The Best Places To Teach English In The Czech Republic

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, it’s easy to see why so many teachers choose to base themselves here. While Prague often steals the spotlight—and rightfully so—there’s 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 you’re 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 isn’t 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.

🌆 1. Prague – The Capital and TEFL Epicenter

Prague is where most ESL journeys in the Czech Republic begin—and 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 you’re 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. It’s 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 cafés make it easy to fall into a rhythm of work and play. Just be prepared for competition—while 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.

🎓 2. Brno – Student City with a Laid-Back Vibe

Brno blends the energy of a university town with the charm of a relaxed, livable city. As the Czech Republic’s second-largest city, it’s home to a large student population, several universities, and a steady demand for English teachers—especially 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 it’s 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. It’s more affordable than Prague, but still offers a lively café 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.

🏰 3. Český Krumlov – Picturesque and Peaceful

Český Krumlov looks like something out of a storybook—winding cobblestone streets, a medieval castle, and the Vltava River flowing through town. It’s 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 industry—language 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 Český Krumlov moves at a gentler pace. It’s ideal for teachers who prioritize atmosphere and lifestyle over big-city job markets. It’s 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.

🏞️ 4. Olomouc – Cultural Charm in Moravia

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 life—without 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 costs—especially when it comes to rent and daily expenses.

Teachers in Olomouc often enjoy a strong sense of community. It’s a walkable, safe city with cozy cafés, 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.

🛤️ 5. Plzeň – Beer Capital with Teaching Opportunities

Plzeň, the birthplace of the world-famous Pilsner beer, offers more than just a good pint. As one of the Czech Republic’s larger cities, it has a solid educational infrastructure that’s steadily growing. While it’s not as well-known among international teachers as Prague or Brno, that’s part of its appeal—less competition, more room to grow.

Teaching opportunities in Plzeň often focus on vocational schools, private language centers, and sometimes corporate training programs tied to the city’s industrial sector. It’s also possible to find freelance work or private tutoring gigs, especially if you're proactive in networking.

Life in Plzeň is more laid-back and affordable compared to Prague, but you’re 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. It’s a great fit for teachers who want a touch of Czech authenticity without being too far off the grid.

Best for: Teachers seeking balance—solid work opportunities without big-city intensity.
Expect: Moderate job market, authentic Czech culture, and weekend trips to Prague within reach.

🧳 6. Other Notable Towns and Cities

While Prague and Brno draw most of the attention, there are several other Czech cities quietly building reputations as great places to teach English—especially 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. It’s home to a respected technical university and some international programs, creating light but steady demand for English instruction.

• Hradec Králové (East Bohemia): A historic city with a modern feel, it’s becoming a favorite among younger teachers thanks to its livability and growing ESL scene. Private schools and tutoring are the most common options here.

• České Budějovice (South Bohemia): Known globally for Budweiser beer, this picturesque town offers a few seasonal or part-time teaching roles—particularly 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.

💡 7. How to Choose the Right City for You

Finding the best place to teach English in the Czech Republic depends on more than just job openings—it’s 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 Český 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 you’re looking to improve your Czech, experience local traditions, and avoid tourist crowds, smaller towns offer a more personal connection to everyday life.

It’s also worth considering the kind of schools you’d like to work for—public 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:

• For job volume and career variety: Prague, Brno
• For affordability and student communities: Olomouc, Hradec Králové
• For charm and slower living: Český Krumlov, České Budějovice
• For independent teachers or freelancers: Mid-sized cities with light competition

Best for: Anyone willing to weigh personal goals alongside job options.
Expect: Different experiences across each region—but the chance to make any location feel like home.

✅ Conclusion: A Country That Offers More Than Just Prague

The Czech Republic is one of Europe’s most rewarding places to teach English—not just because of Prague’s appeal, but because of the incredible diversity across its towns and cities. From university hubs like Brno to fairytale towns like Český Krumlov, there’s 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 isn’t just about earning a paycheck—it’s about finding a place that fits your rhythm and lets you explore Europe in a way that’s both enriching and sustainable.