Prague City University is launching an English-taught TEFL Bachelor's program this fall

With English as the predominant world language, there are limitless opportunities for teachers who specialize in English. English language teachers with pedagogical qualifications from universities are highly sought after in state and private schools, corporate businesses and language schools around the world. 

In addition, graduates can be self-employed building a client base of individual students or businesses, teaching in-person or online. It’s one of the most flexible professions that can be practiced from anywhere in the world. And now it's easier than ever for English speakers in Czechia to become certified to teach anywhere in the world.

Prague City University (PCU) has offered a three-year Bachelor’s in Education: Teaching English as a Foreign Language program with theoretical modules taught in Czech for a number of years. From September the program will also be offered fully in English.

On completion, graduates receive a globally recognized Czech-accredited Bachelor’s degree and have the opportunity to take the CELTA exam and receive the CELTA certificate which, in combination with the bachelor's degree, qualifies holders to teach English internationally.

Students gain CELTA certification through PCU partner Akcent International House Prague (AIHP) a part of The International House World Organization (IHWO), and a platinum exam center of the Cambridge Exam Centres licensed to administer Cambridge ESOL exams. It is certified to administer CELTA exams as well as organize courses that prepare students for them.

Job security, flexibility, potential for advancement, and the ability to travel abroad are some of the reasons students are attracted to the program, along with a passion for teaching. Students encompass a wide range of ages and backgrounds, including secondary school graduates, individuals transitioning back into the workforce after taking a career break, and those seeking to move into teaching with more flexible scheduling and work locations. 

Future Blended student Gabriela Doudová said, "I’ve always been sorry that I didn’t go to university, instead I moved to the UK and later the U.S. When I returned to Prague I taught English on the side and it eventually became a job at an elementary school. In 2015, unqualified teachers were removed from the school system and I moved into banking administration. My colleague told me that if you want something, you really have to go do something about it. I found PCU, which fulfilled everything I was looking for, with accreditation being key."

The program is offered full-time, 20 hours per week in class or blended (distance and on-campus studies combined), plus additional workshops and guest lectures. Further independent learning and group work are expected outside of the classroom.

The program combines the study of English as a foreign language alongside the educational, psychological and linguistic components of teacher training. English language skills are developed to a deep level for both native and non-native speakers, with particular attention paid to the cultural and linguistic differences between English-speaking countries. 

From the beginning, students continuously present in class and are reviewed and assessed by lecturers, which helps them develop new skills and confidence. 

During the second and third years, students gain practical experience by teaching real-life students of various ages. They are responsible for preparing lessons and engaging in regular teaching practice. Practical teaching mostly takes place at partner school AIHP.

A bonus for those who wish to teach English is PCU’s international environment. With students and staff from over 70 countries, student teachers are exposed to many different accents and cultural differences. There is also the chance to gain international teaching experience through PCU’s Erasmus+ exchange program, available in various European countries.

PCU has a special partnership with Akcent International House in Prague. Teaching practice regularly takes place at AIH Prague and as a result, PCU graduates are highly sought after by the International House World Organization global network of language schools.

For Doudová, the opportunity to grow her private student and business client base and work freelance is exciting and she sees many possibilities. 

"English is an international language that everybody needs to speak. The market in Prague is so big; there are lots of opportunities that are open and I can use my training to start teaching immediately," she said.

You can find out more about PCU’s Bachelor’s in Education: Teaching English as a Foreign Language here or get directly in touch with admissions@praguecityuniversity.cz who can answer any questions that you may have about the program.