TEACHING ENGLISH IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

The Czech Republic, primarily Prague, is the most popular destination in Eastern Europe for young Americans. In fact, the media has already come up with the moniker YAP to mean Young Americans in Prague. The YAP phenomenon has become a hot topic in the media over the last few years. A number of magazines and newspapers have published articles on all the goings-on in "the Paris of the nineties." Some estimates put the number of American expatriates in Prague at 20,000, though only about 2,000 are officially registered with the government.

Situated in the heart of Europe, the Czech Republic lies at the crossroads of the new Europe, brought to life after the revolutions of 1989. The right-leaning government of the two Vaclavs—President Havel and Prime Minister Klaus—has quickly brought the country to the forefront of the reform movement in Eastern Europe. Economic shock therapy has been their answer to making the transition to a market-oriented economy. Arguably, they have been more successful than any of the other governments in the region. The Czech Republic's government has been relatively stable, its low foreign debt is the envy of its neighbors, and its projected entry as the first Eastern European member of the European Economic Community bodes well for the future of the country.

Because the government is dedicated to creating a prosperous future for its citizens, it has invited assistance from the West. This has made it relatively easy for Western investors to get involved in developing the country's infrastructure. Consequently, many Western business people, particularly Germans and Americans, have made profitable in-roads into the Czech Republic.

The cost of living remains low in the Czech Republic by Western standards, but is on the increase compared to the rest of Eastern Europe. Inflation has been kept under control to a much greater extent than in Poland, Slovakia, or Hungary and unemployment is the lowest in the region. As of October 1, 1995 , the Czech crown is fully convertible.

Though it's likely that the governments of Central and Eastern Europe will eventually begin to clamp down on foreigners who want to live and work in their countries, the Czech Republic stands as one of the more inviting places to settle. Americans are treated well, and the Czech government still seems amenable to their continuing presence. The Czech government seems to recognize the need for foreign financial and intellectual involvement in its drive toward a burgeoning free-market economy. A young American who ventured to Prague and ended up staying for several years remarked:

"The Czechs are generally friendly toward Americans, especially when compared to Germans and other Europeans. Prague is easy and relaxed. Even for white-collar people, it's an enjoyable place. It's a new market—13 million people in the Czech Republic. And just look at the map. Prague is so central."

Because Prague is such a popular destination, you can expect to run into other native English speakers on a regular basis. Sometimes it seems that there is more English or German spoken on the streets of Prague than there is Czech. It is easy to understand why this could be viewed as either a plus or a minus. If you like to know that many of your compatriots reside nearby, then Prague could be the place for you. On the other hand, you might be turned off by the prospect of being lumped together with countless other Americans and dealing with the opinions many Europeans have about people from the United States.

It's clear from spending time in the four countries covered in this site that the Czech Republic has the most opportunities for foreigners to work. The demand for English teachers is still on the upswing and the opportunities afforded Americans in other fields are more numerous than in either Poland, Hungary, or Slovakia.

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