Queries re: Traveling to Prague, TEFL

Hi,

By way of preface, I'm a 23 year-old American male,
currently residing in North Texas (near Dallas), and
have completed 3 years worth of university study
pursuing a B.A. in English and History, though not yet degreed. Do employers prefer teachers with
college degrees, or is it rather a slight advantage? I have no previous experience teaching the English
language, however I did attend a rather rigorous
private Catholic high school which inculcated 7 years of so-called 'English Laboratory' classes, being essentially courses dedicated to the niceties of English grammar, diction, and writing. I have also studied Latin extensively, therefore suffice it to say I have a decently intimate grasp of the anatomy of the English tongue, albeit without any formal training. I would expect to encounter little difficulty adopting the educational methods used in Prague, provided that I'm able to consult a reference before lessons, et c.

I've done a fair bit of research on the TEFL program, and understand that, whilst often useful in the way of practical teaching experience, offers little incentive for most aspiring teachers, as employers rarely, if ever, require such certification. In your considered opinion, do you think it worthwhile to undergo the course, and have you enjoyed any significant advantage over your colleagues by dint of it, or is it all an elaborate con meant to cozen naive expatriates ? Mind
you, I'm terribly concerned about the dismal prospect of arriving in Prague only to spend most of my time knocking on the doors of local schools, placing classified ads for private pupils, and eking out a hardscrabble existence, so I'm more than willing to undertake any certification program that would ensure employment in a reasonable span. I understand that the Oxford TEFL Prague program is the most reputable school, and typically employs their graduates shortly after completion of the course. I also believe enrollment in a TEFL program would do much to allay my parents' misgivings about my traveling to a distant country unassisted.

Due to an inordinate aversion to air travel, I would
make my way by way of train to New York City, and
thence embark for an English port by liner, and
subsequently take the land route (Chunnel, etc) to the CR. Can you lend any admonitions regarding any leg of this journey, particularly the European segment?

Now, what of residency permits ? It is my
understanding that US and EU citizens (traveling as
'tourists') are not required to have visas, but are
advised to travel to, for instance, Dresden or another neighboring city every 3 months to renew their stay.

I fear I've been unnecessarily prolix in the
foregoing, therefore allow me to list my remaining
questions in concise, bullet-fashion.

-Food

I adhere to a 'vegan' diet, meaning simply that I do
not eat meat, dairy, or eggs. Will the city's vendors be able to accommodate such a curious habit?

-Pollution/air quality

Is Prague a smog-choked burg, or is it well-ventilated and reasonably clean?

-Crime/safety/police

Is there a great deal of crime in the city? Are the
police generally upstanding and protective of the
public? Is it safe to roam about at night?

-Medical care/health insurance

I'm currently unemployed, and thus uninsured. Is there a way to obtain affordable coverage whilst in Prague? And, are the medical services in the city reliable?

-Single or shared flat, lodging/rent?

Being a reclusive sort, I would prefer to live alone. Are single flats affordable on a teacher's wages?

-Fluency in czech language

Does one need to be conversant in the native language to get about easily?

-Living expenses, teacher's salary

Will an average teacher's salary support a modest living in Prague ?

If I've overlooked any important aspect, and I've
little doubt that I have, please shed as much light on this process as you can, as any input would help immeasurably..

I should mention that, initially, my parents will be
able to support me financially whilst I get my feet on the ground, and secure lodging and secure employment. Ideally, I would depart for Prague before the end of Fall.

Many thanks in advance to whomever can be bothered to read and respond to this screed.