review

I just finished my TEFL course with ITTP a week ago, January 27th. I have read all of the other reviews and while I understand some of the criticisms I feel my group is lucky to have a different sentiment. First of all, my fiance John and I took the course together, and we quite literally sold everything that we own to get here. We burned all of our ships, you could say, so there is not really any going back to the States anytime soon. I do agree that their could have been more transparency regarding the accommodations. I think that we all were a bit surprised at just how intimate the living situation actually was. However, it seems that ITTP is in a transitional stage and this is not their usual accommodations. Regardless, there was another couple besides us, and we both had the two bigger rooms. There was a smaller room, and then a large communal room (sort of like a hostel) where all the other beds were. We were also surprised that our class took place in the actual apartment- though we actually thought this was rather convenient. On the other hand, it would be nice to have the extra space of our classroom for accommodation space. But once again, this doesn't seem to be how things usually are. Our class had 9 students, which seemed to be a good amount. On the first day, one of the co-owners of ITTP, Alena, gave us an introduction. It may have just been an off day but she seemed really flustered and was a bit overwhelming, she had us all really nervous. However, Mila was a really excellent teacher. As soon as she left he eased all of our worries. We were a bit surprised at how fast paced the course really is. You start teaching immediately, as in the second day of the course. This is what had us all a bit flustered at first. However, the students were very nice and easy to work with. I think in the end that the "sink-or-swim" method really helped us all. We felt confident teaching just after two weeks. Two criticisms I have for ITTP is that I also recommend (like someone else mentioned earlier) that they consider getting a printer and keeping it in the flat. That would have been very beneficial to us all for using online authentic materials (such as news articles, speeches, etc.). Secondly, the classroom was locked when Mila was not there, and so the library of books and materials were only at our disposal during class times. It would have been nice to have those materials available to us during the times we spent planning lessons the most (after classes, the weekends, and on Thursdays). As far as job placement goes, there is no job placement in the sense that you will be assigned to one. The job process is just as it is back home, you search for a job, you apply, and you interview. ITTP has correspondence with many language schools, that they provide to you on the list that has been mentioned. I also noticed that some of the sites did not work. I emailed Neville just yesterday to ask him about a school that I have an interview at and he said that he will add it to their list, as he is in the process of updating it. I won't pretend like I didn't also think that there would be more active assistance then there was. However, every time I have contacted Neville with questions or asked Mila about anything they have been prompt with their responses and helpful. Everyone who took the course this past January gets along great. My fiance and I have been staying with the others in their amazing flat that they rent together, right across from the Zizkov TV tower in Praha 3. I believe that the more "intimate" accommodations that we were initially upset about is what actually led to us all becoming great friends. As I've said, my course ended exactly one week ago. My fiance started working the Monday after we graduated with a school, and is interviewing for another. I am starting private lessons that I set up myself and have an interview tomorrow. All of my flatmates either have work or have had many interviews. You do need to be proactive in your job search, just like with anywhere else. Though there seems to be no shortage of English teaching opportunities available in Prague if you just look for them. In fact, I didn't even use the list that ITTP gave us, I just found open positions myself and had no problem. As for the visas, I was confused about that as well. I was surprised to learn that I had to travel out of the country in order to apply for it, which wasn't an expense that we had budgeted. It is true that some jobs will help you get this, but others do not. There are many different options regarding the visas. I can say that I have talked to many people I have met who are English teachers, (not from ITTP) and they have said that visas aren't much of a problem and there isn't the strict time limit like some seem to think. As long as your visa is in process it doesn't really matter, you won't get deported or anything. My best advice to anyone is to do a lot of research regarding visas and such for your country before you come. I do recommend ITTP, I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience here; the city, the people I've met, and the teaching knowledge I've gained. I would not recommend ITTP accommodations to anyone who must have a lot of privacy, but if you're relatively social and low maintenance it will be fine. Neville also gives great recommendations which is something you will really need when applying for jobs. I wish everyone the best of luck with their new teaching career! Kendra