that I would be able to. Now, I know that I can do it- and while I may not stay in Prague forever, I will always cherish the years I've spent here and I believe that it has prepared me for any other big moves I'd like to make in the future.
Would you recommend your program/provider to others? Why?
I think that if you are unsure, or scared of making a the move to live and work abroad- The Language House is the best option for you. Moving to a foreign country by yourself is scary, but with The Language House, you become part of a community, not just in Prague but around the world. I've met some of my closest friends through the program, and both they and the program's staff helped me to never doubt myself or my decision to move.
