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Study and Work

Having enough money to cover tuition fees, essential living expenses, as well as to visit cafes, theatres, and travel, is essential for a balanced student life. In addition to scholarships or a con-tribution from parents, working while studying is a necessity for many students.

Probably the easiest way is to look for a job at the university you’re studying at, whether it’s as an assistant professor, lab assistant, in administration, in international departments, as a social media administrator for international students or as a buddy. However, there are only a limited number of these jobs, so you may need to look elsewhere.

In Prague, students mostly work in hospitality, restaurants, fast food chains, cafes, and hotel recep-tions. You could try babysitting or working as an au pair, and freelancing as a translator or native speaker teacher (of English or other languages) is also viable. If you are active, you can look for work in your field of study.

Where can I find a job if I don’t know the city or country I’m studying in?

Check the bulletin boards at your university or ask your fellow students – sometimes they can be an enormous help. And even for those who are shy or are just out of luck, there are still other options. These are the biggest job portals you may want to check out:

  • Jobs – the biggest portal for job hunting in the Czech Republic, and it has an English section
  • Expats – another portal powered by the ex-patriots (expats) currently living in Bohemia
  • EURES – the portal of the Czech Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports offering jobs for foreign students

Is it a problem that I can’t speak a word of Czech?

Let’s be real, in some places this may be a pretty big deal, in others a welcomed benefit. Prague is a city of enormous touristic potential so your language capabilities shouldn’t hold you back. We do however recommend at least a basic Czech language course (or a few lessons from a friend who is willing to teach you some basic Czech phrases and words) because in job hunting it is always a huge plus. Moreover, it shows that you tried. And if you find yourself in trouble, check the sites above or below.

If I come from a non-European country, am I allowed to work in the Czech Republic?

There are certain limitations because your visa is a study visa, not a working visa – so your main occupation should be studying. But you still may work. As a full-time student from a non-EU country at a university registered with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports you’ll only need to be registered at the Public Employment Office (Úřad Práce). This registration is made by the employer, not you, so no need to worry. And if in doubt, you can always ask the coordinator at your university for advice or turn to the Integration Centre in Prague or to the Association for Integration and Immigration. Don’t be intimidated by the names, these guys are here to help you and they provide legal counselling free of charge.