The Czech Republic has long been a favorite among ESL teachers looking to live and work in Europe. With its central location, rich cultural history, and strong demand for English, itâs easy to see why so many teachers choose to base themselves here. While Prague often steals the spotlightâand rightfully soâthereâs so much more to explore beyond the capital.
From student-driven cities buzzing with youthful energy to picturesque towns tucked into mountain valleys, each region of the Czech Republic offers a distinct experience. Whether youâre seeking a thriving expat scene, a calm and immersive lifestyle, or simply better access to nature and travel, you can find a location that fits your teaching goals and personal vibe.
The best part? Demand for English isnât limited to one city. Schools, language centers, universities, and tutoring opportunities are spread across the country, creating a wide-open landscape for adventurous teachers ready to make the most of life in Central Europe.
Prague is where most ESL journeys in the Czech Republic beginâand for good reason. As the capital and largest city, it offers the widest range of teaching opportunities, from private language schools and international schools to business English and freelance tutoring. Whether youâre looking for your first job or planning to build a long-term teaching career, Prague has the infrastructure, demand, and support to make it happen.
The city is also a TEFL training hotspot, with numerous course providers and support networks for new teachers. Itâs a place where you can arrive without many connections and quickly find yourself part of a thriving expat community. Language schools are used to hiring foreign teachers, making the onboarding process smoother than in smaller towns.
Beyond work, Prague delivers an unbeatable lifestyle. The Gothic architecture, vibrant nightlife, art scene, and endless cafĂŠs make it easy to fall into a rhythm of work and play. Just be prepared for competitionâwhile jobs are plentiful, so are applicants. A polished CV, proactive attitude, and in-person presence can make all the difference.
Best for: New TEFL teachers, career-focused educators, and those craving a vibrant city life.
Expect: High demand and fast-paced hiring, but also a competitive environment with a wide range of teaching gigs.
Brno blends the energy of a university town with the charm of a relaxed, livable city. As the Czech Republicâs second-largest city, itâs home to a large student population, several universities, and a steady demand for English teachersâespecially for private tutoring, conversation classes, and university-adjacent programs.
Teaching in Brno often means working with young adults or professionals looking to improve their English for academic or career purposes. The job market is a bit smaller than Prague, but itâs also less saturated. Many teachers here build hybrid schedules: a mix of part-time language school work, freelance students, and even online teaching.
What makes Brno especially appealing is the balance. Itâs more affordable than Prague, but still offers a lively cafĂŠ culture, bars, music festivals, and a creative scene. Its size also makes it easier to navigate and settle into quickly. For teachers who want the benefits of city life without the capital-city intensity, Brno hits the sweet spot.
Best for: Teachers seeking a youthful, culturally active city with a manageable pace.
Expect: A growing ESL market, lots of tutoring potential, and a welcoming student-driven atmosphere.
ÄeskĂ˝ Krumlov looks like something out of a storybookâwinding cobblestone streets, a medieval castle, and the Vltava River flowing through town. Itâs one of the most visually stunning places in the Czech Republic and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While it's not a teaching hotspot like Prague or Brno, it offers a niche market for those drawn to slower living and cultural charm.
Teaching jobs here are limited but not nonexistent. Opportunities often tie into the tourism industryâlanguage training for hospitality workers, seasonal English camps, or part-time work at local private schools. The town also attracts study-abroad programs and short-term educational initiatives, which sometimes bring in foreign English teachers on flexible contracts.
Life in ÄeskĂ˝ Krumlov moves at a gentler pace. Itâs ideal for teachers who prioritize atmosphere and lifestyle over big-city job markets. Itâs also a great fit for creatives or freelancers who want to supplement teaching with remote work while soaking up a magical setting.
Best for: Teachers seeking a scenic, quiet lifestyle with occasional teaching work.
Expect: Fewer jobs, strong tourist presence, and an inspiring place to live and create.
Often described as a smaller, more relaxed version of Prague, Olomouc offers a rewarding mix of history, culture, and teaching opportunity. Located in eastern Moravia, the city is rich in baroque architecture, student energy, and traditional Czech lifeâwithout the tourist crowds of the capital.
As a university town, Olomouc has steady demand for English teachers, especially in secondary schools, language centers, and through private tutoring. The city's academic atmosphere creates a natural pipeline for students and young professionals eager to improve their English for work or travel. While salaries may be slightly lower than in Prague, so are living costsâespecially when it comes to rent and daily expenses.
Teachers in Olomouc often enjoy a strong sense of community. Itâs a walkable, safe city with cozy cafĂŠs, vibrant festivals, and an active expat scene that makes it easy to meet others. For those who want a meaningful teaching experience in a culturally rich but less chaotic environment, Olomouc is an excellent choice.
Best for: Teachers who want a balance of cultural depth and manageable city life.
Expect: Affordable living, a close-knit feel, and consistent demand for English instruction.
PlzeĹ, the birthplace of the world-famous Pilsner beer, offers more than just a good pint. As one of the Czech Republicâs larger cities, it has a solid educational infrastructure thatâs steadily growing. While itâs not as well-known among international teachers as Prague or Brno, thatâs part of its appealâless competition, more room to grow.
Teaching opportunities in PlzeĹ often focus on vocational schools, private language centers, and sometimes corporate training programs tied to the cityâs industrial sector. Itâs also possible to find freelance work or private tutoring gigs, especially if you're proactive in networking.
Life in PlzeĹ is more laid-back and affordable compared to Prague, but youâre still just an hour away by train. This makes it easy to enjoy big-city perks on weekends while enjoying the quieter, more local rhythm during the week. Itâs a great fit for teachers who want a touch of Czech authenticity without being too far off the grid.
Best for: Teachers seeking balanceâsolid work opportunities without big-city intensity.
Expect: Moderate job market, authentic Czech culture, and weekend trips to Prague within reach.
While Prague and Brno draw most of the attention, there are several other Czech cities quietly building reputations as great places to teach Englishâespecially for those looking to avoid oversaturated markets or experience smaller-town charm.
Liberec (North Bohemia): Surrounded by mountains, this city offers a mix of nature and academic life. Itâs home to a respected technical university and some international programs, creating light but steady demand for English instruction.
Hradec KrĂĄlovĂŠ (East Bohemia): A historic city with a modern feel, itâs becoming a favorite among younger teachers thanks to its livability and growing ESL scene. Private schools and tutoring are the most common options here.
ÄeskĂŠ BudÄjovice (South Bohemia): Known globally for Budweiser beer, this picturesque town offers a few seasonal or part-time teaching rolesâparticularly in tourism-focused training or summer camps.
These locations might not have dozens of open jobs at any given moment, but they can be excellent options for teachers seeking quieter settings, lower cost of living, or unique cultural immersion. They're also ideal for those who prefer to build a freelance base or supplement a main job with private lessons.
Best for: Teachers looking for slower-paced living, fewer crowds, and meaningful local connections.
Expect: Smaller job markets, strong community vibes, and the chance to really live like a local.
Finding the best place to teach English in the Czech Republic depends on more than just job openingsâitâs about the lifestyle you want to create. Some teachers thrive in the energy and networking potential of a big city like Prague, while others prefer the quieter pace and deeper cultural immersion offered by smaller towns like Olomouc or ÄeskĂ˝ Krumlov.
If you're seeking career advancement, a variety of job types, and vibrant expat life, the larger cities will be your best bet. They tend to have more international schools, language centers, and private clients. On the other hand, if youâre looking to improve your Czech, experience local traditions, and avoid tourist crowds, smaller towns offer a more personal connection to everyday life.
Itâs also worth considering the kind of schools youâd like to work forâpublic schools often require more formal qualifications and may have limited openings, while private language schools and freelance gigs offer more flexibility. Your choice may also come down to cost of living, climate preference, or how much solitude vs. community you want in your daily life.
Tips:
Best for: Anyone willing to weigh personal goals alongside job options.
Expect: Different experiences across each regionâbut the chance to make any location feel like home.
The Czech Republic is one of Europeâs most rewarding places to teach Englishânot just because of Pragueâs appeal, but because of the incredible diversity across its towns and cities. From university hubs like Brno to fairytale towns like ÄeskĂ˝ Krumlov, thereâs no shortage of places to build a meaningful teaching life.
Whether you're chasing cultural depth, job stability, or the perfect blend of affordability and adventure, this country delivers. Teaching in the Czech Republic isnât just about earning a paycheckâitâs about finding a place that fits your rhythm and lets you explore Europe in a way thatâs both enriching and sustainable.
Helping teachers find jobs they will love.