Season 3 - Episode 2
What It's Really Like to Teach English Abroad as an Aussie
Tara graduated from uni, picked up her TEFL certificate in Prague, and just stayed. Two years on, she's running her own English teaching business in Czech Republic, working with kindergarteners, marketing teams, airport staff, and C1-level students who sometimes know more grammar than she does. In this episode of Chinwag Tuesdays, Aussie English with Amanda sits down with Tara for a proper chin-wag about what it really takes to teach English in a country where English isn't part of everyday life.
The Biggest Cultural Shock: No Small Talk
For Australians, small talk is second nature. At the servo, in a lift, waiting in line, we chat. Czech culture is more reserved. Interactions tend to be direct and purposeful, without the casual warmth Australians expect from everyday exchanges. Tara says it was one of the biggest adjustments she had to make. For anyone learning Australian English, this is a good reminder: small talk here isn't optional social noise. It's how Aussies show warmth and build connection.
The Czech Education System vs Australia
High school in Czech Republic runs until age 21. Tara was surprised to discover that one of her students, who was 18 and studying psychology, hadn't finished school yet. The system also includes a 'gymnasium', a specialised upper-secondary pathway with no direct Australian equivalent. On the other end of the spectrum, English is introduced in Czech kindergartens as early as age two, which is significantly earlier than Australia's standard approach to foreign language education.
Why Teaching Without Immersion Is So Hard
Tara's students can't go home and switch on an English show or overhear conversations at a café. English simply isn't woven into daily life in Czech Republic the way it is in Australia. This makes progress slower and practice much more intentional. If you're learning Australian English while living in Australia, that immersion is a real advantage. The key is using it actively, not just letting it wash over you.
Why Aussie Slang Doesn't Always Travel Well
Tara called one of her kindergarten students a 'silly sausage'. The child's mum translated it into Czech. It did not land as intended. This is something Amanda works through regularly with students at Aussie English with Amanda. Informal expressions like 'no worries', 'she'll be right', 'yeah nah', and 'arvo' carry warmth and humour in context. Direct translation strips all of that away. Understanding when and why Australians use these phrases is just as important as the pronunciation.
How Living Abroad Changes the Way You Communicate
Tara was the shy girl at school. Now she speaks in front of groups every day without thinking twice. She also had to consciously slow down her speaking pace, her journalism background had trained her to speak fast, and teaching required something very different. Amanda relates. Slowing down changed how people received her. For anyone on a language journey, being placed outside your comfort zone often builds the exact skills you need.
FAQ
Do I need a TEFL certificate to teach English abroad?
In most countries, yes. A TEFL certificate is the standard entry-level qualification. Many teachers, like Tara, complete the course in person in the country they want to work in, which also helps build a local network straight away.
Is immersion really that important for learning English?
Yes. Immersion exposes you to the language across multiple contexts every day, which accelerates vocabulary, listening comprehension, and natural speech patterns. If you're in Australia, you already have that advantage. The goal is to use it actively.
Can Aussie slang cause misunderstandings?
Absolutely. Informal Australian expressions are heavily contextual and don't translate directly. Learning when and how to use slang, and when to leave it out, is an important part of communication confidence in Australia.
What's the best way to improve my Australian English if I'm already in Australia?
Use your immersion intentionally. Listen to Aussie podcasts, practise out loud, record yourself, and get expert feedback. An Accent Assessment from Aussie English with Amanda gives you a clear, personalised roadmap so you know exactly what to work on first.
Ready to Work on Your Australian English?
If this episode got you thinking, Aussie English with Amanda offers an Accent Assessment that gives you a detailed written report, personalised video feedback, and a priority action plan. No guesswork. Just a clear path forward. Find out more at here
Key takeaways
• Tara moved to Prague right after graduating, knew no one, and built a full teaching business using Facebook and word of mouth.
• Czech culture has far less small talk than Australian culture. For Aussies, small talk is a form of connection, not just filler.
• Czech high school runs until age 21 and English is introduced as early as age two, both major differences from the Australian system.
• Without immersion, language learning is significantly harder. Living in Australia is a real advantage if you use it actively.
• Aussie slang doesn't translate directly. Context and cultural understanding matter just as much as vocabulary.
• Living and teaching abroad builds confidence, business skills, and a more deliberate, measured way of communicating.
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📲How to Contact Tara
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1C9XbqGjXp/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Instagram: www.instagram.com/@tarainprague
Email:tarzzanna09@gmail.com
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To see what other Aussies are doing around the world, check out these episodes:
