TEFL FAQs
What percent of trainees go on to work for Caledonian School after the course?
About 80-85% of trainees receive a PASS 1 or PASS 2. Those who receive a PASS 1 will receive an immediate full-time job guarantee following the course. Those who receive a PASS 2 will be considered for a full-time position following the course, depending on current hiring needs, and will be offered employment upon a successful interview with the academic staff.
Will I have health insurance during the TEFL course?
No. If you are hired with us after the course as a full-time employee, your health coverage will start after your 90-day probation period ends. Please note that some exceptions may apply; contact the Personnel Office for more information. Caledonian School recommends that you arrange for your own coverage for the duration of the course and during the probationary period.
What is the difference between TEFL and CELTA courses?
TEFL stands for: Teaching English as a Foreign Language.
CELTA stands for: Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults. CELTA is the TEFL certificate validated by Cambridge University.
Is Caledonian School's TEFL certificate internationally recognised?
Yes. There is no international governing body which oversees the TEFL industry. To offer an internationally-recognised TEFL certificate, the course must contain a minimum of 100 hours of classroom time and 6 hours of observed teaching practice with live students. The Caledonian School TEFL certificate contains 120 hours of classroom time and 8-10 hours of observed teaching practice in front of live students, which exceeds the international requirements for a valid TEFL certificate. Graduates of our course have gone on to teach English all over the world.
Can I get college credit for the course?
If you are a current university student we would be happy provide whatever information about the course is necessary so that your university can determine if it meets credit requirements.
Caledonian can provide you with:
-Course syllabus
-Letter of reference
-Outline of lectures, hours, and certification offered
Do I need to speak any Czech to work as a teacher in Prague?
No. Although it certainly helps to learn a bit of the language, English is widely spoken and therefore teachers can survive without any knowledge of Czech. In the case that you would like to study Czech, Caledonian School offers free Czech lessons for all full-time teachers. You will also receive weekly Czech lessons during the duration of the TEFL course.
Travel Insurance
In order to insure a memorable stay in Prague and to stay focused on the Caledonian School TEFL course, we recommend that you have health/travel insurance. If you don't have an existing insurance policy which will cover you while traveling/living abroad, international coverage is available from a variety of companies.
To obtain insurance, Caledonian School suggests that trainees contact IMG International Medical Group - www.imglobal.com
You can find other insurance providers by typing "travel insurance" into any internet search engine.
What salary and benefits can I expect if I work for Caledonian School?
Please click the following link for more information: http://www.caledonianschool.com/jobs-teaching-english-salaries.html
What living costs can I expect in Prague?
The prices of most things in Prague, from dining out to food shopping, are lower when compared with most Western European countries.
One person spends about € 200 (5,000 Kc) per month on food. For an evening out, expect to spend about €10 (250 Kc) for dinner and drinks. Please note that currency rates and prices are subject to change.
Below are costs of general everyday items:
Accommodation
Furnished 2 bedroom flat - CZK 15,000/month
Unfurnished 2 bedroom flat - CZK 12,000/month
Room in shared flat - CZK 7,000/month
Food and Drink
Milk CZK 20.00
Plain yoghurt CZK 8.50
Cheese CZK 77.00
Eggs CZK 25.00
Bread CZK 26.00
Cornflakes CZK 33.00
Coca Cola CZK 25.00
Orange juice CZK 25.00
Potatoes, 1kg CZK 13.00
Tomatoes, 1kg CZK 25.00
Oranges, 1kg CZK 27.00
Apples, 1kg CZK 25.00
Bananas, 1kg CZK 35.00
Beans (can) CZK 18.00
Fresh beef filet, 1kg CZK 150.00
Bacon, 1kg CZK 150.00
Chicken (fresh whole) CZK 75.00
Fresh salmon CZK 180.00
Beer, bottle CZK 10.00
Table wine CZK 80.00
Cigarettes (20 pack, imported) CZK 60.00
Eating Out, Entertainment & Health
Three-course dinner in restaurant CZK 300.00
Fast-food meal CZK 100.00
Cup of coffee in bar/cafe CZK 30.00
Beer in bar CZK 25.00
Fitness club annual fee CZK 12,000
Web cafe (30 mins.) CZK 30.00
Cinema ticket 170
Clothing
Women's shoes CZK 1,200
Men's shoes CZK 1,000
Pair of jeans CZK 1,000
Men's shirt CZK 350
Women's dress CZK 700.00
Please note that currency rates and prices are subject to change. Currency converter: http://www.xe.net/ucc/